Page 75 of The Sweetest Thing
Bingo.She shook her head. Don’t stare at his mouth. Or his eyes.“You’re hilarious.”
“When I left, I thought we were in a good place. Something changed. I’d like to know what.” He moved closer and, just like that, every bit of Tansy was flooded with anticipation.
We were in a good place.We... She swallowed.Focus. “Your text the next morning.” She glanced away for a moment, needing to breathe. “It was a reminder that we...we can’t work.”
“What, specifically, made you upset? The good morning part? That I backed out of helping? Or the appointment with the architect. Thegreenarchitect.” He paused. “You did read thegreenarchitect part?” His gaze searched hers.
“I read it.” It was barely audible.
“Here, I thought that would show you...” He broke off, his attention fixing on the demonstration. He wasn’t watching, she could tell. His jaw was clenching and his lips were pressed tight.
Show her what? That he was still putting their homes and livelihood at unnecessary risk and didn’t seem to care? Done.
But the more she sifted through his words, the more she remembered. Originally, he’d scoffed at the idea and expense of going green—even though she’d asked him to.No.He wasn’t doing this for her. Her throat pinched so tight it was hard to ask, “What changed your mind?”
As he glanced her way, the corner of his mouth cocked up but he didn’t say a word. And the longer he didn’t say anything, the harder it was for Tansy to pretend she didn’t understand what hewasn’tsaying. Hehadlistened to her. And her heart was pounding away with happiness.
“It’s been five days since I saw you. Five days of busting my ass and dealing with...a lot.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Five long days thinking of you, kissing you, holding you. Aren’t you a little glad to see me?” he whispered, those eyes of his blazing.
Her cheeks were flaming as she shook her head but said, “Yes.”
He looked so happy, Tansy couldn’t hold back her smile. It wasn’t fair. He was so big and manly and adorable all at the same time. As much as she loved being the reason for that incredible, knee-weakening grin, she realized he was right. She was scared—of him and this and that her heart cared more about Dane than his expansion plans.
DANEWASINDEEP, deep trouble. He’d known it was coming. But he’d been a dumbass and acted like it was no big deal. And now there wasn’t a damn thing he could do. If he could choose, Tansy Hill would be the last person he’d fall for. It was...inconvenient—on so many levels. And every meaningful relationship he already had was complicated. His father. His brother. Now Tansy...
Relationship?That implied she felt something for him, too. He wasn’t so sure she did. He’d spent the week trying to get her to engage. Stupid texts, really. Bee jokes and GIFs that would make her smile. Because, dammit, he loved it when she smiled.
“Dane,” Leif said, nudging him. “Stop staring at Tansy, and listen. We have a big problem.”
Dane took a deep breath and turned toward his brother. “What’s wrong?”
“I guess there was something in the breakfast tacos because both Crissy and Oren are puking.” He nodded at the kids lining up. “Without them, we’re shorthanded.”
“What’s going on?” Tansy was looking back and forth between them.
“Oren and Crissy are sick.” Leif frowned. “We’ve got one more group coming through.”
“This was the last one.” Tansy waved Benji and Felix forward. “Can you two help out Leif and Mr. Knudson? I can clean up here.”
“On it.” Felix nodded.
“If it gets me out of cleaning up.” Benji grinned. “Not that I mind cleaning up. I’ll clean up when I’m working out at Honey Hill Farms, don’t you worry.”
Felix elbowed in front of Benji. “Yeah, me, too, Miss Hill.”
Tansy shook her head, but she was smiling. “Guys, I can’t promise anything yet.”
“Hey, we know.” Felix nodded. “I just need the hours. You don’t have to pay me.”
“Me neither.” Benji shoved against Felix.
“Guys,” Leif groaned, waving them back to the booth.
“Nice.” Dane glanced at her. “You’ve got people begging to work for you—for free. You’re going to have to teach me your secret.”
“Why would I do that?” She headed to the workstation and started loading things into a wooden crate. “If you’re not careful, I’ll lure Leif over, too.”
If Kerrielynn was at her place, it wouldn’t take much luring. But he wasn’t going to offer that up. Instead, Dane grinned. “Good luck with that.”
