by Jenna Mindel
“You have lots of say. You’re my farm manager.”
Eva’s palms lay flat against Adam’s sweatshirt-covered chest. She felt the erratic beating of his heart that thumped in time with her own.
She gave him a gentle shove. “For now maybe, but what if you decide that you don’t like cherry farming? There’s a lot of risk involved with commercial growing.”
He let her go, as if realizing that he still held her. Or maybe her words had put him off. “Trust me, I like it.”
She wished she could. “Now maybe, but what happens when you have to pay off your note?”
“How’d you know about that?” His eyes narrowed.
“Your sister told me when we were shopping. She’s worried about what you’ll do when forced to choose between Marsh Orchards and Peece Canning. When you have to sell your shares.”
Adam dropped his head back and stared at the sky. “Eva—”
“Look, I know I’m rushing this, but I’m waiting for the final approval on my equity loan in order to make you an official offer. I have a ton of ideas how to make this orchard more profitable. You don’t have to give me your answer now.”
“I thought you wanted to finance your bed-and-breakfast?”
“It all goes together, don’t you see? You succeed and so do I. My B and B will bring guests to buy your cherries.”
She watched him take a deep breath and hold it. Then he let it out with a whoosh. “It doesn’t matter what kind of loan you get, Eva. My answer is no.”
She expected him to say that. Of course, he’d refuse at first. “Won’t you at least think about it?”
He flashed her a wicked smile. “We should get to know each other a whole lot better before making that kind of commitment, don’t you think?”
Eva’s mouth dropped open. He meant business, didn’t he?
Chapter Nine
Beth dropped the newspaper to her lap. “Why’d you tell Adam you wanted to be his business partner? I thought you weren’t ready yet.”
“I had to.” Eva hit the mute button on the remote to silence the evening’s newscast. Turning to face Beth sitting at the other end of the couch, Eva needed to unload, to vent—something.
Beth sat up straight, and her eyes gleamed with interest. “Why?”
“Today in the field, Adam tried to kiss me.” The memory of it sent a shiver up Eva’s spine.
Beth laughed. “And you didn’t let him?”
Eva tipped her head back and stared at the ceiling. “I couldn’t.”
“Why not?” Beth’s voice lilted with disbelief. And then she touched her arm. “Scared?”
Eva looked at her friend, the only person in the world who understood her issues. Eva was scared of a lot of things when it came to Adam Peece, but oddly enough, kissing him wasn’t one of them. “I wanted to. But if I did, I might have blown any chance of becoming his partner.”
“How do you know that?”
Eva thought about the comments Adam had made about his stepmothers, and friends taking advantage. There was little doubt in her mind that if they became romantically involved, Adam would never agree to share ownership of the farm. He’d think she was using him to get to the orchard. “I just do.”
Beth’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe you’re falling for this guy.”
Eva’s stomach flipped, confirming there was a whole lot more to her feelings than an inconvenient attraction.
“Eva…?” Beth gave her a look, clearly interpreting her hesitation as agreement.
“I like him Beth, I really do, but I’m not sure I can trust him.”
She patted her hand. “So what did he say when you made him your offer?”
“He turned me down, which I expected.” Eva wasn’t about to share Adam’s comment about getting to know each other better. That was definitely a mixed signal and Beth would jump all over it.
“Then you’ve got time to get your plan of action in order. He knows what you want, so all you have to do is show him that this is what he’ll want, too.”
Eva’s breath hitched at the implications. Did her roommate do that on purpose? She was talking business, right?
Eva didn’t need to worry about how to act normal around Adam after today but she would. “You’d think so, but…”
“But what?”
Eva shrugged.
“Have you prayed about this?”
Again Eva shrugged. “Sort of.”
Beth sighed. “Eva, what happened to you isn’t God’s fault.”
“I know.” But knowing and accepting were two different things.
“The way I see it, you’ve built up walls to protect yourself, and Adam’s circling your fortress. That’s why it’s so scary. Adam’s not the kind of guy a girl refuses.”
And that was what troubled her. How could she trust Adam with her heart when he had so many other options? Sure, he’d made positive, faith-filled changes in his life, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have his choice of women. Stylish, cultured, beautiful women. She’d be crazy to think he’d settle for her—a cherry farmer who could bake. Big deal. Real exciting stuff for a man who’d been all over the world.
She heard the crunch of gravel in the driveway and got up from the couch. Peeking out the window, Eva saw Ryan exit his truck. Her heart sank when she recognized the wiry build belonging to Adam slip out of the passenger side. She watched him walk toward the porch with the lithe grace of a skier. Yeah, she could fall for him. Easy. But that didn’t mean it’d be wise.
Ryan entered the kitchen as Eva dropped the living-room curtains back into place. “Eva? You around?”
“I’m in here.” Her voice cracked.
Her brother leaned through the entryway. “Hey, Beth. Eva, do you mind if we clean up here? I’ve got a temporary water problem at my house.”
She stared at Ryan. “Water problem?”
Adam laughed. “He cut through a main pipe.”
Eva followed the men back into the kitchen. “Okay, sure. There are towels in the linen closet.”
Ryan went straight to the fridge. “Adam can take his first.”
“There are two showers upstairs, Ryan.”
“I know, but I’m hungry. Got anything good to eat?”
“Leftover pasta and sauce.” But Eva didn’t look away from Adam.
He didn’t look away from her either.
What was he thinking? This morning they’d walked the orchard. And now Adam walked the property lines of her heart and she couldn’t say it was a good thing. Circling her fortress, Beth had said. That was exactly the image Eva got as she stared into Adam’s eyes. He’d make a handsome knight with all that dark hair and bright blue eyes. What would happen if she let down her drawbridge?
Ryan pulled out several plastic containers. “Wait, what is all this stuff?”
“That’s mine.” Beth grabbed her container of Chinese food and the two of them jostled each other for first dibs with the microwave.
Adam finally appeared to get his bearings. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
After he left, Eva turned toward Ryan. “So what’s up? Why do you both have to clean up? Where are you going?”
“To a meeting.” Ryan scooped out leftover pasta into a bowl and then he poured himself a glass of milk.
Eva felt her eyebrows rise. “There are no IPM meetings scheduled.”
“It’s at the research center. I’ve got a new boss. I have to introduce her tonight at the annual think-tank meeting.”
“Her?” Eva grinned.
Ryan rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Don’t rub it in.”
“I didn’t say anything.” Eva raised her hands in innocence.
“But you’re thinking it.”
She exchanged a glance with Beth, who pulled her leftovers from the microwave without a word. “So, why is Adam going?”
“We’re reviewing this year’s cherry trials and I thought that’d be helpful to him. Some big guns will be there with updates from last year—the university dudes, marketers, processors and large co
mmercial growers. More of a meet and greet.”
She should be glad that Adam sought out additional resources, but she felt a twinge of exclusion. “Should I go?”
“Not unless you want to,” Ryan said
Eva had never liked mingling and she wasn’t good at schmoozing. “Nah. I think I’ll pass.”
Adam unplugged the blow dryer and hung it back in the closet. He ran his fingers through his hair, turning his head this way and that. Definitely shorter than he was used to. His ears showed. So much for the LeNaro barbershop. But with a little product that he didn’t have with him, his haircut might work out fine.
He scooped up his dirty clothes and threw them in his duffel. Then he grabbed his towel and headed downstairs.
On his way down, Eva tripped her way up and stopped three steps below him.
He lifted the towel. “Where you do want this?”
“Laundry room.”
“Thanks for letting me clean up here.”
“No problem.”
He moved down a step closer to her. “Today, you said you had a bunch of ideas on how to make the orchard more profitable. I’d like to hear them.”
“Now?”
“Not now. Maybe over dinner this weekend?” He’d been thinking about that near-kiss all afternoon.
She scrunched up her nose. “I don’t know.”
Adam knew by the nervous look on her face that he’d have to do some convincing. “Why not dinner? It’s where business is conducted.”
Her face suddenly lit up. “How about we go to the sandwich shop in town after church?”
Not quite what he’d been hoping for, but it was a start. A nice, slow start. That was probably better anyway. “If it’s nice we could go for a picnic. We can take my bike.”
“Your bike?” Her expression looked cautious.
He grinned at her. “My Harley. It’s a Softail and one sweet ride.”
Panic flickered in her eyes. “I’m not a big fan of motorcycles.”
“Come on, Eva, you drive an ATV all over the orchard, so don’t tell me you’re scared of a motorcycle. On these back roads there’s nothing to worry about. I’m careful. You think I’d want to hurt such a pretty face?”
Her lips curved into a smile. “I don’t see any scars on yours.”
He laughed. “Exactly. So how about it?”
“What if it rains?”
“You worry about everything, don’t you? If it’s raining, I’ll drive my Jeep or we can take your truck. Whatever makes you more comfortable.”
He watched her process this new challenge, weighing her options with more than a hint of interest. She wanted to go.
“Pick me up Sunday morning for church with your bike.”
“Deal.” They stood on the stairs a moment too long, neither one making a move to leave.
“You better get going or you’ll be late for your meeting. Ryan’s already showered and antsy. I think he’s nervous about meeting his new boss. She’s a woman.” Eva smiled.
She was so pretty when she smiled. For a moment, he forgot why he couldn’t share his orchard with her. “Girl bosses are the worse.”
“How many women have you worked for?”
He chuckled at her raised hackles. “Just you.”
“But I work for you, remember?”
“Everyone knows you’re the one telling me what to do.”
She leaned against the railing. “Ah, but for how long?”
How long indeed. But he needed to give her some assurance even if he had a hard time feeling it himself. “For as long as you want it.”
Her brown eyes widened. “That’s good to know.”
The space between them seemed to shrink. He wouldn’t mind taking her out now, tonight. Forget the meeting. “Thanks, Peece.”
He nodded. “I’ll see you Sunday morning then.” He skipped down a couple steps and then turned around. “Eva?”
“Yeah?” She hadn’t moved.
“Don’t wear a dress Sunday.”
She folded her arms and grinned. “Not something I do.”
“Too bad.” He gave her a wink and took the rest of the stairs.
Eva heard the revving of a motorcycle in the driveway and called out to Beth. “I gotta go. See you at church.”
Grabbing her windbreaker, she dashed out the door.
Adam stood beside a big black Harley wearing a black leather jacket and jeans. He was the perfect image of a bad boy. Eva wasn’t immune to that kind of picture. She wasn’t immune to Adam.
He took off his helmet and smiled. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.” She cautiously eyed his bike. It looked far more stable than her brother’s old motorcycle. Sinclair used to scare the wits out of her by going way too fast.
Adam reached into one of the side bags that hung near the rear wheels. He produced another small, Harley-style helmet. “For you, but it might mess up your hair.”
“Like I care.” She handed him a vinyl portfolio. “Do you have room for this?”
“What is it?”
“My business outline.”
His eyes narrowed, but he placed it safely into the compartment. “Are you going to be okay? Do you want a test drive?”
Eva shook her head as she strapped on the helmet. “I’ll be fine. I see that the passenger seat has handles.”
He laughed. “That’s it?”
“I’ve ridden motorcycles before. Sinclair had one. It’s still in the garage.”
He gave her an odd look. “I’ll never understand women.”
“Why?”
“All that fuss about you not being fond of motorcycles?”
Eva shrugged. Her hesitation had more to do with where she’d hang on than anything else. Adam’s bike had sturdy-looking handles under the passenger seat that came with a short backrest. She wouldn’t have to hold on to Adam.
Unless she wanted to. She tossed that tempting thought aside. “Don’t go too fast.”
“I’ll go as fast or slow as you want.” He swung onto his seat and started the engine. She heard the throaty growl and realized it wasn’t that loud. Not like some of the bikes she’d heard thundering through town. Adam revved it more than necessary for show. “Climb on.”
Eva grasped his shoulder as she slipped up onto the seat behind him, and away they went.
It was early for church, so they took a detour north along the shore of Lake Michigan. The air felt crisp and the sun peeked out from behind cottonball clouds. True to his word, Adam didn’t speed. The deep rumble of his motorcycle lulled her as he drove at a leisurely pace. He seemed to take in the beauty of the lake and hills as much as she did. He even slowed down to stare at a field of grazing sheep.
When they pulled into the church parking lot, it was already filled with cars. Way more than normal.
“Wow, it’s packed,” she said.
“It’s Mother’s Day. Must be a lot of visitors here.” Adam slipped off his helmet and hung it from the handlebars.
Eva pleaded silently, Please not today, Lord. Would Todd and his wife attend? Frozen chains of dread slowed her steps, as if she’d been harnessed to a plow.
Before walking into the sanctuary, Eva scanned the pews until she spotted a pair of broad shoulders that stood above the others. The hair on the back of her neck bristled when the guy turned around as if sensing her. Todd stared straight at her.
Her stomach turned and she backed up, right into Adam.
His hands gently squeezed her upper arms. “What is it?”
“Can we leave?”
“That guy’s here, isn’t he?” She nodded.
“Come on.” He took her by the hand and led her down the steps into the parking lot.
Feeling dizzy, she braced herself against his motorcycle, trying to catch her breath.
She felt Adam watching her. He stood near enough if needed but he didn’t crowd her. What he must be thinking, she couldn’t imagine. His silence helped rather than hindered, but the space he gave her wasn’t what
she wanted. Not this time. She’d never felt so alone. And cold. She looked up.
His blue eyes were filled with concern. “You okay?”
She shook her head, fighting tears and stepped toward him. Without asking permission, she unzipped his leather jacket and curled into him. The warmth of his body seeped through her, calming the icy tremors that threatened to shake her apart.
After a few seconds, she felt his arms come around her. He stroked her back and kissed her hair, her temple. He tipped her chin up and brushed his lips lightly across hers. It was nice. Comforting.
“Maybe we better forget the picnic,” he said softly.
She nodded.
“You want to talk about this?” His voice was barely above a whisper, his arms still safe and protective around her.
Eva breathed deep, battling the desire to tell him everything. She wanted to. Her heart ached with it. She had to. “While we were dating…”
Eva took another deep breath.
Adam pulled her a little closer.
“While we were dating, Todd attacked me.” There, she’d finally said it. Finally admitted what had happened. Her knees wobbled but she remained standing, even if plastered against Adam for support.
Adam drew back and searched her face. “Did he—” His eyes widened in alarm. “How’d he hurt you?”
The anger she read in Adam’s eyes made her think twice about the details. She could tell he thought the worst. The last thing she needed was Adam marching into service and dragging Todd out by the collar. “No, no. He tried to force me. And he would have, but I—” She looked at the cleft in Adam’s chin. “I got away.”
“Have you talked to anyone about this?”
He meant a professional. A counselor. She shook her head. “Can we still ride?”
Adam rubbed her shoulders and then he grabbed her helmet, hanging next to his own. Gently, he positioned it on her head without looking at her. “Chin up.”
She obeyed, staring at his grim face while he secured the strap of her helmet.
He brushed his knuckles against her cheek, his gaze focused on her face but not her eyes. He didn’t look her in the eyes. He climbed on and started the engine. “Get on, Eva.”
Again, she did what he told her.
