CHAPTER 5

“ Oh, that’s nice,” she said warmly. “ You should stay for good. Maybe we could get coffee sometime.”

“ I’d love that.”

We ended up chatting for nearly an hour—about work, family, and small-town life. Before I left, we exchanged numbers. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed having a friend.

With the rest of my errands done, I headed back toward my car. A For Sale sign in a shop window caught my eye. I peeked inside and saw a small but cozy space with wide windows and wooden floors. Instantly, I imagined it as a gift shop filled with handmade items, coffee brewing in the corner, and the smell of fresh pastries.

My heart raced at the thought. Maybe… this was something I could do.

The whole drive back, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. As soon as I reached the farm, I unloaded the car and went to the stables, where Uncle Buck was brushing the horses.

“ Hi, Uncle,” I said, grabbing another brush to help him.

“ Hey there, sweetheart. You look excited. Did something happen in town?”

I told him everything—about Sasha, the cookies, and especially the shop for sale. My words tumbled over each other as I explained my dream of opening a small coffee and gift store that sold handmade goods.

Uncle Buck smiled, his eyes soft. “ That sounds wonderful, Allie. If it’s what you want, I’ll help you talk to your parents about a loan.”

“ Really?”

“ Of course. You’re family. And I think you’d be great at it.”

The joy bubbling inside me was impossible to hide.

“ Thank you, Uncle Buck!” He laughed. “ How about a ride before dinner? I know how you love the horses.”

“ Yes, please!”

We saddled up and rode through the fields, talking about everything and nothing. The wind whipped through my hair, the setting sunbathed the land in gold, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

Until that feeling returned—that eerie sense of being watched.

I glanced around, but saw only trees and open sky. Still, the back of my neck tingled, and I couldn’t shake the thought that something—or someone—was following us.

“ Everything all right?” Uncle Buck asked.

“ Yeah,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “ Just thought I saw something.”

We rode faster, laughing and racing each other the whole way home. Uncle Buck won, of course, but I didn’t mind.

The farm lights came into view as the sky turned purple with dusk. I felt safe again. Almost.

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Allie’s POV

Today is a rather hot day — or maybe it just feels that way because I’m working in the sun. I’m busy in the garden, planting flowers as sweat drips down my forehead onto the ground. I’m just about to plant the last flower when I suddenly feel sparks jolting through my entire body — just like the other day.

Then I hear voices coming from the kitchen. I stand up from the ground to see who it is. Maybe I can offer them something to drink. Maybe it’s one of Uncle Buck’s friends.

As I open the back door, my eyes lock on Jack’s — and it feels like a volcano erupts inside me, sending heat waves through my core. His gaze is so intense that I can feel my heart jumping wildly in my chest, making me breathe heavily. It’s beating so loud I can hear it in my ears.

What is going on with me?

Why do I feel this way when I’m near him? Those hazel eyes — they look like they can see into my soul and uncover my deepest, darkest desires. His lips look so tempting that I want to feel them on mine, to taste them. His strong jawline and neatly trimmed beard make him look serious, powerful… dangerously sexy.

He’s wearing a black button-down shirt tucked neatly into brown khaki pants.

Crap, I realize I’ve been staring too long because Jack starts to grin. I shake my head as if that could help me regain control and slow my heart down.

“ Hello, Jack,” I say with a polite smile.

“ Hello, Allie.”

Hearing my name roll off his lips makes my heart skip a beat. This man is driving me crazy. Just the sound of his voice makes my heart race and slow at the same time. How is that even possible?

I pull myself together and try to act normal.

“ Do you two know each other?” Uncle Buck asks, looking between us.

“ I had the privilege of meeting your niece a few days ago by the lake,” Jack answers before I can.

“ Well, isn’t that wonderful! I’m glad you’ve met — now I don’t have to introduce you,” Uncle Buck jokes.

“ Would anyone like some coffee? I got the most delicious cookies at the farmer’s market the other day, from a very friendly girl named Sasha.”

Jack’s expression changes completely when I mention Sasha’s name.

“ Do you know Sasha well?” he asks, his voice suddenly filled with excitement.

“ Not really,” I admit. “ I just met her when I bought the cookies. We talked a little and exchanged numbers.”

“ So, you’ve made a new friend — or should I say two?” Uncle Buck teases, winking at me.

“ Something like that,” I say, smiling before turning my gaze back to Jack. “ Do you know Sasha, by any chance?”

“ I do,” Jack replies. “ We grew up together. We’re good friends.”

Hearing him say that stirs a sharp pain of jealousy in me. How I wish I could have grown up with someone like him.

I make the coffee, and we all sit down at the table to enjoy it with the cookies. Jack and Uncle Buck start talking business — something about horses — but I can’t help myself. I keep staring at Jack like a lovesick puppy.

He catches me looking, and when our eyes meet, he winks. My soul practically leaves my body, and I blush like a little girl.