Season of Dreams (4 page)

“Everything okay?” Adam's voice sounded far away, as if he was talking from the other side of a long tunnel.

“I—” Eva looked back at Todd. The urge to yell and
pound on him overwhelmed her, sapping her strength. He acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had ever passed between them.

“Todd, honey, we better go. Dad's pulled the car up front.” Susan shifted her pink burden and moved toward the door.

“Look, Eva…” He reached out a hand but let it drop with a sigh. He gave her an awkward smile and then nodded toward Adam. “Take it easy, okay?”

Eva didn't know if she responded. Her knees shook, and her stomach lurched. Sweat broke out along her hairline. She really was going to be sick.

Why here? Why now?

“Eva?” Adam touched her elbow.

She shrank away from him.

“Who is that guy? Did he say something to upset you?”

Eva closed her eyes with a quick shake of her head. Seeing Todd upset her. Seeing him happily married and blessed with a beautiful baby girl infuriated her. How could God be so cruel? Todd had flourished, while Eva was stuck in a hellish purgatory she couldn't climb out of.

She felt the gentle pressure of Adam's hand return to the small of her back. “Come on. I'll take you home.”

 

Adam drove with the heat cranked to full blast. He kept glancing at Eva huddled in her seat. She hadn't quit shivering. He wanted to pull over and gather her into his arms, but he didn't trust the wildness in her gaze. The fury. He feared he might make matters worse by offering unwanted comfort.

“You okay?”

She nodded.

“Old boyfriend?”

She glanced at him with haunted eyes. “Yeah.”

The ex-boyfriend was a giant of a man who looked far too clumsy for a petite thing like Eva. He struck Adam as one of those unmotivated types with boring stability stamped across his forehead. Eva needed someone who'd keep up with and challenge her. Maybe she had bossed the big dude around too much. Maybe that was why he'd left her. “Want to talk about it?”

“No.”

Adam glanced her way again and she looked close to tears. He gripped the steering wheel tighter. Tears weren't good. A snappy Eva he understood, but a sad Eva busted him up. “It's okay to unload.”

“I don't want to unload. Why don't
you
unload? What are you doing here, Peece?”

He braced himself for the unleashing of that pent-up anger. “What do you mean?”

“You're the green bean heir. Why'd you buy my cherry orchard? To play nice and sweet so you could get in good with the growers to rip them off somehow? A guy like you can't be serious about working a farm. Do you really think you belong here?”

Adam knew why he was here, but Eva wouldn't believe him if he explained the calling that had filled him the day he saw the orchard. Maybe it was part of how God had whispered through the branches to woo him back into the fold like a sheep gone lost. Adam didn't know.

All he knew was that he
had
to have the land. It was bigger than his grandfather's farm, but it beckoned with the same promise of a simpler, better life. Away from his past where so-called friends looked at him with greed-filled eyes. And women wanted him more for what he could do for them financially.

Adam desperately needed a simpler life.

Explaining the whys would be a waste of breath. Eva struck him as a person who needed action, not words. Proof. Besides, she was hurting. Bad. If she wanted to take it out on him, he could handle it.

He pulled into her driveway but didn't shut off the engine. The hum of the heater pouring out warm air masked the silence. Adam turned toward her. He didn't want her to bolt, not yet. “What if I do belong here?”

She stared at him with her sweet mouth hanging open, looking as if the world around her had crumbled. “I miss the way things were.”

He gently touched her shoulder, wishing he could ease whatever it was that tore her up. Wishing he could promise her that she'd never get hurt again, but that was not the way life worked. “I'm sorry.”

Just then, Ryan's truck pulled in next to them and the moment was lost. Eva exited the car and made for the house quicker than a jackrabbit.

Adam shut off the engine and got out.

“What's wrong with Eva?” Ryan wore the concerned look of a brother ready to defend his sister if needed.

“She's upset about some guy who showed up at church.”

Ryan's eyes narrowed, as if weighing the truth.

Adam couldn't blame him. He'd be concerned, too, if it were his sister. He looked up into Ryan's gaze without flinching.

Finally, Ryan slapped him on the back. “Come on, man. Eva's bound to have something good for lunch and we can talk her into going skiing. She doesn't get out much, and it sounds like she needs an afternoon of fun.”

 

Eva wouldn't look at Adam throughout the meal. His eyes had a way of luring her in and keeping her. She had
to prove that she could do this job. Mouthing off like that to her boss was a good way to get fired. Instead, Adam had understood and even attempted to comfort her. And he wanted her to go skiing.

That might be the best way to get back in his good graces after such an awful display of emotion. She couldn't stay home alone. Not now, not after seeing Todd. This morning had taken its toll, dredging up all the fury and fear she still wrestled with.

Maybe skiing would end up being therapeutic. She hadn't skied in years, but it was better than staying alone until Beth returned. She'd ride with her brother, and that should give her a reprieve from dodging questions laced with good intentions.

On the way, she realized how wrong her reasoning had been when Ryan asked, “So what's up with you two?”

She stared out the passenger window of his truck. “What are you talking about?”

“I have eyes. You were crying when you got out of Adam's car.”

Eva gritted her teeth. She'd lost it, but she'd recovered in time to fix lunch. She didn't think Ryan had noticed. “Todd was in church. He's married with a baby girl.”

“Why'd you two break up anyway?” Ryan followed behind Adam's fancy four-door Jeep Wrangler.

It was the kind of vehicle that suited Adam. The doors, the hard top and who knew what else could be taken off. Adam loved zipping around on the ATVs, so she imagined he'd love to go two-tracking, as well. Unless he never got that Jeep dirty. Unless it was all for show from a city boy who liked the idea of having a fun car but didn't put it to use.

Eva turned her attention back to Ryan and shrugged. No one knew about Todd, only Beth. “Because he's a jerk.”

“Then you're better off without him. But why the tears after all this time?”

“I don't know.” But she knew. She hadn't faced Todd since that night at a party two years ago. She'd never gone to the police because she couldn't drag her family through more junk after the death of Ryan's girlfriend.

Instead, Eva hoped she'd get over it. Fat chance. Seeing Todd brought back the pain almost as if it had happened last night.

“What do you think of Adam?”

Eva stared at the snow-covered landscape whizzing by. “I try not to.”

Ryan laughed. “You like him, don't you?”

“No.” Only partly true. She was afraid to like him.

“Come on, Eva. He's a good-looking guy with a fat wallet.”

Eva closed her eyes. “So?”

“So, you haven't dated since you broke up with Todd.”

“I've been on a few.” Eva had gone on three dates, but they didn't work out. Her fault, not theirs.

“Maybe it's time you went on a few more.”

“You're one to talk,” Eva blurted.

Ryan's neck reddened. “I have my reasons.”

Remorse pulled Eva into the melancholy place she frequented far too often. “Yeah, well, so do I.”

After a few moments of silence, Eva felt Ryan looking at her. “What?”

“With Mom and Dad in Florida and Sin gone, it's up to me to look out for you. You're the youngest.”

Her heart swelled into her throat, making it hard to swallow. “Thanks, brother dear, but I'm a big girl now. I can fend for myself.”

“I know you can. But I'm here just the same.”

“Thanks.” Her eyes stung in the corners. Ryan was a
good man, and he deserved better than what he'd been through. Bolstering her courage she asked, “Why didn't you move away after Sara died?”

“This is where Sara wanted to be. I won't ever leave.”

Eva nodded, but her heart ached for her brother who'd lost the love of his life. Maybe that was why she and Ryan understood each other. They each accepted what they'd lost.

But Eva didn't want to accept losing her family's orchard. She'd do her best to show Adam the ropes even though she prayed for two things—he'd keep her on as farm manager long enough for her to get that loan and he wouldn't ruin the farm.

She needed those cherry orchard views to lure guests for her bed-and-breakfast.

R
yan pulled in behind Adam's Jeep parked in the last driveway at the end of a row of large but unpretentious-looking town houses. Eva changed into her ski boots and then slipped out of her brother's truck to look around. Adam's place was tucked into the woods at the base of a hill. A stream wound its way through the complex that bespoke quiet living.

“Nice.” Ryan gave a low whistle. “This guy has some cash.”

“It belongs to his family.” Pampered. That was what came to Eva's mind. Ski slopes and beach resorts were no doubt Peece family destinations. It was no wonder he could buy Marsh Orchards and give her folks the means to retire early.

Feeling out of place, Eva scanned the snowy trails that led toward the ski resort. Why'd she come? The question rang through her brain again when Ryan handed her the skis she last used as a teenager. Hoisting them onto her shoulder, Eva wasn't sure joining Adam and Ryan had been such a good idea.

“You okay?” Adam had quickly changed into a trendy black ski jacket with matching black-and-red checked pants.
She shook herself out of her daze. “It's been a long time since I've done this.”

“We can hit the easy trails first.”

Eva glanced at her brother, who looked anxious to bomb the black diamond trails. How'd she turn out to be the only kid who played it safe in her family? “I don't want to hold you guys back. You two go on ahead. I can putter until I get my ski legs.”

Adam handed Ryan a lift ticket, then turned to her with a grin. “There are some nice, gentle slopes here. And I'll give you some pointers. You'll do fine.”

Great. Peece wasn't going to be easy to shake loose. She'd been hoping for a little solitude. Time to deal with seeing Todd.

“Trust me, you'll enjoy this.” Adam grinned.

“Right.” Adam had the kind of smile that made her want to believe everything he told her. Not good. She'd believed in Todd once.

“Come on, the lifts aren't far from here.” Adam carried his skis tucked under his arm and led the way.

Ryan walked fast with antsy anticipation. It was all Eva could do to keep up. When they made it to the base of the hill, Eva fiddled with her ancient bindings. If she took too long, maybe they'd go on without her.

“Need help?” Adam asked.

“I got it.” Eva finally clicked in.

“Ready?” Adam asked.

“Absolutely.” Ryan pushed forward.

Eva waddled close enough to pull on her brother's sleeve.

“What?”

“Don't ditch me,” she whispered.

Ryan looked at her with a blank stare. “Why?”

She didn't want to get stuck with Adam, alone. She still felt raw, vulnerable. “Stay close.”

He rolled his eyes. “You'll be fine, Eva.”

At the main chairlift, Eva looked up and really wished she hadn't agreed to come. The trails looked steep.

Adam pulled another lift ticket out of his pocket. He slid close and handed it to her. “I know you can do this.”

How could he know? She tried to force the clip onto her jacket's zipper, but her mittens made her movements clumsy. “I need easy, remember?”

“Don't worry. You'll ace the green trails in no time.”

Eva noticed that Adam's right ski was practically on top of her left. She'd back up but didn't dare move for fear she'd slip and bring them both down into a heap. His leg brushed hers as he leaned toward her, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

If Ryan left her, she'd kill him. She looked at Adam. “What are you doing?”

He grabbed the lift ticket from her fumbling mittened hands and clipped it onto her jacket with a quick snap. “You were bending it.”

She let out the breath she'd been holding. “Oh.”

His eyes searched hers. “Relax. This is supposed to be fun.”

She nodded, but really, how could she relax? Her rich and handsome employer was inches from her face. She could smell his cologne. Nice, woodsy, expensive. Another jolt of awareness raced up her spine. There was no way she'd relax around Adam Peece.

“Let's go.” Eva breathed.

Adam moved away from her with athletic grace. Turning easily on his skis, he led the way.

Eva jerked along, almost losing her balance twice.

On the chairlift, Eva was wedged between Adam and
her brother. She checked out the view of vast rolling hills of white dotted with evergreens and naked brown hardwoods. And then she scanned the slope. This was a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. Adam included. He definitely belonged here. Several women checked him out with interest. Even with her sitting next to him.

But then, it must be obvious that they didn't go together. Adam wore expensive top-of-the-line ski attire and Eva had donned an old pink ski suit complete with a white patch on one elbow. Like a stale marshmallow Peep left over from an Easter basket, she was definitely out of date.

“When we get off, be sure to veer to the right. Then wait. There are a couple trailheads for this lift. I want to take the right one,” Adam said.

Getting on a chairlift was one thing, getting off—completely different. The closer the crest loomed, the more the lift creaked, its gears pulling them closer to the launching pad. Eva's palms felt sweaty inside her mittens. She took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Eva, hand me your poles. Ryan, we'd better help her out.”

Adam took her poles and then her hand. “Ready, step off and veer right.
Now
.”

Eva did as instructed. She wobbled, but between Adam's strong hand and Ryan's arm looped through hers, she steadied in the nick of time. They paused at the top of the main hill. The view stretched forever with rolling hills and pristine snow dotted with occasional homes peeking out from the forest.

She let out her breath with a whoop of relief. “That went well.”

Adam grinned. “See? Nothing to it.”

Eva laughed, but it sounded more like a strangled giggle.
Her nerves were shot and she hadn't even started down the hill.

“I'll meet you guys at the bottom.” Ryan slipped ahead of them and whooshed away.

“But—” Eva closed her mouth. If she expected to work alone with Adam for a full season, she had better get used to it sooner than later. Ryan wasn't available to play chaperone every day.

Adam handed over her poles. “Go ahead of me so I can watch your form.”

Eva looked up sharply. “What's that?”

“Show me how you ski.”

She pushed off, hoping she didn't look like a klutz. After a short span of shushing down the gentle slope, Adam passed her and then stopped in front of her with a spray of white snow.

Showoff was the first thought that came to mind. Instead she asked, “Well? What do you think?”

“You don't give yourself enough credit.”

She warmed to the compliment. “What do you mean?”

“You're too stiff. Relax, lean forward and enjoy the ride.”

“Lean forward? I thought I was supposed to bend my knees and lean back.” Eva remembered those long-ago ski lessons her parents made her take.

Adam moved behind her. He slid one of his skis between her two and settled his hands lightly onto her shoulders. “Lean into the forward motion, and keep your head aligned with or over your feet.”

Her spine immediately stiffened. That was enough of this lesson! She pushed forward too hard, slipped and fell.

Adam laughed, but he held out his hand. “Are you all right?”

Clenching her teeth, she gave him her hand. “Warn me next time you do that.”

Again he laughed as he pulled her up. “Sorry. I'm used to hands-on lessons when showing someone how to ski better.”

“What kind of ski lessons did you take?” She could only imagine. Eva leaned on her poles to catch her breath.

“Contrary to what you might have been taught, the key to flexibility and control is in your neck. Keep your head forward, breathe in deeply to expand your chest and relax your neck. The rest of your body will align.”

She narrowed her eyes. Was he giving her a line?

“Watch me.” He sailed effortlessly past her, then stopped and waited. “Give it a try.”

She pushed off and zoomed forward, trying out what he'd told her. She wasn't sure if it worked, but it felt better. Adam had been on the up-and-up with his lesson. How paranoid of her to think otherwise.

“Great. You look great. Ready to take the hill?” Adam asked when she reached him.

“As ready as I'll ever be.” Eva had come to ski. She couldn't get out of it, so she might as well get into it.

At least it kept her mind occupied. She'd have obsessed at home seeing the image of Todd with a wife and beautiful, blond-haired baby girl. Eva wanted her own babies one day, but how long would it take before she could enjoy a date? At the rate she was going, marriage might as well be Never Never Land.

She glanced at Adam sailing down the gentle trail ahead of her with surprising speed. Maybe working with a guy like him might actually help her. The looks he'd received from women of various ages reiterated that Adam could have his pick when it came to ladies. There was no way he'd take an interest in her. All she had to do was take comfort
in that knowledge and learn how to relax around him. And maybe, just maybe, she'd learn how to put what happened with Todd behind her and move on.

 

Adam enjoyed showing Eva techniques to give her more confidence on the slopes. It was fun watching her work out her stance until she'd mastered keeping her head forward. If one thing could be said about Eva Marsh, it was that she didn't give up. Her brother teased her the entire time, but eventually, after several runs, even he complimented her skill.

Eager for speed and a challenge, Adam and Ryan broke away from Eva, leaving her content with staying on the easy green trails. Adam believed she was ready to tackle more difficult runs, but he wasn't going to push her. Eva might be a decent skier, but she still hesitated whenever she came upon a bunched-up crowd.

After a couple hours of hitting black diamond trails, Adam waited in the main chairlift line. He spotted a pink ski suit swishing toward them. He waved. “Eva!”

She looked up.

“Come with us. We can do a blue run.”

Eva shook her head. “You guys go ahead.”

“Come on, Eva,” Ryan said. “You can do it.”

Eva glanced at Adam.

“You're ready for them.”

He watched her wrestle with the decision, until she finally gave in. “Okay, but I'm not going fast.”

“Thatta girl.” Ryan slapped his sister on the back, almost knocking her over.

Her pink fleece hat slipped forward, covering her eyes. She looked adorable in that awful ski suit.

The three of them took the main lift, settling into the same chair. This time, Eva aced her dismount and arched
like a gymnast who'd nailed her landing. She laughed and then looked embarrassed as if she'd forgotten he was there. Her performance had been for her brother's benefit.

Ryan palmed his sister's shoulder and gave her a teasing shove. “Good job.”

Eva laughed again, and Adam relished the sound. He admired the way Eva tackled whatever intimidated her. “Ready?”

“Let's see if she can keep up,” her brother challenged.

Eva's brow furrowed. “Forget it, Ryan. I'm not racing.”

“We'll meet you at the bottom,” Adam told Ryan. He'd had his fill of speeding down runs. He waited for Eva, watching her brother tear down the trail until he was out of sight.

She waved him on. “Go ahead. I'm going to take my time on this one and get the feel of it.”

He didn't mind going slow to ski beside her, but the glint in her eyes told him she'd rather do this on her own. Alone.

“I'll wait at the bottom then.” He pushed off. Loving the warmth of the February sun shining on his face, Adam leaned low and picked up speed. In no time, he passed Ryan.

At the bottom, he cut to a stop and turned to watch Ryan, who wasn't far behind. The guy bombed the hill with about as much grace as a farm tractor. Adam scanned the hill for a pink ski suit. Eva made her way at a decent pace. More cautious than her brother's reckless abandon, Eva took her time. Her hair danced beneath her pink hat. She didn't wear sunglasses or goggles to mar her fresh face. Definitely farm-girl pretty.

“How's she doing?” Ryan had pulled up next to him.

Adam cleared his throat. “Good.”

“Thanks, Adam. Thanks for inviting us here.”

“No problem.” Adam realized he needed this. Spending casual time with Eva might soften the edges a little. Somewhere on the slopes today, she'd stopped looking at him like the enemy.

“I see a guy I work with. I'll be back.” Ryan skied toward the lodge.

Adam nodded and waited for Eva.

She picked up speed toward the base of the hill. Weaving around a group of kids who had suddenly stopped in her path, Eva's balance bobbled off kilter. With a squeal, she swooped toward him, coming in too fast.

“Whoa…” He skied toward her, ready to break her fall, when she plowed into him. He wasn't prepared for the force of her impact and slipped. They both went down.

Eva lay sprawled on top of him, laughing. “Sorry.”

Adam forced his hands to remain on the ground instead of circling her tiny waist like he wanted. Letting loose a groan, he realized she'd taken him completely out. He'd landed hard on his tailbone.

“I don't weigh that much.”

“Wanna bet?” He grinned when her eyes widened.

She was even more appealing close up. That pink hat rode low over her eyebrows, and her nose and cheeks were rosy with sunburn. He couldn't look away. He didn't want to.

“Come on, Peece. You must have girls falling on you all the time.”

“Doesn't mean it's all good. There are a lot of gold-digging snits out there. A guy's got to be careful.”