Page 20 of Timber's Line

“You?”

“Even me.” She holds my hand for a second, and I miss her touch when she pulls away. She doesn’t say any more nor does she try to pry, and I’m grateful.

“Would you like a beer?”

“I’m not old enough,” she replies.

“Our little secret,” I say as I hand her one. I watch her lips as she takes a sip. I wonder what they would feel like, and then I feel bad because it’s too soon, isn’t it?

We settle in to watch the movie, and she scoots closer to me. I don’t feel an ounce of regret when I put my arm around her. It feels right. Now to get my heart and head to agree and figure out if Timber is onboard.

CHAPTERELEVEN

TIMBER

I fell asleep in Dayton’s arms. I don’t know how to feel about that. I want to believe that someone would like me, but it’s too soon for him. I know it is.

He’s still asleep, so I wiggle out of his arms and put the bottles in the trash. I creep out of the room, hoping he wakes up on time. I check on the horses, feed the chickens, and sneak back into the house.

I can’t believe I fell asleep in his arms. When he put his arm around me, it felt so right. I didn’t want to tense or push it away, afraid of how he would take that.

I take a quick shower and jump when I walk out, and Alexa and Ivy are waiting for me. My first date of the day is a breakfast date.

“We’re here to help you get ready.” Alexa brings out some jeans and a tank top from the wardrobe Sal bought me for the show while Ivy helps braid my hair.

“So pretty,” Ivy kisses my cheek.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“One of us will always be here. I think it helps calm the nerves,” Alexa says. She’s not wrong. Having these people here did calm my nerves. Even better is that the dates aren’t dressed up. I feel more relaxed in jeans and tank tops.

“Shall we go so you can set off on your adventures?”

I nod and follow the two women out. They found love. I envy them sometimes, even Ever and Ariel. I wonder if I will. I think about last night with Dayton and wonder if I could.

Everyone is sitting around, waiting on me.

“Oh good, let’s get started,” Sal snaps everyone to attention.

“Dayton, cabin four, please,” Sal calls out. I catch Dayton’s eyes for a minute, and I’m almost hopeful that he could have eyes only for me. But it’s a fleeting moment, and he walks away.

I wring my hands, waiting.

“Nervous?” Carlton asks.

“I am.”

“So far, the dates haven’t been that bad, right?” He gives me a concerned look.

“Are you married?” I blurt out and can’t believe I did.

He chuckles. “I am. With two kids.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to . . .”

“I know. I think you’re trying to figure out if this whole thing is for you.”

“Yes.”