Free The Beekeeper's Daughter (Harlequin Super Romance) by Janice Carter Page A

see,” she commented, studying his preparations at the table. “Looks pretty organized.”
    “Camping was a good cheap holiday years ago, when I first joined the department. After I got married, I gave it up.” He paused to flip the eggs sizzling in a cast-iron pan.
    Married? Did he just say married?
    He turned the eggs onto a plate, added two pieces of bacon and passed it to her. “There’s another fork, in that plastic container next to the coffee.”
    She waited for him to clarify the married remark but he seemed in no hurry. After he cracked open another two eggs and dropped them into the pan, he glanced her way and said, “Go ahead. They’re no good cold.”
    Annie popped the lid on the plastic container and withdrew a fork from the assortment of cutlery, knives, can opener and bottle opener. She halfheartedly brokeinto the eggs which, in spite of her lack of appetite, were delicious. Crisp on the edges, runny inside and lightly salted and peppered. She was mopping up the eggy residue with pieces of bacon by the time he sat opposite her with his own plate.
    He looked at her empty one and arched an eyebrow. “More?”
    “No thanks, but they were yummy.”
    “It’s the air,” he said between bites. “Anything eaten outside at a picnic table tastes better.”
    She watched him eat silently and quickly, as if he knew she’d come for some purpose other than an impromptu breakfast. When he finished, he pushed his plate aside, reached for his coffee and took a long swallow. Then he set the mug down, placed his elbows on the table and asked, “What can I do for you?”
    Annie felt herself color. “Am I that obvious?”
    “Well, Rest Haven isn’t exactly on the road to Ambrosia Apiaries.”
    “Something’s come up,” she began.
    “Nothing about your father, I hope.”
    “No, no. But remember how I told you that Danny McLean was going to work for me for the next few weeks?”
    “The high school kid?”
    “Yes. It turns out he has to go to summer school and his parents won’t let him work. At least, until summer school’s finished.”
    “When’s that?”
    “End of July.”
    “So basically for the next six weeks you’re on your own?”
    “Yes, until Dad gets back from Charlotte.”
    “Though he may not be able to get right back into things for a while.”
    Annie nodded. She hoped the expression on her face wasn’t as bleak as she was feeling.
    “And you were wondering if I’d be interested in helping out?”
    “Just for a day or two,” she quickly said, not wanting to make the favor seem to be an imposition. To her relief, she saw no sign of reluctance in his eyes.
    “Sure,” he said. “I’d be glad to. When do I start?”
    “Now?”
    “Fine by me. Do I have time to wash up the dishes?”
    “I’ll do that. You made breakfast.”
    “How about if you head back to the farm now and I’ll join you there in about half an hour? Give me time to shave, too.”
    “Great.” Annie stood. “And thanks so much, Will. I really appreciate it.”
    As she walked back to the pickup, Annie noticed a fishing rod leaning against the side of his van. She felt a twinge of guilt, that she might be spoiling his plans for the day.
    But on the way back to the apiary, Annie kept seeing the look on Will’s face when she’d asked for help. As if she’d given him an unexpected gift.
     
    K IDS TEND TO romanticize things. A twelve-year-old boy would certainly love to wear a bee suit. But Will gave the white canvas cloth jumpsuit Annie handed him a skeptical once-over. “I don’t think it’s going to fit.”
    “Dad’s a bit shorter and not as bulky as you are, but we can fill in the gaps with socks and gloves.”
    “Yeah? Will that work?”
    Her smile was somewhat indulgent. After stepping into it, he pulled his arms through and, sucking in his stomach, tugged up the zipper. About four inches of jeans hung below the cuffs of the bee suit and at least three inches of shirtsleeve below the wrist band. Will