Wait for Me

“Marine. I’m his Marine friend.”

“Oh, right.” Digger does a little laugh that makes me cringe. He is such a condescending dick. “And how are you liking our little town so far? I imagine it’s a far cry from Nashville.”

“I’ve only been here a day, but I like what I see.” His ocean eyes meet mine, and it’s like a bolt of lightning straight through my core.

“We’re pretty happy with it.” Digger puts his arm around my shoulders, and my head snaps ar

ound to face him. Has he lost his mind?

I step out of his unwelcome embrace. “I’ll put on some coffee if y’all want some?”

Taron’s eyes narrow. “I’m good. Thanks, Noel.”

“Sounds great.” Digger smiles, moving to follow me. “I’ll walk you to the house.”

What is his deal? “No need. I’ll bring it out. Sawyer should be back any minute.”

“I don’t mind.” Digger has a pointed look in his eye, and I exhale a sigh.

“Whatever.”

Taron crosses his arms, eyes still narrowed as he watches Digger follow me to the back door. I glance back a few times. I want to somehow let him know I have nothing to do with this sudden interest coming from my old friend. My old, annoying friend.

Pushing the door open, I go straight to the coffee pot and pull out the carafe to fill with water. Nothing fancy around here.

“He seems like a nice fellow.” Digger looks out the bay window toward the peach shed. “Nice of him to come down to help with the harvest.”

“Sawyer’s different. I think he’s excited.” I scoop the coffee grounds into the basket, shove it in place, and hit go. “He’s been so focused on this place for so long.”

“And what about you?” Digger turns to me, a weird grin on his face. “Are you excited to start business school?”

The way he says it feels like he’s patronizing me. “I’m excited to try new things, yes.”

“Have you figured out how you’re going to pay for it?”

Crossing my arms, I arch an eyebrow. “Is that any of your business?”

“I happen to know the orchard is just barely covering expenses right now.”

I won’t even ask how he knows that information. Everybody seems to know everybody’s’ business in a small town.

“I’ve got plans of my own.” Not that I want him knowing them.

“Right. The store.” That condescension is in his tone again.

“We get a lot of tourists through here. A lot of people like to eat organics, and clean beauty is a growing industry—”

“I was just thinking…” He places a hand on my upper arm, interrupting. “Maybe you’d like to go out sometime. With me.”

Exhaling a laugh, I shake my head. “I’m sorry. Didn’t we try that?” Dating Digger Hayes is about the last thing I want to do again.

“Going to the Peach Ball is hardly dating. You’re a pretty girl, Noel. I’d love to see you taking your place in society. With me.”

“With you.” It’s not a question.

“Let’s have dinner at LaFonda’s.”

“Only politicians go to LaFonda’s.”