Page 9 of Pick Your Spot

She grinned. “Manpower.”

His body revved but that wasn’t what she meant. “For what?”

She waved her hands at the woods around them. “So many things. To pull out the dead trees and the invasive species that are trying to root. To fix up the machinery. To stir and wet down the compost. To collect compost materials. To drive to nearby towns and ask them to collect leftover coffee grounds. To plant and tend gardens full of pollinators. To spread the compost, pick and separate the apples. And to install a more modern irrigation system.”

He was sure his mouth had dropped open. “And that’s just off the top of your head?”

She grinned. “I’m sure I can think of more. You did say unlimited funds.”

Thea knew she’d rattled off a long list, but she’d been dreaming about fixing up this farm for over a year. She could see the potential, the possibilities. The climate was perfect for apples. The orchard and land slept in the winter and thrived during the other months.

She wanted to fix up Jay’s place and fulfill his dream of a functional apple farm. But she wanted to have those unlimited funds to make it happen in a healthy way. Starting with her compost facility and including someone to fix up the buildings and the machines on the property.

Instead of stopping like a rational person, Thea grinned and added to her list. “That manpower could include a mechanic to fix up the spreader and the multi-bin trucks. And the ATVs. We’d also need a carpenter to work on the buildings. A baker to make some apple pies and donuts. Maybe a brewer to make some cider.”

Knox laughed as she kept talking. The man had a great laugh. Rich and full. As if he felt the humor right down to the bottom of his boots.

“Why not wish for the farm to be ready-to-go?”

She shook her head. “Where’s the fun in that? I want to be part of the process, part of the building of this place. I want to see these trees thriving and happy.”

His smile told her he understood.

He rose to his feet and held out a hand to her. “I like your vision. Why don’t you walk the rest of the property with me and show me how you’d implement those ideas?”

She only hesitated a moment before taking his hand. Fox jumped from her lap, and Knox pulled her to her feet easily. Awareness zipped from her hand right up her arm, through her brain, down to her heart, and then her toes in a heartbeat.

Thea dug deep for her willpower and tugged her hand free. The man oozed chemistry and sexuality. Her body hadn’t been awake and aware of a man in a long time. Why did it have to be this man who did it? Knox was her potential boss and he held her future in his hands. The very last thing she should do was feel attracted to him.

To be fair, she figured anyone who was attracted to men would be enticed by Knox. He was an impressive specimen. She needed to control herself and her desires. This had to be all business.

She turned and gestured. “There are acres of trees in all directions. This composting area is a little deeper than halfway and to the southern side of the property.”

“Would this be a good spot for your composter?”

“It is. I started the process here because it’s close to one of the roads. There are several throughout the property. They lead to barns and sheds. Keeping everything close by to where you’ll need it is a good plan.”

She turned and headed around the compost and pointed out the road. “Going west leads straight to the front of the land. There are more roads and intersections everywhere.”

Knox grinned. “This would be a great place for kids to play hide and seek. There’s so much cover, I didn’t even notice this barn sitting here.”

That brought good memories of her short placement with the Meyer family. They’d had a huge yard, and the kids had included her. Hide and seek had been a favorite. “Apple trees provide pretty good cover, especially further into summer. This barn holds all the equipment we have for composting. I think there are a couple of tractors in there that we use to scoop up fallen apples in the fall.”

“You think?”

She shrugged. “I haven’t been inside since before Jay’s death. I don’t have keys to any of the buildings.”

Knox’s face registered surprise. “I didn’t think of that. You’ve been continuing to work without any of your usual equipment?”

Another shrug. “I didn’t want the work we’ve been doing going to waste. And I was hoping the new owners would allow me to stay on.”

Knox frowned at her. “I wish I could promise you that. But it’s a family decision, and so far, I’m the only one on board.”

She rolled her lips together to control her emotion. “I understand. But I’m hoping to convince you to convince them to keep the farm going.”

He returned her wry smile. “Sounds like a good plan to me. Let’s see what’s in the barn.”

He pulled keys out of his pocket, and Thea’s heart ached at the sight of the key chain she’d bought for Jay. She’d driven him to Phail for supplies. Inside Phail Phoods, a couple of local kids had been selling bracelets and keychains they’d made.

---