Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
“Three?”
The disbelief in my tone had Everest on his feet. “Don’t talk a customer out of a sale, Aunt Bella. Three squashes coming right up,” he said a little too brightly, and dipped under the umbrella to get to the tent. He returned quickly with an eager smile. “Anything else?”
Derek puffed out his chest, and it made his shoulders seem even wider. He was clearly determined that he wouldn’t be outdone in this moment. “Yeah, I think I’ll take some eggs, some of that romaine lettuce and a few tomatoes.”
Dick.
I tallied up his total in my head and rattled the numbers off to him. “Thank you for choosing York Farms, Mr. Gregory.” The bag sat on the table between us, and when he didn’t pick it up I turned my attention to something else.
Anything else to get away from that intense stare.
Chapter 6
Derek
Did it make me a sick bastard that my cock stirred to life at the way Bella called me Mr. Gregory?
It brought forth all kinds of fantasies that included naughty schoolteacher, librarian and sexy submissive. Yeah, I was definitely a sick bastard, but I didn’t care. Annabella had always been beautiful, that had never been her problem. But now, hot and with a smartass tendency that put me in my place? She was fucking irresistible. I picked up the bag slowly and with exaggerated motions, took a step back and bowed. “My pleasure, Bella.”
She rolled her eyes and handed me the change. “Have a great day,” she replied in a tone that really said, rot in hell!
Damn these squashes are heavy. What in the heck had I been thinking to get three of them? I knew exactly what I was thinking, that I would win against whatever battle took place between me and Bella. Apparently my prize was a heavy ass bag of produce. “You too,” I shot back as I tried not to wince.
Everest snickered, that damn all-seeing kid. “Want me to take those to your car, or limo or whatever, for you?”
I blinked, confused at first. Based on our last conversation he was the last person I expected to offer to do me any favors. Maybe he planned to key or egg my car, or whatever kids did these days. “Sure,” I finally conceded. “Thanks. My limo is the red sports car beside your aunt’s monster truck.”
“Cute little car for a cute little man,” Bella said under her breath, which should have pissed me off, but the little smile she flashed just for her own amusement, stole my steam.
“So you think I’m cute?”
Bella folded her arms. “I also think slugs are cute.”
“Still, you think I’m cute.” Attraction I could work with. I’d yet to meet a woman impervious to my charms.
“Stay here in case Aunt Bella needs help,” Everest barked at me. “I’ll be back. Soon.” His words were a pointed warning to stay with his aunt, but not too close.
“Not necessary,” Bella said quickly, her voice almost panicked at the thought of spending time alone with me. “I can handle my job on my own, thanks. In fact Everest, why don’t you go mingle for a little while when you’re done being his servant.
“It’s called customer service,” Everest shot back at her with a grin. “I’ll be back.”
“No you won’t. You’ll go find Keri or some other kids, and introduce yourself. Since we’re being so helpful and all.” Lean arms folded over her chest, her tone said don’t argue with her, but as all teenagers do, the kid apparently had a death wish.
“He’s our neighbor, not just some rando.”
“Those randos will be your classmates in the fall, they’re more relevant than he is,” she said and motioned to me with her thumb.
“Ouch,” I said, suddenly getting what it felt like to have a real life enemy. I skirted the table and took the kid’s vacated seat with a loud appreciative sigh. She didn’t want me here, I got that loud and clear, but maybe this was the perfect time to clear the air between us. “So, what do you need from me Boss?”
She rolled her eyes and my hope sank, just a little. “I need you to leave. I don’t need your help.”
“Well you have it, at least until the kid gets back. Guess you better hope he doesn’t make a few friends along the way. Then again, this is a small town, and it’s easy to make friends if you want them.”
She bristled at my words, no doubt taking them the wrong way. “This isn’t my first market. I don’t need your help or his, but I’m teaching him to be a responsible young man.”
“I’m sure you could teach me a few things too,” I told her with my voice pitched a little lower, a bit softer.
She snorted. “Unlikely.”
“Come on, nothing at all? You’re a farmer, and I don’t know anything about that.”