Upsy Daisy: A First Love College Romance
Page 41
“They’re from the same family. Kind of like cousins.”
“Makes sense.” I finish the radish, surprised by the kick of heat on my tongue.
“Better than iceberg?” He tilts back his head, and the posture feels intimidating, like he’s sizing me up.
“Don’t hate on the ’berg. It serves a purpose.”
Kacey laughs, or more accurately snorts. I’m surprised his pig doesn’t confuse her for one of its own. “Don’t try to convince her otherwise. You won’t win this battle.”
He crosses his arms, forcing his muscles to bunch in a rudely distracting way. “Is that so?”
When he directs his attention at me, I can’t decide if I should feel flattered he’s so interested or perturbed he’s judging me.
“Life’s too short to be boring or eat boring food,” he declares, still focused solely on me.
“Let him who is free from sin cast the first stone,” I retort, the words flowing from ingrained memory.
“Did you just Bible-verse me?” His steady gaze falters.
“Sorry. Slips out sometimes.” Out of habit, my teeth find my lower lip and chew the smooth skin.
“What’s up with the pig?” Kacey breaks through the weird tension surrounding us.
“That would be Patsy Swine, finest sow in the land.” He points at the black and white pig asleep in the shade of the tent. “She was supposed to be a miniature pot-bellied, but as you can see, she’s an overachiever.”
“Is she a pet?” I ask.
“Sure is. House-trained and everything. Her manners are impeccable—except when she naps on the job.”
“Nice to meet you, Patsy.” I give her a wave.
“We didn’t catch your name,” Kacey interjects.
“Odin Hill.” His grin returns as he stares at me “And you are?”
Are you freaking kidding me? Odin? God of thunder? Father of Thor? Of course he’s a Norse god.
“I’m Kacey, and this is Daphne. She works up at the national park.”
“Do you?” he asks. “Are you new?”
“Four months next week.” I hold his stare.
He makes a humming sound but doesn’t comment. Like he’s making up his mind about something, he bobs his head once. His demeanor shifts and he takes a step to the side. “Well, nice to meet you. I have other customers waiting. Let me know if you decide to buy anything.”
I meet eyes with Kacey before weakly saying thanks.
We shuffle out of the way of the line that’s formed behind us.
Once we’re a few yards away, near a table crowded with jars of honey, I stop and face Kacey. “What happened back there? Did it get weird or was it just me?”
Crinkling her nose, she confirms my observation with a nod. “He was flirting with you until you went all biblical on him over lettuce.”
“That sounds like I sent a plague of frogs or lightning to smite him. You’d think a man who loves turnips so much would be more accepting of differing tastes.”
“I’m teasing. He was still chatty until I mentioned you work at the park. Did you notice that?”
“Weird. Who hates national parks?” Not sure why, but I feel deflated by how our encounter ended. What do I care if the weird farmer judges me? Or has a weird grudge about rangers?
“Guys with pet pigs?” Kacey offers in response to my question. “Do you think he lets it sleep in the house? Or in his bed? Why do all the gorgeous ones have to be freaks?” She sighs.
“Better to be appreciated from afar I guess.” I take one last glance over my shoulder at Odin. The name suits him even if he’s not an old man with one eye. Smiling and laughing one moment, serious the next, he’s as unpredictable as a summer thunder storm.
“You sound disappointed.” Kacy links her arm with mine. “Sorry we had to ruin your impure thoughts with reality.”
“No need to apologize. I’m happier to spend time with you before you head back to Greensboro.” I force myself to focus on the positive.
“Lies, but I’ll take the compliment.” Kacey gives my wrist a squeeze. “Let’s buy you some consolation soap to cheer you up.”
** END SNEAK PEEK **
Stranger Ranger Releases May 19th, 2020!
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