Page 14 of Harvest of Love
“It’s unbelievable how empty the town is this week,” Manny says as he merges into the fast lane.
I smile, waiting for him to continue.
“You’d think that quiet streets would mean an empty hospital, but yesterday was so busy I thought it was the Fourth of July weekend.” He says it so casually, and it feels… natural. Like we’ve been doing this for ages.
“Wait—so if the hospital was slammed, how did you get today off?” Guit tugs at me. “I hope you didn’t get in trouble for me.” My fingers fuss with the edge of my beanie for the tenth time.
“Trouble? Not at all. I worked half-day today and I’ll do the same tomorrow. I just had to switch with a colleague—took the morning instead of the afternoon.”
He squeezes my thigh gently, and I yelp in surprise. He jerks his hand back to the wheel. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs.
Great. Now he thinks I didn’t like it.
“Oh, please.I’mthe one who should apologize. I loved your little touch. It just caught me off guard.” I smile at him, then rest my hand on his thigh in return.
He draws in a deep breath, covers my hand with his, and flicks me a glance. When I nod, he winks.
“This is what I mean when I say you’re out of my league, bebé. I don’t know how to act around an incredible, gorgeous woman. My brain just… short circuits.”
I love how open and honest he is. It’s refreshing to be with a man who isn’t afraid to put himself out there.
“But you haven’t done anything wrong. I’m having a great time flirting with you,” I say as butterflies explode in my stomach. Wow, I don’t think I’ve felt this way in forever.
“Is that what we’re doing? Flirting?” Manny asks, lacing our fingers together.
“Yeah,” I blurt. “I mean, I think so.” We both chuckle.
“We’re talking and stealing glances at each other, touching,” I add, squeezing his fingers. “Yeah, we’re flirting and enjoying each other’s company.” I say it more confidently the second time.
Manny takes an exit, and I grin at the sign: Little Switzerland.
“I read there’s a beautiful path along the river here, so I thought we could take a nice walk and then find a place to have a bite. Does that sound okay?” he says, putting the car in park.
When his eyes meet mine, there’s so much hope in them that I can’t help leaning in to plant a chaste peck on his lips.
He releases a breath and chuckles. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
A smile spreads across my face, and he mumbles something I almost miss.
“You’ll be the death of me, Daisy Hart.”
I bark out a laugh, but he doesn’t. He’s smiling, but his eyes are serious.
“You’re making me feel a way I thought I never would again. You’re giving me hope and joy, and a lot of other feelings and sensations that aren’t appropriate to bring up at the moment, but that I pray will become a reality in thenearfuture.”
He gets out of the car, leaving me stunned.
Holy hell. He can claim he’s inexperienced all he wants, but he says the hottest, swooniest things.
And I can’t wait for that future to arrive.
Chapter 5
Manny
The river path is adorned with pumpkins and mums in every color imaginable. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversation with awoman who has me hanging on her every word. It’s been years since I’ve wanted to impress someone like this.
“This town feels more vibrant than Azalea Creek,” I say as we get in line at a coffee truck. I’ve never seen a setup like this—at least not for coffee—and the extensive menu has me studying every option like it’s an exam.
