Page 11 of Evergreen Desires
"Yeah, that's the plan," Will confirmed.
"Okay, while you do that, I'll walk the perimeter fence and check on the trees in the south groves. Let me know what parts you need, and I'll go into Alder Falls with Jake to get them. We can also pick up some clothes for himand anything else he might need. He mentioned this morning that he's sensitive about it, that he’s worried I might want something from him in return, but I told him he can snoop around the house while we're there. Hopefully, he'll realize that I'm just a normal guy, nothing to fear."
Will burst into laughter. "A normal guy who can shift into a Sasquatch. Let's see how that honesty plays out."
I chuckled, though my heart carried a hint of concern. "Well, nothing in my house gives away that secret. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, only you and my family know, and there's no need to scare him off with that revelation. He seems open to me at the moment, so let's not push it."
"He might be anxious about having no money and a car that doesn't work, but he also seems willing to trust you. Don't mess it up," Will advised, his tone serious.
I nodded, grateful for Will's insight and support. "I'll do my best, Will. I don't want to lose this chance with him."
But I needed to tread carefully. I knew that Jake carried his own baggage, his trust wounded and his heart scarred. He'd been hurt before, and I didn’t want to rush him into anything he wasn’t ready for. Patience, I reminded myself. Patience was key.
With the tasks set for the day, we immersed ourselves in our respective duties, the greenhouse filled with the fragrance of plants and the promise of new beginnings. The balance between desire and caution weighed heavily on my mind, but I was determined to navigate this uncharted territory with grace and sensitivity. For the connection I feltwith Jake was unlike anything I'd experienced before, and I wanted nothing more than to protect him, to cherish him, and to explore the depths and dimensions of Jake.
Oh, Jake.
CHAPTER 11
JAKE
Looking out the window, I could see Will tinkering with my car near the barn. Beau was nowhere in sight. I found myself glancing toward the greenhouse area, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. This internal struggle was exhausting. Here I was, with an attractive guy who openly admitted his interest in me, yet I was too broken and untrusting to fully let him in. Damn it. He’d rescued me, offered me a place to stay, and even encouraged me to snoop around if it made me feel better. But I couldn’t bear the thought of trusting someone else, not so soon. He seemed to want to take care of everything for me. What if he was just as controlling as Declan had been?. Although now I had nothing left to control.
“Let’s see what Will has to say,” I mumbled, turning toward the bedroom.
I headed back to grab my camera, figuring I could get a few landscape shots while I was at it. The trees out here looked like they belonged on a postcard—mist curling through the branches, the light slanting low and gold. Maybe I could even make a little money off some of them if they turned out decent.
I’d already done a little poking around—with Beau’s blessing, surprisingly; hadn’t expected him to be so chill about it.
The medicine cabinet had been boring—just an old bottle of eucalyptus oil, and a tin of salve that smelled vaguely herbal. No prescriptions. No secrets. His closet was just as ordinary: rows of flannels in warm, woodsy colors, worn jeans, a well-used denim jacket, and a few hats tucked into a wire basket. There was a pair of boots by the door, scuffed but clearly cared for. No skeletons, no surprises. Just a guy who lived close to the land and didn’t make a mess of things.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was oddly comforting. Like the man himself—uncomplicated on the surface, but there was something steady about him I couldn’t quite name.
Maybe Will could be part of my little investigative adventure.
Out the back door, I strolled casually along the path toward the barn where Will was diligently working. He had the hood of my car propped open, and he was halfway under it. "Hope it's not too messed up," I said, causing him to jump slightly.
"Hey, there you are. How are you doing today? Get some sleep?" Will asked, his tone friendly and inviting.
"Yeah, I did. Thank you. It was definitely a long couple of days," I replied, a tinge of shyness in my voice, unsure where his line of questioning was headed. “And thanks for taking a look at my car. Beau mentioned that you're good with cars.”
"Oh, did Beau talk about me?" Will looked up at me, grinning mischievously.
"Well, he mentioned that you're his best friend, and you've known each other since childhood. He also said that you're the one who keeps his old Jeep running," I said, my voice trailing off slightly.
"Glad to hear that. Beau tends to be the strong, quiet type. Doesn't say much, at least until he met you," Will remarked, his smile never fading as he diverted his attention back to the car. "Yes, we've been friends since grade school. His family even took me in during our high school years when I was kicked out by my old man. I just never really left after that. I actually still live here on the other side of the farm, in their old family cabin."
"What? Why did you get kicked out?" I asked, curiosity piqued by his candidness.
Will wiped his hands on a rag, grease smudged across his forearm, and leaned over the open hood of my car.
“Dad didn’t want a queer son,” he said casually, like it was just another fact, same as a busted gasket or a loose belt. But there was a hitch in his voice—quick, almost invisible—like the words had come easier from years of practice, not because they didn’t still sting.
He tightened a bolt, then paused, squinting at the engine.
“This town’s small. Real small. Not exactly brimming with options if you're not straight. Beau and I…” He exhaled, slow and steady. “We kind of clung to each other, growing up. Not for romance—just survival. It helped, having someone who got it.”
He gave a quick shrug and reached for another tool, the clink of metal on metal filling the quiet.
