Summer Love in the Country (Summer Instalove)

Something about this darling girl made everything inside me soften. “Maybe I could hear all

about your ideas after supper. For now, do you think you’re okay to keep going?”

“Yeah,” she said, nodding freely this time. “I’ll stop and stretch more often.”

“That’s th

e ticket. Don’t rush like a city girl. Slow, steady, and thoughtful. Be a country girl for now.”

Joanna laughed brightly. “That’s a great idea. I’m out here for an adventure, to try new

things. I’ll have to remember to look at everything with new eyes.”

My hand was patting her knee again. Thank goodness she seemed to like the casual affection, because I honestly couldn’t stop it. My hands were reaching for her by

themselves.

CHAPTER FIVE

* Joanna *

By the time Dean drove me back to my room, I was utterly exhausted. All I wanted was to

fall face-first into my bed, but I knew if I didn’t eat lunch, there was no chance I would get any of my own work done in the afternoon.

After a lightning quick shower, I managed to drag myself to the farmhouse. Even the five

steps up the porch felt like a bit much.

“What should I do?” I asked Miriam in the kitchen.

She took one look at me and burst into laughter, wiping her hands on her flowered apron.

“Honeypie, you are dead on your feet. If you think you can set the table, give it a try.

Otherwise, just park yourself and I’ll get some stew in front of you.”

I was not going to be one of those weak, spoiled girls. I set the entire table before plunking myself in a corner seat.

Dusty and Chuck, two of the farmhands, sat across from me. They were friendly enough,

but seemed to be the sort of guys who mostly kept to themselves.

Miriam served us each a huge bowl of thick beef and vegetable stew, with herbed whole

wheat rolls. As I saw the men dunking chunks of bread straight into their bowls, I followed

suit. It was so delicious I actually closed my eyes for a moment to take it all in.

A hand on the back of my shoulder gave a little squeeze as Dean sat down beside me. He

flashed me a grin as a bowl of stew instantly appeared in front of him, along with another

plate of rolls.

“How are you feeling?” Dean asked, smiling so warmly that I wanted to lean into his arms

for comfort.