Chapter 18
Deep in thought, Jessica pulled hay from a bale and hand fed Bonnie the clump.
"Working hard?"
Jessica's pulse went wild at Clint's voice behind her, low and quiet, and rumbling up out of his chest like rolling thunder within the heavens.
"Want a break?"
She inhaled deeply then smiled over one shoulder at him. "You seem to be on the mend, finally. Your ups and downs have been worrisome."
It surprised her how calm her voice sounded when her heart sped more each time he came near. It had been nearly two weeks since the wagon incident, but he'd only been mobile in the last six days. In order to protect her heart, she'd done her level best to dodge him, which meant that lone walks in the woods and visits to the horses had become her norm. She wasn't sure how to slip away now that he'd cornered her.
He lifted a brow. "I know, thank God and all of that, right?"
Yes," she said, happy for the reminder. "That's exactly right." She looked him up and down, trying to be casual about it. "What are you up to? Your hair's wet."
"Just had an ice cold bath in the stream. One you've probably wanted to give me for a while now. Like with a bucket over the head." He grinned and winked.
That grin could melt a glacier. His eyes were back to their same brightness, twinkling with amusement. He was dressed in jeans and a short leather vest over a green chambray shirt, rolled at the sleeves, flaunting wide shoulders. The shirt was the same one that made his eyes stand out in his tanned and now clean-shaven face.
He had finger-combed his hair straight back. "I've come with a request."
She turned away and resumed her task of giving the horses their hay, not wanting him to see the longing in her eyes that had set up permanent camp there. "And what would that be? I've already prepared your favorite fried chicken meal for tonight." She stopped and glanced back to see his reaction.
"Yeah?" His whole face brightened, squeezing her already pining heart. "I'll certainly look forward to that. But, no. That's not my request." He pulled the hunk of hay out of her hand and fed it to the horses. Taking her by the elbow, he helped her stand, facing him.
Fire shot through her from his touch. She locked her knees and folded her arms across her chest. Maybe that would keep her from collapsing in a puddle at his feet.
He dropped his hand to his side.
With a slightly raised chin, she prepared herself for what he might ask of her. If only it was her heart he wanted. "Okay, I'll give. What is it?"
"Would you give me a haircut?"
She blinked in surprise. He resembled a little boy asking for a piece of candy. She smiled a little, thinking this was a look she hadn't seen on him before. Could he be more irresistible?
"What makes you think I'd know how?"
"Because you've cut hair for five of the ranch hands."
Astounded that he had cared to notice, she smiled. "Seven, to be exact." She stared, relishing the hopeful look on his face. "When?"
"Right now. Sun's not down yet, so we've about an hour. I've got everything ready on the porch. Say okay."
She eyed him warily. How could she resist? It crossed her mind that she probably should. Funny thing. He looked as uncertain as she did. "Let me clean up a bit, and I'll meet you there."