“You know I have been working.”
“Well take me where you work. I want to see these magical woods you speak of.”
“Okay let's get some coffee and then we can head out,” I suggested.
“Yes! All the coffee!” she growled.
When we walked out of the door, Ryan stopped and walked toward us.
“Who is this lovely lady?” He smiled his mischievous smile, and I stepped in front of him.
“No.” I pointed at him, and I heard Luke laughing in the background.
“What? I was just asking,” Ryan said.
“She is attached to someone, and that person isn't you.”
“I was just being friendly,” he pouted.
“Yeah, I know your kind of friendly.”
“Name’s Rachel, and sorry but you are about two years too late.”
“And what a shame that is,” Ryan added. “It's nice to meet you, Rachel.” He reached a hand out to her, and they shook.
“Hi. Luke.” He stepped over and introduced himself. I was completely distracted and didn't even notice how close he was until he said something.
“Hi.” Rachel winked at him. “I’m Rachel, and I have heard sooo much about you,” she chided.
“Is that right?” He smiled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Rachel.” He looked down at me. “How are you?” he asked.
I had to steady my breathing. “I'm good. Busy. Trying to wrap up the first part of my research. Then, Rachel decided to pop in and disrupt my life for a few days.”
“Thanks for the note by the way,” he said, smiling softly at me.
“Didn’t want you to worry,” I replied.
His smile was kind, and I could see he wanted to say more. It was like that every time we talked over the last couple of weeks.
“I need to get with you about the competition coming up. Pass the details along and tell you where we’ll be,” he said.
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
“I'll come over later.”
I grabbed Rachel’s arm and turned her toward the woods, pulling her away from whatever conversation she’d been having with Ryan.
“I bet he needs to get with you,” Rachel whispered in my ear.
“Stop it!” I laughed.
“I see the way he looks at you. That is sooo not an I want to be your friend look.” She looked me in the eyes.
“I honestly don't know what to do.”
“Umm. No brainer. Him. You do him. How are we even friends and you not know this?” She ran her arm through mine, and we walked the path into the woods to my meadow.
Chapter Nineteen