The Fifth Season by Julie Korzenko Read Free Book Online

see.” She wagged a finger at Emma. “He’ll come around and then maybe I’ll be your boss one day.” Tilly giggled, grating on Emma’s nerves.
    “Put the receipt for these items in the office, Tilly. I’m going to work in the barn.” Emma saw the disgusted eye roll the woman tossed at her but avoided the biting retaliation forming on her lips. The barn was an important aspect of River Run. The children adored playing with the animals, not to mention the abundance of fresh eggs her hens provide.
    Pocahontas, rooting in the barnyard, greeted her with happy little grunts, and she bent over to scratch behind the pig’s ears. She was old, and Emma feared she’d not make another winter, which might be the best. What would happen to her if Emma left?
    “We’ll not think about that, Pokey, will we?” she said.
    “Think about what?” Stone asked.
    “How do you do that?”
    “What?”
    “Sneak up on people. It’s very disconcerting.” Emma straightened, brushing green slime off her sleeve where Pocahontas had snuffled against her arm.
    “That’s gross,” he said pointing at her hand.
    “She’s a pig. It’s no different than wiping goop out of your dog’s eye.”
    Stone closed his eyes, shook his head then opened them to gaze at her in amazement. “Are you some type of bunny hugger?”
    “No,” she frowned. “We don’t have rabbits. Well, we did, but the coyotes got ‘em. It wasn’t a pretty sight.”
    He snorted and waved his hand at her.
    “What?” she asked.
    “I wasn’t referring to cuddling rabbits. A bunny hugger is an animal activist. I’m a bit surprised you didn’t know that?”
    Emma bristled. Granted, she didn’t follow the news much, it scared her. But she’d always thought of herself as relatively well informed and in tune with things. This was idiotic. “That’s not really a term I hear on a daily basis. Sorry if I disappointed you.”
    He sighed. “Look, let’s please try and get along. We need to show a united front before the employees.”
    “I think we’re getting along just fine. Want to help set up for tomorrow?”
    “What’s tomorrow?”
    “The arrival of the twin terrors.”
    “What?”
    “The Bakers have two twin boys. This’ll be their third visit in two years.”
    “And?”
    “The boys are mean to animals.”
    “Then why let them out here?” Stone leaned against the side of the barn and stared at her.
    “Because they’re our guests.”
    “I don’t understand. Just tell them they’re not allowed near the animals.”
    “That’s diplomatic.” She didn’t try to hide her sarcasm and attempted to walk past him, but he stopped her. She was close enough to smell the spicy scent of his cologne. Tilting her head up, she gazed into his face.
    Time stopped.
    His eyes were warm, dark blue and curious. They bore into her soul, searching for something. Emma’s heart caught. And she panicked. Who was this man?
    “Don’t go,” he said, his voice barely audible.
    “I’ve things to do.”
    He nodded, his eyes suddenly clouding over and retreating back to their normal steel. “What do you want me to do?”
    She swallowed and stepped back, putting distance between them. Emma didn’t understand these emotions, and honestly, she figured she’d never understand them. Better to ignore everything.
    “Pocahontas’s pen needs to be reinforced with another four by six and the lock switched to the inside, out of reach of little hands.”
    “Porkie’s got a pen?”
    She glared and pointed to the end of the barn. “Pokey’s room is just down that way. She’ll show you the way.” Sure enough, Pocahontas trotted down the aisle and opened her door for Stone. He shook his head and followed.
    Emma mucked stalls, rewired gaps in the chicken coop and made sure all gates had double locks. She attempted to ignore the presence of Stone, but his muttered expletives made her smile. “Quite a creative vocabulary you have there.”
    “What?” He called from the back of