Page 21 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
I reach over to scratch Maple’s head, grateful for the distraction. “She’s sweet.”
“You should go say hi to Liam,” Theo suggests, nodding toward the barn. “He’s been asking about your social media plan for the animals. I think he’s worried they’re not being appropriately represented.”
The thought of seeking out Liam deliberately makes my pulse quicken, but I nod. “Sure, I can do that.”
“Great. I need to check on the cider press setup, anyway. Rain check on the hay ride VIP tour?”
“Yes, of course.”
Theo gives me a friendly pat on the shoulder. A gesture that would have made me jump a week ago, but Theo’s easy kindness makes me feel comfortable.
“Meet you back at the house later.”
As he walks away, I take a deep breath, steeling myself before heading toward the barn. It’s not that I’m intimidated by Liam, exactly, but something about him makes me intensely aware of myself in a way that feels dangerous.
The barn interior is cool and dim after the bright sunshine, the air thick with the smell of hay and animals. I pause, letting my eyes adjust, and hear Liam’s low voice before seeing him.
“Easy now. That’s it.”
He’s at the far end, his back to me, running a brush over one of the ponies. The animal stands perfectly still under his ministrations, clearly trusting him completely. There’s something captivating about watching his large hands move with such gentleness.
There should be a warning label on this man. “Caution: May cause spontaneous heart palpitations, and the sudden urge to learn about livestock management.”
I must make some slight sound, because he turns suddenly, his eyes finding mine.
I’m just standing there staring at him with my mouth slightly open.
Shit.
I snap my jaw shut, hoping he hasn’t noticed me practically salivating over his forearms flexing as he brushes the pony.
“Emma,” he says, and just my name from his mouth sends a flutter of warmth through me. “Need something?”
I step further into the barn, keeping a respectful distance. “Sorry,” I manage, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Theo mentioned you had questions about the social media plan for the animals?”
I wipe the corner of my mouth discreetly, praying there isn’t any actual drool.
Liam’s eyes flicker to my lips, briefly lingering before returning to mine. “Did he now?”
The way he says it makes me suspect Theo might have been creating a reason for me to seek Liam out. “If it’s not a good time—”
“It’s fine,” he says quickly. “I was just finishing up with Buttercup here.”
The pony nuzzles his arm as if on cue, and a small smile tugs at Liam’s mouth.
“You’re so good with them,” I observe.
“She’s a sweetheart,” he says, giving the pony a final pat before hanging the brush on a nearby hook. “Better than most people, usually.”
I move closer, reaching out tentatively to stroke Buttercup’s velvety nose. “Is that why you prefer to hang out in the barn? ”
Shit. Did I just say that out loud?But Liam doesn’t seem offended.
“Partly,” he admits. “They’re simpler—honest—they don’t hide what they’re feeling or pretend to be something they’re not.”
Something in his tone makes me wonder if he’s speaking from experience or if someone in his past pretended to be somethingthey weren’t. The thought makes me uncomfortable; it feels too close to my deception.
“Theo says you’ve been here seven years,” I say, changing the subject slightly, but then I want to smack myself.
