I grin.‘Seriously?Our little milk thief ’s all grown up?’
‘She’s already bullying the other calves.’
‘Icon,’ I murmur.
Luke shifts in his chair.
I clear my throat, looking down at the condensation ring my martini left on the table.‘How long are you here?’
‘Two more days,’ he says, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets.‘The second round of mustering is about to kick off.’
I nod as Luke shifts his weight and adds, ‘I spoke to Dylan.’
That gets my attention.‘What about?’
He shrugs.‘He mentioned that startup he’s part of.The hemp one.I’ve been looking into it.Might trial a section of the property.Just to see.’
Something flickers in my chest – surprise, then something closer to pride.‘Really?’
He nods.‘What he explained actually made a lot of sense.Smart set-up.Low water.Decent returns.And … it wouldn’t hurt to diversify.’
I smile before I can stop myself.
Luke notices.‘He seems like a nice guy.’
‘He is,’ I say, gently.‘I’m happy for you.’
His eyes stay on me for a moment longer than necessary.Then, ‘Want to come with me?’
It lands gently, like an afterthought.But I feel it in my throat.
I freeze.
‘Luke …’
His gaze doesn’t waver.
‘I need to say this now,’ I tell him, hesitantly.‘I don’t want kids.
Not ever.So, if that’s something you want, if that’s something you’re holding out for … Tell me.I can take it.’
He tilts his head.‘It’s not.’
‘Not?’
He shakes his head and shrugs.‘Ella and Darcy are building their own football team.We’ll give the farm to one of their kids.Problem solved.’
I blink.‘We?’
He grins.‘Yeah,we.I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day you fell at my feet.’
‘I didn’t fall,’ I repeat, sitting up straighter.‘You pushed me.’
‘You looked like a baby deer on ice.’
‘You looked like a walking sex pest.’
He chuckles, and the sound is low and delicious.‘God, I missed your mouth.’
