“You have a brother?” I hoped I wasn’t being too invasive with my questioning, but the more I learned about Dan, the more I wanted to know about him.
“Yeah, my younger brother, Sanjeet. He’s getting married in a couple months. He’ll soon be everything my parents wanted in a son, but not as handsome.” He shot me a wink.
“Did you ever want to become a doctor?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I’ve always preferred plants above people. I did study chemistry at university, but horticulture was always my first love.”
“So what happened?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why aren’t you a horticulturist?”
“I am. That’s why your grandfather hired me. He was looking for a plant specialist.”
“But I thought the farm was mostly animals.” At least that’s what it felt like yesterday. My grandparents’ farm had pigs, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep, not to mention the critters I encountered that didn’t constitute livestock. I shuddered at the memory. But if Dan was a college-educated horticulturist who my grandparents basically put in charge of the farm, why weren’t there more crops? Something felt off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
“Well, it’s a pretty big farm, Emma,” he responded, not meeting my eye. “And I do my most important work in the greenhouse.”
“Where’s the greenhouse?”
“It’s on the far side of the property. It’s not visible from the house. If you want, I can take you there later.”
“I’d like that.”
“All done!” My head snapped in the direction of Dr. Westlake’s voice before I looked down at my hand. There was a thin horizontal line about two inches long across my palm, held together with ten tiny knots of black thread.
“How? I didn’t even feel it.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Well, you were otherwise engaged.” She shot me a knowing wink before swabbing a shiny cream on the cut. “As far as distractions go, you could do a lot worse.”
“Oh, it’s not what you think,” I quickly stammered. “I… uh… I have a boyfriend.”
“Really?” she asked with a hint of skepticism. “Where is he?”
“He’s back in Atlanta. He’s a very busy attorney, and he’s considering making a run for the Georgia State Senate.” I had no idea why I was suddenly word vomiting, or why I didn’t want to look at Dan while I did it. Regardless of the state of my and Teddy’s relationship, it was still a relationship, wasn’t it? Even if I wasn’t being completely honest with Dr. Westlake, and myself, my life was complicated enough without overbearing, sarcastic, and infuriatingly sexy horticulturists with British accents complicating it more. Apparently, Dr. Westlake didn’t agree and wasn’t afraid to express it.
“A lawyer and a politician?” She gave me a look of pity and clucked her tongue while shaking her head. “That’s a shame. You and Dan would make a great couple.”
“Thanks, Dr. W, but I’m not looking for a relationship,” Dan chimed in.
“Everyone says that until they find one.” She shrugged. “Okay, Emmaline—excuse me, Emma—it’s time for the tetanus. I need your arm.”
With Dan’s help, I carefully removed my farm jacket, my flannel, the top of my coveralls, and the long-sleeve, moisture-wicking work shirt I was wearing, leaving me in a sweat-soaked undershirt.
“My goodness,” Dr. Westlake said and let out a low whistle. “You were certainly prepared.”
“Yes, Roberta at the Feed ’n’ Farm was very helpful.”
“Oh, I bet she was.” She shot Dan an amused, knowing look. “I’ll bet she saw you coming a mile away.”
Dr. Westlake just confirmed my suspicions about the owner’s insistence on helping me while I maxed out my Visa, which made me feel even more foolish.
“So why is there a goat tied up outside?” I asked to steer the conversation away from me overpaying for farm gear and still managing to injure myself.
“That’s Frisbee,” she responded and held up a large needle filled with pale liquid. “He’s my next patient.”
“I’m sorry,” I spluttered. “Did you say your next pati—ow!”
