My intrusive thoughts seriously want to throw a pillow at him, but I refrain. He might get upset if I did.
“Fine. Get out so I can get dressed,” I groan.
He bows with a little curtsy. “As you wish, madam.”
I drag myself out of bed and rummage through the bag of clothes Emma gave me. I pull on a pair of skinny jeans and a T-shirt. The pants aren’t quite long enough but are baggy even though they’re made for young teens. The plain yellow T-shirt fits perfectly.
Emma also packed toiletries. I brush my teeth, apply deodorant, pull my hair into a ponytail, and slip on a pair of tennis shoes.
Ethan is waiting at the bottom of the stairs looking relaxed and holding two mugs. “Tell me again why I have to be up so early?” I yawn and wipe the sleep from my eyes.
“I told you, the early bird gets the worm.” He hands me a cup of hot coffee.
“Why do we need worms?” I take a sip of the coffee. It’s so delicious I can’t help but let out a mmmm sound.
“Well, we don’t exactly need worms, but we are going to gather more eggs for breakfast. That’s farm-fresh cream in your coffee by the way.” He puts an arm around me to lead me towards the door.
I flinch and he takes notice, letting his arm fall to the side.
“Listen, I don’t know your story, but I can take a few guesses. If you ever need a friend to talk to, I can make a good one. I promise you’re safe here. I apologize if I overstepped my boundaries. I truly didn’t mean to.” For the first time in my life, I see actual concern on a man’s face and I believe it.
“Oh, I’m still tired. You just caught me off guard is all,” I lie but he sees right through me.
“You don’t have to tell me your reasons, but you also don’t have to lie to me. You’re here on our family farm because it’s the best thing for you and your safety right now. I volunteered to stay here with you, and I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” He gently shrugs his shoulders.
“Why?” I look down and my coffee cup, still half full of the steaming liquid. I give it a gentle swirl because I’m unsure what to do right now and it gives me something to focus on besides my anxiety. “Why did you volunteer to stay with me?”
“Because everyone deserves a fair chance at life.” He gives me a reassuring smile. “Now, get your ass outside.”
I look him dead in the eye, something I’m not used to doing with a man, but his response catches me so off guard. I could be wrong but there’s a hint of sadness in his tone, and my intuition is right when I meet his eyes. It’s only there for a split second but there is without a doubt sadness that briefly flashes in his eyes.
Chapter 10
Maya
“Ethan! Are you fucking serious right now? NO!” I wail.
“Come on, Rivers! Just put your hand in there and grab the eggs!” Just like yesterday with the pigs, he’s laughing hysterically at my attempt to gather eggs from a mad hen.
I reach my hand forward and the hen aggressively pecks at me again. I throw some curses to the wind. Ethan laughs harder, tears now streaming down his face.
“I’m so glad you think this is funny. If it’s so easy, you do it.” I cross my arms, refusing to let her peck me again. Of course he doesn’t have any trouble with the hen. He reaches under her, searching for the eggs and pulling them out one by one.
She doesn’t peck at him.
“Well aren’t you quite the ladies man.” I shoot him a fake scowl that turns into a smile.
“Always.” He gives me a wink before moving to the next nesting box.
He makes me try again. “Don’t reach under there slowly, just shove your hand in there like you’re the boss. It won’t hurt, much, if she pecks you.”
“Fine.” I’m not sure why I am so nervous. It’s just a chicken. I’m a chicken. Why am I afraid? I can do this, I’ve dealt with far worse.
Deep breath in, slow exhale out. I can do this.
The hen pecks at my arm as I reach my hand under her, it hurt but not like the bastard rooster. I reach my hand in there and grab the other eggs.
“See, good job. Maybe there is hope for Farmer Rivers after all.” Ethan gives me a wink.
