Page 26 of More Than a Pretty Face

Chapter 10

Tyler

Helping with the goats isn’t my favorite thing, but Clint asked me to help Miss Joji, and I wasn’t about to tell him no.

As I park outside the goat barn, Joji walks over.“Hiya, Tyler.What’s up?”

“Clint sent me over to help you with the evening chores.”

Her smile doesn’t fade, but her jaw clenches, and in spite of the smile, she doesn’t look happy.I think perhaps I’ve stumbled into the middle of a lovers’ quarrel.That might explain why Clint isn’t over here.He comes to the goat farm a lot.

“I appreciate that, but I’m capable of handling things on my own.You can tell Clint that for me.”

“Well, ma’am, I’d rather not.”

Joji rolls her eyes.“You can tell him I...”

I don’t hear whatever she says because a tall brunette in a familiar T-shirt is striding toward us.A quick pinch on my arm confirms I’m not dreaming.

Jasmine.

Her gaze is on the ground as she walks this way, and I hold my breath, eager for the moment she meets my gaze.

What will she say?Will she be happy to see me?

My heart rate accelerates as she draws closer.

It’s been months since I dropped her off at her house, months since I left a message for her, then learned she never got it.She’s gotten somehow prettier in that time.Or maybe I forgot how cute she was to begin with.

Now I don’t have to call Daisy or visit the diner multiple times.

Jasmine glances up and stops momentarily.I inch closer, hoping she’s happy to see me.

Focused on me, she chews her lip, then smiles and she starts walking again.

If I keep staring, Joji is going to know something is up.But that could help me.She doesn’t have to know the whole story.

“Miss Joji, please let me help.”I use my eyebrows to motion toward Jasmine.“I’d like a reason to be here.”

Twinkles dance in Joji’s eyes.“Sure thing.”She turns and waves.“Jasmine, I thought we’d put out our mats in that grassy area just beyond the pen.”

The name confirms I’m not crazy.Jasmine is really here.

“Perfect.”She smiles, but the recognition I expected isn’t there.

Maybe if I break the ice, she’ll say something about the party.“Howdy.”I give a wave.

She’s sporting the same warm smile from when she had her arms around my neck, but something is different.After smoothing her shirt—my shirt—she waves back.“Hi.”

“Jasmine, this is Tyler.Tyler, Jasmine.”Joji rests a hand on my arm and grins.“We’re going to try out a little goat yoga.”

“Sounds interesting.I’ll keep an eye out while I do chores.”I extend my hand to Jasmine.“Nice to meet you.”

She slides her long fingers into my hand.“Same.”

Touching doesn’t induce recognition.

“Y’all get acquainted.I’m going to grab my mat.”Joji gingerly walks away.

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