“I think he loved working with my dad, and his favorite part of it was fixing the equipment. He never enjoyed the actual farming part of it.” Honestly, I think my dad knew Isaac’s heart wasn’t in it and that I was the one who loved farming. Watching things grow, learning the business side of farming, and of course taking care of the animals was always exciting to me. And Dad encouraged me. He never made me feel like I was less of a farmer just because I was a girl. That may sound strange, but you’d be surprised how many men feel like farming is “men’s work.” **eye roll**
Nash laughs. “That’s true.”
“Still, I think my dad was a little disappointed.” How could he not be? He wanted one of his children to take over his farm. I sigh. “No matter. Isaac and Kelly will be happy out there. I’m sure they’ll come home from time to time.”
“A nice place for you to vacation too.”
“That’s true, especially after they have kids. I want to know my nieces and nephews.”
Nash nods, looks at me quickly; then his focus returns to the road. He says nothing more.
It’s dark by the time we pull into Nash’s driveway, but thanks to the outdoor floodlights on the house and barn, we’re able to see the car parked next to mine near the front door.
“Who’s that?” Nash asks, leaning forward to peer out the front window.
The car’s black and sleek, and if I had to guess, I’d say it was expensive. “I’ve never seen it around here before.” I look at the car again. “California plates.”
I haven’t processed the meaning of that when Nash growls, “Motherfucker.”
“Oh.” I look back at the strange car as he opens his door. He looks at me, then back at Andi as he steps down. I do the same on my side, checking on Andi before I exit. She’s still asleep, so I close my door gently but stay close to the truck in case she wakes up. I’ll be able to hear and see everything from this vantage point without getting involved. I watch the car door open and a tall, blonde woman emerge. She’s even prettier than I remember.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Ivy?” Nash’s voice is gravely and angry.
“Well—” She giggles. “—it’s nice to see you too, Nash.” She steps closer to him and opens her arms like she’s expecting him to hug her, but he backs up.
“I asked you a question. What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Well, Nash Watson.” She makes a sound like she can’t believe her ears. “That’s no way to greet an old friend.”
Old friend?
“I mean it. Why are you here?”
“Jesus, Nash.” She sighs and steps back. Giving her long blonde locks a flip, she gives him a big smile. It’s like I’m watching a scene from a bad movie. “I’m in town for a bit, so I thought I’d stop out and see how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.” He looks back at the truck. “We’refine.”
That’s when her eyes move my way. She scans his pretty new truck; then her eyes land on me for just a second or two. Looking back at him, she says, “I heard you were seeing someone.”
Seeing someone?Does she think…?
“So, that’s why you’re here? You heard I was with someone?”
Ivy does that thing where she flips her hair back and raises her nose in the air like she’s confident and in control.
“Of course not. I came home for a visit. My dad’s not doing so well, but the first thing people told me when I pulled into town is about the two of you. Hell, my mom called me a week ago with the news that you were ‘settling down.’” She uses air quotes on the settling down part; then she laughs, but it sounds fake.
“Who else told you that?”
Since Nash’s headlights are on and shining at the two of them, I see her eye roll perfectly. “Everyone, Nash. This shitty town hasn’t changed one bit. You’re still the talk of the town.”
Nash runs his fingers through his hair and makes a growling noise. Peering back at me, we make eye contact for a second. With a huff, he finally says, “Ivy, you need to leave.”
Ignoring Nash, Ivy turns and walks toward me. I feel my body tense. “Izzy, right? Isaac’s sister?” Oh, crap on a cracker. What am I supposed to say?
“Yeah.” I cough. “Yes.”
Before I know it, Nash is by my side. Not only that, he’s got his arm wrapped around my waist. I feel a tug as he pulls me against his side.
