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The sight of all of these men—and so many more—working is a treat for the eyes. Not even Dad is found scowling at Archer, though Archer seems to be keeping fairly out of his way as he works alongside the rest of the men.
By the afternoon, I need my cowboy fix, so I pull out my phone and send a quick text as I stand by the beverage table a few yards away from the growing barn.
Juliet
Are you avoiding me because my dad is here?
A moment later, Archer pulls out his phone. His features brighten, then he looks around, catches my eye, and grins as he types out a response. The ridges in his forearms shift as he texts, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows, despite the chill on the air.
Archer
Maybe.
I just don’t want to lose the ground I’ve gained. Does that make me a coward?
Juliet
Maybe.
He laughs—in real life and in text-reaction—at my repetition of his word.
Juliet
No, I think it’s smart.
Archer
I may not be able to be smart for much longer.
My heart skips a beat as I catch his eye across the way, his expression telling me he’s going to make good on those words.
Archer
You still planning on the dance tonight?
Juliet
Of course. You?
Archer
No way am I going to miss another chance at being rejected by you.
I hide my smile as a group of women walk by.
Juliet
Maybe I won’t reject you tonight.
Archer
So you’d say yes if I asked you to dance? What about your stipulations for dating?
I picture Dad with Lisa, Sharon, and Genevieve.
Juliet
What about them?
