My Apple Farmer (Man Card Book 8)

by Terra Kelly

  My Apple Farmer

  Man Card Book Eight

  Terra Kelly

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  A note from the author

  Join TK’s Newsletter!

  About the Author

  Also by Terra Kelly

  Books by T.M. Kelly

  Acknowledgments

  Synopsis

  My sister’s best friend is back in town and working on the farm. It shouldn’t mean a thing, I’ve known her for years.

  Then she flashed her heart-stopping smile and I knew I was screwed.

  I thought my feelings for her were one-sided, until the night she proved me wrong.

  Now’s my chance to get what I’ve always wanted. Her.

  The man card series is a collection of short stories that are full of steamy romance. You're guaranteed that perfect happy ending and a cupboard full of sweets from all the cravings.

  One

  Levi

  “Whoa, wait a minute,” I said and stepped into the barn. “There’s already enough crap stacked up in here. Why are you adding to my family’s collection?” The mystery woman had her back facing me and was holding a large box. I just happened to find her unloading her shit. Her hair was up in a messy bun on the top of her head and she was wearing a dark green sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed up past her elbows.

  “Crap,” the mystery woman said as she stumbled trying to steady the box and slowly turned to face me. She finally sat the box down and covered her mouth. “Crap, is that what you call all this?” She dropped her hand and I realized who was standing in front of me. Olivia Hart. My sister’s best friend and the woman I had a crush on since I was sixteen years old. Okay, if I was being honest, my crush went back a lot farther.

  “Are my eyes deceiving me?” I took a few steps forward. “Livy?”

  “God, I haven’t heard that name in years.” She smiled and shoved her hands in her pockets. “Levi Appleton. You’re still out here working?”

  “It is my family’s farm. I figured I’d better stick around.”

  “True, you wouldn’t want to piss anyone off.”

  “Should I ask about the box?” I pointed to the item on the ground next to Olivia’s feet.

  “Your sister gave the okay.” She shrugged her shoulders and bent down to pick it back up.

  “Let me help,” I bent down a little too quickly and we bumped foreheads. “Shit,” I mumbled and lifted back up. “Where does it go?” I rubbed my forehead and attempted to pick it up again.

  “I was going to take it back to my car.” She reached for it but I moved my body away. “Levi, what are you doing?”

  “Autumn gave the go ahead, so where do you need me to put it?” I knew the barn was busting at the seams, but my sister would make sure I heard about this shit for years to come if I didn’t help.

  “Behind the green tractor,” my sister yelled from the doorway. “Such a gentleman.” Autumn walked up beside me and patted my back. “Why don’t you help me like this?”

  “What are you talking about? I help you all the time.” I stepped around the large wheel on the tractor and sat the box on a pallet with three other boxes. “Looks like I missed some of the fun.” I tapped the top of one of the boxes and turned to face Olivia and Autumn. “You’re moving back to Charlotte?”

  “I was thinking about it.” Olivia winked and turned to leave. “If I can find the right job.”

  “Her background is marketing. We both studied the same things but different schools.” Autumn wrapped her arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder. “She really needs a job.”

  “Why are you giving me puppy dog eyes? Ask Dad.” I shook my head and pushed her off.

  “Ask me what?” Zinger said and leaned his tall frame on the side of the barn.

  “Looks like Olivia is back in town and needs a job.” I blew off the conversation like it was no big deal and walked back to the tractor. “I need to finish trimming the trees before it gets too late.” When I stepped my foot onto the first rung someone touched my forearm.

  “Thank you for helping.” Olivia was standing an inch away from me. All the memories started to come back one after another. “I really appreciate it.” She didn’t wait for me to say anything, she turned and left.

  “Sure,” I said and stepped up onto the tractor.

  Olivia and Autumn were inseparable growing up. I couldn’t remember a time in my life when Livy wasn’t around. Her mother worked a lot, so we took up the slack. My mom loved Livy like one of her own. I really don’t remember when my crush started, but it lasted for a few years. Well, it lasted until she left town.

  The gorgeous brunette had not popped in my mind in a long time.

  “Levi,” someone smacked the side of my leg. “Hey.”

  “What?” I turned the engine back off.

  Autumn rolled her eyes. “Can Livy stay at the house for a few nights? Her parents had guests and so her room is occupied.”

  “Why the fuck are you asking me?” I rolled my eyes and started to turn the key again. “I need to get this shit done.” Autumn and I had a close relationship, so it was easy to act annoyed.

  “Fine. I’ll let her stay in your room.”

  I turned the engine off again. “Wait, what’s wrong with your room?”

  “Just seeing if you’re paying attention.” She smiled and walked away.

  “Mom would never turn Olivia away, but you better let her know there’s one more for dinner.” This time I turned the key, popped the earbuds in, and opened the music app. I hit a mix playlist and of course the first song that started playing was The Flame by Cheap Trick. How was that even possible? It was the same song I listened to way too much when Olivia left.

  We never had a relationship. That’s not to say I didn’t want one. Olivia was not just my sister’s best friend, she was also an important part of my family. My mom loved her like a daughter. Asking Olivia out on a date should’ve been easy, but the pressure would have been too much at the time. I was sixteen and hadn’t dated anyone yet. My focus was the farm. I had to work long hours in between school work. It was just part of farm life. Dating was furthest from my mind.

  The memories of right before she left ran through my mind as I turned the tractor down another row of apple trees. I spent so many nights practicing in my room how to properly ask her out.

  Then she left before I could actually pop the question.

  Now she’s back, but was I finally ready to let her know my true feelings?

  Two

  Olivia

  “Did I just chase him away again?” I giggled and wrapped my arm around Autumn’s bicep to tug her closer to me. “By the way, he still looks good on a tractor.”

  “Ewww,” Autumn said and slapped her hand on my forearm. “La la la la.” She closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “Okay, okay.” I covered her mouth. “But tell me one thing.”

  “One thing.” She held up her index finger up.

  “Is he dating anyone?” Autumn sighed at my question. “You had to know I would ask.” I rested my head on her shoulder. “Levi Appleton ages like fine wine,” I whispered to no one.

  “Did you really just say that?”

  I threw my hand over my mouth. “Oops, you heard that?” It was true though, the man looked damn sexy in a worn pair of jeans and a cowboy hat. “You sure it’s okay to store my stuff in the barn?”

  “Yes, it’s not just Lev
i’s barn. The whole family stores their stuff in there.”

  “I miss this.” I squeezed Autumn’s arm. “You sure Mom’s okay with me barging in on your dinner tonight?” Mrs. Appleton was like my second mom.

  We were walking in the direction of the main house on Appleton Farm. It had been five years since I stepped foot on the farm. I could remember the first time Autumn asked me over to her house. It was the beginning of Fall and all the apples were already fully grown and ready to be picked from the trees.

  “She would be pissed if I didn’t ask you over.” Autumn grabbed the door handle. “Warning.” She turned her body to face me. “Mom has been a little stressed with the busy season starting. Seeing you will be good for her right now.” She finally pulled the door open and let me step through. “And she made apple pie,” she sighed and took in a deep breath.

  “I’m going to gain so much weight now that I’m back home.” I inhaled the aroma and sighed, too. “By the way, your Appleton Farm desserts make all other apple desserts mediocre.”

  “Well, good thing you finally came back home.” Autumn stepped into the kitchen. “Surprise.” She held out her hands.

  “What?” Janie dropped the spatula in the mixing bowl and ran around the kitchen island. “Livy, my sweet girl.” Mom wrapped her arms around my waist and pulled me close. “Oh my goodness, it’s been way too long.” She stepped back and swatted at Autumn’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me she was joining us for dinner?”

  Autumn jumped away. “Ow.” She grabbed the spatula and dipped it into the bowl. “She surprised me, too.” Then she stuffed a mouthful of batter into her mouth. “But…”

  “Um, your mouth is full.” Janie raised her index finger and stopped Autumn from continuing. “Let me get another setting for the table.” Mom squeezed my bicep. “It’s so good to see you. Surprise or not, I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I touched her hand and walked over to Autumn. “Is that the chocolate apple cookie batter?” Autumn’s mouth was still full, so she could only shake her head yes. I snatched the spatula from her hand and dipped it into the batter. “This is the only place where these cookies are made. It’s been way too long.” I stuffed too much batter into my mouth. I was moaning when the backdoor opened and Levi walked in.

  “Really?” He shook his head and walked over to grab the spatula.

  “Levi,” Autumn cried out and reached forward to try to grab it from his grasp. Levi raised his hand up far enough away from her hands. “Why do you care what we eat? You hate cookie batter.”

  “But I love cooked cookies.” He brought the spoon around and put it behind his back.

  “What are you doing?” Janie asked and grabbed the spoon from Levi. She glanced my way. “See what you’ve missed.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She touched her palm to my cheek.

  “It’s good to be back home.” I touched her hand.

  “Why are you back?” Levi asked and leaned his hands on the counter.

  “Levi!” Autumn shoved at his shoulder.

  “What?” He glanced between Autumn and me. “I was just curious. Sorry for asking.”

  “It’s okay.” I quickly interjected. “It is weird to be back. Short story, I was laid-off at my job. I’ve had this pull to come home, and when that happened it felt like the right time to make a change.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Plus, I missed Charlotte.”

  Janie wrapped her arm around my waist. “And Charlotte missed you.”

  I rested my head on her shoulder. “Awww, you’re so sweet.” There was a small amount of batter on the counter. I reached down and grabbed it. “Now I need to find a job. Know anyone that needs a marketing manager?” Then I popped the small piece of batter in my mouth.

  “As a matter of fact we do.” Autumn gasped and slapped her hand on the counter. “Here.”

  “Here?” Levi repeated.

  “Your sister’s right,” Janie said. “Autumn does need help during the busy season.”

  “Really?” I glanced around waiting for someone to yell “kidding.”

  “Yes,” Autumn jumped up and clapped her hands together. “Jesse’s food truck is really becoming the focal point of the farm. Plus, Levi is determined to continue making delicious hard cider.”

  “Is this when I’m supposed to apologize?” Levi reached into the refrigerator for a bottle of what was most likely his homemade hard cider. “Want some?” He held up a bottle in my direction.

  “Sure.” I leaned over the kitchen island and grabbed the bottle. “Appleton Farm has really grown since”–I took a swig of the hard cider and pointed at the bottle– “holy shit, this is amazing.”

  “Levi has really mastered the flavors.” Janie brushed her hand down the side of her son’s face.

  “How many flavors do you brew?” I took another swig and held the bottle up to read the label. The one I was currently drinking had black cherries added.

  Levi grabbed his bottle and walked over to the kitchen table to sit down. “Four right now, but I’m adding one more flavor this season.” He lifted his foot and rested his ankle on top of his thigh. I watched his every move and couldn’t take my eyes off of him.

  Since I was ten years old, I found Levi Appleton irresistible. Even back then he was a hardworking family man. My best friend, Autumn had no idea how I felt about her brother. No one knew. Standing in the Appleton’s kitchen after five years away, I knew my feelings had not changed.

  The real question, was I prepared to finally share my secret?

  Three

  Levi

  “Fried apple pie hard cider.” Jesse held up his hands. “Amazing, right?”

  My brother had a new dessert or cider idea almost daily. “That could work.” I nodded and grabbed the last apple on the counter. “Can you grab me that crate of apples?” I pointed to the stack of crates in the corner of the room.

  “Come on, you have to admit that would be a great mix of flavors.” Jesse sat the crate on the table in front of me. “You wanted to add another cider flavor this year.”

  “Yeah, but what if I had one in mind already?” I stopped peeling an apple and rested my hand holding the knife on the counter.

  “Do you?” Jesse grabbed an apple and tossed it between his hands. I lifted the knife and continued to peel the apple. “You don’t,” he said and dropped the apples back in the crate. “You’re such a dick.”

  I was fucking with him. “It’s a good idea.” I laughed and grabbed another apple. “Are you thinking you would make several apple pies and then add them to the cider recipe?”

  “Yeah, and maybe Zinger could create a special strainer that would sit in the barrel.”

  I pointed the knife at him. “That’s a genius idea.”

  “Watch where you point that sharp object,” Olivia said as she stepped into the room.

  “Olivia, I heard you were back in town.” Jesse walked over and wrapped his arms around her body to lift her up off the ground. When her feet were back on solid surface she stepped back. “I can’t believe you came back home.”

  “Why? Charlotte is a great city.” She shoved her hands in her pants pockets. “Plus, this is the only place where I can get the best fried apple pie.”

  “See that.” Jesse pointed at Olivia but was facing me. “She thinks the pies are a hit.”

  “Everyone loves them.” I rolled my eyes at his words. My brother was in charge of the bakery at the farm. Several years ago he created a fried apple pie that caught the attention of a ton of people in the city. Last year, Jesse finally broke down and bought a food truck to sell the award-winning pies.

  “That’s true,” Jesse said and started to walk out of the room. “I need to go. There’s an event up in Hickory.”

  “Good luck with sales,” I yelled to him as he left.

  “So…” Olivia said and grabbed an apple. “Autumn wants me to work with you.”

  “Work with me. How?” I cut off a piece of apple and popped it int
o my mouth.

  “Taking pictures for social media. Writing posts about where you’re at in the process of a batch of cider.” She shrugged her shoulders. “You know, all the personal stuff you love.”

  I stopped with my knife halfway through an apple. Her words caught me off guard. How would she know what I love or hate? “Um, okay.” I didn’t want to let her know what I was really thinking.

  “Not that I know what you love, but you can tell me.” She was stammering and looked uncomfortable.

  “Liv, hey,” I said and reached my hand over the table and touched her forearm. “Relax. It’s fine.”

  She let out a heavy sigh. “Right. Okay.” Olivia turned to walk away. “What time do you start work each day?”

  “Five.”

  “Wait, like five a.m.?”

  “Um, yeah. It would be weird to start work at five in the afternoon.” I tried not to laugh but failed. “You could help Jesse instead. He starts at three.” I grabbed the crate that was now half full of apples. “Yes, three in the morning.”

  “Five is good,” she quickly said.

  I walked around the table and stopped inches from her. “The coffee pot beeps at the top of the hour every day.” Standing that close to her, I had the urge to reach out and touch the side of her face. Thankfully I was still holding the crate with both hands.

  Olivia didn’t say anything at first. Instead, she stood there staring at me. The way her eyes were scanning my face, I had this brief moment where I wondered how she felt about me. Then she cleared her throat and I finally broke the contact. “Okay, well, that’s settled.”