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“Okay. No problem.” Her eyes matched the copper-brown color of her hair and he thought they’d softened toward him. A little.
Adam knew women hit the salons, but Eva Marsh didn’t strike him as one of them. She didn’t wear a trace of makeup that he could see. She didn’t need to. She was small, reaching all of maybe five foot two. And awfully cute wearing an apron covered with embroidered cherries and a smudge of flour on her cheek.
He took a sip of his coffee before he brushed off that flour. “Your father mentioned something about you starting a bed-and-breakfast. When do you plan to do that?”
Eva’s mouth had thinned, the softness gone. “For now, that’s on hold.”
Adam took another bite of his scone. Too bad Eva wasn’t as sweet as her baked goods. “Your dad’s the reason I hired you. Bob Marsh said you were the best person for the job.”
Eva looked straight through him as if measuring him and then finding him lacking. He’d seen that look a million times from his dad, but it still pinched. He wasn’t going to let Eva’s wariness stop him from learning everything he could from her. With God’s help, he wasn’t going to let anything stop him from making this work.
Adam nodded. “With the orchard right here, maybe you can do both.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Again the impatient glare before looking down at the plate of scones.
The dark fringe of her eyelashes curled against the swell of her cheeks. She had seriously long lashes and a few light freckles on her nose. Then she looked him square in the eye. “Look, I don’t mean to be so touchy, but it’s been a rough day. My bank shot down my loan application. I need this job and I’ll do my best as your farm manager.”
Again Adam nodded while something protective stirred deep inside him. He’d erase that furrow in her brow if he could. “Good. I’m looking forward to learning everything I can from you about this orchard. I want our working relationship to be open and relaxed. I’m going to ask you a ton of questions, but I’m committed to an entire season of getting my hands dirty.”
She didn’t look like she believed him. “It takes more than one season.”
“I’m sure it does.” After one season, he’d know if acting on his childhood dream was the right direction after so many failed attempts to find his niche. This time his father had thrown down the gauntlet. Success meant Adam could finally walk away from Peece Canning Company. Fail, and he’d lose it all.
Eva brushed a loose strand of her stick-straight hair off her forehead. The rest was tied into a messy ponytail. “Well, I guess we’ll have to see how it goes then, won’t we?”
Adam knew that was his cue to go get the contract and wrap up this meeting, but he felt an odd urge to stay. Eva’s cluttered kitchen was warm and smelled good. It reminded him of his grandparents’ farmhouse where he’d spent summers as a kid. That had been the only place where his mom used to bake. The only place he’d ever felt as if he truly belonged.
Adam knew better than to overstay his welcome. When it came to women, Adam never stayed. Not long anyway. “True. Thanks, Eva. It was nice to finally meet you.” He hooked his thumb toward the porch. “If you don’t mind, I’ll get our contract and then take that walk.”
He extended his hand.
This time she took it, but when he noticed the softness of her skin, she pulled back. “The snow’s deep out there. You’re likely to mess up those slick leather boots.”
“Thanks, but I have more.” He reached for another scone. “Mind if I take one for the road?”
Eva gave him a hint of a smile that revealed a dimple in her left cheek. She was impossibly cute. A real farm girl. “Go ahead.”
Adam shrugged into his coat, wondering why he didn’t want to leave when Eva Marsh clearly wanted him gone. He went to the door and opened it. Snow spilled in from a good two-foot drift. The snowfall had grown heavier and the wind whipped. “Uh, Eva? I don’t think I’m going anywhere.”
Eva didn’t know what to do with Adam Peece, but she let him stay and watch her bake more scones. He might not be a big man, but he still managed to fill the kitchen with his presence. His classic, defined features begged admiration, and she’d looked her fair share.
After they’d signed two copies of their employment contract, they discussed the first pruning chores of the season. Then Beth had joined them for a quick dinner of leftover lasagna and salad, but Adam still asked a million questions about growing up on a fruit farm. His manners were polished but relaxed and he’d charmed them both.
When he politely excused himself from the table to take a phone call on his cell, Beth leaned forward and whispered, “I think he likes you, Eva.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”
“I’m serious. He keeps checking you out.”
“Right.” He was probably judging her like she’d taken stock of him. It wasn’t as if she was anything to look at wearing an oversize sweatshirt the color of mud.
Beth smiled. “You’re lucky he’s too short for me, or I might be interested. He’s totally yummy with all that dark hair.”
“Too long.” Eva didn’t want to admit that his hair looked good even though he wore it longer than she liked. She’d always gone for the clean-cut, jock types.
“You’re crazy,” Beth said with a giggle.
Adam entered the kitchen, cutting off their whispers.
“Did you let your girlfriend know where you are?” Beth asked.
Eva shook her head. Her roommate didn’t have a subtle bone in her body. Raised by an indulgent mother and a police officer dad, Beth’s practical streak leaned toward saying whatever popped into her head.
Adam laughed as he slipped back into his chair. “I don’t have a girlfriend. But I’m supposed to meet up with some friends to ski tonight. My family has a town house at Star Mountain.”
Of course he did. That was the place to ski, even though it was almost an hour south. She should have pegged him a skier. Eva had never liked the party atmosphere of most slopes, but Adam probably fit right in. His manner might be easygoing, but she sensed intensity simmering beneath that carefree charm.
When Adam aimed his attention on her, Eva felt him tune in as if she were the only woman in the world. It was a heady feeling. And it was no wonder he’d been considered one of Detroit’s most eligible bachelors.
She’d searched on Google Adam Peece’s name. As heir to the Peece canning kingdom, Adam got around. In the Detroit society columns he’d been linked with models and wealthy downstate socialites and was even rumored to have dated the daughter of a Hollywood actor. Contrary to what her roommate thought, Eva knew a guy like Adam wouldn’t give her a passing glance.
“You’ll have plenty of fresh powder after today,” Beth added.
“Do you ladies like to ski?” Adam ran his fingers through dark hair that ended just below the line of his jaw. Pretty boy came to mind, but a deep cleft in his chin took care of keeping his face decidedly masculine.
“No,” Eva answered too quickly.
“When I have time.” Beth flashed her an odd look.
“What do you ladies do for fun?”
Beth laughed. “Fun? What’s that, right, Eva?”
Eva shook her head. “I think I’ve forgotten.”
“Don’t you two go out?”
Beth got up from the table, taking her plate to the sink. “I’m getting my master’s degree, and ever since Eva’s parents gave her this house, she’s worked on it nonstop. Painting, putting up wallpaper, you name it.”
Adam gaze pierced her. “That’s right, the bed-and-breakfast. You’ve got some stiff competition with the resorts around here.”
Eva felt her defenses rise. Pursuing a bed-and-breakfast was perfect considering the incredible views from the farmhouse. Besides, she was a trained pastry chef who wanted to bake on her own terms. “Exactly why I think it will do well. This is a quiet place away from noisy lakeside accommodations and it happens to be surrounded by a cherry orchard.”
“And romantic, don’t you think?” Beth said. “Perfect for honeymooners, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.”
Eva could have clocked her. She didn’t want to think of anything remotely romantic when it came to Adam. “We’re not far from the beaches. Plus, there are several vineyards nearby.”
“Too bad there isn’t a ski hill closer for winter business.”
“We have cross-country trails on the bike path.” Besides, Eva planned to cater to families, couples, honeymooners and other safe people. Not a bunch of rowdy partiers. Not guys like Peece booking her rooms.
He shrugged. “That’s cool. It’s definitely a playground up here.”
Considering what she’d read about him, he qualified as one of the players. The sound of the wind wailing outside covered a stretch of silence.
“Well, I have to study, so I better get to it. Good night, Adam.” Beth made her escape, leaving Eva alone with him once again.
“Want some help with the dishes?” he finally asked.
“Sure.” Eva got up from the table. She wasn’t about to get cozy with him in the living room, so she might as well let him help her load the dishwasher.
“Who are all the scones for?” Adam handed her a dish.
She stacked plates into the bottom rack. “My aunt Jamee. She’s catering a women’s group breakfast. I’ll deliver them in the morning.”
“Where’d you learn to bake?”
She knew he was making polite small talk in an attempt to be nice. But Eva didn’t feel nice. The large kitchen that doubled as her office was her favorite room in the house, but tonight his deliciously expensive cologne blended with the oven-warmed air to suffocate her.
Eva let out a short sigh. “My aunt’s catering business is where I got my start. I helped her out on weekends when I wasn’t needed in the orchard. I love to bake, so I went to college in Traverse City for culinary arts. I worked the resorts awhile and then went to New York City to study pastry. I came home when my folks told me they were selling the orchard.”
Adam smiled. “In hopes of talking them out of it?”
Eva’s gaze flew to his. Too bad she’d been too late. Not that she could have changed anything. Eva wouldn’t hold her parents back from their dreams, even if it meant losing part of her own.
“Your dad told me at the closing that you were the only one of his kids who’d miss the orchard. He said you have cherry juice pumping through your veins.”
Eva shut the dishwasher door too hard and then flipped the switch. “You’re pretty chummy with my dad, aren’t you?”
Adam shrugged. “Your father’s a nice guy. He took the time to introduce me around to the local processors in an attempt to smooth my path. We met several times before and after he agreed to sell.”
No doubt the price was higher than her father could refuse. Just like the salary Adam had promised her. After a few months with a steady income, maybe she could try again for that loan.
“Yeah, well, my dad talks too much.” And so do you.
Adam gave her another soft laugh. “Your father’s proud of you. You’re fortunate.”
Eva wasn’t in a count-your-blessings kind of mood. Adam’s easygoing charm challenged her fortified walls. Her carefully built up guard. Working for him was one thing. She didn’t want to like him, too. “Thanks. Why don’t we check out the weather report?”
“Don’t worry, Eva. I’ll be on my way. The wind sounds like it’s dying down. Thanks for dinner. I’ll see you in a couple weeks.”
Eva nodded as she followed him to the door. The snow had stopped.
Calling Adam Peece an attractive man was an understatement. She didn’t look forward to showing him how to run her family orchard, but she’d do her job. It didn’t help that Beth’s teasing had planted a seed of interest. A seed Eva couldn’t let grow.
Chapter Two
Two weeks later, Adam drove the hour commute from his town house to Eva’s place. He couldn’t wait to get to work—an odd sensation for him. When at Peece Canning, Adam resented each day buried in boring paperwork and dull meetings, no matter how good his head for business might be.
Hands-on work. That was what he’d always preferred. He liked control of his own results. He’d tried several positions at Peece Canning but had failed to stay interested. Inspired. The feeling that he was about to strike gold had everything to do with learning how to prune his cherry trees. It had nothing to do with a pair of milk chocolate–colored eyes framed by thick, dark lashes.
He turned off the main road and pulled into the driveway, parking near a big red truck with a plow. Eva’s? If so, it was a mighty big vehicle for such a diminutive woman. He climbed out of his Jeep and breathed deeply. The February air seared his lungs, but he didn’t care about the cold. He felt alive for the first time in a very long while.
Recommitting his heart to God at Christmas had been part of a series of changes he’d made in his life. Pushing thirty, it was about time he discovered his purpose. What God meant for him to do and who to be.
God, please be with me and help me get it right. I don’t want this to be one more screwup.
Adam stared out over the eighty acres that now belonged to him with a sense of awe. The morning sun shrouded by thin clouds cast a pink glow against the bare orchard sloping in front of him. The gray waters of Lake Leelanau shone in the distance like a flat stone dusted with snow and ice. Beyond the far hills, Lake Michigan bled into a gray sky with the sandy face of South Fox Island breaking the color of the horizon. The view was spectacular and humbled his spirit. Could he make this work?
“Morning, Peece. You going to be warm enough?” Eva Marsh dressed head to toe in deer-colored canvas, stepped off the porch with a big basket over her arm. Was she planning an ice picnic?
He walked toward her. He’d skied in frozen temperatures all over the world. He didn’t have to dress like a northern Michigan yokel to stay warm. “I dressed for outside work, if that’s what you mean.”
The guy that followed Eva could have been her twin, except that he stood about a foot taller than her. Also dressed in heavy canvas coveralls, he towered over both of them.
“This is my brother Ryan. He’s helping out today. A couple of interns at the research center can join us later in the week if you decide not to stay,” Eva said.
He’d given Eva an expense budget, but he wasn’t ready to use it. It looked as if he’d have to prove to his pretty employee that he had every intention of staying on permanently. God willing.
Even so, Adam extended his hand to Ryan. “Nice to meet you.”
“This your first time pruning, Adam?” Ryan didn’t look much older than Eva.
“Yes.” And he was going to enjoy every minute of it.
Ryan glanced at Eva and she gave him an I-told-you-so look. Either Eva had picked up on his excitement or she’d conveyed her city-boy-can’t-do-real-work prejudice to her brother. Probably the latter.
“We’ve got fifteen acres of dormant sweet cherry trees to do. Another five acres of young sweets need pruning come spring. My dad had the tart orchard pruned last year so that’ll be good for another couple years yet,” Eva said over her shoulder.
Adam followed her as she strode toward a two-story barnlike garage with red clapboard siding that matched the house. With a push of a button, one of the two doors lifted with a squeak against the cold. Three ATVs were parked inside.
His pulse kicked up a few beats. “Nice.”
“You like to ride?” Ryan asked.
“Anything with speed and I’m there.” Adam kept pace with Ryan into the garage.
Ryan laughed, making clouds of white with his breath. “Me, too. My dad bought a third four-wheeler because Eva doesn’t play passenger very well.”
Adam glanced at Eva. He could see that.
Eva started the engine of her ATV, drove it into the driveway and stopped. A small wagon loaded with gear had been hooked onto the back. She pulled up her fleece balaclava to cover her nose and revved the engine. “Follow me, Peece.”
“You seem to like my last name.”
Eva’s pretty eyes widened over the rim of her fleece covering. “I can call you sir if you’d rather.”
He wondered why she wouldn’t use his first name. “No way. Peece is fine, but it’s what my college roommates called me. If I regress, that’s on you.”
