Anything but Minor - Kate Stewart Page 0,24
helping with this.”
“My pleasure,” I replied with enthusiasm to try to help with her discomfort.
“If you need anything, Rafe, just holler,” she directed at Rafe before she turned to me. “You too, missy.” She began her walk back to the house, which I assumed belonged to her, and for the first time, I noticed her limp. I turned back to Rafe in question.
“She lost her leg to diabetes last year. And you know about her husband, Herb?”
“Not really, no...I mean, I know he passed, but I don’t know what happened,” I said as I surveyed the land and the amount of work it needed. It was several hours until sunset, but the job was daunting.
“He died having a stint put in his heart. One day he was here, the next he was gone. He had a massive heart attack on the table. She refuses to leave this house, except to attend ballgames, so I help her when I can. She can’t manage it herself.” I looked back to Rafe, who was now bare chested, and looked completely edible in his beige cargo shorts that seemed to be a wardrobe staple of his. His hat was flipped backward and the only thing more alluring than his ripped chest was the hopeful smile on his face.
“So you up for this?”
“I don’t have a green thumb, but it is Earth Day,” I said as I grabbed a pair of gloves. “I’ll take the entrance.”
“Anything will help,” he said as he fired up the lawn mower and stuck his ear buds in. “Thanks, Alice.”
For the next three hours, I found myself enjoying the task. The cool air and welcomed sunshine on my face brought me out of my pity party concerning my career choice. Once I’d cleared the weeds from the walkway and thoroughly aerated the dirt, I began the task of strategically planting flowers. I looked up every so often to find Rafe had made amazing progress cutting what had to be several acres of grass. He seemed to be enjoying himself. Every once in a while, I would catch his eyes on me, a nod or a smile of comradery shared between us. Once finished, I showered fresh water on my newly planted flowers in preparation of the mulch.
“That looks incredible,” Rafe said behind me as he cradled his arms around me and put his hands beneath my hose. I could smell the mix of his soap and sweat as he surrounded me without actually touching me. Temptation once again reared his ugly head, and I was, for once, ready to just give in.
“I was thinking we could place some walkway lights,” I said as I looked over my shoulder into his hazel eyes and then back to the newly planted, delicate bushes.
“I like that idea. It’s about time for a break. Hop in the Jeep.”
I gripped the hose and began to spray off my legs, but Rafe snatched it quickly and began to spray me off. He held the hose low as he washed the dirt off of my caked knees and then suddenly aimed it directly at my chest. I screamed out in outrage as the entirety of my chest was soaked, and my nipples showed up to the party as the perkiest of guests.
“You jerk,” I seethed as Dutch walked outside with two large bottles of Gatorade. We both thanked her as we took the drinks and downed them greedily.
“We’re off to find some things, Dutch. We’ll be back shortly.”
“Really, you’ve done enough,” she said as she looked around appreciatively. “Wow, you two have really...wow.”
I smiled with pride as I surveyed the grass and the entrance. It really looked like a different place. It felt amazing to be a part of the rare and full smile that graced Dutch’s face. I looked over to Rafe, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. Dutch and I had been cozy enough as friends at the games, but seeing her in her element was completely different. Silent and feeling accomplished, we both piled into his Jeep and made our way through the country roads. Rafe turned up the radio and began to sing along with the music as I looked over at him with a grin. He squeezed my knee as he sang directly to me with emphasis on every word. His expression, his touch on my knee, the twinkle in his eyes, it was surreal. When the song ended, I looked at him in question.
“Dutch is a friend of yours?”
“You