When the hay was all taken care of, my father gestured to the old Harley parked under the barn overhang. He still rode on weekends when the orchard, my mom, or one of us kids wasn’t demanding every second of his time.
Ronan walked over with him and ran a hand along the tank. Dad’s face lit up, and the next thing I knew, they were deep in conversation about carburetors and custom exhausts.
Mom appeared from the direction of the farmhouse, carrying a tray of iced tea. She stopped short when she saw Ronan, then flashed the welcoming smile she gave all guests.
“You must be Clara’s friend. Greg mentioned he walked you over to the maze.” I snorted, earning myself a disapproving look from my mom before she lifted the tray. “Would you like a glass of tea?”
“Sweet?” he asked.
My mom nodded, laughing softly. “Is there any other kind?”
Ronan took it with a polite dip of his head. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“Please call me Kathy.”
Ronan lifted his chin. “Rebel.”
Mom’s eyes flicked to me, then back to him. “Well, Rebel, if you helped with the hay, you’re staying for lunch at least.”
He shook his head. “Appreciate it, but I’ve got club business later. Rain check?”
“Absolutely.” Mom beamed. “Clara’s dad doesn’t let just anyone touch his Harley. You’re already ahead.”
I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly strained something. “Mom.”
She just laughed and headed back toward the house.
My dad murmured, “She’s not wrong.”
“Isn’t this the part where you’re supposed to get all protective?” I accused. “Why aren’t you telling him about the rifle you keep in the house? Threatening him with bodily harm? The least you could do is tell him there are lots of acres to bury his body if he hurts me.”
Dad laughed over the rim of his glass of tea. “Don’t worry, kiddo. I’ll keep my eye on him.” His gaze shifted to Ronan, his expression turning serious. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll treat my daughter right.”
“I will, sir,” Ronan replied with a respectful nod.
“You better.” Following my mom, he left me standing there with a man who’d somehow charmed both my parents in no time at all.
Acting as though what had just happened was no big deal, Ronan turned back to me. “Show me the maze.”
After he drank his tea in a few gulps, I set the empty glass down where I could grab it later. Then I led him past the first few turns where the decorations were still half done. The corn closed in around us, tall enough to block the outside world. When we reached a dead-end alcove I’d planned for a scare spot, he stopped.
I turned. “This is where the?—”
He caught my wrist, tugged me close, and kissed me.
His beard scraped my skin in the best way, one big hand cupping the back of my neck while the other slid to my waist, pulling me flush against him. I made a small, surprised sound, my lips parting on a gasp.
Ronan took full advantage, his tongue sliding into my mouth to tangle with mine. He tasted a little sweet from the tea, and I hummed in appreciation. His kiss made my knees weak, and I gripped the edges of his leather vest to remain steady.
When he finally lifted his head, I was breathless.
“Been thinking about that since you bumped into me at the clubhouse.”
I swallowed, trying to find sass through the haze. “You’re slacking, then. It took you a whole two days to follow through.”
“That sass.” He brushed his thumb against my bottom lip. “You coulda just asked if you wanted me to kiss you sooner.”
I laughed despite myself. “You’re impossible.”
