Season of Dreams. Jenna Mindel

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СКАЧАТЬ sure it does.” After one season, he’d know if acting on his childhood dream was the right direction after so many failed attempts to find his niche. This time his father had thrown down the gauntlet. Success meant Adam could finally walk away from Peece Canning Company. Fail, and he’d lose it all.

      Eva brushed a loose strand of her stick-straight hair off her forehead. The rest was tied into a messy ponytail. “Well, I guess we’ll have to see how it goes then, won’t we?”

      Adam knew that was his cue to go get the contract and wrap up this meeting, but he felt an odd urge to stay. Eva’s cluttered kitchen was warm and smelled good. It reminded him of his grandparents’ farmhouse where he’d spent summers as a kid. That had been the only place where his mom used to bake. The only place he’d ever felt as if he truly belonged.

      Adam knew better than to overstay his welcome. When it came to women, Adam never stayed. Not long anyway. “True. Thanks, Eva. It was nice to finally meet you.” He hooked his thumb toward the porch. “If you don’t mind, I’ll get our contract and then take that walk.”

      He extended his hand.

      This time she took it, but when he noticed the softness of her skin, she pulled back. “The snow’s deep out there. You’re likely to mess up those slick leather boots.”

      “Thanks, but I have more.” He reached for another scone. “Mind if I take one for the road?”

      Eva gave him a hint of a smile that revealed a dimple in her left cheek. She was impossibly cute. A real farm girl. “Go ahead.”

      Adam shrugged into his coat, wondering why he didn’t want to leave when Eva Marsh clearly wanted him gone. He went to the door and opened it. Snow spilled in from a good two-foot drift. The snowfall had grown heavier and the wind whipped. “Uh, Eva? I don’t think I’m going anywhere.”

      Eva didn’t know what to do with Adam Peece, but she let him stay and watch her bake more scones. He might not be a big man, but he still managed to fill the kitchen with his presence. His classic, defined features begged admiration, and she’d looked her 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, СКАЧАТЬ