Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 101398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
But when I attempt to discreetly plug one of my fingers into my ear to shield myself from the pain, someone bumps my elbow from behind and I nearly poke myself in the eye instead.
“Shit. I’m sorry,” a husky male voice fills my ears, and a gentle hand touching my shoulder follows. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” I turn to face him. “No worries,” I add, and I have to lift my eyes upward to meet his chocolate-brown gaze.
“You sure?” he questions with an apologetic, but also very striking, smile. This guy, for all intents and purposes, is attractive. He’s tall with a slender build, and his jaw appears strong beneath his light-brown beard.
“Positive.” I nod. “It’s crowded in here tonight. Surely a few bumps and jolts are expected.”
“I don’t think we’ve met before.” His smile grows as he offers his hand. I take it. “I’m Tad Hanson.”
So, this is the hot farmer Josie told me about…
“Nice to meet you. I’m Norah Ellis.”
“Ellis? As in, you’re Josie’s sister?” he asks, and I confirm with a little nod. “So, you’re the new girl working at CAFFEINE that I keep hearing so much about?”
“Uh-oh. I can only imagine what was being said. I’m pretty much the world’s worst barista.” I snort and wince at the same time. “Lucky for Josie, I recently got a new job, and her coffee shop is no longer at risk from me accidentally burning it down.”
“A new job?” he asks and leans his hip against the bar. “Sounds like congratulations are in order. Let me buy you another glass of wine to celebrate.”
“Thank you,” I say, waving him off with my hand, “but that’s not necessary.”
“I insist.” He smirks and proceeds to flag down a bartender named Marty, letting him know to refill my glass of Pinot when he gets a chance. “So…” Tad turns back to me. “What’s the job we’re celebrating?”
“Um…” I pause, suddenly feeling protective over Bennett’s privacy. Sure, my sister and Clay know I’m working for him, but I don’t know what the rest of the town knows. And while Tad Hanson might seem like a nice guy, I don’t know him from Adam. “It’s just an assistant position but pays pretty well.”
“Nice.” He grins. “Who are you—”
“You know, from what Josie has said, your sheep have quite a history with the town,” I cut him off with a teasing smirk before he can ask me more questions I don’t feel comfortable answering.
Tad’s responding smile is equal parts apologetic. “Uh-oh. Is she still mad about last week?”
Last week, Josie had a little run-in with Tad’s sheep. She was trying to get home from the coffee shop, and they were determined to stand in the middle of Main Street. Apparently, it took her a good fifteen minutes in the rain to herd them back toward the pastures.
She came home that night drenched, covered in mud, and madder than a hornet.
“I wouldn’t say she’s still mad, but she definitely wasn’t happy with you when she got home that evening.”
“I figured as much.” Tad grimaces. “Honestly, I’ve been trying to hire more help, but it’s been difficult. It’s just me and my brother Randy and far too much work.”
“I actually saw your job ad at Earl’s when I was on my employment search.”
“Wait…” He grins and tilts his head to the side. “You saw my posting, and you didn’t try to apply for the job?”
“No offense, but I’d be worse at shearing sheep than I was at barista-ing.” I eye him with a knowing but tickled smile. “Honestly, you should be thankful that I steered clear of your sheep. They’re better off.”
Tad’s responding laugh is infectious as bartender Marty sets down a fresh glass of wine and just-opened bottle of beer in front of us.
“Appreciate it, man.” Tad hands him a credit card. “And you can keep it open.”
Marty just nods and heads over to the cash register, and I finish off the last few sips from my first glass of wine before setting it back on the bar.
“So, Norah, I have to ask you the most important question of the night…”
“Okay…?”
“When do I get to hear you sing?” Tad asks, and a giggle spills from my lips.
“Sing? As in, karaoke?”
He nods.
“Well, I guess that depends.”
His eyes are intrigued. “On what?”
“On how much liquid courage I manage.”
A secret smile etches Tad’s lips, and he grabs bartender Marty’s attention again with a wave of his hand. “Norah’s drinks are on my tab tonight!”
“What?” I laugh. Outright. “Are you trying to get me drunk, Tad Hanson?”
“No, I’m not trying to get you drunk.” He winks at me. “I’m just trying to make sure a beautiful woman has a good time tonight.”
Is it just me, or am I being sweet-talked by a hot sheep farmer right now?
It feels good to be flirted with.