“Once it’s finished, you’ll invite me over.”
Harlow licked her finger and made an invisible checkmark. “You’re at the top of the list.”
“I feel honored.”
She turned to go, and Caleb grasped her hand. “Hold on. I see something.”
“See what?”
“You have a hitchhiker who appears to be settling in.”
Chapter 9
Caleb lifted Harlow’s hair, his finger caressing the back of her neck.
A warm flush rushed through her body, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She instinctively jerked away. “What are you doing?” she hissed.
“Hold still.” He lifted her hair again, leaning in so close Harlow could smell his cologne, a mixture of sage and the outdoors, causing her heated flush to deepen. She could feel her cheeks redden, her pulse ticking up a notch.
“Caleb,” she said in a low voice. “You’re making me nervous.”
“In a good way, I hope.” He gave her hand a gentle tug. “I need better light.”
Harlow reluctantly let him lead her to the window, this time ready for his touch that turned her into a puddle of mush. “What is it?”
“A tick.”
“Seriously? I must’ve picked it up tromping around in the woods.”
“No doubt. They’re a nuisance and potentially dangerous.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pocketknife, and flipped open the blade.
Harlow’s eyes widened. “You’re going to cut him out of my neck?”
Caleb grinned at the look of horror on her face. “Would you rather I leave him there and have you risk contracting Lyme disease?”
“No.”
“My knife is clean. I clean it each time I use it. I promise you won’t feel a thing.”
Harlow clenched her fists, waiting for the pain from the tip of his sharp knife. Instead, she felt a tiny pinch.
“He’s out.”
She turned to find a tick on the tip of the blade. “Gross.” Harlow curled her lip. “This could have been bad.”
“Not all ticks carry disease. In fact, few do. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, who wants a hitchhiker living under their skin?”
Harlow made a gagging sound. “Yuck. I wonder if I have more.”
“Seeing how you’ve been a city slicker for several years now, this is a good reminder you should check daily, especially if you’re wandering around in the woods. Spring is when ticks are most active, which increases your chances of encountering one. Let me get rid of this fella.” Caleb carried his pocketknife outside and returned moments later.
“I’m a little freaked out,” she said. “Would you mind checking to see if I have any more?”
“I would love to.” Caleb made googly eyes. “Where would you like me to start?”
“Stop.” She slugged him in the arm. “I was wearing a jacket, boots, and long pants so maybe around my neckline.”
While he lifted her hair and slid the top of her blouse down, Harlow did a thorough inspection of her arms, hands and fingers.
