The self-administered pep talk seemed to help, and she made her way to the salad bar, where she piled her plate with all her favourite things. As she seated herself at their table, she noticed that McKinnon was eating a steak sandwich and thought, suits you, and again looked down quickly as he again glanced sharply at her.

This is ridiculous! We're two grown people, having lunch together, and I'm acting like an idiot. I've got to break the ice somehow, but how? He hates women, he answers questions in monosyllables and he definitely doesn't want me to have this job. Oh, the hell with it. I can be rude too.

Ignoring him completely, she proceeded to eat her lunch, reviewing the next two farms in her mind. Once mentally involved, it was easy to carry on as though she were alone. The next two farms were dairy and beef, respectively, and she could see no reason why either one should pose any problem. But no doubt there were problems, or he wouldn't have chosen them.

"You didn't tell us you were getting married, Miss Benson." The statement brought her quickly out of her reverie, and she immediately noticed his eyes again fixed on her left hand.

"That's because I'm not, Mr. McKinnon." And besides, it doesn't happen to be any of your damn business anyway. Again he looked sharply at her and once more she had the feeling he could read her mind.

"Sorry. My mistake." And he returned to his meal, as though he hadn't spoken. But she caught him looking several more times at the diamond on her left hand.

Glancing at her watch, she finished her coffee and was planning to leave, when McKinnon ordered a piece of coconut cream pie, and she was forced to sit and wait while he ate it. Slowly, it seemed to her.

Paying for the meal on the way out, Charly asked for a receipt and filed it away. Once hired, she would be allowed expenses for mileage and meals, so why not think positively and start now? She noticed there was no comment from her shadow.

The next farm was well maintained, but it appeared that the bulk of the money went into the barns, equipment and outbuildings. As she approached the house, Charly noticed the beds of beautiful roses, but the building was old and needed some paint to freshen it up.

The reason for McKinnon's choice was evident as soon as the door was answered. The farmer's wife was young and pretty and probably not at all enthusiastic about another young female going into the barn with her husband. Well, no problem. After introducing herself and explaining her presence, Charly put her left hand up to her hair to push it back, turning slightly so the sun would catch her ring. At the same time, she commented on the roses with genuine interest, because she had been helping with her Dad's bushes for years.




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