Say You'll Marry Me

No wonder she hadn’t kissed him back like each and every time they were alone. Logan rubbed his hands on his thighs, his neck and ears burning during the greeting exchange. Tara eyed him with a steely look of speculation before flipping her dark, silky hair back over her shoulder as she spoke to Joy.

“Rowdy’s is having karaoke Saturday night before the band. You in?”

He waited for her to say no. Hoped she’d say no. The sale was Friday, so he’d likely be preparing for his move from the farm most of the day on Saturday.

“Of course. Sounds fun.”

Tara turned her dark gaze his way. “How about you, Logan? You going to come sing with us?”

The heat scorching his body doubled, and his hands fisted on his thighs. Had Joy told her? “I’m not much for karaoke.”

“Us neither,” Charlie assured him with a grin. “But it’s fun to watch the girls.”

Dana hugged her fiancé from the side. “And if Charlie drinks enough, it’s really fun to watch him.”

Everyone laughed, but Logan noticed Joy did not turn and encourage him to say yes. She may not have said anything about his singing, but if she wanted him to join them at Rowdy’s, she’d let him know, wouldn’t she? “I appreciate the invite, but I’ll be packing all day after the sheriff’s sale on Friday.”

That put an end to the conversation pretty quick, and after a round of goodbyes, they departed for their table. A stiff smile remained on Joy’s face, though she stepped away from the touch of his hand at her back on the way out, and she remained quiet during the drive home.

Logan said goodnight to Al and June, then headed for his truck.

“You’re leaving?”

He swung around to find Joy a few steps behind him. A quick glance confirmed her grandparents were inside already, so he locked his gaze back on her. He wasn’t sure if she was asking about right now, or in response to his earlier packing comment. Either way, his reply covered both. “Is there a reason to stay?”

“Grandpa’s got Gram tonight, so I thought maybe we could take a walk.”

Just right now.

“Or go to your place for a little while,” she added.

“Oh, so now I’m good enough for you.”

“What?” She asked the question as if surprised by his words, yet her gaze flicked away from his.

Guilty.

“You heard me. Back at the restaurant you didn’t seem to want anything much to do with me once your friends showed up. Now you’re all raring to go for a ride.”

Color stained her cheeks at his use of the word ride. “I’m not raring to do anything with you now.”

He cast a glance toward the road. “Why? Who’s watching?”

Her chin jutted out. “Shut up. And you might want to watch the tone you take. Far as I know, they’re your friends, too.”

“They are. So why is it you’ve got a problem letting them know there’s something between us?”

“I told you why.”

“Right. So they don’t get all weird about it. Well, I got news for you. They’re more weird about us pretending than if they knew the truth. You think they all just accept this fake engagement thing, but they’re still watching, wondering if there’s more going on as we play the act for all the other people in town who think it’s real. Do you see how messed up this is?”

She took a deep breath, then met his gaze head on. “You’re right. But, what exactly is the truth, Logan? What am I supposed to say to our friends? I mean, we said we’d give this thing a shot, but you haven’t said one word about what your plans are. Then you mention packing in front of everyone, and I don’t know if you’re staying here in Redemption, or going back to Minnesota after the sale. Then again, you don’t seem to be doing a damn thing to keep your farm, so maybe that’s my answer right there.”

“There’s nothing I can do, Joy. You think I haven’t tried?”

“I think you gave up,” she accused. “You said it yourself, that you were relieved to get the foreclosure notice. Now I get the feeling you’re just passing time.”