Free Seasons of Love by Elizabeth Goddard

I was just about to stick something in the oven. That is, if I could find anything.”
    His relaxed tone soothed her nerves. It pleased her that he seemed to care about the farm and was taking it seriously. Though she understood the reason he gave—that he felt he owed it to John—she found it hard to accept that sort of concern, kindness. But Riley wanted to believe him. She couldn’t help but like Zane.
    “You’re going to spoil me if you keep this up. First the mechanic, then the laptop, and now pizza! What next?”
    The spark in his eyes sent a thrill through her. To avoid his gaze, she wet a cloth at the kitchen sink then began wiping Chad off in his high chair, though she mused that hosing him down might be a better choice.
    “Riley?” Her stomach swirled at the way he said her name. She closed her eyes. She needed to rein in her emotions now if she was going to make it through this evening.
    He continued even though she hadn’t answered him. “If it would make you feel more comfortable, you and Chad could freshen up while I clean up the dishes. Besides, your grandfather hasn’t eaten. I can visit with him while I wait.”
    The man thought of everything. Though Riley loved his considerate nature, her grandmother’s words flitted through her mind.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
She thrust the negative thought away and turned to face Zane.
    Grandpa whistled as he strolled through the living room and into the kitchen. “I smell pizza.” His eyes widened, and he smiled with pleasure as he stuck out his hand to Zane. “Well, what do you know? Did you bring those pizzas? You might give my Riley some competition if you’re not careful.”
    Riley smiled at her grandfather’s teasing reference to her cooking, or lack thereof, and offered him a plate of the Italian food. “Grandpa, I need to get cleaned up and so does Chad. You don’t mind visiting with Zane while I do that, do you?”
    “Not at all. He’s a fine young man.”
    Riley pulled an unwilling Chad out of his chair. “Come on, sweetie, don’t you want to take a bath?” She headed up the stairs, trying to decide how to keep her eye on him while she cleaned up.
    Zane’s unexpected appearance was a pleasant surprise. But she reminded herself that she wasn’t exactly the best judge of character. She’d spent over a year with a self-centered control freak, all the while thinking he was her dream come true. Riley groaned. Zane’s interest was a business one, connected to her brother, and she shouldn’t allow her thoughts to venture anywhere else.
    She entered the bathroom with Chad, turned on the water to ready his bath, and grinned.
At least until I get to know him better.

    Riley descended the stairs into the living room. After his bath, she’d given Chad to the men to watch while she washed up. Grandpa lounged in his recliner watching a game show, his eyelids drooping. He’d probably retire to his room soon. Zane sat on the sofa, a sleeping Chad leaning against his arm. He smiled as she approached but appeared tense. She wasn’t sure if he was afraid of waking Chad or if she’d taken too long to get ready.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you wait.” Riley paused in the center of the room, looking at the occupied recliner and sofa. The only place left to sit was next to Zane. “You really don’t have to stay.”
    Zane furrowed his brows and stared at her as if trying to read her meaning. “I don’t want to keep you from doing anything.”
    “No, it’s all right. We can talk about the farm. Right, Grandpa?” she asked.
    In response, her grandfather rose from his exhausted stupor. He turned to grasp Zane’s hand and shake it. “It was nice chatting with you, son. I’ve got an early morning, and it’s my bedtime.”
    They bade Grandpa good night. Riley hoped they wouldn’t wake the sleeping boy. She sat in the warm chair her grandfather had vacated but noticed it wasn’t positioned in a way conducive to