He paused for a moment, as if unsure of how his words would sound. “I’m finishing up business school in the city, and I work on my parents’ farm.”
Her face lit up with surprise. “A farm? In New York? What kind of farm?”
“It’s upstate…a dairy farm. We have some orchards, too. I like to help out my dad when I can.” He smiled at her and cocked his head in the most charming way.
“You’re way too hot to be a farmer,” she flirted.
“Oh, really? How many farmers do you know?”
She laughed, then shrugged. “Counting you?”
“Sure. Counting me.”
“One.” She smiled and her face crinkled up. “Do you like farming? I mean is that what you want to do?”
He laughed at the simplicity of her question. “I do. The farm has been in my family for generations and I want to keep it that way. That’s why I’m taking these classes. We have to keep up with the times, you know?”
Caroline warmed, the heat of desire and respect coursing through her veins. “I love how proud you are. And respectful. It’s very attractive.” He blushed and averted his eyes. She continued to compliment him. “You’re smart, passionate, and determined. I really respect that.”
He smiled gently. “Thank you.” Longing to change the subject he asked, “What about you? What do you do?”
“I’m a marketing assistant for JD Walters,” she said proudly.
He cocked his head. “Am I supposed to know who that is?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Not in your line of work. He’s one of the best print ad photographers in San Francisco.”
“What does that mean? Print ads…like magazines, billboards, and stuff?”
“Exactly. Guess you’re not all body and no brains after all,” she teased.
“Oh, no no no. I’m definitely all body.” He smiled at her.
“My best friend, Bailey, works there too; I’ve known her since high school. She got me the job, actually.”
“You have good friends.”
“The best,” she smiled.
“Is that where you’re from?”
“Where? San Francisco?” Her expression soured. “God, no. I’m from Southern California. I just moved to Nor Cal for work.”
“That’s…” He paused as he struggled to find the right word. “Convenient.”
“I guess so.” Caroline smiled. “When’s your birthday?”
He cocked an eyebrow at her. “January 17th. Why?”
“Just wondering,” she said while her shoulders lifted. “So, what does that make you? A Capricorn?”
He nodded. “I think so. When’s your birthday?”
“July 2nd. I’m a Cancer,” she informed him.
“Yeah, you are,” he responded playfully.
“You’re the cancer! You’re like a growth or something.” She crinkled her nose at him.