The smirk turned a little wicked. “You have no idea.”
His whole body flushed, but he jerked his chin at her, cocky. “Is this part of the game, or are you offering to prove it?”
Faith lowered her leg, looking flustered. “Um…”
“Faith?” her mom called from inside. “Time to get ready for church!”
Kyle sighed inwardly. My big fat mouth. Jesus. “Part of the game, then. Okay, I’m up for playing. I’m afraid it’s going to be pretty warm this afternoon. I might just have to work without my shirt on.”
“You’re a mess,” she said, but she smiled, and it lit him up inside. It was such a real smile—nothing behind it but happiness and a little mischief. “But if that’s your offer, I’ll have to find that telescope my uncle got me for Christmas in seventh grade.”
He took a step closer to the screen window. “Or you could come sit out here, drink an iced tea, watch the show.”
She looked at him through lowered eyelashes. “I do enjoy a nice glass of sweet tea.”
This girl was going to send him into orbit. She flirted like a pro—how did she end up with Cameron? He was an empty skull in football pads. “Shade’s nice out here, too.”
Faith paused, about to say something, but her mother called, “Faith! We’re leaving in thirty minutes. Let Kyle get back to work and go change!”
Faith jumped, looking guilty. “Coming!” She gave him a quick nod. “I’ll see you this afternoon. Keep that brashness going—you’re going to meet my best friend and she’s not for the faint of heart.”
“Looking forward to it,” he said, surprised she was willing to introduce him to people. Then again, the friend probably knew the deal. “Have fun at church.”
“I will.” And it sounded like she meant it. “See you later.”
She went inside, leaving him feeling like he’d taken a right hook to the jaw. Faith wasn’t exactly what he expected. And that could be dangerous.
Wonderful, but dangerous.
After running to the nursery to drop off the branches he’d cut up—and to barter for a bunch of mulch—Kyle sat in his truck eating a hamburger. The backyard looked less like a disaster area. There was still some demo work to do, but he’d be able to start planting tomorrow.
The Gladwells’ car pulled past him into the driveway. He hopped out of his truck as Mrs. Gladwell, wearing a rose-colored dress complete with a string of pearls and a matching purse, came walking over. Faith flashed him a little smile over her mother’s shoulder. She’d changed into a pale blue sundress and a white sweater. Definitely church wear, but she made it look good. Shaking her head at his staring, she chuckled and disappeared into the house.
“So, how’s it going?” Mrs. Gladwell asked.
“Good. I’ll be ready to shop for plants tomorrow. Anything you’d like?”
“I trust you.” She turned toward a man in suit. He had Faith’s eyes, but where she was tall and lean like her mother, he was stocky and compact. “Kyle, this is my husband.”
“Mr. Gladwell.” He held out a hand to shake, realizing too late he had a streak of mustard from his hamburger on his palm. He pulled it back quickly. “Sorry. I’m kind of a mess.”
“No worries. Any high schooler who can handle a chain saw like you is okay in my book.” He smiled. “Not a lot of guys your age are willing to work like that.”
Kyle shrugged, embarrassed. “I enjoy it. Um…” Ugh, he hated this part. “I’ll need to know your budget, so I don’t go too crazy with the plants.”
“It’s entirely up to you.” Mrs. Gladwell smiled. “Like I said, I trust you.”
Mr. Gladwell made a face. “Keep it under five thousand if you can.”
Kyle nodded. That wouldn’t be hard. “Yes, sir.”
“Oh, you know what?” Mrs. Gladwell said, a twinkle in her eye. “We can give Faith the credit card and she can go with him to buy everything. That way he won’t have to wait for us to reimburse him.”
Mr. Gladwell nodded. “Good idea.”
They walked up to the house, and Kyle leaned against the truck door. Had they just offered to let their daughter go with him to shop for plants…like it was a date? Huh.
He grabbed a notebook and went to the backyard to sketch out some plans. Faith was waiting on the steps, having already changed into a pair of leggings and a T-shirt.
“Your parents just offered to send you plant shopping with me tomorrow.”
She cocked her head. “You make it sound like they offered you a dowry and my hand in marriage.”
A tiny thrill ran down his back. He walked over and stood a foot away from her. “What kind of dowry are we talking?”
She stood up slowly. “Two cows, a sheep, and four wheels of aged cheddar. Interested?”
He stroked his chin, considering. From her place on the first step, her eyes were even with his. They were deep brown, with flecks of gold around the pupils. Warm, kind eyes that swallowed you whole. “Four whole wheels of cheddar. That’s a pretty good offer.”