As the sun goes down, the sky lights up with pinks and purples like a unicorn threw up on it. I can’t say I hate it. In the distance I see dust stirring up, and a car comes over the hill as it makes its way towards the big house.
I check my watch and see that Dorothy Spencer is right on time. I like punctuality, so maybe this will work out after all.
Otis wasn’t lying when he said my place was a pigsty. One thing I’ve never been good at is cleaning up, and it’s gotten to the point where I don’t even know where to start. Otis said he knew a woman in town that was looking for work and I figured I could give an old lady something to do and throw some cash her way.
He also said she needed a place to stay, and luckily I’ve got an extra room that I don’t go into that’s clean. It’s a little dusty from never being used, but it’s clear of clutter and dishes. I think my grandparents wanted it to be another nursery because it’s small, but I put a twin bed in there for her.
I put my hat back on and stand up to greet her and help take her bag. I might be quiet and grouchy, but I can at least be polite.
The old beat-up car pulls to a stop in the front of the house, and I do my best to smile. It’s not something I do very often so I’m a little rusty. After a second the car turns off and the driver’s side door opens. The sun has set enough that it’s dark out and I can’t see inside the car.
Suddenly she steps out, but where I expect to see an old lady, instead there’s a young woman with straight blond hair and eyes the color of honey wheat in October. She stands there with a plaid shirt tied at the waist and worn jeans that cling to her curvy legs.
Her full lips part and she cocks her head to the side. “Hey, I’m Dorothy.”
“Fuck.”Chapter ThreeDottyThe giant man on the porch turns around and gives me his broad back. I stand there unsure what to do. I reach into my pocket and check the address again, thinking I got the wrong house number or something. Nope. This is the right place. I shove the piece of paper back into my pocket and sigh.
The old farmhouse is breathtaking. It’s clear that someone has taken care of it over the years and updated it as well. It’s a lot of house for one man, and that might be why I’m here. Maybe he needs to get it organized and cleaned out so he can start a family himself. Why else would he have a house like this?
I shift on my feet because he’s still not facing me. I take in his size again and realize just how big he is. I think he might be even bigger than my fiancé, which is saying a lot. I also didn't get a good look at his face with the sun shining into my eyes.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
He lifts his arm to take off his hat and then runs a hand through his dark hair. I watch his muscles flex at the action under his white shirt, and I make myself look away. God, was I checking him out? His thick thighs will forever be branded in my mind, letting me know I didn’t miss a thing.
“You’re not old.” His voice is low and rough as he slowly turns around to face me.
“Maybe in another thirty years,” I joke, but he doesn't laugh.
He takes a step closer, and I finally get to see his face. My stomach tightens as his dark green eyes meet mine. His face is square with a jaw made of stone, and his expression is stoic. He’s handsome in an intimidating way, but I don’t find that I’m at all afraid of him.
“You’re here to work.” I nod my head in agreement even though it’s not a question. “Stay away from my workers.”
“Okay.” Weird thing to say, but I guess I can do that.
“Get your shit. I’ll show you to your room.”
I walk over to my car to grab my purse out of the front seat, but as soon as I reach for the handle, a hand comes down on mine and stops me.
“You’re not leaving.” I drop my head back to look up at him, and he’s pissed. I think this might be his normal face though.
“I was getting my purse.” He smells like sunshine, and his dark green eyes could almost be black as they stare down at me. He lets go of the door handle and steps back. I reach in and grab my purse, and he holds out his hand.