Page 22 of Pick Your Spot

Knox might be a bit of a dumbass when it came to women, or so his ex said, but even he could tell Thea was feeling blue. “Thea.”

Whatever he was going to say, she interrupted. “Don’t. Sorry. I’m just overwhelmed and intimidated. I don’t fit in with a group like that.”

“Of course you do.”

“Not when I’m being a self-absorbed ass.”

Knox didn’t try to stop the laugh. “Nope. You couldn’t be more wrong. You’re working the land for Jay despite the fact that he’s gone and despite the fact that he didn’t name you in the will when he damn well should have. You’re continuing to work the compost just to help the land. To help new owners you didn’t know at the time. You’re amazing. Not fit in, my ass.”

Her head whipped around, and she stared at him, eyes wide.

He kept going. “You bought Jay a keychain that meant a lot to him. You took him under your wing and were teaching him how to not only grow his business but to do it in an ethical and environmentally responsible fashion.”

He sent her a look. “I’ve done my research in the evenings. The information you’ve shared with me is on the cutting edge. It’s about learning to treat the land the way our forefathers did, the way many indigenous people do today. It’s healthy and good for everyone and our planet. Donotfor one minute expect me to believe you’re not as good, as important, as freaking intimidating as anyone else in that room.”

Another glance showed him Thea appeared to be shocked at his words. Finally, she reached across and squeezed his forearm. “Thanks.”

He nodded. “You’re welcome. I meant every word.”

The last bit of the ride was in silence, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Maybe even a good step forward in their relationship. Their professional relationship, of course.

When he pulled into the drive leading to the farm, he moved past the house. “I’m assuming the right fork here will bring us closest to your house?”

She nodded, and he heard her sucking in a breath. “Yes, it’s the best option.”

He chuckled as she directed him through the next fork. “At least I’ll see a little bit more of the land this way. I don’t know much more than the path to your compost area at this point.”

She smiled.“Most of the land is trees, but it’s all beautiful. There’s a stagnant pond further back that needs to be cleaned. Once it’s clear of bacteria and healthy again, it could be the basis for irrigation back here. My cabin isn’t that far. It’s at the end of the plumbing and electrical lines. Most of the property isn’t wired or plumbed.”

She was rambling, but he just nodded, knowing they needed to get themselves back on an even keel. She obviously wasn’t feeling confident or worthy if her words were any indication.

Thea pointed at a spot where the road ended in the midst of the trees. “I can walk from here. It’s better for the land if the vehicles stick to the roads and off the cover crop.”

“Which is a term I now understand. Okay, let’s grab your stuff.”

He jumped out of the truck, pretending not to hear her protest that she could carry it all herself.

He opened the tailgate and grabbed the cooler she’d filled, leaving her the bags.

She smiled. “You don’t have to waste your time. I can do it myself.”

Knox laughed. “Even though Fox isn’t around anymore, he’d figure out a way to cuff my head if I let a lady tote all this stuff by herself. He might have been a grumpy old fart, but he insisted on excellent manners from all of us.”

This time Thea’s smile was tension-free. “Jay was the same. He always helped me cart it home.”

“I hope I can find something in the farmhouse that tells me what pulled those two apart. I wonder if the rift was the reason they both hid their good natures with crankiness.”

Thea grabbed her bags and closed up the tailgate. “That wouldn’t surprise me. Jay didn’t broadcast it, but he was a good man.”

“Fox, too.”

Speaking of Fox, a happy bark alerted them to the dog’s approach.

“Hang on a minute.” Thea set down her bags and planted her feet securely.

Fox barked again as he approached and then leaped up to put his forelegs on Thea’s shoulders. He hadn’t slowed down, and Knox was surprised she hadn’t landed flat on her fine ass.

She wrapped her arms around the dog and for a moment, they hugged. If he were a lesser man, the raw emotion would have brought tears to his eyes. Hell, he had to blink away the mist. “Does he do this every time he sees you?”

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