Page 109 of Traces Of You
“Were you able to?”
“Some,” she said. “And we can talk more about it tonight, but I should get back to work.”
He moved closer to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not having someone follow me into the bathroom and not waiting in your parents’ house until you get out of work. You’re being unrealistic.”
He knew he was, but maybe he thought she’d agree. He should have realized that wouldn’t happen.
“Just make sure Clay and I know where you are at all times if you leave the property. I’m not sure when I’ll get out, but I’ll text.”
“I like having you around, Ford.”
He needed to hear that. “I like being around.”
“Let’s get your brother some breakfast.”
He cracked a grin. “Did he tell you to bring him something?”
“No. Your mother said she was making the brownies for him for being a wonderful son.”
“Hey,” he shouted. His mother laughed in the back.
“It’s both of your favorites,” his mother called out. “Come back here to get one for Clay and a muffin to go with it.”
He took the last bite of his brownie and a sip of his coffee, then followed Reenie to the kitchen.
His mother had both items in a box and handed it over.
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
“I’m making a big pan of lasagna tonight,” his mother said. “I’ll bring dishes down for both of my boys.”
“I’ll let Clay know too.”
He left and drove to the mill, then walked in the front door and toward the stairs to Clay’s office.
“Ford.”
He turned his head. “Hey, Lexi.” She had a baseball hat on, goggles on her face, work boots and jeans on with her red Ridgeway Hard Cider shirt.
She blended in with everyone else on the floor.
“Did you bring us breakfast or calories for the boss man? He might not like fat around those muscles.”
He didn’t want to talk about his brother’s physique. “I had orders to bring food. He gets what he gets. Is he in his office?”
“He’s with the guys in the back. Got a big shipment of apples yesterday and they are sorting through things.”
“Thanks,” he said. Lexi looked as if she was going to say something else, but he turned and walked to the back, saw Pete, Rod, Clay, and three others he didn’t know the names of.
His brother had this place growing faster than anyone thought. There were more out front he’d passed and others in another part of the building for canning.
“What’s in the box?” Clay asked.
“Mom put it together. If you don’t like it, blame her.”
Clay reached for it. “Like I’d ever be stupid enough to do that. Let’s go to my office and chat.”
