Page 34 of Pick Your Spot

He imagined she’d meant it as a compliment, but it had left him cold. And uninterested in pursuing anyone else. Until Thea.

She stirred something in him that wanted more. Something that maybe wanted everything. Which should have scared him.

“The grill’s out back. Give me a hand and we can take most of this outside.”

It didn’t take long to set everything on a table on the deck. Knox laughed as they put it all down. “I may have gone overboard.”

Thea eyed the array of food. Steaks and chicken. Potatoes for the grill. Pasta salad. A tray of fresh veggies. “Are your brothers and sisters coming?”

He laughed. “Nope. Not on Date One. I just wanted you to have something you liked.” He surveyed the table. “And I’ve got a couple of appetizers inside.”

Thea laughed, and her eyes sparkled in the dimming light. “I hope you’ve got room in your fridge for leftovers.”

He set the potatoes on the grill and pointed at a chair. “Sit. I’ve got this.” He was pretty sure she didn’t often have anyone take care of her, and he wanted to do exactly that.

“I can help.”

He pointed at the chair again. “I know, but I’ve got this. Date One is all about impressing the girl.”

Thea sat with a smile. “You’ve got that covered.”

Hell, yeah.

Thea giggled. Again. She’d laughed and giggled throughout the meal. Knox was self-effacing and delightful. She’d never had this much fun on a date. Actually, she’d never had this much fun. Period.

She’d known him for a few weeks now, but this was different. It wasn’t about the farm and compost. They hadn’t even mentioned anything to do with the property. Instead, she was getting to know him better on a much more personal level. And she was letting him get to know her.

Thea sipped her wine. The white. He’d picked up red, white, and rosé so she’d have a choice.

How was she supposed to protect her heart against this joyful, generous man?

They’d known each other for such a short time, but she was pretty sure she was falling in love. Like the apples in autumn, her heart didn’t stand a chance of remaining where it was.

Knox wouldn’t even let her bring the leftovers to the kitchen—so many leftovers. He’d insisted she sip her wine and enjoy the evening.

The sun had long since set, and the only light came from the stars and the glow of the kitchen light. The porch wrapped around the house and Knox had set up their table in the corner where the view was the orchard and the stars.

She’d never experienced romance before. Sure, she’d had sex, but not romance. Her few relationships had been more about scratching an itch and had never lasted more than a week or two.

Trust was hard. She had walls and shields and layers of protection around her heart.

Knox had crashed his way through them. No, that wasn’t true. He’d simply smiled and been himself. His innate kindness and genuine interest in her had dissolved the walls without even a crash.

She should be terrified.

She should be leery.

It could be the wine, although she hadn’t finished her glass yet.

Thea swirled the wine and analyzed her feelings. If Knox were someone else, she might jump into bed with him tonight. But he was too important.

She hoped for a real relationship with this man who impressed her at every turn. No way was she screwing that up by making rash decisions. She didn’t want a single regret, nor did she want Knox to have any.

Knox pushed his way through the door, carrying a large tray. She was smiling before the door closed. “Let me guess, you went overboard with dessert as well.”

He grinned and shrugged. “Maybe. Okay, definitely.”

He stalked toward her and set down the tray. “Fiona Phail had some homemade baking I couldn’t resist.”

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