AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Uh-huh, working that body. Uh-uh-uh—”
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you!” they hollered.
Merry ended the call without returning the sentiment and glanced at Clark, who continued his rounds, disappearing into the rows of trees ahead. Hopefully he hadn’t heard them, or her humiliation would be complete. Clark probably thought she was chasing him with all her talk about being single and crushes and fifth wheels. Did she just have dating on the brain because of the Woodsman’s last message?
She clicked on the MeetMe app and opened the message, her stomach knotting.
Tonight?
Even if she wasn’t hanging with her friends, it was too soon, right? He could be anyone. He could be lying about his age, his hobbies…which would be on par with her track record.
On the other hand, they’d had so much fun chatting this week, they could have an even deeper connection in person. And they were meeting in a public space. If he did turn out to be a creeper, she’d ask one of the bouncers to walk her to her car and she’d never have to see him again.
Woodsman27,
I actually have plans tonight, but I could do 8:30pm tomorrow at Brews and Chews. Would that work?
XO,
KnottyGirl25
Merry slipped it into her pocket as Clark headed back toward her.
“Your friends okay with waiting?”
“Oh yeah. I never lock my door, so they can go right in.”
“You need to be careful.” It was said sharply, taking her aback, and Clark’s face flushed as he added, “I just mean as a woman living alone and a lot of strangers visiting the farm, you should keep it locked during the day.”
“I lock it when I’m at home, but there isn’t anything of value. You may be right, though. I’ve been thinking about getting a dog.”
“Can I send my son over to play with it if you do? He’s been begging me for a puppy.”
“Absolutely. You’re both welcome. If you need to borrow a cup of sugar or some other neighborly item you run out of, I’ve got you covered.”
Clark stepped around a tree, his mouth tilted up in the corners. “You’re saying I need to make up an excuse to stop by?”
“No, I mean you can come over anytime!”
“Anytime, huh?”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”
“A little bit. I didn’t expect you to get so flustered.”
“Why not?” she called after him as he rounded the next row of trees.
“You don’t seem easily frazzled. The way you’re always jumping in to help people, taking charge. Unflappable.”
“Who do I help?”
“Do you normally plan the Festival of Trees?”
“No.”
“Didn’t think so. Since I’ve been back, I know you’ve helped out at Father’s Day Frittatas, the Fourth of July parade and the fireworks display. I saw you filling drink orders at the Labor Day concert, not to mention running the front office of the school. For a woman who spent years away from here, you didn’t miss a beat fitting right back into the fold.”
