Luke
After my run-in with Red, I decided to calm down by getting some more plants for my greenhouse. I’m the most laidback guy on the planet, but she’d pushed all my buttons, and it appeared I’d done the same to her. Rude, obnoxious, and a redhead to boot. Not. My. Type. Not after my last experience, anyway. Then why the hell couldn’t I get her out of my head? Man, you really need to get laid if you’re fantasising about her.
When I’d purchased my plants, I headed back to my plot. I heard a man and woman talking, along with the sound of light, female laughter. There was Red, talking to Toby like they were old friends. She looked so relaxed compared to when we’d had our altercation. It was like seeing a different person. I decided not to say a thing and headed for my greenhouse. She took that moment to look up. For one second, a beautiful smile played on her lips. That was until she spotted me. Her smile dropped, and her eyes narrowed.
I carried on walking until I was inside the greenhouse and focused on potting my plants. I’d got tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers, and some melons. I looked forward to watching them grow and eventually giving me some delicious produce.
There was a tap on the door. Toby stood there.
“You’re doing well with those, lad. You’ll get plenty of good food from them.”
I leant against one of the wooden shelves. “Yeah, I hope so. Where’s the red she-devil?”
Toby chuckled. “Fliss? She was a sweetheart when I spoke with her, which surprised me, if I’m honest. Perhaps she’s a bit of a loner. I’m prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt. I think you should too.”
“No wonder she’s a loner with a tongue like hers.”
Toby tutted. “Luke, that’s not like you at all. Wouldn’t hurt to give her a helping hand. I hear you didn’t offer to pull her up off the ground when she fell.” His tone was disapproving.
“Hey, I was about to when she launched her attack on me. All I did was call her Red.”
“Oh, dear.” He chuckled and rubbed his chin.
“Now what?”
“She hates nicknames relating to her hair.”
* * *
Felicity
After my tea and chat with Toby, I started digging over the part of the plot where my aunt wanted potatoes planting. I swore when I noticed a split in one nail. They were going to get destroyed working there. Maybe I should cut them down until my aunt came back.
Talking with Toby had settled me down. I’d forgotten how much he made me laugh. Actually, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much. Maybe this gardening gig wouldn’t be quite so bad… until Mr Hotness showed up. What was it about that man that got me riled up? Even thinking about it made me angry. I began to dig with more vigour.
“Hey, are you okay? You’re doing a great job of digging over the ground. I think maybe wearing different clothing and footwear, plus some gardening gloves might be better to work in, though.” He indicated to where I was still looking at my broken nail. He seemed genuine, but I didn’t know why he had to mention what I was wearing. Maybe the Sergeant Major had said something to him.
I looked over to see him watching me, his muscly arms crossed over his chest. He really did appear to be concerned, but for some reason, this only wound me up more.
It’s because he’s gorgeous and you don’t want to admit it.
“Are you being serious, or is this a wind up?”
“Well, look at you.” He made a pointed stare up and down my body, which caused a little tremor inside me.
I couldn’t be reeled in by a handsome face.
“Oh, I’m sorry, is there a dress code? Am I not allowed to wear nail polish or a tracksuit? Hang on, I’ll check my aunt’s notes.” I allowed cynicism to drip from my words.
He threw his head back and laughed. Oh, if I could have got away with whacking him with my spade, I would have been tempted.
“Nah, not really. Although, having a manicure when you’re working on the land is a bit silly. Oh, and old jeans and a pair of wellies would be better suited… or don’t you have any?”
I gritted my teeth, my knuckles going white as I gripped the spade tighter. The fantasy of thwacking him rolled around inside my head. Easy, Fliss.
“It’s none of your business what I wear or how I work on my aunt’s plot. May I suggest you get on with yours and leave me be? Oh, and one other thing.”
“What?” He raised his eyebrows.