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“Cheers.” Travis holds his glass up, and I tap mine to his. I take a sip and feel it burn all the way from my throat down to my stomach. The aftertaste left on my tongue was delicious. I never would have thought it, but maybe I’m a whiskey girl.

“So what do you think?”

“Not bad!” I take another sip. “Actually, kind of good.”

“I meant about tonight.” A deep, grunty chuckle comes from Travis’ throat. “First dinner, then you watched a goat give birth to twins.”

“Oh, yeah. That.”

“Ha! That. Still a bit shell-shocked, huh?” Travis playfully hits my shoulder.

Touch me again, please!

“Yes, please—err–I mean, yeah. Wasn’t what I was expecting for tonight.”

“Living with animals is a wild ride, that’s for sure.”

“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“Breakfast is at 8 for the guests. Mia, the workers, and I eat much earlier. I usually make an appearance at the guests’ breakfast. I’m not sure if I will tomorrow or not. Mia goes to school just after 7.”

“Wow. That’s early.”

“Sure is–but she’s used to it. Growing up on a ranch means waking with the sun.”

“She seems like a really great kid. You must be proud.”

“She is. And I am. I’m in awe of her every day.”

“Well, I’d better get back to my place. I’m beat and want to get some work done tonight.” I go to stand up, but I don’t quite make it. I’m sure it’s because getting out of rocking chairs is hard.

“Woah, there, killer. You alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Except I’m going to die of embarrassment.

“Not a whiskey drinker, huh?” Travis holds out his hand and pulls me up.

“Not quite.”

“Yeah, it’ll go straight to your head if you’re not used to it. Come on, let me drive you back to your cottage.”

“No, it’s fine. I can walk.”

“I know you can walk, but I insist. Your brother would kill me if he thought I was letting you roam around here alone in the dark.”

“Fine.” I give in. I am exhausted. And I’m kind of freaked out at the thought of walking back to my cottage in the dark. It is DARK out here.

I sit in the passenger seat of the golf cart, and Travis goes to the driver’s seat. He lets his legs spread ever so slightly while he drives, so his leg brushes against mine. Normally, I’d move my leg away, but for some reason, I stayed put. I kind of like the feel of his leg touching mine.

We immediately noticed the front door was wide open when we pulled up to my cottage.

“Didn’t you close the door?”

“Yes! I did!” I’m alarmed. I know I closed the door.

“Did you make sure it latched?”

“Yes! I think so!”