Page 62 of Country Charm

“Alright, let me know if you hear anything.”

“I will. Talk to you later.” And with his click, I look over to my bag of food. Appetite once again suppressed. Why are things with this guy so different? Am I older? Did thirty really change me that much? I can only think of one reason.

Stupid ass, my Country Charm.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Hunter

Even over the phone, I can hear the gears in that woman’s head working overtime. I have to remind myself to hold back on small comments regarding weddings, relationships, or kids.

Cassidy says she can’t imagine herself in a wedding, but I sure as hell can. That might have scared me a few weeks ago, but now the thought only makes me laugh and smile. Convincing her to be on the same page isn’t easy. I’m not saying I’m ready to get down on one knee, but the possibility that one day I might be is more real than ever before.

After another great weekend together, I would have thought she’d feel closer to where I am. That’s not the case. She’s still her usual disconnected self. I’m grateful the girl is still talking to me.

She seemed more distant this morning than last week, but she mentioned work and the girls. I can’t imagine that things with me consume her thoughts as much as she consumes mine. She’s more resistant to the idea than I ever was. The girl is as stubborn as they come.

I unloaded everything in my truck last night, but it’s justsitting in a pile in my living room. Cassidy would be more than willing to video-call me so that we can place everything where she had mentioned while we were grabbing it all. It would be the excuse I needed to get in touch with her if she grew any more distant.

“Hunter, you on the phone with Jake or his ma?” I hear the crunch of the gravel under Doug’s heavy boots as he comes up behind me.

“No, still haven’t heard from them. It isn’t like the kid to not show up.”

“I heard Sharon isn’t at the diner either.” Doug scratches his gruff face and then shoves his hands into his back pockets. All the hands on my farm are worried about the kid. He grew up without a dad and now suddenly has half a dozen grown men worried about him like their own.

“I’ll be driving over after we finish up for the day.” Patting Doug on the back, I give his shoulder a quick squeeze. I appreciate how each person on this farm works hard and looks out for one another.

When Jake came to work for the summer, I knew why he was doing it. Every hand on this farm knew why he was working over the summer. No one made a deal about it. No one let the boy know we knew why he needed the money. We just welcomed him and taught him what we could. He is always eager to help, never gives lip, and holds respect for the people around him. Sharon has to be damn proud.

“The park is on the way home for me if you want me to check it out instead.”

“Nah, he’s my hand. I’ll look into it. If you want me to call you and let you know what’s up, I can.” Doug scoffs at my offer, acting tougher than he is.

“You can tell me tomorrow unless they need help tonight.” Doug offers. A smirk comes across my lips.

Ihop on my mare and head out to the field to inspect an area I sprayed last week to prevent pests. The fields are full, lush, and green. Each breath I take is crisp and clean, but the unnerving feeling for my young hand and his mom weighs heavy on my mind. The unsaid thoughts of a city girl I can’t get out of my mind plague me.

When I get to my field, I hop off Legacy and tie her to a post next to a large water basin. Walking through my crops and checking each bed I am pleased to find it all pest-free. The summer can wreak havoc when it comes to bugs. After checking on the area and feeling satisfied, I pull my phone out to let Cassidy know I haven’t heard from Jake. She must be worried because she’s already texted me asking for an update.

Cassidy: Any news? Thank you for lunch.

Me: Nope. Looks like I’ll be heading that way come 5.

Me: It’s my pleasure, a working girl has to eat.

Cassidy: All girls need to eat.

Me: I only care if my girl eats.

I’ve been pushing my luck with Cassidy, and I know I should try to play it safer, but I can’t help it. I enjoy teasing her. I enjoy calling her names and staking my claim on her. Her reactions are endearing. Her stubborn backlash, her uncontrollable blush, the way her back stands straighter and she throws her shoulders back. I know she’s doing all of those things right now. She may not even answer me at this point. She may stick to the conversation of Jake and hismother, but I know what I said, and I know how it makes her react.

I feel my phone vibrate and her response causes my blood to run a little hotter, which is a feat under the summer sun.

Cassidy: She has eaten.

I mull over the right words to write back. Should I be playful? Should I be sweet? I’m not too sure. I could be sexy, and I know Cassidy loves that. I’m not feeling like I’m in the right mindset to head down that road at the moment.

I know what I want to say, but I don’t know if it’s something Cassidy wants to hear. My thumbs flit across the screen and I stare at it for a moment before hitting send. It’s nothing monumental. It’s not even a statement at all, just a gentle suggestion.

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