Page 3 of Stalked By the Farmer

When my phone starts buzzing in my pocket, my heart leaps. But it's not Misty. Just an automated alert about crop prices.

Sighing, I turn for the house. Time to get back to work and forget all about the girl I can't have. No matter how much it hurts.

After about an hour or so, the buzz of my phone shatters the silence again, and this time, itisMisty. My heart jumps into my throat as I fumble to answer.

"Hey, you!" she says brightly that beautiful way of hers. "I was just thinking about you and decided to give you a call. Everything going okay on the farm?"

Her voice is like a balm, soothing the ache in my chest. "Everything's fine," I say, trying to sound casual. "Just the usual. How have you been?"

"Good, staying busy with work. I miss hanging out with you, though." She hesitates. "I was wondering if maybe I could come out this weekend?"

"Of course, Mist. You're always welcome here. You don't even have to ask."

"Great!" She gushes. "I'll drive out on Saturday morning, then. We can go for a ride, have a barbecue, just like old times."

Just like old times. Ever since I bought this farm, everything Misty suggests we do is "just like old times." Hell, I've only had the farm a couple of years, but she makes it seem like it was ages ago we were both in high school when in reality, she's barely nineteen and I'm twenty-three.

"It's a plan." I run a hand through my hair, heart pounding. Having her here, so close yet still out of reach, is a kind of sweet torture. But I can't deny her. I've never been able to. "Drive safe. I'll be here."

"Perfect. Thanks, Conner. Talk to you soon!"

The line goes dead, and I stare out at the sun-drenched fields. This weekend is going to be pure agony. But I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Misty is coming back to me, if only for a little while. And I know with a bone-deep certainty that I will never stop waiting for her. No matter the pain, we are meant to be.

CHAPTERTWO

Misty

The sun filtersthrough my bedroom window, waking me from my dreams. I yawn and stretch, my body tingling as the sunlight washes over my skin.

Another day, another opportunity.

I throw back the covers and jump out of bed, already imagining the feel of soil between my fingers. There's nothing quite like the scent of freshly tilled earth, ripe with possibility.

My heart swells at the thought of the farm I'll own someday. Dozens of acres stretching as far as the eye can see, filled with crops and animals under an endless blue sky.

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I get dressed, slipping into my favorite pair of worn jeans and a loose cotton top. My mind races with new techniques I want to try and different crops I hope to grow.

There's so much to learn, but I'm determined. Farming is in my blood, always has been, and no obstacle will stand between me and my dream.

Not even Conner, though he often threatens to derail my concentration with those sea-green eyes and slow, sexy grin.

My cheeks flush as I remember the way he looked at me last night, heat simmering behind his gaze. I wonder if he'll stop by again today, searching for any excuse to spend time together.

A delicious shiver runs down my spine at the possibility. As much as I try to hide it, there's no denying the chemistry between us.

With a shake of my head, I push those dangerous thoughts aside. My future is here, rooted deep in this land, and no man will tempt me from my path.

Still, the idea of Conner's hands rough and calloused from farm work sliding over my skin...

I suck in a sharp breath, forcing myself to focus. There's too much at stake to lose control now.

The sun peeks over the horizon, golden light spilling across the field. I breathe in the fresh scent of morning, a mix of dew and turned earth, and smile. This is my happy place.

A loud bang startles me from my reverie, followed by a distressed neigh. I spot my neighbor's horse, Daisy, limping near the property line, her leg caught in an old barbed wire fence.

"Easy, girl." I hurry over and grasp the top wire, lifting so she can pull free. Daisy nickers softly, nuzzling my shoulder in thanks.

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