I expected Tanner to jump at the chance, but instead he hesitated. "Oh, I dunno, Mr. Long. I've got other yards to get to today. Maybe some other time?"

I was momentarily thrown off. I thought this would be the easy part. Tanner must have been afraid that Amanda would blame him for the intrusion.

"Oh, nonsense. We'll be fast. Besides, I've got an extra bonus for you for doing such a good job all summer. C'mon, let's go." I said, making my way back to the house.

Tanner again hesitated, but finally he followed me towards the house. The two of us crossed onto the porch and then made...