Free Her Perfect Mismatch (A Town Named Eden Book 2) by Sonia Parin Page B

of the bets.”
    Eddie’s mouth gaped open. “Oh, this is precious. You’re rooting for him. Mitch has his own personal cheering squad…”
     
    * * *
     
    Mitch rested his rifle on the windowsill. He had an uninterrupted view of the back paddock. Nothing would escape his sights. “And that includes you, Mr. Bunny.” He made a clicking sound and smiled as the rabbit hopped away.
    He knew better than to get his hopes up. It would probably take him several sittings and long hours of surveillance before he caught the culprit. Also, the sun would be setting soon and without spotlights he wouldn’t be able to use his rifle. But he’d at least hear whatever was pilfering his rhubarb. He had no need for the toxic weeds. In fact, the thief was doing him a favor by stealing his crop. Best of all, he had something to complain about and take his mind off Elizabeth Charles.
    Thinking her name was enough to make him smile.
    That first day at the café…
    He sat back on his haunches and remembered how intensely focused she’d been on... not just eating that donut, but on proving something. She’d said her entire life and future were on the line. She’d needed to do it for herself. And then he’d seen it, right before she’d taken her first bite.
    A barrage of emotions. All piling up, trying to rise to the surface, clawing and pulling to gain poll position.
    Nothing he could have deciphered or understood. He only knew she’d been pulled every which way.
    Before he could put his finger on any one of the many emotions he’d seen crisscross her face, the healing power of sugar had worked its magic, the effects lasting long enough for her to move on and away from the indecision that had appeared to be plaguing her.
    When her eyes had dropped to his mouth—
    If he hadn’t shot to his feet, if he’d been responsive—
    “What exactly is the point?” Why dwell on something that hadn’t happened? He hadn’t allowed himself to respond. Despite the sweet temptation, he’d forced himself to do some moving on of his own. To stick to his guns. And ever since that first day, every encounter he’d had with her had tested his fortitude. He wouldn’t break. He couldn’t.
    “Oh, yeah? What about earlier?” It had happened again. He’d been on the verge of drawing her against him, all under the guise of offering a comforting hug. He’d given plenty of those in his life. Friendship hugs. Innocent gestures of support. But this time, he knew he would’ve wanted more. He’d needed to hold Elizabeth in his arms. To take that first step toward physical contact.
    He couldn’t even remember why he’d gone into the grocery store. He’d been walking along the main street...
    And then he’d spotted Elizabeth.
    Mitch closed his eyes, pressing them hard against the images parading through his mind. Something had reeled him in, a strong urge to be close to her, to engage with her in any way he could. If he didn’t take care, he’d turn into a stalker.
    “Give it a rest.”
    Digging inside his backpack, he pulled out a bottle of water and laughed at himself. His brothers were right. He was acting weird. But only because he hadn’t thought his plan through. Exactly how long did he think his stint as a celibate would last? Talk about jumping out of a plane without a parachute...
    “And so my watch begins.”
     
    * * *
     
    “What time did you get in last night?” Matthew asked.
    Mitch set his plate down on the table and eased into a chair. This time, he hadn’t taken any chances with his breakfast, ordering it himself. A man could only abstain from so much. It was enough he was refraining from indulging in casual sex. He saw no reason why his stomach should also suffer.
    “I only just got back.”
    “Did you bring a trophy back with you?”
    “I didn’t catch anything... or anyone.” And his vigil would have to be temporarily postponed. It was all hands on deck for the busiest nights of the week at the pub. No excuses. Friday