“So I got off easy?” the corner of her mouth quirked.
“Probably. What job did she give you?”
She shifted, grimacing, then padded down the steps, leaving only a couple of feet between us.
“I’m in charge of organizing and overseeing the hayrides.”
My heart thudded heavily.
“Decor, route planning, and, um…”
I held my breath, knowing where this was going.
“Persuading you to donate your time and the use of your tractors.” She forced her face into something resembling a smile.
I smirked. “Are you trying to charm me right now, Matchstick?”
Her expression vanished quickly. “No. I know you’re too smart to fall for that. I’m just.” She shrugged. “Asking.”
I took a step forward, closing the distance between us.
“So ask,” I said, my voice thick. “Nicely.”
She tilted her head up to meet my gaze. She was so tiny and yet so strong, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
I stood for a moment, shoving my hands into my pockets for something to do. There was no time. I was short-staffed and dealing with the most volatile season I’d ever experienced on this farm. Also, I did not volunteer. I didn’t do town events unless everyone showed up and forced me to, like Chainsaw Day. There simply wasn’t time.
But I didn’t actually give a shit.
Every instinct told me to gather her in my arms. To tell her she could rest. That she didn’t have to hold the weight of the world on her shoulders all the time. That I’d help carry the load. Do whatever she needed.
She pursed her lips, attention roaming over my face.
I clenched my fists to keep from reaching for her.
“Please,” she said, her voice softer than I’d ever heard it.
With my teeth sunken into my lip, I nodded. I couldn’t trust myself to respond with words.
Then I did the only safe thing I could think to do.
I turned and walked back to my house.
Chapter 12
Josh
The engines were rolling up the hill before I’d taken my first sip of coffee.
Sighing, I looked down at Wayne. “You ready, buddy? It’s gonna be one of those days.”
Jasper’s Bronco appeared first, and Gabe’s Jeep followed.
As they got closer, I sipped my coffee, already resigning myself to being disappointed. With any luck, we’d have five or six show up. That would at least allow us to get the high priority stuff done before sundown.
“Happy Chainsaw Day,” Jasper hollered as he climbed out of his vehicle.
Another car pulled up, then another, followed by Nolan’s police cruiser.