For a moment, I was sure he looked in my direction, and I shifted my camera away quickly. I tried to stay calm. From this distance, there was no chance, but that didn’t help with my nerves.
So I decided to go inside and get ready for tomorrow.
Chapter three
Brooks
I chunked off anotherpiece of my banana and held it out to Chicken, who almost nipped my fingers as he took it from me.
“Careful,” I chided, though he paid me no mind. “If you bite off my finger, who will feed you then?” I asked him.
He ruffled his feathers at me, still unconcerned about my health or safety.
I checked my watch: seven-thirty. I needed to head out soon to pick up Sydney and Matilda.
Yesterday, I stopped because that’s what I’d do for anyone stuck in the mud, but when I saw her for the first time and those eyes caught mine, every one of my hairs stood on end. She was like no one I’d seen. Her short dark hair was as shiny as corn silk. Her eyes were green like the glades on the far end of the farm. She had a sharp jaw and a serious expression, and something about it made me want to see her smile, especially since she hadn’t cracked a single one the entire time.
And watching her climb across the cab of my truck almost sent me into an early grave. Her ass was round and jiggled a bit as she moved, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off it. I had to climb into the truck as quickly as I could in hopes she wouldn’t see my cock hardening beneath my jeans.
It was obvious she wasn’t interested in being here. She seemed like a city girl through and through, but her eyes did wander with interest as we passed everything.
“Let’s take you to the coop before I head into town.”
I gave Chicken the last piece of the banana and stood up, brushing myself off. It was strange–my body woke up at my normal time and completed my usual routine, but when I would have gotten ready and driven to my parents’, I found myself just… waiting. I thought about getting to the inn early but didn’t want to come across as forceful. My obvious attraction to Sydney aside, we needed this organic certification. This silly process had taken almost nine months already, and this was the final hurdle. We needed to make a good impression.
I took Chicken to the coop then headed into town. I waved to Lerana, who was walking into Ted’s, and Rick, who was just opening for the day.
It was quiet when I pulled into the inn. I could see a few flowers beginning to peek through the ground, and I hoped they would be in full bloom by the time of the festival in a couple of weeks. People loved coming to look at the floral sculptures in town and to the farmer’s market.
I was glad I was paying attention as I walked inside, because when I opened the door, I was almost trampled by an onslaught of small bunny shifter boys running my way, almost tripping over one another.
“You boys slow down,” Judy Harrison called as she came around the corner. She had her gray hair up and flour on her apron. The Harrisons had a lot of kids, and subsequently, even more grandchildren running around, including my nieces.
She paused when she saw me. “Ah, morning, Brooks,” she said, blowing a stray piece of hair off her face.
“Morning, Mrs. Harrison,” I greeted.
“Sorry about them,” she apologized, gesturing to the gaggle of boys. "I told them they could get macaroons from Cool Beans, and you know how that gets."
I laughed. "I very much do." At that age, everything felt so carefree and fun. While I still tried to have fun while I could, running a farm took a lot out of everyone, including me. Though seeing them now made me think less of my youth and more about my possibility for a family, though that was far off still.
"Anyway," she continued. "What can I do for you this morning?"
"I'm here to pick up a couple of your guests," I said. "They should be here any minute."
As if summoned, Sydney came around the corner with Matilda in tow. Her hair was still shiny and perfectly styled. Today she wore a black blazer with a green button-up underneath and sinfully tight pants. She had a backpack and a black bag on her side.
Gods, this is going to be a long day.
Matilda looked much more refreshed than yesterday. "Good morning," I greeted, slightly tilting the hat I was wearing.
"Morning," Sydney said in her no-nonsense tone. "We're ready."
Judy looked between us and snorted. "Have a good day, guys."
We all headed to my truck. Matilda sat in the middle this time; luckily, there was no sleep to be had, and we were soon pulling up to my parents’ house.
I switched off the engine, and everyone got out.
