Page 6 of The Chance
“Yeah.” I shrugged casually. “I’ll be having a few drinks.” And Blake can’t be bothered to collect me. I hadn’t given it much thought until Seb had pointed it out earlier. I just put it down to modern dating. Perhaps I wanted a bit of chivalry in my life?
"I’ll give you a lift.” His suggestion was more of a demand.
"Eh, it’s okay. I'll get a taxi." A smile tugged at my mouth and I quickly looked down, breaking away from suggestive vibes flying around us.
"No need. I'll take you. It’ll get me away from the farm for an hour." He winked and right that second my heart sent an SOS signal to my brain. I liked him. Like really liked him.
The pretty little freckled girl ran up to Seb and tugged at his overalls. "Uncle Seb?"
Seb bent down and swooped her up in his arms. "Squirt?"
"Who is she?" Animated blue eyes sized me up. "She's dressed fancy."
"This is Lexi. She saved the cows this morning."
A huge smile lit up her small face and her eyes doubled in size. "You saved my cows! Thank you, Lexi."
I swallowed back the enchanting grin she gifted me with. She was the cutest little girl I had ever laid eyes on. Granted, I hadn't come across that many because my social parameters ended at clubs and pubs, but even still, she was as sweet as pie with a cherry on top.
"You're welcome." I held out my hand. "I'm Lexi. Pleased to meet you."
Her tiny hand fitted inside mine. "Sophia Roberts. This here is my uncle Seb. He likes pretty girls."
"I'm sure he does." I looked away from her toothless grin and met Seb's bright blue pools that were almost translucent in the fading evening sunlight.
Sharp features were sun kissed from hours spent outdoors and his straight teeth were as white as the first fall of snow. He was not how I envisioned a farmer to look, not one bit. The farmers I’d met at my aunts dwelling were old with bristly whiskers and held their trousers up with string because their bellies were so round. In one fluid strong movement Seb tipped Sophia backwards and blew a wet smooch on her cheek, making her squeal with glee. My ovaries literally leapt. I think they were trying to high five my heart.
"Off ya go, Soph." He chased her a few steps and clapped his hands like he was scaring off the crows. "Here's your phone, Lexi."
The phone was our only way of staying connected and now the cord had been cut.
"Thanks." I took it from his callused hands.
Seb drew back his shoulders and stuffed his hands in deep pockets. "I told, dipped in shit, you’d meet him at eight. I’ll pick you up at seven thirty to make sure you get there on time."
My lips sucked in, holding back my amusement. I got the feeling that Seb hated my date for the evening, and I kinda liked the idea he was jealous.
"I can't ask you to drive all the way into Belfast and then drive all the way home again for nothing." But I want you to.
"It’s not for nothing. It’s for you, and I'm offering. You’ll find it’s non-negotiable." He paused. "And this is just your first date?" Thick brows rose to meet tousled waves.
"Yup, a first and possible last date." I shrugged it off like it meant nothing – which it didn't.
The corner of his mouth hitched to a wily smile, and his chin lifted ever so slightly. "Right."
"Look, it’s really sweet of you to offer me a lift, but I'm sure you have better things to do." My lips tightened because I shouldn’t be trying to put him off.
Seb raised his shoulders to his strong jaw. "I don't have much to do tonight. You saved the cows...I'm repaying the favour."
"Okay. I'm only a few minutes down the road.” I pointed across the fields. “It’s the white house at the end of The Bray, number ten.” I blurted out after my false protest had failed. I really didn't want him to change his mind.
His brows waggled. "You just gave me your address, city girl.” There was a playfulness to his tone.
I giggled lightly. “I did, but the first time I find you loitering in the bushes, I’ll tell my dad.”
“Noted.” He looked up under the thickest black lashes, wearing a pantie melting smirk on his ruggedly handsome face. “I didn’t realise you lived so close, or that you were actually a country girl.”
"I grew up in the city, but Mum and Dad retired out here last year." I turned back to my car. My shoe rocked on a loose stone. Suddenly hands clamped my waist and his breath caressed my neck as I toppled back into him.
