Page 24 of Chasing the Sun

Her stance widened, like she was squaring off despite our significant size difference. “I’ll prove you wrong.”

My cheek twitched. There was something fun about poking this particular bear. “You can certainly try.”

She was fire and fight, all wrapped up in one frustratingly beautiful package. And if she wanted a war? I’d give her one.

I shook my head. Once upon a time I might have beentempted to see this gorgeous, feisty woman as a friend and ally.

She had walked in and disrupted everything. If she wanted to play farmer,fine—I’d let her, but when she crashed and burned? I’d be there, ready to take back whatshouldhave been mine.

She may be my friend’s little sister, but it was official. Elodie Darling just became my fiercest rival.

SEVEN

ELODIE

I really wishhe was ugly.

Even his scowl was attractive in an infuriating, punchable way. But in reality, it did make me feel less guilty for wanting to hit Cal right in his stupid, handsome face.

Didn’t matter.

Given the chance, I’d still like to get in a cheap shot, if it weren’t for the fact that I’d probably break my hand on that chiseled jawline.

Fuming, I turned away from him and stomped up the stairs. When my foot plowed through another rotted board, I stumbled, ass in the air as I fell forward onto all fours. Cal’s soft, husky laugh made my face turn hot.

I straightened, yanking the hem of my T-shirt and ignoring the cavern opening in my stomach. I shot a glare over my shoulder.

He’s not that handsome anyway.

The next day,still thoroughly irritated, I collapsed onto the floor of the living room, limbs splayed out like a chalky crime scene outline. If anyone found me, I’d tell them I was mourning the tragic loss of my patience—and the last remaining shreds of my dignity.

Despite what Cal Blackwood thought, I wasn’t some directionless mess. Sure, my track record was ...chaotic, but that didn’t mean I was incapable. He didn’t know a damn thing about me, yet he was so sure I would fail. That man was so certain that I would pack my bags and run.

A small, infuriated part of me wanted to prove him wrong.

Kit

Holy shit! What did you do?

I stared at my phone with a crease in my brow.Well ... any number of things, really.

Twisted my ankle and broke three nails trying to wade through the overgrown orchard.

Contemplated building a Cal voodoo doll out of straw and pure spite. Still considering that one.

Found a newspaper clipping of Cal, standing in front of the inn with a sexy scowl, and poked holes through his eyeballs.

Had a wildly realistic sex dream about the aforementioned grumpy neighbor who hates me.

Though, honestly, maybe I should just set up a damn boxing ring and settle this properly—because, apparently, by helping Stan, he thinks I stole something from him.

That was the kicker, wasn’t it? Cal didn’t just hate that I was here—he hated that I was standing in the way of whatever future he had envisioned for the farm.

I knew that look. He wanted it. Badly.

I frowned at the thought, turning it over in my head.Why?

For a guy who constantly looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here, it didn’t make much sense.What didhewant with a pumpkin patch and an overgrown orchard?