Page 26 of All For You
“I get free housing and food, and my parents pay me a small amount.”
It was more like an allowance, but I didn’t want to call it that. They valued my hard work. I was a big part of the farm's function, and I took over a lot of the menial tasks my dad used to perform.
“Not enough, if you ask me. None of that equates to a healthy lifestyle.”
It wasn’t worth arguing with Owen, since his comment was the same one that had been running through my head since he laid out his proposition last night.
“So…” Owen prompted, as he helped me carry our empty plates to the sink. “Have you given my proposal any more thought?”
I shrugged as if I hadn’t and turned on the faucet to wash the dishes. Owen brought over the two pans without being asked, then gently nudged me aside as he poured soap into the sink and grabbed the sponge.
“You cooked. I’ll clean.”
I watched as he worked, then I dried the dishes with a towel as he handed them over. We made quick work of it, and soon we were setting the items back where they belonged.
“Owen?”
“Yeah?”
“Yes.”
Turning around, he pinned me with his steely gaze and reached out a hand, latching onto my wrist. “Say it again.”
“Owen Ramsey, I agree to fake date you to help me get a boyfriend and keep your ex away.”
Suddenly, I was tugged forward, and my body collided with his. My free arm wrapped around his waist on instinct.
“You won’t regret this, cricket.” Then he proceeded to noogie my head like we were in freaking elementary school.
“I already am,” I mumbled with a smile on my face as I reached under his shirt and pinch the skin on his side to get him to end his torment.
Then, as we pulled apart, both of us gasping for air, it felt like the world stopped spinning. Because I just agreed to pretend to date Owen Ramsey, bane of my existence—and part of the reason I was still a virgin after all these years.
Chapter Eight – Owen
When I’d woken in the morning to the sound of tractors outside the window, I was shocked to find Aspen already left. I even climbed into the narrow loft to double-check, and lo and behold, she’d already made her way out of the house.
There wasn’t much time spent lingering in her sleeping space other than to notice a few travel books on an end table.
Outside, I stood in the morning sun. It was warm, even though there was a crispness in the air giving a hint of the upcoming fall season. I hadn’t felt a day like this in years. My time in LA usually revolved around going to the beach and the training facility.
That was something I’d have to sort out soon while I was in Ashfield. Training in the off season was just as important as training during the prime season. My bats were still resting inside the trunk of my rental car, and I felt anxious not having them within reach.
It was the one thing that irritated my ex the most—she claimed I loved my sport more than I loved her.
She may have been right.
I needed to speak with my mom, but as I followed a path over the hill that gave way to the main farm property, I knew that was going to be toward the bottom of my list of things to do. First on my list was to track down Aspen.
The oversized barn filled with equipment was empty, and an employee pointed me toward the path leading to the family farmhouse as where I would find Aspen. The moment I walked through the side door leading to what I determined was a mudroom, I instantly felt like I stepped into a well-loved home. Work boots, sandals, and sneakers were haphazardly strewn across the floor. A few rain jackets hung on pegs above the shoes.Baskets were filled with gloves and hats. The entire room was a mess but in the best way. It reminded me a bit of our locker rooms at the stadium. Though chaotic, everything had a place.
When I stepped into a hall and found my way to the kitchen, it was clear I was an unexpected visitor. But the Easterlys greeted me warmly just after I surprised Aspen, who kindly threw a pack of bacon at me.
That was something I was going to have to remember for later.
She even went so far as making me breakfast, though she’d probably already been at work for a few hours already. I’d never been a morning person, but I couldn’t imagine having to do it every day because you’d fallen into a role within your family.
But the biggest surprise of the morning was hearing her agree to my scheme. I was so thrilled I pulled Aspen into my arms and hugged her close, verifying she was onboard for the farce we were about to perform. After a few seconds, she stepped away, and I wanted nothing more than to kiss her plump lips. But I knew she wasn’t ready for that.
