“Yeah. Of course. Why?” My brows scrunch up at him. I’d never leave him to do the big project on his own while the rest of the guys were too busy to assist.
“You seem out of it.” Damn, I didn’t think it was that noticeable.
“I kissed her,” I confess. I need to gain control over these emotions I have for Ava. They came out of the blue, and I’m not sure if I can pull them back.
“Oh no.”
I sigh and bow my head. I can’t control myself long with her. “It was only on the cheek, but I might have scared her. Shit. I don’t know.” I pull off my hat and spear my fingers through my hair, letting the cold air attempt to knock some sense into me.
He grabs my shoulder and looks me in the eyes. “Take it down a notch and act like she’s there for one thing, and that’s to cook.”
“I don’t know if I can do that. I ache for her to tell me everything, including who put his hands on her.” So I could beat him to death.
“You need to give her time. She’s coming from a dark place and can’t just give you everything you want.” Why does the old bastard have to be right?
“You’re right. I’ll give her some time to tell me.”
“That’s a good boy. You can’t win a woman keeping secrets from her.”
“Then I’m already in the hole.”
“What? Why? What lie did you tell her?”
“I gave her a couple Bears things of mine to wear, and well, let’s just say she asked about being a Bears fan.”
“And you didn’t tell her you played for them for years.” I shake my head, feeling like a jerk. “Damn it, Tobias.”
I attempt to shrug off the guilt, but I know I’m in the wrong. “I kind of liked that she thinks of me as only a rancher. It’s as if I’m just a normal guy.”
“I hope it works out for you, but you should tell her soon.”
“I will. At dinner, I’ll mention it.”
“Good. Now you’re learning.”
“Yes, wise sage. Please continue expressing your wisdom.” I mockingly tip my hat to him.
“Laugh now, but I’ve been married for ten years now, and Louisa’s everything to me. I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth a couple of times.”
I’m betting it’s more than a couple of times. “She could seriously do better than you, but you know, there’s no accounting for tastes.”
We go into the field over to the broken fence and get to work on the spot. It takes two hours to remove the remainder of the debris, load it onto the flatbed of the truck, and then replace the wood with new pieces. All the time, my thoughts are getting back to Ava. This is going to be a long fucking day.
****
I walk through the front door in time to smell something incredible coming from the kitchen. I take off my boots and outer gear, hanging up my hat before calling out, “I’m home.”
She comes out of the kitchen. “I’m almost done with the food.”
“Okay, I’ll go wash up. I’ll be right back down.”
“Okay.” I want to reach over and kiss her, but I know that would be out of place. Completely out of fucking place. One day, I hope it won’t be. Hustling up the stairs, I wash up and come back down five minutes later.
When I push open the kitchen door, she hands me a beer. “Damn, reading my mind.”
She shrugs and blushes. “I figured you could use one after a long day. You have a case of bottles in the fridge.”
“I’m not an alcoholic, Ava,” I inform her. I don’t want her thinking bad of me in any way imaginable.
“I didn’t say that.”
“I just don’t want you to be worried.” She nods, understanding what I mean. Alcohol can turn someone into a completely different person.
“Well, considering how far the grocery store is, picking up just a six pack seems a bit silly to me. So we’re having ribeye with baked potatoes and corn on the cob.” She changes the subject to one of my favorite topics—food. Ava’s truly proving to be something special.
“Dang, woman. You’re going to spoil me.” I lick my lips and she takes note, blushing again. Does she know what she’s doing to me?
“Just doing my job.” She smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes and I wonder if I’ve pushed her too hard. No, I know I have.
“Yeah. I wanted to apologize earlier,” I say, running my hand through my hair.
“You’ve got nothing to apologize for.”
I itch to close the distance, but if I get closer, I might have to apologize again. “I do. You’re here running from someone, and I’m letting my attraction to you get the better of me.”
“Same here. How about we do our best to ignore it?” she offers and I want to tell her that it’s a fat chance in hell, but I tone down my insanity and agree.