Page 18 of Dandelion Sighs

A bead of sweat tickled my hairline. He could toil out here for hours while I was getting overheated in minutes. I used to run around outside all the time with my dad, yet I was baking. To make a point to myself, I dropped to my butt next to Jasper, happy to do as he ordered. I made sure I was on a paver to keep my shorts from getting dirty.

A dandelion that had gone to seed had somehow survived being trampled. I plucked it and softly blew the seeds, smiling at the way they carried on the breeze.

Jasper’s gaze brushed against my lips. Did I imagine the interest there? “Your dandelion sighs are going to make me earn my keep with the weed killer and fertilizer.”

“Oh god. I’m so sorry. My dad used to get so frustrated when I did that too.”

“I’m kidding,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t care. Actually, I think it’s a shame we don’t embrace them and watch beautiful women blow them all day.”

My laughter shot out of me. “Maybe we can quit with the herbicide, and I’ll just put a sign up.”

“It can say ‘Don’t mind the dandelions. You can blow them.’” He grinned and peeled the lid off his container. “Damn. You got the whole chicken in here.”

“It’s not a lot.”

“It’s four pieces, and not the small ones like a wing. Plus—nice—fresh coleslaw.”

“Those two just go together.”

“They do.” He held out a chicken thigh.

I looked from his hand to his face. “That’s yours.”

“I’m not gonna eat all this, or I’ll need to nap all afternoon. Eat.”

My stomach rumbled like his order was its cue to protest that I hadn’t had lunch either. I didn’t take the time most days because I was too busy. I accepted the chicken. When I crunched through the breading, the perfectly seasoned flavor exploded on my tongue. A moan ripped from me.

Jasper stopped, his teeth sunk into his piece of chicken.

I finished my bite, wiping my mouth off. “It’s good,” I said around the food.

His jaw flexed as he chewed. “Damn,” he said again.

Did that mean he thought it was excellent?

He swallowed, shaking his head. “I had the steak the other night, and I thought the cook outdid himself, but this is next level.”

“Paola only hires the best, but she is above even them, and she made the chicken.” I ripped another bite off.

“I might have to hemorrhage my paycheck in there while I’m here.”

I smiled, but the way he said that made it sound like he wasn’t going to be here long.

Why would he? The guy had worked in IT. He was a cowboy. He had so many options. This resort was not in his family, nor was it run by anyone he cared about.

We ate in silence. I finished off my piece and brushed my hands off. “Wish I would’ve ordered more.”

He pinned me with a hard stare. “Did you pay for this, Sheridan Bishop?”

“It’s no big deal.”

He shook his head. “No. Nope. You are not spending your money to feed my stubborn ass.”

“It’s fine, Jasper. I’m no longer getting my commissions drained dry by a deadbeat boyfriend. I live in my mom’s house, and I don’t have kids to spend my money on.”

His eyes darkened at the mention of a boyfriend. “So you picked me?” he drawled before shoving another thigh into my hands.

“Apparently.” I fumbled the chicken but rescued it before it touched the ground.