sidewalk when the store opened. But now—thanks to that near kiss—I’ll have to shuffle around all day uncomfortable. Hey, maybe that was Jay’s plan all along— Make Alyson miserable to speed up her exit. Cripes, maybe he’s betting on how long I’ll be here, although he’s been kind and that doesn’t seem like something he’d do. Maybe he’s just anxious to see the farm in Bryce’s hands. Locals take care of locals, and no matter what, I’ll always be an outsider.
Even though he wants me gone, last night, he wanted something else. We both did. I’m not a girl to dive headfirst into things. Well, maybe that’s not true. I dove headfirst into running this farm and into nearly making out with the beekeeper next door. Must be something in the fresh country air making me act irrational. But getting involved with him is not in my best interest. I need to get my life in order, figure out my future before I lose everything, and the hot farmer next door is a distraction I can’t afford. It’s hard not knowing what I want or who I truly am, and with my family betting against me, well, that just cuts deeply. I’ve never really let them see that, but it’s not fun to feel worthless or to be treated like you’re a joke. A lot of people won’t, or can’t, see my worth. I’m trying so damn hard not to be one of them.
I’m about to rush outside when my phone rings. I pick it up and every muscle in my body tightens when I see it’s my father. I hesitate for a second. If I don’t answer, he’ll probably send someone to collect me.
I groan and slide my finger across the screen as I head downstairs. In my happiest voice, I say, “Good morning, Dad.”
A pause and then, “I wasn’t sure you’d be up this early.”
Why the heck did he call if he didn’t think I’d be up… Oh, because he’s checking up on you, Alyson.
My teeth clench, but really, can I blame him for his assumptions? Eight o’clock might be considered sleeping in here, but back home, yeah, I’d probably still be in bed. “I’m up. Lots to do on a farm,” I say.
“Is that right?” The skepticism in his voice crawls over my skin like a million angry fire ants.
“That’s right,” I say, and he goes quiet as I list off my daily chores. When I finally finish, a big, bored sigh reaches my ears. I clench my fist. I will not let his lack of faith in me steal my thunder. I got this! “Why are you calling?”
“I hadn’t heard from you.”
“I called Mom.”
“Yes, well, I wanted to hear how you were firsthand.”
Of course he did.
“I’m good, Dad. Great.”
“Right, of course you are,” he says, his voice dripping with disbelief. A door opens and closes in the background, and his muffled voice comes through as he speaks to someone. I shift from one foot to the other as I wait, anxiousness welling up inside me. I need to get outside and tend to my animals. “Sorry about that,” he says when he returns.
“I’d love to talk, but I have animals to take care of.”
“I’ll see you soon, Alyson.”
Anger flares through me. That statement might sound innocent enough, but I get it. He expects me to come running home with my tail between my legs sooner rather than later. While one part of me is pissed off, there’s another part of me that totally understands his doubt.
“Not as soon as you might think,” I say and end the call before he can scoff.
I can’t wait to see the look on his face—and Jay’s—when I pull this off. I’m going to show them all what I’m really made of. With my chin high, I finger comb my hair and open the back door, ready to bolt to the barn when I find a pair of boots, a set of coveralls, and a T-shirt. I scoop up the T-shirt and coveralls and find a couple pairs of panties—or rather, granny panties—underneath.
“Ohmigod,” I whisper, equal amounts of gratitude and embarrassment flooding me as I tug them to my chest and glance around. Panic overtakes me when I see the barn door open, my animals milling about. “Oh, no.” I hurry to the barn, the new clothes still pressed to my chest, but slow my steps when I spot Tyler on the fence watching Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner slurp their food