“I do,” I say, automatically.
“Like what?”
We’re still just standing outside Molly’s place, so I take her hand, leading her to our parking spot while I figure out how to answer this question without sayingyou.
Once we’re in my truck, she buckles up and swivels toward me expectantly. I guess I should’ve anticipated that.
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“Okay, fine.” I turn my key in the ignition. “I like my mom’s cooking, and I like seeing her happy. She and Aunt Carol are both very important to me.”
“That’s nice, but you should have things you can do for yourself that make you happy too, right?”
Right.I glance over my shoulder as I back out onto the road. “I like hunting. There’s no better feeling than being in a deer stand, disconnected from nature. I like the concentration it takes to keep my hands from shakingwhen I draw my bow back, the satisfaction of getting a whitetail.”
“When was the last time you went hunting?”
“I guess it’s been a while.” I used to be better about that when Charlie was around, but I’ve spent the last couple years focused more on making something out of myself than enjoying hobbies.
“Good thing it’s hunting season now.”
I glance her way as I flick my blinker on and turn off Roots Road. The corners of her lips are curving into a smile.
“I guess I could try to find some time for it.”
“There you go.”
I wonder if she’s doing this because she thinks she owes me after I helped her make the list. I open my mouth to tell her this isn’t supposed to be a transactional arrangement, but she speaks first. “What about work? Do you enjoy your work?”
I punch in the code at the gate to Copper Hill and marvel in the beauty of this place. Even in November, there are still some wildflowers growing along the fence line. The cattle graze peacefully to our right. There isn’t a cowboy in sight. I’m sure they’ll all gathered in the bunkhouse for supper. It’s such a different lifestyle from mine—getting up with the sun instead of going to sleep just before it rises. I loved working on this ranch with Charlie back in the day.
“Jax?” Lauren leans forward to inspect my face.
“I don’t mind bartending.”
“Is there something else you’d like to do someday?”
I stopped wanting things for myself a long time ago. “Maybe.” I shrug.
I brace myself for her to ask me more questions as I pull into her driveway, but instead, she leans in to give me a quick hug. “Thank you again for the books. It was adelightful surprise.” She puts her hand on the door. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around?”
That’s it?I’m not ready to say goodbye. If I’m not careful, I’ll close in on a full twenty-four hours spent with Lauren, but I can’t help it. She’s like a drug.
I shuffle out of the truck, walking to her doorstep. Before she can reach for the doorhandle, I blurt, “Do you want me to cook you dinner?”
She hikes her thumb toward the house. “I have leftovers in the fridge that need to get eaten and a couple hours of research to do tonight. Besides, you’ve done enough for me already.”
“I don’t mind.”
“That’s okay.” She swings her door open. “I really need to get started on regenerative ag research if I’m going to implement it in the spring.”
“Of course.” I glance down at the ground. “I’ll, uh, see you soon then. I plan on following through with my promise to help out around here.”
“Thank you.”
I take the cue and head out, bounding down the steps of her front porch and trying to block out the shame of her rejecting my offer.
As I open my truck door, she calls out, “Do you make dinner that’s as good as your pancakes?”
