Page 59 of Pick Yourself Up
Following what he thought of as Angelina’s advice had led him here. To a place full of happiness. In contrast to his previous two jobs, he was seeing some of the best things humans could do for each other and for the planet. It was soul satisfying in the very best way.
He hoped Amber felt the same, but he knew he’d follow her anywhere she wanted to be.
How could he improve his odds of her falling in love with the farm forever?
Ideas percolated as he tended the rice and fish, checked the bread, tossed the salad.
By the time he rang the dinner bell, he had a plan in place. One he thought would help him and the rest of their team.
The clomp of boots on the porch had him smiling. As did the sounds of them kicking off wet footwear and slipping on the moccasins. Home. It was definitely home.
Amber moved straight to where he stood at the stove and reached up to kiss him lightly. “Smells delicious. Supper does, too.”
Laughing, he hugged her and returned the kiss. “Ready to serve, and I’ve got an idea.”
Knox slugged him on the shoulder. “Hands off my sister. We’re hungry here.”
Amber’s eyes sparkled with fun at the innuendo her brother hadn’t planned. Gray kept the snort inside because he wasn’t twelve, but it was a close thing.
Once everyone sat and helped themselves from the dishes he’d placed on the table, Knox gestured to him. “Tell us your idea.”
“We should invite the neighbors over for some apple picking fun. They can keep whatever they pick in the afternoon and then we’ll have a picnic for everyone.”
Jolie grinned. “That’s an amazing idea. You two haven’t met everyone here yet. They’ve been great at helping us out, and this would be a fun way to return some of their kindness. We should add our friends from Phail and Midnight Lake as well.”
Amber had stiffened slightly beside him. He knew meeting new people was never her favorite thing, but he wanted her to get to know the neighbors. Wanted them to know her. It would add another layer of protection around them and connect them all more deeply to the area.
He took her hand and squeezed it. “Too much?”
She blew out a small breath before she answered. “No. It’s a good idea. I know the names of some people around us, but I haven’t met anyone yet. It would be good for Boomer to recognize more friends.”
On Amber’s other side, Knox rubbed his sister’s shoulder. “It’ll be good. They’re great people, and you’ll like them all. Not a pushy, obnoxious one in the bunch.”
She nodded and smiled. “I’ll be fine.”
Because she didn’t want anyone worrying about her, but they would. He’d stick to her side and make sure she was okay.
Jolie took a bite of the risotto and moaned. “Okay. I vote we let the gardens do their own thing and insist that Gray take over the kitchen. This is amazing.”
Everyone laughed, and Amber bumped his shoulder. “It really is. You could open a restaurant.”
He patted his heart with a grin. “Thank my mamma. I think I was making bread dough before I could speak in sentences. I didn’t have much time for cooking in my last two jobs, but it’s no fun to cook for one, anyway.”
Ford laughed. “Going to give up the gardens, then?”
He shook his head. “Not a chance. I’m having way too much fun out there.”
The conversation turned to plans for the neighborhood picnic, and Amber slipped her hand into his and squeezed.
He wasn’t sure what she was trying to convey, but her eyes were full of warmth and contentment.
Now it was his job to ensure she always felt that way.
Amber slipped out of a sexy dream involving Gray and his magical hands to the reality of Gray using those same hands in the very best of ways.
When her eyes flew open, he smiled down at her and kept his fingers moving. “There you are. Let’s see you soar.”
Her body contracted and spun, sending waves of pleasure through her. When she managed to flutter her eyelids open, Gray leaned down to kiss her. “Good morning, Gorgeous.”
