fair share.
After they’d signed two copies of their employment contract, they discussed the first pruning chores of the season. Then Beth had joined them for a quick dinner of leftover lasagna and salad, but Adam still asked a million questions about growing up on a fruit farm. His manners were polished but relaxed and he’d charmed them both.
When he politely excused himself from the table to take a phone call on his cell, Beth leaned forward and whispered, “I think he likes you, Eva.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”
“I’m serious. He keeps checking you out.”
“Right.” He was probably judging her like she’d taken stock of him. It wasn’t as if she was anything to look at wearing an oversize sweatshirt the color of mud.
Beth smiled. “You’re lucky he’s too short for me, or I might be interested. He’s totally yummy with all that dark hair.”
“Too long.” Eva didn’t want to admit that his hair looked good even though he wore it longer than she liked. She’d always gone for the clean-cut, jock types.
“You’re crazy,” Beth said with a giggle.
Adam entered the kitchen, cutting off their whispers.
“Did you let your girlfriend know where you are?” Beth asked.
Eva shook her head. Her roommate didn’t have a subtle bone in her body. Raised by an indulgent mother and a police officer dad, Beth’s practical streak leaned toward saying whatever popped into her head.
Adam laughed as he slipped back into his chair. “I don’t have a girlfriend. But I’m supposed to meet up with some friends to ski tonight. My family has a town house at Star Mountain.”
Of course he did. That was the place to ski, even though it was almost an hour south. She should have pegged him a skier. Eva had never liked the party atmosphere of most slopes, but Adam probably fit right in. His manner might be easygoing, but she sensed intensity simmering beneath that carefree charm.
When Adam aimed his attention on her, Eva felt him tune in as if she were the only woman in the world. It was a heady feeling. And it was no wonder he’d been considered one of Detroit’s most eligible bachelors.
She’d searched on Google Adam Peece’s name. As heir to the Peece canning kingdom, Adam got around. In the Detroit society columns he’d been linked with models and wealthy downstate socialites and was even rumored to have dated the daughter of a Hollywood actor. Contrary to what her roommate thought, Eva knew a guy like Adam wouldn’t give her a passing glance.
“You’ll have plenty of fresh powder after today,” Beth added.
“Do you ladies like to ski?” Adam ran his fingers through dark hair that ended just below the line of his jaw. Pretty boy came to mind, but a deep cleft in his chin took care of keeping his face decidedly masculine.
“No,” Eva answered too quickly.
“When I have time.” Beth flashed her an odd look.
“What do you ladies do for fun?”
Beth laughed. “Fun? What’s that, right, Eva?”
Eva shook her head. “I think I’ve forgotten.”
“Don’t you two go out?”
Beth got up from the table, taking her plate to the sink. “I’m getting my master’s degree, and ever since Eva’s parents gave her this house, she’s worked on it nonstop. Painting, putting up wallpaper, you name it.”
Adam gaze pierced her. “That’s right, the bed-and-breakfast. You’ve got some stiff competition with the resorts around here.”
Eva felt her defenses rise. Pursuing a bed-and-breakfast was perfect considering the incredible views from the farmhouse. Besides, she was a trained pastry chef who wanted to bake on her own terms. “Exactly why I think it will do well. This is a quiet place away from noisy lakeside accommodations and it happens to be surrounded by a cherry orchard.”
“And romantic, don’t you think?” Beth said. “Perfect for honeymooners, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.”
Eva could have clocked her. She didn’t want to think of anything remotely romantic when it came to Adam. “We’re not far from the beaches. Plus, there are several vineyards nearby.”
“Too bad there isn’t a ski hill closer for winter business.”
“We have cross-country trails on the bike path.” Besides, Eva planned to cater to families, couples, honeymooners and other safe people. Not a bunch of rowdy partiers. Not guys like Peece booking her rooms.
He shrugged. “That’s cool. It’s definitely a playground up here.”
Considering what she’d read about him, he qualified as one of the players. The sound of the wind wailing outside covered a stretch of silence.
“Well, I have to study, so I better get to it. Good night, Adam.” Beth made her escape, leaving Eva alone with him once again.
“Want some help with the dishes?” he finally asked.
“Sure.” Eva got up from the table. She wasn’t about to get cozy with him in the living room, so she might as well let him help her load the dishwasher.
“Who are all the scones for?” Adam handed her a dish.
She stacked plates into the bottom rack. “My aunt Jamee. She’s catering a women’s group breakfast. I’ll deliver them in the morning.”
“Where’d you learn to bake?”
She knew he was making polite small talk in an attempt to be nice. But Eva didn’t feel nice. The large kitchen that doubled as her office was her favorite room in the house, but tonight his deliciously expensive cologne blended with the oven-warmed air to suffocate her.
Eva let out a short sigh. “My aunt’s catering business is where I got my start. I helped her out on weekends when I wasn’t needed in the orchard. I love to bake, so I went to college in Traverse City for culinary arts. I worked the resorts awhile and then went to New York City to study pastry. I came home when my folks told me they were selling the orchard.”
Adam smiled. “In hopes of talking them out of it?”
Eva’s gaze flew to his. Too bad she’d been too late. Not that she could have changed anything. Eva wouldn’t hold her parents back from their dreams, even if it meant losing part of her own.
“Your dad told me at the closing that you were the only one of his kids who’d miss the orchard. He said you have cherry juice pumping through your veins.”
Eva shut the dishwasher door too hard and then flipped the switch. “You’re pretty chummy with my dad, aren’t you?”
Adam shrugged. “Your father’s a nice guy. He took the time to introduce me around to the local processors in an attempt to smooth my path. We met several times before and after he agreed to sell.”
No doubt the price was higher than her father could refuse. Just like the salary Adam had promised her. After a few months with a steady income, maybe she could try again for that loan.
“Yeah, well, my dad talks too much.” And so do you.
Adam gave her another soft laugh. “Your father’s proud of you. You’re fortunate.”
Eva wasn’t in a count-your-blessings kind of mood. Adam’s easygoing charm challenged her fortified walls. Her carefully built up guard. Working for him was one thing. She didn’t want to like him, too. “Thanks. Why don’t we check out the weather report?”
“Don’t worry, Eva. I’ll be on my way. The wind sounds like it’s dying down. Thanks for dinner. I’ll see you in a couple weeks.”
Eva nodded as