Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
“Well, once, when I was little. I didn’t care for it.”
“There’s lots of things we don’t like when we’re little that we may change our minds about as adults.” I offer the glass again.
Darcy takes it from me, and I feel a thrill of electricity as our fingers brush. Playing it cool, I lean back in the chair, nearly forgetting its precarious state. Darcy takes a tentative sip from the glass, the same part where my lips had been seconds prior. Wonder what her lips taste like?
Easy boy. Don’t push things.
Darcy smiles as she hands the port back to me. “Not for me, mister,” she laughs.
“More for me then.” I feign nonchalance as I look around the kitchen, completely aware that Darcy is watching me do so.
“I’m sorry it’s not much. I’ve just had a lot to deal with since Pa…” She goes quiet.
“Did your father pass away?” I ask gently. Darcy nods. “I’m sorry. It’s hard to lose a parent. I lost my mom years ago.”
“Oh I’m so sorry,” Darcy says, taking my hand on instinct. “I lost my mom, too, when I little though, so I don’t really remember her.” She drops my hand.
“Wow. Both parents. That’s awful.” I want to grab her hand, but refrain. Clearly, she’s uncomfortable. “Got any siblings?”
She swallows a little.
“No, it’s just me. I don’t even have any grandparents.” What could have come out as a bitter statement sounded only sorrowful coming from Darcy. I wince inside, thinking about all her loss at such a tender age.
“I’m trying to keep things going, but it’s a lot,” she continues. “The farm takes priority, then the house.” She gestures around the room. “But lately seems like all I ever have time for is the farm.”
This is it, play it cool, bud. “Seems like a lot. How are you managing on your own like this?”
Darcy laughs, a hollow sound. “Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but I’m not sure that I am. I mean, the farm’s fine,” she catches herself, “but all the little things are just being swept out of sight and out of mind.”
“Well, not to be too blunt myself, but how about in thanks for you taking care of me and feeding me so well, I do some fixing up around the house for you?” She blinks at me blankly. “Little things that might help. Like fixing the faucet, or greasing the porch door. And fixing the bottom porch step I completely stomped through by accident just a bit ago.” I laugh at Darcy’s horrified expression. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. Can’t say the same for the step.”
“Yes! I mean, not to be too eager Ranger, but yes, I could really use the help. There’s a whole bunch of stuff upstairs, too. The screen is broken and there’s a loose rail on the banister and the mattress needs turning and - ” she stops herself, mortified.
I laugh to put her at ease. “It’s hard, doing everything you’ve been doing. And that’s with help. Doing it by yourself? That takes some gumption. Why don’t you make a list of things you’ve been needing someone to look at and I’ll take care it.” I yawn deeply. “But maybe first thing in the morning? I’m a little tired tonight. Would it be okay if I bunk in the barn again?”
Darcy blushes a beautiful deep pink, her whole face innocent and striking at the same time.
“Of course you can, if you’re sure it’s not too uncomfortable? We have extra bedrooms, if you’d like to move indoors.”
I smile and decide not to push my luck. “Barn’s just fine for a ranch hand like me. I’ve slept in a lot worse, and the straw you laid out this afternoon was soft. Besides, I don’t think I can climb too many stairs just yet, so the second floor is out of the question. You go right ahead and lock up the house. I promise I won’t come in until you’re awake in the morning.”
Darcy smiles at me, and she’s grateful. “Thanks Mr. McLeod. I appreciate it. I guess I’ll see you in the morning then.”
“Ma’am.” I finish off my glass of port and limp to the front door, feeling better than ever now that I’m full and that my idea might actually work out. Plus this poor girl does need the help.
“Mr. McLeod?” Darcy’s soft voice calls to me before I step outside.
Trying to refrain from expressing my thoughts on my face, I turn around to face Darcy. “Yes ma’am?”
“You mind waiting here a second? I should get you some pants.” She gestures to the horse blanket wrapped around me, and a faint blush creeps into her soft cheeks.
“I’ll wait right here.”
Then, the curvy brunette bounds upstairs and I take a moment to peek around the front hallway. There are stacks of bills on the front sideboard, and several grungy flannel shirts hanging from the coatrack. One of the chairs wobbles, and the overhead lamp flickers every so often. Man, this place needs some serious TLC.