Read Online Dandelions on the Road by Brooke Williams - Free Book Online

Eva, do you have anything to say?” Brian took a step back.
    “Thanks again for being here. I’m anxious to enjoy this beautiful day with you and spend time getting to know one another.”
    Eva glanced back at Brian who shifted his hand toward the trail.
    “Shall we?” Eva held her hands out to the men.
    Harris raised his fist in the air. “Let’s do this!”
    Eva appreciated his enthusiasm. She took a second to inspect each man. Mitch wore tight jeans, a large belt buckle, and his cowboy hat. She wondered what his hair looked like underneath. Adam looked well groomed with a collared shirt and tailored jeans. Owen had on shorts and a t-shirt with a musical note logo. And Carlos’s tight black shirt and jeans fit him all too well. Eva was going to enjoy this hike…and the view.
    As the group started down the trail, Eva quickly realized the hike would be slower than her normal pace. There a lot of them on the narrow trail and cameras surrounded them. Plus, Brian fell at the back to follow along and conduct interviews as they went. It was awkward, at best.
    The men jockeyed for position and Eva found Harris next to her. She hadn’t talked to him long on the first night, but he had a dramatic flair that caught her eye.
    She and Harris chatted about their jobs and what they liked to do in their spare time. Before long, Mitch sidled up to the pair.
    “Excuse me, ma’am, may I butt in for a bit?”
    Eva chortled. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to how he talked. It wasn’t just the accent, but also the way he said things. It was endearing.
    “I’d love to chat with you, Mitch.”
    Harris took a step back and let Mitch take over the conversation with Eva. They talked about the beautiful day and then Eva asked him about his work.
    “I’m a rancher, believe it or not,” Mitch admitted.
    “Oh I believe it.”
    “I grew up down south on my daddy’s ranch. It’s been passed down from generation to generation, but I came up here for college and started working a farm south of Omaha. The owner passed away a few years ago and left the ranch to me. I call it home now. Love it like a family member.”
    Eva smiled. Mitch was sweet and she appreciated his love for the land. She imagined what it would be like if his family were to visit and surround her with their accents.
    “Do you ever feel like you’re in a foreign country?” she asked.
    Mitch’s grin widened as he tipped his hat at the brim. “All the time. Ya’ll talk different up here. Want a pop? ” he put on a Midwestern accent.
    Eva laughed. “Is that what we sound like?”
    “Darn tootin’.”
    The walk down the trail was anything but strenuous, but Eva was glad. It gave her a chance to focus on each man and study the chemistry she had with him.
    “It’s been nice talking to you, Mitch. I better give one of the other guys a little time.”
    “Just holler when you need me.”
    “I’ll do that.”
    As Mitch dropped back, Eva wondered if his accent would rub off on her if she spent enough time with him.
    Adam moved up next to her. He looked uncomfortable.
    “What do you think of the park?” Eva asked.
    “I have to admit, I’m more of a city guy.”
    “Have an office job?”
    “Is it that obvious?”
    Eva was just about to ask what he did for a living when a rustling sound in the leaves just off the trail in front of her caught her attention. She stopped, halting the men behind her. The cameras swiveled and the entire group watched the leaves moving back and forth. Eva took a step back.
    “Snake!”
    Before Eva could react, Harris’ arm shoved her aside. She landed against a firm chest and two solid arms wrapped around her. She watched in horror as Harris threw himself to the ground, into the leaf pile beside the trail. Her jaw dropped as Harris rolled first one way and then the other, fighting an unseen snake.
    A petrified squirrel burst from under the leaf pile and exploded up a tree, chittering the whole way. Harris continued to roll