Page 1 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

Tillie

“Is your name wi-fi? Because I’m feeling a connection.”

The nerdy alpha in front of me had a half-smirk on his face as he looked down at me with hopeful air.

My eyebrows rose as I let the pickup line sink in. Something about the complete confidence in this awkward as hell moment had me letting out a soft laugh. His brown eyes were bright and crinkling at the edges, slightly hidden by his thick, black framed glasses.

Even though we were at the Rusty Rail, a dive bar by most standards, he was dressed in dark jeans and a peach button-down shirt. Much more formal than the cowboy hats, boots, and worn jeans with chewing tobacco-worn spots the other guys wore.

“Does that usually work for you?” I asked as I felt a small smile curled my lips.

The alpha shrugged a hint of red coloring his cheeks even in the dim bar lighting. “That was my first time trying, you tell me if it was any good,” he said.

“I’m not sure yet, how about you try another,” I suggested as I took a sip of my cocktail, the fruity taste and warmth of the alcohol making my smile widen. I’d come here tonight for a bit of stress relief, and this nerdy alpha might just be the breath of fresh air I needed.

He leaned a little closer, the scent of leather, raspberry, and saffron tickling my nose. It was pleasant… a bit too pleasant. We were compatible, which meant despite the fact this man was clearly an amateur when it came to women, it might just be a fun night.

“Are your parents bakers? Because you’re a cutie pie,” he said, his smile widening as my laughter bubbled out of me, head falling back as I lost it. These were equal parts endearing and awkward.

I wasn’t sure why it was even working, but damn if this nerdy alpha with cheesy pickup lines and hope in his eyes was winning me over.

“How many pickup lines do you have prepared for tonight?” I asked curiously, leaning forward slightly to tease him, well aware of the cleavage that my dress showed off.

His gaze dipped down and I could see the red creeping down his neck at this point as his stare snapped straight back to my face. I appreciated the gentleman-like reaction to not just stare at my chest, but right now, I needed some fun.

It had been a busy week at the farm and I was ready for a break. Lazy Daisy Farm was my life, my pride and joy, which meant I cared for every part of my farm as if they were family. If not for the trust my grandparents left me I’d never be able to spend my days taking care of these animals.

This man seemed exactly like the opposite of every guy I’d met in this town and I was ready to show him some Magnolia Ridge hospitality.

“I think a few more, but I’ll be honest… I can’t recall many of them right now.”

“Fine by me,” I told him as I downed the last bit of my drink. “Wanna try to remember on the way back to my place or yours?”

He choked, blinking furiously as his confidence dropped and astonishment took its place. I clapped him on his back a few times, taking the opportunity to get close to him. His scent hit me and I took a deep breath, loving the alpha musk that had crept in.

“Wasn’t expecting it to work that well?” I teased lightly, wanting to make sure I didn’t hurt his feelings.

“Well— I… I mean,” he stuttered. “I was thinking maybe a date or getting your number⁠—”

“I’m sure you can convince me to give you my number before the end of the night.” I snagged one of his hands and he let me lead him out of the Rusty Rail.

“How about your place?” he stammered out, the rosy tint coloring his cheeks making me grin.

“Sure, follow my pickup, I’m not far,” I told him as I pointed out the rust bucket that I was quite fond of. It had gotten me through enough farm supply runs and rescue transports to love it.

“Oh, sure,” he promised. I watched as he climbed into a sensible sedan. By the time I’d backed out and drove toward the exit, he was right behind me. Magnolia Ridge loved their low speed limits through town, so I knew he’d have no trouble keeping up.

The sign I’d repurposed last year with the bright white and yellow daisies greeted us and I drove under it, parking by the main house. This farm house was bigger than I needed or was used to, but it was cozy and all mine.

My little slice of heaven.

The animals greeted me from afar but they were already tucked into bed.

My alpha for the night pulled right next to me on the gravel road, parking and climbing out. He looked around with a bit of shock on his face but I was already walking up the porch and unlocking my front door. The moment I had it open, I dropped my dress down, leaving me in just my bra and lacy underwear.

He stumbled over his feet, barely staying upright, but following me up the porch steps. The earlier confidence was trying its best to come out and he reminded me of those cartoons where the man has heart eyes and floats towards his girl.

It was a confidence booster for sure.