Page 12 of Falling for Cocky Cole
I glance at my watch. "Well, I should get going.”
"Right, of course." He follows me as I grab my bag from the kitchen counter and head toward the front door. "How are your parents doing? The farm?"
The question surprises me. "They're okay. Harvest season has started, so they're busy."
Grant nods, his hands in his pockets, standing closer than necessary as I reach for the door. "Cole mentioned he's been talking with your parents about some potential deals. For Carter Ridge to purchase products from Walkers' farm."
I can't help but smile. "Really? I didn't know he was serious about that."
"So he has mentioned it to you?" Grant's expression changes subtly, a slight narrowing of his eyes.
"He brought it up at the farmers' market last weekend. Just said something about featuring Walker products at Carter Ridge. I thought he was just making conversation."
Grant shakes his head. "I thought he was joking at first too, but I was wrong. I've never seen Cole so serious about a business proposal before."
I don't know what to say to that. The skepticism in Grant's eyes makes me hesitate. Is he worried about Cole's motives? Or the viability of the partnership?
"He might've been impulsive," I say hurriedly. "I'll understand if you can't go along with the proposal."
"That's not what I'm saying," Grant replies quickly. "I'm considering it. It's not a bad idea at all. I just want to make sure your family's farm can provide a steady supply of the goods we'd need."
I pause, suddenly feeling like I'm in the middle of something I don't fully understand. "I'm not sure about the details. You could ask my parents directly if you want. They'd know better than I would."
I dig in my purse and pull out my phone, pulling up my contacts. "Here's my dad's number. He's the one to talk to about this."
Grant takes out his phone and I recite the number while he punches it in. His fingers are long and strong, with calluses that speak of hard work. I remember the feel of those hands on my face when he kissed me. I look away.
"Thanks. I'll give him a call," Grant promises, slipping his phone back into his pocket.
I nod and reach for the doorknob again. This time, I'm actually going to leave before my face betrays me.
"Wait," Grant says suddenly.
I turn back, my heart leaping stupidly. "Yes?"
He opens his mouth, then closes it. "Did Cole—" he starts, then shakes his head. "Never mind. Drive safe."
There's something in his expression I can't decipher, but before I can ask, he's opened the door for me, and the cool evening air rushes in.
"Thanks. I will. See you tomorrow morning," I say, and step outside.
The door closes behind me with a soft click, and I stand there for a second, wondering what he was going to say. Something about Cole. What about Cole?
I climb into my Subaru and start the engine, letting out a long breath as I pull away from Grant’s house. The kiss from last week replays in my mind again—the way Grant had cupped my face in his hands, the surprising softness of his lips despite the scruff of his beard, the way he'd pulled back and immediately apologized.
But I haven't forgotten. And judging by the way he still looks at me sometimes, neither has he.
As I drive the winding mountain roads back to my parents’ place, I can’t stop thinking about Grant’s unfinished question.Did Cole what?Did he mean,Did Cole make you his conquest?OrDid Cole show up at the farmers’ market to charm my parents?
I grip the steering wheel tighter. Whatever it was, Grant thought better of asking. And maybe that's for the best. I'm already in over my head with one Carter brother—I don't need to complicate things further by analyzing every word from the other.
6
GRANT
Istand at the window and watch Ivy's Subaru disappear down the drive. My fingers twitch at my sides, fighting the urge to reach out, as if I could somehow call her back. Stupid. What would I even say? Sorry for almost asking about my brother? Sorry for kissing you a week ago and then pretending it never happened? I step back from the window and rub a hand over my face. Damn it.
"Daddy! Come see my drawing!" Emily calls from her room.
