Page 38 of Pick Your Spot

The first patch of compost she and Jay had created was in good shape. When Knox was ready, she could show him how it was used and how helpful it would be to the trees. The orchard was several hundred acres but they’d be better off focusing on a smaller area for now. They could improve one section and then refine their processes as money and compost allowed.

She and Knox never planned a time to meet but she wasn’t surprised to see him approaching through the trees as she finished watering the compost.

The smile on his face matched her own, and she wondered if erotic dreams had brightened his night as well. She hoped so.

“Morning.” His gruff voice rumbled over her skin and through to her heart.

“Morning.”

Instead of slowing down as he approached, Knox kept walking to her and swept her up into his arms. He laughed as he twirled her around and then set her on her feet. His lips descended on hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him close.

When they pulled apart, they both gulped in air. He pressed his lips to her forehead and held her close. “Missed you.”

His whispered confession had her reaching up for another kiss. “Missed you, too.”

“Good to know.” And then he kissed the breath out of her again.

This time, when they pulled apart, he took her hand. “Have you finished with the compost? I can help.”

She grinned. “Already done.”

He helped her loop the hose and store it in the shed. Then she locked it with her key. Having the keys meant so much to her.

“I’ve got a family group call in a couple of days. How much more can you teach me before then?”

She laughed. “A lot, I hope. The more you know, the more information you have to share with them.”

He nodded, and heat filled his eyes. “I started making lists last night. I had all this energy running through me, so I put it to good use.”

That made her laugh even as her skin flushed. “I cleaned my entire house, even scrubbed the shower.”

He kissed her lightly with another laugh. “Good to know I wasn’t alone with all that energy.”

“Definitely not alone.”

He squeezed her hand. “I’d like to learn more about the process. What happens during each season? What does a harvest look like? What do you do with the apples that aren’t sold? Who buys them?”

She laughed. “Is that all?”

“Not even close.”

Laughing, she walked back to the shed and unlocked it. “Let’s start here.”

She showed him the small storage place. Wheelbarrows, shovels, and hoes. Tree trimmers and shears. Baskets and all the other equipment required.

He asked good questions, showing he knew a lot more than the day he’d arrived. His interest and curiosity spurred her to talk in detail about every aspect. She wondered if her voice would hold out with the unexpected workout.

They walked to the machinery barn, and he opened the small side door. Mustiness filled their senses, and they moved to open the big barn doors at the front. “I don’t know when it was last opened. I didn’t work with the machinery, and I don’t think that was Jay’s area of expertise either.”

When they turned to study the interior, Knox whistled. “Lawson is going to love this. I’m going to take some pictures. Show him the potential.”

“It sounds like everyone in your family is big on potential.”

He agreed. “I think so. We’ve always teased Jolie about her passion for potential but I think you’re right. We all love it. Bringing things back to life, improving things, investing.”

That was hopeful. Thea didn’t know if she could believe in that hope but she was going to try.

Her eyes tracked over the machinery in the barn and wondered what his mechanic brother would see. To her, it was a collection of necessary tools. She hoped he would see more.

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