He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “So you’re lying to your sister, huh? You got a girl out here in town, boy? Who’re you seeing?”
“God almighty, no. Last thing I need is another girl. That’s why I had to get out.” I shuddered, and Boomer chuckled.
“Ah, I see. You got that pretty little art teacher living out with you now, and the females are ganging up on you, huh?”
“Not so much ganging up as ... giggling. Boomer, you don’t know. They talk about the stupidest things, and then they laugh like it’s hysterical ... they’re making me nuts. I just had to get away tonight.”
“Hmm.” Boomer eyed me up and down. “Funny thing, wasn’t it, that girl getting the job here in Burton. You think that’s why she was here that night, scouting us out?”
“Nah.” I shook my head. “It was just one of those things. Coincidence.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have figured her to stay around once she knew it was your house she was living in. The day she came to pick up her car, I was afraid to leave the two of you alone. Wasn’t sure if I’d come back to see you in a knock-down brawl ... or on the floor doing some other kind of wrestling.” He smirked.
“What the hell are you talking about, Boomer?” He was too close to touching on the truth, and it pissed me off. “I was just telling her how she’d left her friend in a bad way, and she took it wrong. We were yelling, sure, but it wasn’t any more than that. I didn’t even know her. Still really don’t.”
Boomer guffawed. “The hell. You don’t need to know someone to feel the pull. I’m not saying anything about now, but that day, right here in this room, you were looking at that girl the same way I look at the cherry pie down at Kenny’s.”
“You’re crazier than they are.” I stuck my hands deep down in my pockets. “Are you going to give me a bag or not? Because if you’re just going to stand here and tease me, I may as well go home.”
He waved a hand. “Calm down, calm down. I’m going to get you covered.” He opened up a desk drawer and dug around for a minute and then came up with an old crankshaft. “Will this do?”
I nodded, grateful. “Yeah, that’s perfect. Thanks, Boomer.”
“Any time, boy. And if things get bad with all them women, just give me a call and I’ll come rescue you.” He came around the counter and slapped a hand on my shoulder. “Four daughters and a wife, remember? I feel your pain.”
I grinned. I’d forgotten that Boomer would definitely be the one who’d understand. “Thanks, man.”
“I got your back. Now get on out of here so I can close up, or the wife’ll be calling to see if I’m dead.”
I waved and headed back to my truck. Tossing the bag onto the passenger seat, I started up and headed out of town. The testosterone infusion had done its job, and I was feeling more relaxed than I had in weeks. I thought of Boomer’s words about Meghan. He was crazy. Ridiculous. I didn’t look at her any particular way. And if I did, what did it matter? It didn’t mean a damn thing.
I wasn’t one of those guys who needed drama as a side dish to women. The relationships I’d had in the last few years were low-key, quiet and kept far away from my family. The last had ended amiably back in the spring when Jaycee Mathers had decided to move to Nashville for a new job. Since then, with the planting and upkeep on the farm, I hadn’t had time to get involved with anyone else. Truth to tell, I didn’t miss it.
It was full on dark by the time I got back to the farm. Ali had left a light on in the kitchen for me, but I didn’t go in the back door. I rounded the house, climbed the front porch and dropped into the old wicker chair, setting the two paper bags on the floor and stretching my legs out in front of me.
“Hi.”
The voice came from the dark corner, making me jump a mile. At the same time, I heard the squeak of the swing that hung there. As my eyes adjusted, I could just make out Meghan’s shape, curled in the corner of the swaying bench.
“God, you about gave me a heart attack. What the hell are you doing out here?”
She sighed, just a breath that carried to me across the night air. “Ali wanted to get Bridget to bed early. She’s lying down with her upstairs, but I think she might have fallen asleep, too. It’s such a pretty night. I just wanted to come out for a little air.” She unfurled her body, letting her feet hit the floor. “I’ll go back in now and let you have your privacy.”
“No, don’t go in.” I spoke without thinking about it. “You were here first.” I paused for a minute, and then added, “Do you want me to leave?”