Chapter 5

Uncle Alberto had finally returned home, and we were all overjoyed to have him back with us. Aunt Beth, as always, was attentive to his needs, ensuring he was comfortable and well-cared for.

Carl was having a serious conversation with three other workers on their farm. I watched him looking so drawn and interested. He appeared to be more mature. He had this serious look on his face as he spoke to them, and something about it made me stare at him quite longer.

No. Why was I staring too much?

I sighed softly, using my hat to fan my face as I stood under the shade of the tree, waiting for him. It was getting hot.

To keep my eyes away from him, I busily snapped photos, capturing the surroundings. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Cassie. Smiling to myself, I quickly typed out a response.

“Hey, Babe! You won’t believe the stunning views we’re enjoying right now. Wish you were here! 📸🌿”

Just as I hit send, I felt a presence beside me and looked up to find Carl peering over my shoulder.

“You seem busy.” He said, looking at my phone.

I glanced up, a grin spreading across my face. “I was sending photos to Cassie. She wants to visit here someday with Jake.” I said, holding up my phone to show him the photos I’d been snapping.

He leaned in to get a better look at the screen. I was suddenly aware of how close he was, his manly scent mixing with the heat of the sun invaded my senses. “Some things never changed,” his fingers brushed against mine when he reached for my phone, and I felt a sudden electricity at the sudden touch.

My heart raced as I watched him scroll through the photos. No. Stop it! We’re just friends! “I guess so. Three years didn’t change this place much.” I said, tearing my eyes away from his mesmerizing face.

“Let’s visit the stable.” He said.

I bobbed my head eagerly. “Sure, sounds like a plan,” I replied, trying to quell the butterflies in my stomach.

He walked beside me. “Careful with your steps,”

I hummed. “Carl, how many families work on the farm?”

“About four families work here regularly. They’ve been with us for years, like extended family.”

“What do they do?”

He adjusted his black cap. Why, he looked good in that. “Each family has their own specific tasks,” he explained, gesturing towards the fields and barns around us. “Some focus on tending to the crops, planting, and harvesting throughout the seasons. Others are responsible for taking care of the livestock—feeding, grooming, and ensuring their well-being.”

It was fascinating to learn about the different roles and responsibilities that each family had to do.

“And then there are the maintenance and repair tasks,” he continued, sounding proud. “From fixing machinery to repairing fences and others. There’s always something that needs attention around here.”

“It sounds like a lot of work,” I said, watching two middle-aged couples watering the crops.

“It is, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Dad loves the farm so much that he’d be willing to give up everything he has for this. He’s poured his heart and soul into this place. He wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Carl respected his father. I could hear it from his tone. For me, it was more like a family’s legacy and the land itself held a special place in their hearts. It was just rational that Carl succeeded in this place when the right time came.

“It’s more than just a business to him,” I said. “It’s a way of life, a legacy that he’s determined to pass down to future generations, which means, you. ”

“I love this farm. I can see myself living here.”

His words caught me off guard, causing me to almost lose my balance. “Easy, now.” His hand gripped my elbow, assisting me.

I looked into his eyes. “Living here? But what about your dreams, Carl? You said you want to buy a house in the city.”

“I thought I’d like it there, but this is my dream, Sasha. I’m happier working the land, tending to the animals, and being a part of something bigger than myself. It’s where I belong.”

A sudden frustration bubbled within me. “But what about your plans for the future? Your education, your career?”

“They still matter to me. I can learn everything I need right here on the farm. And besides, I don’t need a fancy degree or a high-paying job to be happy. Caleb said I could continue my degree online. Yeah, why didn’t I think about that.”

I struggled to contain my frustration.

But was it frustration that I couldn’t sway him to see things my way? I didn’t want to admit to myself that I was sad that I would not be able to see him as often as I wanted to if he stayed here.

Why did I care so much about his decision? After all, I didn’t own him, nor did I have any claim to his future. I knew our lives would move in separate directions in one way or another.

But I just couldn’t confront it yet.

“I want what’s best for you, Carl. If you think it is, then be it.”

He stared at me, and there was something in his eyes that I couldn’t penetrate. It stirred a deep longing within me, and I was confused with my own reactions. It made me want to reach him, but I couldn't. I was scared. “I wonder if you ever thought of living in a place like this, Pumpkin.”

Carl’s question lingered in my mind as I stood by the stable, watching the horses. The calmness of the countryside felt inviting, but it also made me question if I could live here. Did I have the courage to leave the city behind for this peaceful life?

But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What did he mean by asking if I ever thought of living in a place like this? Was he implying something deeper? Was he testing the waters to see if I shared his sentiments about the farm? Maybe he was just curious.

I would have liked it if he imagined a life with me here together. I stiffened, shocked at my own thoughts. Sasha! You’re reading too much into his words. He surely didn’t mean that! You rejected him, remember?

I rejected him because I didn’t want to hurt Caleb! The same went with Caleb! Ugh! Why was I thinking about it now?

“You look like you want to kick one of the horses by the way you look at it,” Carl’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

“No, of course not. I was just thinking about something,” I forced a smile. “I was admiring them, that’s all.”

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on me. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“It’s nothing,” I replied dismissively, offering him a tight-lipped smile. “Just some personal stuff.”

But Carl wasn’t easily deterred. He leaned in closer, his eyes searching mine, which made me squirm uncomfortably. “You know, when you lie your eyes can’t hide it.” Too close, Carl! “Your hazel eyes glint and deepen in shade. They’re beautiful.”

His proximity was stirring something inside me, and I found myself conscious of the warmth radiating from his body and the subtle scent of his cologne that attacked my nostrils. He still smelt so good.

“You can be very observant.” I managed to reply with a chuckle, my voice coming out as a mere whisper. I averted my gaze, unable to bear his penetrating stare. “I’m not lying though.”

He laughed softly, a deep, melodic sound that sent a fluttering sensation through my chest. “You’re a terrible liar, Sasha,” he teased, leaning down to my height, his breath brushing against my cheek. My heart beat uncontrollably. “But if you don’t want to talk about it now, that’s fine. I like observing you.”

It was infuriating how effortlessly he could disarm me with just a few simple words and gestures. “No, thanks, Carl. I'm not a test object.” I murmured, forcing myself to meet his gaze once more, and dammit, his eyes gleaming and teasing. When he smiled, his eyes smiled also. And that made him more attractive.

He just snickered. “So, you wanna help feed them?” he asked, straightening to his height, back to being casual.

Yeah, stop being so affected, Sasha.

Last night proved that I did not affect him. He saw me naked! But what did I expect? I had to admit I was scared of my own boldness. However, he just walked out of my room, and we ate dinner like normal people do.

“Sure, I’d love to,” I followed him towards the bins of hay and grain. The earthy scent of the stables was refreshing.

I looked at him. He effortlessly looked so handsome, his muscles flexing beneath the fabric of his white shirt as he hefted bags of feed onto his shoulder. He was so manly.

Suppressing a sigh, I focused on the task at hand, helping him distribute the feed to the eager horses waiting in their stalls. But with every brush of his hand against mine and every lingering glance he cast in my direction, I felt more conscious.

“Stop staring at me, Carl,” I complained.

He grinned. “I told you. I’ll be observing you.”

“Haha, not funny.” I rolled my eyes, putting more grain for the horse.

He laughed harder. “You’re cute when you’re annoyed, you know that.”

I glared at him. Why, he had been teasing me. “You never changed.”

“Some things never do,” he admitted, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I huffed, ignoring his words. He was lucky he was cute. That didn’t change, too. “Let’s take a dip in the river, Carl. It’s so humid. My skin’s craving for some cool water.”

“That sounds like a great idea!”

I exclaimed, “Oh, I miss this! The water’s so clear, Carl!”

“You can say that. Come on,” he grabbed me by the waist, causing me to gasp and hold onto him.

“Wait, Carl! I’ll get wet!”

“Oh, I wanna see you wet,”

I laughed, trying to wriggle out of his grasp. “Stop it! You’re such a child!”

He grinned, tightening his hold on me. “Don’t we love to be a child again?”

I giggled, agreeing with him. I managed to break free when I shoved him and darted towards the water, Carl hot on my heels. I began to splash. “Oh, it feels wonderful.” I splashed some water over my arms.

“Let’s go to the deeper part.”

We waded deeper into the river, the shining stones beautiful to see. I felt my stress disappear.

“This is amazing,” I exclaimed, feeling the sunlight dancing on the surface of the water.

Carl flashed me a warm smile. “It’s even better with you here, Pumpkin.”

I felt a rush of warmth flood my chest at his words, a feeling I couldn’t quite explain but cherished nonetheless. The water reached my waist, soaking my shorts.

Suddenly, he splashed a handful of water on me, making me yelp with surprise.

“Hey!” I protested, wiping the water from my face. Laughing, I retaliated with my own splash. “You asked for it!”

“Oh, it’s on now!” He laughed, his eyes sparkling. Gone was the weary look in his eyes, and that made me happy inside. I liked this carefree man. He scooped up more water, ready to launch another attack.

“Oh no, you don’t!” I raised my hands in defense, trying to shield myself from his onslaught. I splashed back with all the force I could muster.

“It’s deeper here,”

“Carl,” I warned. “Stop being childish. We don’t have to go there.”

“Race with me,”

I shook my head at his antics. “Carl, seriously. This isn’t the time for games.”

But as I turned to face him, he was no longer beside me. Fear crept over me as I scanned the water, but he was gone.

“Carl?” I called out. There was no response, only the gentle rustle of the leaves and the soft murmur of the river. “Stop this, Carl. This is not funny.”

I scanned the riverbank, but he wasn’t there. Panic began to rise in my chest. “Carl, where are you?” I called out again, my heart heaving with worries. “Dammit, I’m not a good swimmer, Carl!” I dived into the water.

All of a sudden, a strong hand grabbed my ankle from below. I let out a loud yelp. He surfaced beside me, laughing. “Gotcha!” he said, grinning with mischief as he pulled me closer.

I slapped his shoulder. “You scared the living daylights out of me, Carl!”

“Sorry, sorry! I couldn’t resist.” He laughed and pinched my cheek.

I slapped his hand and pushed him.“Not funny!” I was mad. Why would he do that? Some pranks weren't funny at all. I gasped as he pulled me close, tightening his arms around my waist.

“Are you angry?” he asked, grinning. “It was fun.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, breathing in, trying to calm my heart. “Fun? Getting a heart attack is your idea of fun? You scared me!” My lips trembled, pushing him. I’m not gonna cry!

“Hey, hey, Pumpkin. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said softly, “I was just trying to lighten the mood, you know?”

“Let me go, Carl.” I sighed.

“You’re angry, so I won’t.”

I gasped sharply. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his warm breath giving me goosebumps. “Carl...” I pushed, but he kissed my exposed skin, licking it. My breath caught in my throat as his lips grazed my neck, sending electric sensations straight down between my legs. “Carl, what are you doing?” I protested weakly, my hands growing weaker.

“Carl, we shouldn’t,” I managed to whisper. I could feel my voice trembling.

He lifted his head, his eyes dark with longing. “I know,” he murmured, his voice husky with emotion. “But I can’t resist you, Pumpkin. You drive me crazy.”

“Carl,”

“It’s hard to fight what I feel. I can’t control myself.”

“Carl, you know—”

“—let me hold you like this,”

Something in his voice made me weak.