Surprisingly, McKinnon came to her rescue on several occasions. He was knowledgeable and reasonable, and they seemed to respect his opinion. Maybe they just think I don't know anything because I'm a female. Pushing the negative thought aside, she carried out her inspections, aware that the weather was becoming even sultrier.
During lunch, a severe storm warning was issued for the area north east of Belleville. Charly decided to hurry through the next inspection, knowing that McKinnon was probably anxious to get home. There was bound to be a backlash of rain and wind on the Isle.
With the radio on, they listened to the updates as they drove to their next destination. The farm was situated on a back road quite some distance from Belleville, and wound through heavy bush. The trees were still, the sky a dull steel grey.
On reaching the farm, Charly didn't waste any time. She asked her questions, ran through her inspection and made her notes. She didn't skip any areas that needed checking on, and as the milking system was an older one, she went over to have a better look at the wiring on the milking machine motor housing. McKinnon had followed her around, and was standing over by the window. She leaned forward to check the wires, her back to him, and suddenly felt a jolt of sexual tension run through her. It was powerful, like a charge of electricity, and her body responded of its own accord.
Straightening slowly, she turned and looked at McKinnon. He was staring out the window, but the telltale flush along his cheekbones told her all she needed to know. So. The man wasn't as inhuman as he appeared. In fact, if that thought originated in his mind, and she knew it had, he was very human, and very susceptible to the sight of a female derriere in tight pants. Well, well, well!
The farmer was obviously concerned about the weather as well. He was letting the cattle out of the yard into a field away from the buildings and opening windows and doors to the barns. Charly knew that since the severe tornadoes in Woodstock and Barrie, farmers all over the province took warnings of severe weather very seriously now. She didn't like the feel of the weather. It was too quiet, too still. Nothing stirred, but the sky had an eerie hue to it and an aura that she could only describe as alive, although the clouds didn't appear to be moving.
Joining McKinnon at the car, she asked, "Can we beat it home?"
"I hope so." Just three words, but she knew he doubted it. "Would you like me to drive?"