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only laughed, reassuring her with a
kiss to the side of her neck. Her breath hitched. Had he really just kissed
her? Was it a friendly peck or something more? It felt like more—like the
energy of the entire world trapped into that one moment. She tried to play it
off, as if it never happened. It would save her from misreading his intention.
    “We’ll stop when
we get to the end of the row,” he said, pointing ahead. When he shut down the
engine once again, her unease increased. She shifted over to her own seat, not
knowing what to say or do.
    He leaned over and
set one of his big, rough hands on her thigh. She had to stifle a gasp. “How’re
your knees healing?” He assessed her knees and came to his own conclusion that
they needed more tending. “Not so good. I’ll soak them in Epsom salt when we
get back from town.”
    She didn’t refuse
him even though she knew it was unnecessary. Hailey loved the way he looked out
for her, going that extra mile when he didn’t have to. The vulnerable girl
inside yearned for his acceptance, while the woman knew not to rush into things.
    They walked the
rest of the way to the house, their hands occassionally brushing. The heat was
already growing in intensity. His checkered shirt was unbuttoned, and he used
the corner to wipe his brow. She discreetly admired his ripped abs, surprised
how just a simple look could make her body so needy.
    “So, how do you
plan to rid me of my hog problem, darlin’? Any ideas?”
    “I–I’m not sure
yet. There’re a lot of variables.”
    “Well they’ve plum near destroyed all my wire
fencing, and made a mess of my winter wheat crop. I hope you have some ideas.”
    She hoped to God she made a success of her stay.
There was no way she could tell him she was clueless, only used to livestock
and textbooks. These feral hogs were something new and dangerous. If she
admitted that she may not even succeed, she’d never get a grant and would be
homeless to boot. She had to make it work.
    When they arrived at the house, Callum wanted to
take a quick shower before heading into town. She fixed her hair in the dresser
mirror as she waited, using
Arden
’s
comb to smooth out the knots. Hailey rarely gave much thought to her
appearance. Now she cared. She wanted Callum to look at her with hunger in his
eyes.
    She set the comb down and stared at her
reflection. What are you doing, Hailey? She
was setting herself up for more disappointment, looking for love in the wrong
places. Callum lived on his own for a reason. If he’d wanted a woman, he would
have had one by now. He was wrong for her on so many levels but her attraction
was undeniable.
    As she made her way down the second floor
hallway, Callum came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his hips.
His dark hair was slicked back, thin rivulets of water running down his chest.
They both froze as if caught in the headlights.
    “How’s your back?” she asked, trying to appear
unfazed by his near nudity.
    “Feels fine.” He hadn’t moved, his voice
monotone.
    She took the first step, circling him until
completely behind him. He ass was hard and toned under the towel, his back all
defined muscle. She briefly noted the healing wound. It was minor, already
scabbing over. What she really wanted was to lick the drips of water off his
tanned skin. His shoulders were so broad, she craved to smooth her hands along
them. Could he feel her desire? It felt like a living force all around her,
tempting her to act. Hailey was a virgin, not that she’d advertise the fact.
She’d rather consider herself a twenty-six year old woman at her sexual peak
than inexperienced. Touch him, just run
your fingers along his back, her inner voice demanded. But one wrong move
could spell disaster if it wasn’t reciprocated. Her insecurities held her back.
She bit the inside of her lip hard enough to draw blood.
    “Well? Am I on the mend?” he asked.
    She shifted back into reality, her chance to act
slipping away.