“Pity. I thought the Bonnie and Clyde thing was finally happening.”
She sighs, leaning her head on my shoulder, and I run my fingers through her hair.
“He probably thoughtIwas going to pay it without question,” I say softly. “He probably googled my name and thought he could make a quick buck. I’m sorry that you ended up taking the hit on that, but for what it’s worth, I’d be happy to pay for it so we can be done with the whole ordeal.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know if I can do that. Just thethoughtof giving someone like him so much money is just… it’s ridiculous. He shouldn’t be rewarded for playing a stupid scheme like that. For trying to take advantage of you and being a complete dickhead to me.”
“But youwantthe water wheel fixed, right?”
“Ineedthe water wheel fixed. It’s a historic part of this farm. I’ve tried so hard to protect it.” She shakes her head, burying her face further in my shoulder. “It’s times like these that make me feel totally incapable of doing this. I got the water wheel designated historic so that if someone comes around and tries to fuck with it, it'll be protected. And I shot myself in the foot because I broke it myself, and now in order to fix it I either have to swallow my pride and pay someone who deserves no more than a swift kick in the ass—if I can even come up with that sort of money—or I have to let it sit there and rot. A historic landmark and one of the coolest parts of this farm. Rotting.”
I nudge her with my shoulder, causing her to sit up, and rest my hands on either side of her face. “Just because you have to make hard decisions doesn’t mean you’re incapable. If anything, the fact that you’vemadeso many hard decisions and still haven’t backed down tells me you’re more capable than anyone else.” I give her a kiss on the nose. “You’re aforce, Evie. Don’t let one asshole tell you you’re not. Not for a second.”
She purses her lips, a small smile coming to her face. “You make me feel capable.”
I can’t help my grin. “Yeah?”
She nods. “You give exceptionally good pep talks.” She wraps her arms around my neck, draping herself across me, and I squeeze her tight. “Thank you. I’m still not happy about the situation I’m in, but thank you.”
I breathe her in for a second, that fresh shampoo scent that is so perfectly her. “I’m not going to tell you what to do about the water wheel, but you let me know if I can help. With money, or if you want me to deal with that guy. Or fight Reed. Buy another rooster. You let me know what you need and I’ll do it, okay?”
She nods, letting out a long breath as she closes her laptop. “I think I’m going to ignore it for tonight and read for a bit. Maybe tomorrow when I’m less angry, I’ll see a clearer path.” She stands, tucking her laptop under her arm. “I’ll be in bed. Come up when you’re ready, okay? I’ll wait up.”
I grab her hand before she can walk away, because as much as I’ve been trying to avoid it, Ihaveto go home for a bit. Sana’s been pushing my meetings, but she can only do so for so long.
“I have to go back to New York soon,” I tell her, holding her gaze.
Her shoulders slump. “I figured you’d have to eventually.”
“I’m not going to stay for long.”
She nods. “When do you leave?”
“I was thinking maybe at the end of the week. Give myself a weekend to take care of what I can on my own sothat Sana can slap me with everything else when I get into the office on Monday.”
She sighs. “Okay.”
“Maybe we can do something nice on Friday?”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “I was thinking, if you’re up for it, maybe we can go on a date in the barn?”
She raises her eyebrows. “The barn?”
“I’m thinking we can watch the sunset in that fancy tub. I can make my signature spaghetti and meatballs. And we can have our own little mini-vacation.”
She presses her lips together, but I can see the hint of a smile fighting to take over her face. “That sounds kind of nice.”
“Yeah?”
She nods. “As long as this isn’t, like, a last goodbye because you’re planning on abandoning the property next door and going back to Manhattan to never set foot in Sunflower Hill again?”
I rear back. “Eve."
“Please kill my worst fear.”
“Is that your worst fear? Me leaving forever?” I can’t help the grin that takes over my face.
