Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
I hurried to my truck and drove away like the hounds of hell were pursuing me, one thought repeating itself in my head.
I had kissed her. Quinn. The woman who irritated me beyond anything else.
I had kissed her.
And I liked it.
Dammit.
7
JOHN
Isat on the porch, beer in hand, watching the sun sink low, the colors around it vivid. I enjoyed our sunsets, seeing the way the sky changed and darkened. Watching the light glint off the fields and pond in the distance. It was peaceful and calm.
Unlike my chaotic thoughts.
Since I had run from Quinn, she was all I could think about. The feel of her mouth underneath mine. How it felt to hold her. The all-too-brief encounter played on repeat in my head, no matter how much I tried to block it out.
The sound of a car approaching interrupted my musings, and I watched as Laura pulled up and walked over to join me on the porch, sitting in the other rocker.
“Hey,” I greeted her.
“Hi.” She looked at the beer in my hand. “You got more of those?”
“Yep.” I pushed the little cooler I kept outside toward her with my foot. “Help yourself.”
She chuckled and took one, taking a long drink, then resting her head back.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah. Just been a day. I have a new client wanting to buy a house, and she is leading me on a merry chase. I don’t think I’ll find her what she wants.” She paused, taking another sip. “I don’t think anyone can.”
“Ah, one of those.”
She nodded. “I’m her fourth real estate agent.”
I blew out a long whistle. “How many towns had she looked in?”
“Six, so far. She’s from Toronto. Thinks she wants to live in a charming, small town.” Laura made air quotes as she spoke. “But the reality is, she wants the impossible. A huge house with all the modern features, but not new. Small town, but all the conveniences of a big city. Today, she asked me if there was a way of containing the number of fields and cows around here. She suggested that a Costco would be a good investment for the locals.”
I chuckled. “She’ll figure it out eventually.”
“In the meanwhile, she’s wasting my time. I’m going to suggest she look up north.”
“Good plan.”
We rocked and sipped in silence for a few moments. “Where’s Cody?”
“Off riding with his friends, then a sleepover at his buddy Mark’s place. Bob’s on the sofa watching a baseball game. Or so he says. I heard snoring before I left.”
“I see.”
“I went past 221 earlier.”
I tensed. “Problem?”
“No. But I noticed Quinn outside looking at the oak tree. I stopped to chat with her. She wants to put a swing on it for Abby. Nothing fancy, just a simple swing. Apparently Quinn used to have one at her grandparents’ and loved it. She asked if she could have permission.”
“I don’t see a problem, but she needs to make sure it’s safe.” I frowned. “I don’t think building things is in her playbook.”
“I think she’ll hire someone.”
I grunted. “I could do it. I’ve got the perfect piece of wood. Add some sturdy rope, and it would be safe for Abby.”
Laura was quiet for a moment. “I don’t think she’s comfortable asking you. I get the feeling you two don’t get along.”
I snorted in derision. “If you mean I’m an ass when I’m around her, then you’re right.”
“Why?” she asked.
“I have no idea. It just happens.”
“Maybe because you like her and that worries you?” Laura replied, hitting the nail on the head.
I shrugged.
“She isn’t Moira Finlay.”
I snapped my head, meeting her gaze. It was filled with understanding.
“I know,” I said roughly.
“She had an agenda, John. Quinn doesn’t. She’s working on making a life for herself and her daughter. Running a business.” She looked reflective for a moment. “I like her. She is real and upfront. I think she was hurt too.” She regarded me. “I think you two have more in common than you think.”
“The only thing we have in common is that we strike sparks. We can barely hold a civil conversation.”
“Maybe you need to try harder.” She drained her beer. “Maybe a swing for her daughter is a good way to try.”
“Is that why you came over here?”
She smiled. “I heard you ate at the Dill. Tammy says you even ordered dessert, something rare for you.”
I groaned. “Is that what we’re calling it now? The Dill?”
She laughed, not saying anything, but waiting for my explanation.
“I was hungry. Quinn’s kid was there and told me to order the cake.”
“I heard that too. You shared your lunch with her.”
“She just showed up. I couldn’t send her away.”
She stood. “I also heard you and Quinn had an intense moment.”
“Dammit. Someone saw? It was an accident. I didn’t mean to kiss her.”
Laura’s eyebrows flew up. “Kiss her? I meant you saved her from falling, but that is way bigger news, brother. You kissed her?”