I rubbed the base of my neck. “Sorry about the way I acted earlier. I just have a lot on my mind, and I wasn’t really looking forward to giving someone a kiddy tour.” I hoped Grace accepted my apology.
“I bet. Anything I can help with while I’m here?” Grace’s face softened, and her eyes twinkled in the sunlight that filtered through the leaves. I fought the urge to reach out and tuck back the stray lock of hair blowing across her face.
“Not really. Ty, one of the other ranch hands, ended up making it to town without me so he could get the supplies we needed.”
Grace tilted her head slightly to the side.
“Someone left a spoon in the sink, and now we need a new garbage disposal. Plus, we needed other stuff from the general store.” I added with a shrug.
“Will you be able to fix it by yourself?”
“Of course. Living on a ranch, you are your own handyman.” The corner of my mouth ticked up.
“Wow. I guess I never thought about it like that. There must not be much you can’t do.”
Were her cheeks turning pink, or was it the lighting?Did she feel the same desire, the same connection I felt?
I cleared my throat. “We should see what Jessie packed us.”
“Yes, please. I’m famished.” She smiled and rubbed her hands together.
I chuckled. She was too cute. Her enthusiasm was infectious. I felt lighter in her presence, and I got the urge to show her more of my favorite spots just to see her reaction. I walked over to where the horses were grazing and removed the saddlebags from Jameson’s saddle and then went over to Storm and removed the ones he was carrying, too.
Grace took what looked like a picnic blanket from another bag on her saddle and spread it out under the tree. I handed her one of the bags, and we started unpacking lunch.
I pulled out a container filled with strawberries, another with finger sandwiches, and another with some sort of cookie or pastry. I looked over at Grace to see her pull out a bottle of wine. She glanced at me and lifted a brow.
Oh shit. Why did all this give me a subtle feeling of a date? What the hell was Liam playing at? He knew I still struggled with wanting to be in a relationship after what happened with Hannah.
My cheeks and ears burned under her scrutiny. “It’s not what it looks like. I had nothing to do with this.” I threw my hands up in surrender. As her lips turned down into a frown, I wondered if she actually believed me.