Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1) Read Free Page B

“That’s all I need is something else to take care of.” While her words were harsh, he could see the love in her eyes when she peered at Buttercup. If she didn’t care for the animals, she would have sold them after her parents’ death. She raked the shavings from the back of her jean shorts.
    “She’s a cute little kid.”
    Cool and controlled, she answered, “Yes, she is. I already have a buyer for her.”
    “Does it not bother you to nurture and care for the animals and then sale them?”
    She wiped her hands on her shorts. “Part of the life of a farmer.” She shut the gate and her eyes drifted over him. “Besides, I need the money. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have work to do.” Back was the ice princess.
    He placed a hand on her arm to halt her. “How about I help you today. What’s on the agenda?”
    She pulled her arm away and took a step back. “Sorry, Mr. Wilson, but I wouldn’t feel right to ask for your help. You are a paying guest.” Her smile was cold as she turned her back to him and replied over her shoulder. “I can handle the work by myself.”
    Damn, he felt like a failure. His uncle was counting on him to get information. The woman was too standoffish and it seemed she wasn’t going to warm up to him. At his wits end, he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his shorts and moved into the alleyway of the barn. From there he could see her stack some baskets together that were stored in the tack room. Nose in the air she walked right by him and placed them on the back of the beat up truck. She slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and headed toward the field of tomatoes across the pasture. It looked like she had an acre of tomatoes. It would take her hours if she had to pick from the whole acre. Minutes ticked by as he watched her pick a bushel and then start on another.
    Should he ignore her protests and help anyway? He could take his shirt off and tempt her with his impressive chest. It held her attention yesterday. Surely, he could start a conversation and get her talking. But then his instincts told him it was going to take a miracle to get Miss Nina Reynolds talking. Not only was he letting his uncle down, but his ego was taking a big hit. He knew how to work women. Give them a little attention, a big toothy smile, a compliment, and they melted all over him. None of that worked with her.
    He couldn’t very well stand around and do nothing all day. Maybe a run would help to clear his mind of the terrible nightmares that plagued him again last night. He tucked in his elbows and sprinted along the road around the pasture. The black and paint horses ran along the fence line racing with him. Heart pounding from the exertion, Grant picked up the pace, but they easily galloped right past him. Behind him he heard Shadow barking. Still moving his legs and arms, he turned and waited for the dog to catch up with him. “Hey, boy. Can you keep up?”
    Following the road into the forest, he slowed to a jog, Shadow staying at his side. It was calming to hear the birds chirping and he decided to slow down and enjoy the scenery. He inhaled a deep breath of clean, country air into his lungs. Suddenly a squirrel darted into their path and Shadow took off at a full run barking loudly and disappeared into the thick undergrowth. “Come back, Shadow!” Too enthralled with the chase, Shadow ignored his command. Grant could hear him running farther and farther away.
    After thirty minutes he turned around and picked up the pace running back the way he had come. Leg muscles burning, pulse racing, heartbeat pounding, he felt exhilarated. He bent forward at the waist, and put his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. No explosions, no sounds from machine guns, no drum of helicopters flying overheard. For one hour the world ceased to exist.
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    Before it became too hot, Nina picked the tomatoes now ripe enough to sale. She had a bumper crop this year with just the right amount of rain