Seemingly out of thin air, Sutton struts into the barn. That sweet reprieve from the sun dissipates as the temperature spikes. Hot fucking damn. The sway of her hips is a fluid motion that instantly snares me. Her tan legs are on display thanks to a tiny pair of cutoffs. All that smooth skin creates a certifiable hunger in my lower half. The craving is fierce and direct, an intensity only she can provoke. I gulp down the saliva pooling in my mouth.
Any signs of exhaustion I’d been experiencing vanish with Sutton’s bubbling laugh. Her head tips back, exposing the sleek column of her throat. A cascade of dark waves spill down her delicate frame. My muscles flex with the effort of staying seated. I could easily scoop her up and haul us to the hayloft. The man beside me would probably have plenty to say about a stunt like that.
I belatedly realize she has a phone pressed to her ear. Finding out who’s on the other side of that call becomes a necessity. She’s giggling without restraint, clearly loving the recipient’s voice. A furious green monster rises from my gut. If it’s Deputy Dipshit, he’s going to get acquainted with my fist before the sun sets.
The sound of a dry chuckle barely registers. “Don’t waste more years, son.”
I jerk my eyes back to Barry. “Huh?”
He lifts his chin toward Sutton. “I’m not blind. Neither is she. Don’t sit around waiting for a moment that will never come. If you want more from her, get up and do it.”
This man is my role model. The only father figure I have. My heart thunders with an impending storm. I can’t possibly make a move on his daughter. No part of that statement is realistic. Admiring from afar is bad enough. Anything more is strictly forbidden, permission granted or not.
I rip off my hat and wring the fabric tight. “I’m right where I should be.”
And that’s the truth. We’re on opposite sides of everything that matters. Sutton is across the room, safe and happy. She’s talking to someone who brings her joy. All I’ve ever offered is bullshit and pain. I’ll never deserve her.
Barry shakes his head. “Don’t be a fool, kid.”
Of all the people rooting for this, it shouldn’t be him. I grind my molars. “It’s better this way.”
There’s no missing his hollow scoff. “Suit yourself. Can I ask a favor if you’re set on staying in place?”
I squint at him, trying to read his intentions. As always, Barry keeps shit locked behind an impassive expression. “Okay.”
“Do you have thirty more minutes to spare?”
I didn’t, but turning this man down wasn’t an option. “Sure. What’s up?”
He scratches at the stubble on his chin. “I’ve been trying to hustle with this second cutting. The fact we’ll be getting three this season is a miracle. That square baler stalled in the back field. I should have replaced it years ago. Can I bother you to take a look? I need to call some folks and let them know their hay delivery will be delayed.”
I’m out of my seat before he finishes talking. “Any idea what could be causing it?”
“Probably a bad belt or something jammed the engine.”
“I’ll check it out.”
He stands up and claps my shoulder. “You sure?”
“Positive. I’m sure it won’t take long.”
“Feel free to drive the four-wheeler out there. Keys are in the ignition.”
I nod at him. “Got it, boss.”
Barry snorts. “If only you could be convinced to work for me.”
“I owe you too much for that.”
He waves me off. “We’re not discussing that nonsense.”
“All right,” I mutter.
“I’ll catch up with you in a bit. Thanks again, Grady.” He pivots on his heel and walks outside.
A list of what I’ll need begins to compile in my mind. I grab a clean rag out of the cabinet. At this time of day, I’ll probably need a few to sop up the sweat and dirt. Those get tucked into my back pocket while I grab my tools.
The four-wheeler waits for me outside of the barn. After strapping down my toolbox, I straddle the padded seat. I turn my hat backwards and pull it low. The engine purrs to life, vibrating with power beneath me. I crank the throttle and dart off across the field. The wind whips through the thin cotton of my shirt. For a few precious moments, everything fades into a blur of multi-color nothingness. I can just be.
