Free Season of Dreams by Jenna Mindel Page A

scary place. At least to me.” She laughed as if trying to make light of her answer.
    â€œMy dad’s place has plenty of room if you’d like to stay there instead of a hotel. I’d drive you to the airport.Although, the Peece estate can be a scary place with two little girls flying around like a couple of birds and just as noisy.”
    Her eyes widened. “Look, Peece—”
    He felt as surprised as she looked. He’d never invited a woman to his father’s home before, but he wanted his family to meet Eva. Maybe it was about proving to his dad that he could work with an attractive woman and not get involved. Or to show his sister that he knew a nice girl. Not that he was looking. His faith felt too fragile to risk losing it with an ill-timed relationship.
    Besides, Eva was the last person he should consider getting involved with. Not when the orchard was already between them. What if he failed to break even this season? He had a pretty good idea that she’d never forgive him if he lost this land. The deal with his father was something Eva need never know. He’d prove himself, and Marsh Orchards would be all his. Until then, he’d be wise to keep his relationship with Eva friendly but professional.
    Still, he gave her a wink. “Think about it.”
    Â 
    By midafternoon, visiting her parents was all Eva could think about. There was no way she’d take Adam up on his gracious offer. Staying with his family would be way too weird. She’d feel out of place. Really, how would Adam introduce her? As his farm manager or his employee?
    She glanced at Adam with concern. He hadn’t eaten much at lunch and he’d gotten awfully quiet. “Hey, are you okay?”
    â€œI don’t know.” Adam sat on his milk crate and hung his head in his hands.
    She pushed through the shin-deep snow until she stood in front of him. “What’s wrong?”
    He lolled his head back so he could look up at her. Thenormally golden-olive tone of his skin held a sickly gray hue that wasn’t there this morning. “I feel lightheaded.”
    â€œBecause you didn’t eat.” Without hesitation, Eva slipped off her glove and touched his forehead with the back of her hand. “You’re hot.”
    With a weak attempt at a grin Adam said, “I’m glad you think so.”
    Eva rolled her eyes, but her stomach did a flip of its own. Even sick, the guy could charm. “Come on, Peece. Let’s call it quits for today. I think you’re running a fever.”
    Adam groaned when he bent to pick up his crate.
    â€œCan you drive the four-wheeler?”
    â€œâ€™Course I can.” He looked offended by her questioning his ability.
    But Adam drove through the orchard at a snail’s pace. A sure sign that he was truly ill. Why hadn’t he stayed home today? What a classic stubborn guy thing to do—coming to work when he didn’t feel good.
    After they pulled into the garage, Adam was slow to climb off the ATV. She sidled next to him. “Here, lean on me.”
    â€œI can walk.” He pushed at her shoulder with the strength of a two-year-old.
    â€œMaybe so, but if you pass out, there’s no way I can get you inside without help and Beth won’t be home for another hour.” She shifted his arm around her shoulders, breathing in the smell of winter air and ATV exhaust that still clung to both of them.
    Adam didn’t look pleased about the situation. He looked uncomfortable and maybe even a little embarrassed. “I thought I could beat it.”
    Eva couldn’t help but chuckle. “You know what they say, ‘Pride cometh before a fall.’”
    â€œYeah, yeah, yeah.”
    They made their way up the steps and into the house. Eva slipped off her outer garments while Adam wandered into the living room.
    He slumped onto the couch. “I just need to lie here for a few minutes.”
    Eva tossed kindling and