Total pages in book: 14
Estimated words: 12431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 62(@200wpm)___ 50(@250wpm)___ 41(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 12431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 62(@200wpm)___ 50(@250wpm)___ 41(@300wpm)
He retrieved his cell phone from his pocket and showed me a photograph of a large black patch of ground. I ran a dozen different scenarios through my head, but couldn’t come up with an explanation. But I would stop at nothing to solve the puzzle. “Can I see it in person?”
“Absolutely.” Jersey rushed to the passenger side of his truck and opened the door before letting out a long sigh and shaking his head. “I’m sure you didn’t mean now. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to show up and drag you away from what you’re doing. I-”
“Now’s good,” I interrupted with a shrug, and a dazzling smile overtook Jersey’s lips. I climbed into the truck, and he closed the door behind me. It didn’t matter what I’d been doing; nothing was more important than helping my mate.
Jersey
I couldn’t believe how kind Timber was; he knew nothing more than my name and that I had a problem, and he was willing to help. He didn’t have a clue who I was, but he got into my truck without a second thought, handing over his trust.
Granted, I didn’t know much about him, either; he could just as easily be a danger to me. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the thought. Even if it hadn’t been for Chuck’s glowing review of Timber, I would instinctively know that I could trust him. I had an immediate connection to him like I’d never experienced. I wanted him in my space, I wanted his company, and I wanted his help above anyone else’s. It was a feeling I didn’t understand, but couldn’t ignore.
And it wasn’t just because the man was drop dead gorgeous, though it certainly didn’t hurt. He had thick, dark, shoulder length curls, and beautiful hazel eyes. His features were soft, though the stubble across his upper lip and chin gave him a touch of masculinity. He was tall like me, and although his frame was much slimmer, he exuded quiet strength.
“Thank you again for coming with me,” I told him, wanting not only to fill the silence, but just to speak with him. “I really do appreciate you.”
“Your farm is very important to you,” he surmised, and I nodded.
“It has been in my family for generations. I was raised in the fields, and every important life lesson I’ve been taught has been on that land. Now it’s under my care because my father and grandfather have passed on. It’s all I have left of them, and I can’t lose it.”
“I’m not going to let that happen. We will get this figured out.”
“So, how do you know so much about this stuff? Did you go to school for it?”
Timber shook his head. “I guess you could call it a family tradition for me as well. My mother taught me how to care for plants from seeds to blooms. She explained how we are intertwined with the earth; how if we treat it right, it will provide us with nourishment and beauty.”
“The flowers around your porch were absolutely beautiful.”
Timber gave a smile that put the petals to shame. “Thank you.”
“So besides gardening, what are you into?”
“Nothing too exciting; I live a pretty simple life. I love watching classic movies, and reading as much as possible.”
“Do you like reading the classics as well?”
“Um…not so much.” Timber turned his attention to the window, and when a slight shade of pink covered his cheeks, an ornery smile crossed mine.
“You read smut, don’t you?”
“A little,” he admitted, his blush deepening. I snorted a laugh and he quickly added, “But it’s not just for the smut! I love the romance of two people finding their perfect match in one another and getting their happily ever after.”
“Sure you do, horndog,” I chuckled, and his cheeks brightened even more and guilt settled in my gut. “I’m just teasing.” I reached over to rub his knee, making his shoulders relax, though his blush didn’t disappear. Why would it disappear? A stranger is groping him in his truck! I did not want to move my hand, but I never wanted to make him uncomfortable, so I begrudgingly placed it back on the steering wheel.
“Honestly, those are probably the types of books I’d read if I had the time,” I offered. “Hell, I’d love to experience a real-life romance novel, but I’ve been busier than ever trying to keep my crops alive. Since the harvest has been leaner, I’ve had to let go of most of my farmhands and do nearly everything myself.”
“I admire your work ethic, but you’ve got to take a little time to relax,” Timber countered with concern in his voice. “There’s got to be something you enjoy to turn your brain off for a while.”
As pathetic as it was, I had to search my mind for an answer. “I love music.”