Page 36 of The Floral Arrangement

Olivia turned to me. “Now that you’re a farm owner, you really need to learn how to milk a cow. That’s, like, farm ownership 101.”

Will’s eyebrows shot up and his face broke into a grin. “Oh, are you the Roslyn who bought Red Tractor Farm? It’s great to meet you. I’ve been meaning to pop over and say hi.”

I gritted my teeth for a moment before giving Will a polite smile.So much for covert field research.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” I said, trying to focus on Will’s face and not on Clara’s giant nostrils.

“So, would you like to sit down?” Will asked.

My gaze shifted to Olivia. “Why don’t you go first?”

“No, no,” Olivia said, waving her hand. “I’ve done it before.”

Goddamnit. Now Will knew who I was, for the sake of my pride I had to go through with it. I wanted him to take me seriously.

“Sure!” I said with forced enthusiasm, avoiding eye contact with Clara’s sharp, unblinking dark-brown eyes that were fixed on me.

I took a step toward the tiny wooden stool. Clara stepped back.

“I don’t think she likes me.” I rubbed my nose.

“Clara likes everyone. The only thing that bothers her is loud noises, but that shouldn’t be an issue.” Will caressed Clara’s back.

“Hmm, okay.” I slowly moved closer to Clara. She glared at me and let out a loud moo. I stopped still and looked at Will.

He frowned. “Huh. That’s unusual. She can probably sense that you’re nervous. You just need to relax.”

Just relax. So helpful.My pulse increased.

I continued forward and then cautiously lowered myself onto the tiny wood stool. I eyed Clara’s large black hooves, which were far too close for my liking.

Will handed me a warm, wet cloth. “Okay, so first you wipe down her teats.”

I took the cloth and stared at the large, fleshy pink teats hanging off Clara’s veiny, balloon-like udder.

Holding my breath, I carefully wiped them down. To my amazement, Clara didn’t react.

“Good work. Now, put these gloves on”—Will handed me some disposable gloves—“hold the closest teat like this”—he held up his hand, demonstrating the correct grip—“and then squeeze and pull down at the same time, aiming for the bucket.”

I pulled on the gloves.

“Sorry, Clara,” I muttered as I grabbed a teat and followed Will’s instructions. As much as I wasn’t a fan of cows, I knew I personally wouldn’t appreciate someone tugging my breasts in this undignified manner. Heat prickled my neck as I sensed Olivia watching me massaging Clara’s nipple.

Milk shot out of the teat and into the bucket. It was surprisingly satisfying.

“Good work,” Will said. “Keep going.”

I fell into a rhythm, and before long, the stainless steel bucket was almost full.

“That should be enough now,” Will said.

As I relaxed my grip on Clara’s teat, my nose became unbearably itchy. I wiggled it to no avail. Suddenly, the urge to sneeze overpowered me.

I tensed, trying to hold it in.

“Aaaaaachooo.” My entire body jolted.

Clara bucked. Her hind legs kicked the pail of milk, sending its contents toward me. I shut my eyes just as the warm, sweet-smelling liquid made impact with my face and chest.

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