My knuckles rapped against Grace’s door. Usually, I’d wait out in the kitchen until she woke up, but I wanted to make sure she was feeling all right, especially after getting that concussion. Our night didn’t end how I intended it to. After the sheri showed up, Grace seemed to have built a wall between us. It didn’t make any sense why he came around here anyway. at girl had never even checked in. He said so himself. I was glad he left quickly. But I think the damage was already done. He spooked Grace. She’d already been on edge with the riding accident and the issue with her car. Now, who knows how she was feeling? I laid awake nearly all night thinking about her, and when I nally fell asleep, I dreamed about her.

Footsteps padded across the room, something slid across the oor, and then the door opened. Her hair was messy, and she was dressed in a tiny silk robe.

“Hey. Sorry to wake you. Just wanted to make sure you were all right. How ya feeling?”

“A little sleepy and foggy-brained.”

I placed my hand against her forehead. “No fever.” I smiled. She shook her head. “I’m not sick.”

“Gotta make sure. You could have caught a bug when you were rolling around in that dirt.” I teased, pulling my hand away. “ ere’s a fresh pot of co ee and some oatmeal in the Crock-Pot. Brown sugar is beside it.”

“ anks.”

“Well, I’ve gotta go mow the lawn and check on some things. Glad to see

you’re feeling better.” I tipped an imaginary hat.

She opened the door a little wider, and I couldn’t help taking her all in: her smooth tan legs and partially open robe that revealed her sculpted collarbone. All this made my smile grow wide. e corner of her lip perked up as she watched my eyes. She knew exactly what she was doing to me.

“Do you need any help?”

“Absolutely not. You’re on vacation, miss. ere’s a hammock down by the river. It’s the perfect place to lay out and read, and I insist you do so.”

“Is that an order?” she teased.

“You bet your behind it is,” I said with a laugh and a wink. My irtation was getting downright ridiculous. I just didn’t know how to act around Grace.

ankfully, she laughed too, and I hoped it was with me and not at me—but I wouldn’t blame her if it was the latter.

“Your wish is my command.” She smiled and closed the door slowly.

Goddamn, that girl was going to be the death of me.