Hay Season

Chapter 19

Mattie

I wanted to leave, but God wouldn't let me. ~ Susan Sanford ~

When you love someone, you want to give them the world. You want to reach as far as the sky will touch and place it in their hands. I can see it in his eyes, that same desire, but I only need him. I don't think he realizes it yet, but all I've ever needed was his love.

~Our Hometown of Dewbridge/Journal Entry by Mattie Mackey

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"I have something for you."

It's not shocking. He's one of the most considerate guys I've ever met, but when he pulls out a blindfold, I raise an eyebrow.

"Should I be worried?"

His lips curl up, and my heart stops. I love it when he gives me one of those sexy half-smiles. His full lips and the dimple on his left cheek always warm me.

"Do you trust me?"

Turning around so he can tie the fabric around me, I answer. "Always."

My body betrays me as his hands brush my face to put the material around my eyes. Numb excitement fills every inch of it. And because of that, I'm grateful when he picks me up and carries me to his truck. I'm not sure my feet would be much help right now. I let him fasten me in and pull out of the parking lot before I say anything.

"You realize we're leaving my car behind."

"Not for long. I've arranged for Darby to take it back to your house. Thomas is going to follow her."

Of course, that's what I get for leaving her a spare set. We exchanged them long ago in case one of us ever got into trouble.

"Wanna give me a hint?"

I bet he's smiling.

"What's the fun in that?"

"Fine, be that way."

He chuckles, and we fall into a comfortable silence. When the truck starts to hit several bumpy areas, I find myself sitting up.

"Is this where you take me deep into the woods and do away with me?"

"You watch too many crime shows, Mack."

We stop abruptly, causing me to reach for the door for support.

"You can never be too careful," I point out.

My ears pick up the sound of leaves crunching when Rylan opens his door and gets out. It's not long before he's swinging mine open and pulling me gently from my seat. He turns me around before untying the bandanna. Before lowering it, he whispers, "Ready?"

Because I'm afraid to speak, I nod. When it comes off, I'm left to face a rather old tree house. We're surrounded by woods. With dusk settling around us, the place looks like something from a horror film.

"And you say I watch too many crime shows," I tease.

"Ye of little faith."

I follow him to the bottom of the ladder and look skeptically at the way the workmanship is done. I wonder if the wood will hold us, but Rylan puts my fears to rest when he grabs hold and pulls himself up. It may look shabby, but the foundation is strong.

"What is this place?" I ask.

"Devin and Thomas helped me build it when we were kids. It's not far from our property line." He looks behind him to make sure I'm following him. I am.