Page 23 of More Than a Helping Hand

Mason nods toward the door. “Come on. There are a bunch just the other side of the barn. I’ll show you.”

She starts to follow him, then runs back and gives her mom a hug. “Bye. Have fun at work.”

“I will.” Primrose kisses the top of her head. “And be careful. Listen to Mason.”

“Okay.” Bailey catches up to Mason and they wander off in search of cows.

And now Primrose and I are alone.

I glance around to make sure no one has slipped in unnoticed. “Hi. We still on for Saturday?”

“Yes. How are you feeling?” She steps closer and trails her fingers over my rib cage. “Still hurting?”

“Not too bad.” I am better, but taking something for the pain has helped. Gazing down at her hand, I chuckle when she pulls it away. “You can keep your fingers on my shirt. I don’t mind in the least. Helps the bruises heal, I think.”

“Do you ever stop flirting?”

“If you want me to stop, say the word. Personally, I like flirting with you, darlin’, because you get this twinkle in your eye like you enjoy it but aren’t sure if you should.” I step closer to her. “And in case I haven’t made myself clear, I do not flirt with anyone other than you.”

Looking up at me, she pinches her lips. “You’re right. I’m not sure this is a good idea. You don’t really even know me.”

I do a quick scan of the barn to make sure we are still alone. “That’s what dinner is for. So that we can get to know each other.”

“What if you don’t like me?”

“What if I do?”

“I’m being serious. What happens if after one more date, you decide I’m not that interesting? What then?”

“While I can’t imagine that happening because so far, every interaction we’ve had makes me like you more. If it did, I’d continue to behave like an adult. Treat your daughter the same way I do now and stop flirting with you. I’m not one of those guys who tries to woo women just to break hearts. That’s not me. I just like you. From the moment I saw you.”

Never breaking eye contact, she inhales, then lets the breath out slowly. “I’ll text you the details for Saturday.”

“I think you’d be great at poker.”

“Why is that?”

“Because your face doesn’t give anything away.” I’m not sure what she thinks of my little monologue.

But she didn’t cancel.

“I have walls, Anderson. Walls. And really good reasons for them.”

My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen. “It’s Parker, so I should take this.”

Nodding, she crosses her arms.

“Hello?”

Parker is out of breath. “Bluebonnet was in an accident. And she’s a little banged up. I’ll have Bonnet back at the barn in a couple of minutes, but then I’m heading out.”

“No problem. I’ll get Bonnet wiped down.”

“Thanks. Oh, no. Bailey’s coming. I’ll just have to call Primrose.”

“Bailey’s here. She can hang out with me. I’ll make sure that’s okay with your sister.”

“Appreciate it. See you in a couple of minutes.” Parker ends the call.

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