He didn’t think she had started her own weed business, or had she? There was no doubt she had a green thumb. He started to ask, but foreseeing that she would tell him to mind his own business, he decided to find out for himself. It shouldn’t take much to do so; Cash was a master on the computer. He would be able to see where her money was coming from and if it was legal. If there was no trail, then he would have his question answered.
“Are you growing the plants to be a new food source?” Cash joked.
“No.” Her serious expression had his smile disappearing at the determination in her expression. “To purify it. With all the mining, a lot of the wells that most of the people still use are tainted; the plants can purify it and make it clean drinking water again. I’m also seeing how they do with water that’s been polluted with oil spills.”
Cash was impressed with her explanation.
Holy fuck. She was attempting to do what scientists with doctorate degrees had been attempting to do for years. The last big oil spill had resulted in booming business for those who had developed cutting-edge techniques to remove the oil. The possibilities were endless. Developing countries with contaminated water supplies would also benefit. However, the chance of a mountain girl with only a high school education of finding such a discovery was almost nil.
“I can tell you don’t think I can do it.” When he opened his mouth, she raised her hand in the air. “Don’t deny it. I can see it on your face.” She looked down at her plate, hiding her expression. “I went away to college for a couple of semesters. One of the first classes I took was aquaculture. It opened my eyes to how many lives are affected by polluted water. Even Treepoint isn’t exempt. Most people in the mountains still depend on well water that’s contaminated or have streams that are.”
“Shit.”
“So, even though everyone thinks it’s a waste of my time, it’s mine to waste.” Her eyes stared into his with determination.
Cash put his fork down. “I wasn’t being snide. I can tell you have a deep interest in what you’re doing.” Whichever way he turned, he felt like he was taking a step farther away from the woman he was becoming more and more intrigued by.
Seeing she was finished eating, he tried to save the date he was sure she was anxious to get over. He felt like he was bombing the only chance he had with her.
“Let’s go into the lounge for a drink.” Cash paid their ticket before they moved into the lounge area where King had made the atmosphere more intimate with a bar and dance floor. The booths were more romantic and the lights more subtle.
This time, when Rachel slid in the booth, he slid in beside her, leaving her no choice except to move over to allow him to sit next to her. She cast him a startled look as she scooted as far away as the seat would allow.
Cash ordered them both beers as they sat, listening to the music. He was about to ask her to dance when a familiar voice waylaid him.
“May I join you?” King sat down across from them without waiting for their reply. While his darkly amused gaze studied them, Cash threw him a quelling look.
“Hello, Rachel. It’s good to see you again.”
“It’s nice to see you again, King.” Rachel’s blush showed her embarrassment. “How are you liking Treepoint?”
King’s harsh face softened. “Unexpectedly well. I’m enjoying being married and looking forward to my first grandchild. The restaurant is doing well; it keeps me out of Evie’s hair.”
“She hasn’t managed to get you on a bike yet?”
“Occasionally. I won’t let her ride with me until I get more experienced.” Cash and Shade had both been riding with King to teach him the skills needed to be a safe. He was proving to be a good rider; his reflexes and strength were making him a natural.
“I don’t imagine there isn’t much you can’t accomplish.” Rachel’s compliment had Cash’s hand tightening on his beer bottle.
“Evie wouldn’t agree with that statement,” he said wryly. “She thinks I’m a clutz around the house.”
Rachel’s laughter bubbled over at his expression; Cash couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed in his presence. This date was going even further down the crapper with King’s appearance.
“Evie is in the kitchen. If you want to go say hi, it’s just through that door,” King directed.
“I think I will. Lily said she went over to Willa’s to check up on her last night. She hasn’t been answering my calls.”
After Cash stood up, letting her out of the booth, he resumed his seat, throwing King a disgruntled look.
“Don’t look at me that way. I don’t know what you’re doing, but that poor girl seems miserable.”
Cash’s shoulders slumped. “I agree.” He ran his hand through his hair, messing up the neat appearance. “I don’t know where I’m fucking up.”
“Perhaps because you’re not being yourself, so she can’t be,” King advised.
Cash went quiet, thinking about his words.
“Listen, I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I do know that isn’t the same woman who I met flirting with me at the diner, nor is she the woman I saw saving my ass when Lily and I were trapped by Digger.”