Devil in Quarantine ~**FIRST HALF COMPLETE**~ Conclusion will be up in 3 days!

Chapter FourDay One

Clara

I am about to read Tristan's book and my butt has just found its comfy spot on my porch swing when I see a truck come into my yard. Not just any truck, but this shiny black, top of the notch, must-have-been expensive one. Holding back a sigh, I remain seated in my chair. I refuse to budge from my just found spot especially with the little wine buzz floating around in my head.

James rolls down his window and squints my way while resting his elbow along with the door. His warm brown eyes twinkle as his fingers tap on his door. "Thought I'd catch you on your porch. I wanted to check in."

"All is well on the homefront James." Pouring some more wine, trying to forget someone's in my house in some online meeting. Who has meetings on a Friday night?

"Nice, so, I wanted to ask you for a favor." James rubs his neck, hating to ask for anything since he's always the gentleman.

"What's up?"

"You feel like baling hay tomorrow? I am down some workers with this damn quarantine, so it would help me out. I'd save some for you too, for payment."

To have some bales of hay in return for labor sounds like a plan for me. I'd save a lot of money on food for my animals.

"They announced rain tonight. Will it be dry enough by this weekend?" I begin to rock my swing with my foot and catch James eyeing my legs in my jean shorts.

"Eyes up here, LeBeau." I make the gesture to my face, pretending to be serious, when in fact, we always did flirt a little together. Why not? There weren't that many single men our age around here.

James laughs and shakes his head, "You can't blame a man for looking, Squirt. Besides, I saw you checking me out that time at the river."

Referring to the time we went skinny dipping last summer, I guffaw. "Nah, not checking you out, but wondering how you could shrink SO much." I laugh when he sputters.

"You know damn well the water was cold that day!" I burst out laughing now and my laughter halts when James looks pointedly at the screen door. Tristan is standing just outside and I didn't even hear him join us.

Tristan remains inside, still as a statue, "Am I interrupting anything?" he asks quietly He isn't interrupting anything, it's just a regular chat with an old friend. James is a local farmer who rents out my land to grow different produce and hay on. But why do I feel this weird bubble in my stomach right now? I was talking about James' junk, but we were joking like we always did. But for Tristan to walk in at this part of the conversation, I feel awkward. I hate feeling awkward.

At my silence, Tristan's face hardens and turns around to leave us, but James stops him. "No, man. You ain't interrupting anything. We were just shooting the shit. That's what me and Squirt do. I'm James LeBeau, I'd shake your hand, but we're in quarantine and all that."

Tristan nods in salute. "Tristan Black," he says before falling silent. James just looks at me in question.

I ignore James' questioning glance. I jump up and open the screened door, forcing Tristan to join us. "Mr. Black is an author I work with, James. He's down from the city to do some research for his book. With the quarantine locking us in, he will be staying for the next 2 weeks."

"Well then," James' eyes twinkle and I know what's coming, "I have just the best idea to help with your research, Mr. Black. If you're looking into farm work, that is."

"Don't you dare. He's a city boy, he can't do it. It will just slow us down." Feeling like I could stomp my foot I remember I'm too old for this shit. This is my farm now, and I don't want to be around Tristan more than I have to be. Especially in the middle of the field, trying to get work done. Plus, I'm hoping it gives us more distance, so we can pretend like the other doesn't exist for the next 14 days. I am about to open my mouth and say no when Tristan beats me to it.