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The blonde ed and pointed back at the woodpile “Found it sticking out of there” Sure enough, a se stump “Lucky, eh?”

“Very,” she agreed

Without realizing it, they’d begun walking together Moving slowly in the direction of the house

“I’m Eric,” he said amiably “Eric Hanham” He offered his hand

“Melody,” she s it “Melody Larson”

“Pleased to meet you Melody Larson”

She sighed and shook her head in disagreement “Not half as pleased as I am to meet you”

The road to the house was fully shaded, and it felt good to be out of the sun Melody was still sweating, still shaking But at least she was safe

“I’m okay,” she said finally, as she took her arm fro deliberately slow, and appreciated the fact he was kind enough to match her pace

They passed a e house on the other A noise cathey would’ve done back when the place was built in the late 1700’s Apparently, with the plantation restored, it was going on again

A man stepped out from the barn just as they passed by, one with dark wavy hair that fell to his shoulders He was shirtless and glistening — every stretch of exposed skin was covered in a thin sheen of sweat It made his chest stand out His arms even more As she watched, he upended a bucket of water over his head, drenching himself completely

His eyes blinked open and caught Melody’s gaze The man did a double take, as if surprised by her sudden appearance

She waved at him to say hi Reluctantly at first, sheepishly, he raised one big arnal back

“Who’s that?”

“Hell if I know,” said Eric