15. Early Bird Gets The Worm
Chapter 15
Early Bird Gets The Worm
K nox’s natural instincts were to protect. Those instincts had been honed in the army and his time as a bodyguard.
He wanted to hunt down Asshole Andy and kick his ass for ruining Thea’s last job and her reputation. She’d had a lot of loss. It was apparent in the facts he could see. She lived in a tiny cabin without a lot of amenities. Her lack of a car. Or family. Even friends.
He wanted to protect her, even though she was perfectly capable of defending herself. If Asshole Andy hadn’t lived up to his name, they might never have met.
Still, he wanted to kick his ass.
More, he wanted to add Thea to his closest circle. Pull her into a world with his family and friends. She hadn’t expected Troy to know her when they’d gone into Phail. She expected no one to notice. Which made his heart ache.
He also wanted to keep her safe. Asshole Andy wasn’t getting near her. Knox would stand beside her and help her shut the jerk down. If that didn’t work, he was prepared to make sure he got the message.
He’d be protective in any circumstance, but he was falling for Thea, so he was damn sure going to keep her safe. Emotionally and physically. Asshole Andy didn’t know it yet, but Thea wasn’t alone or vulnerable. If Knox’s instincts were right, and the man felt like he needed Thea in order to get his reputation back, he was going to learn differently.
It didn’t sound like the asshole knew where she was. It also didn’t sound like he had the skills to search for her phone’s location online.
Knox mulled things over as they found a Worminator that would fit the size of the farm. Prices ranged, but they decided on one of the better ones. One with excellent reviews. It had been the first bookmark on Thea’s phone, and Knox had seen it circled in Jay’s catalog beside his recliner.
“It’s a lot of money.”
He shrugged. “It is. I expect it’s a bitch to put together, too. I’m going to give Dodge a call tonight. We’re going to need help with this and all the other renovations this place needs. Especially if I can talk Amber into turning the other farmhouse into a B&B. There’s no rush for that because we won’t have anything to really show off on the farm until next year. But there’s a ton of work for Ford as is.”
Thea’s voice was reverent. “We’re really doing this.”
He laughed. “We are. We’ve got six months to prove to the others that not only is the farm viable but that it’s the right place for everyone. I’m betting they’ll all be onboard before that six months is up.”
“Are you always this optimistic?”
That brought on another laugh. “Pretty much. I’d rather go through life believing in the best than the worst. It’s a hell of a lot more fun that way. Besides, it kind of drives Burke nuts. He needs more fun in his life, and I’m determined to help him find it.”
“You’re a good brother.”
The wistfulness in her tone had him pulling her in for a hug. “I wish you’d had a family growing up. You’re going to love mine, and they’re going to love you.”
And look at him, throwing the love word around as if it wasn’t rocketing around in his soul.
Thea didn’t say anything, and he wondered if he was pushing too far, too fast. Time to slow it down. Or change direction. “How about we go into Phail for lunch after we get the Worminator ordered? I want to get some extra keys cut for Dodge and my family. I’d like to get a better lay of the surrounding land, too. I don’t even know if we have neighbors, and if we do, I don’t know who they are.”
Thea chuckled. “I can’t help much with that. Jay wasn’t social and didn’t talk much about neighbors. I think something happened between him and one of the women who lives somewhere nearby. It was before my time, but he sometimes groused about who he called a miserable old biddy. Never found out her name or what happened to annoy him so much.”
Knox grinned. “Fox liked to throw around the old biddy phrase sometimes too. He wasn’t nearly as polite about the men he didn’t like.”
It bothered Knox that Thea didn’t even know the neighbors. She had a few acquaintances in Phail but no one to call a friend. She’d been almost completely isolated on this farm, and he wanted to help her change that. Knox hoped Jolie would arrive sooner than later. The two women had so much in common that he was sure they were going to get along.
Oblivious to his thoughts, Thea kept reminiscing. “Jay did have a few men he chatted with in Phail. Stan owned an apple farm when he was younger but I don’t remember the others. They were always willing to give Jay advice.”
“If it was good advice, we should try to find them. We can use all the help we can get.”
She grinned at him. “The three men were intrigued with the idea of a Worminator. They all agreed that the old-techniques farmers used for generations are solid. They knew the importance of good compost and told Jay to get onboard with the expense as it would pay itself off in no time.”
“They sound like our kind of people. I bet Troy will know who they are and how to get in touch with them. His buddy Levi is growing hops, too. I bet he’ll have some advice for how to work the land.”
“And if we can eventually produce more compost that we can use ourselves, we can share. That would be a great way to pay them back for the advice.”
He nodded. “I like the way you think. We’ll start with our little corner of the world and then work on convincing the world that the way forward is by healing the earth.”
She laughed. “For a guy who didn’t recognize a compost pile only a week or so ago, you’re an awfully big convert.”
He shrugged. “You’ve convinced me with your knowledge and your passion. We’re going to bring this farm back to life. We’re going to pull my family together and give everyone a home.”
Thea reached up and kissed him. “I believe you.”
And that filled him up. “Okay, let’s get the Worminator ordered, and then I want to borrow some of your knowledge and passion about something else.”
“I thought you wanted to head to Phail?”
He grinned. “I do, but I think we should pay attention to some of that passion first. I know I’ve got some of my own building.”
Understanding showed on her face as she grinned at him. She reached over and cupped his erection. “I can see that something is definitely building.”
With a groan, he focused on the screen. “Worminator first, passion second.”
She grinned and kept her hand moving. “Go ahead, I think I’ve found a way to keep myself busy while you work. Hurry.”
It might have been the speediest Worminator order in history.
T hea’s body still tingled when they pulled into Phail. They’d barely made it inside before their clothes had been flying. He’d leaned her against the door, and sent her body soaring with little more than a touch the first time.
She was becoming addicted to Knox-induced orgasms. They were unlike anything she’d experienced, and she wanted to feel like this for the rest of her life.
They parked in one of the town lots, and Knox pointed at her. “Wait.”
He hustled around the truck and opened her door. He held out his hand for her, and she took it with a grin. “Thank you, kind sir.”
He kissed her before closing the door and locking the truck. He took her hand, making her insides happy dance. She hadn’t had the kind of life where she’d done the regular boyfriend-and-girlfriend stuff in high school. Holding hands with a boy who was happy to be with her had always been a dream. One she hadn’t fulfilled until now.
High school might be a lifetime in her rearview mirror, but it didn’t matter. Holding hands with Knox had been worth the wait. His hand engulfed hers and made her feel safe. Liked. Loved?
She sure hoped so. Her experience might be limited and hadn’t really lent itself to long-term relationships, but she knew this was special. Even in her dreams, her feelings had never been this strong. This sure.
The spring wind was chilly, but with her body still warm from their lovemaking, she barely felt it.
Knox pointed at the diner. “It’s closed. We’re a little late for lunch.”
She grinned. “That’s okay. I prefer the way we spent that time.”
He laughed and lifted her hand to his lips. “Me too. Let’s get the keys to Troy. Maybe he can have them cut before we need to head out.”
Inside Phail General, Troy looked up from the counter. His smile widened when his gaze took in their joined hands. “Hey, guys. What can I do for you?”
Knox pulled the keys out of his pocket. “I need to get more keys cut. I’d like to get a few copies of all of these.”
Troy nodded. “I like the sound of that. Did you convince your family to check out the farm? Are they all in yet?”
Knox smiled. “Not completely, but we’ve six months to work on it.”
Troy grinned. “That’s good news. You’ll have them all on board in that time.”
“Hope so.”
Troy nodded and held up the keys. “You’ll do it. If you’re in town for anything else, I can get these done for you before you leave.”
“That would be great. We’re too late for the diner, but is the Saloon open for food at this time?”
Troy nodded. “Branna will be there. She’ll be happy to make you up something. I’ll bring these over when I’m done.”
“One more thing. Thea remembers Jay talking with a few friends about the farm. They used to own their own farms but have retired. Any idea who they might be or how to find them? We’d love to bounce ideas off them.”
Thea nodded. “One was named Stan, but I don’t know his last name and I can’t remember if I ever knew the names of the other two.”
Troy grinned at her. “That one’s easy. Stan Phail is my grandmother’s cousin. Mo and Paddy are probably the others. They all farmed years back and love to give advice, whether you ask or not. Levi calls them his old geezer network, and they love it.”
Knox and Thea both laughed. “That’s the kind of network we need in on. Thea’s an expert in all things soil and compost, but I’m way behind on the learning curve.”
“How about I give Stan your number? He doesn’t trust a lot of out-of-towners, but if I vouch for you, he’ll be ready to help.”
“Sounds good.”
Knox and Troy chatted for a few minutes until another customer came in. They left Troy to it with a wave.
Once they were on the sidewalk, Knox put his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into him reveling in the close contact.
A few people walked their dogs along the path in the park. Some kids were playing a loud game of tag with parents chatting on benches nearby. Flower pots filled with tulips and daffodils sat outside nearly every door she could see. “The town is busier than it was when I first saw it. It’s growing.”
Knox stopped to look around. “That’s good news for them and for us. More people in town leads to more potential customers. And we can maybe be another lure for people to spend time here.”
“I don’t know what Jay had planned for the future of the farm, but I think he would like your vision.”
Knox’s smile made her wonder if she was thinking of his grandfather again. “That’s good to hear. I know Fox would approve of anything that kept the family together. Which makes it so weird that he and his brother didn’t keep in contact. Family was the most important thing to Fox.”
She took his hand where it rested on her shoulder. “That’s not going to happen to you and your siblings. You’ll make sure of it.”
He leaned down to kiss her. “Thank you. With you at my side, I feel like I can do just about anything.”
They wandered along Phail Way and into the Saloon. Compared to the first time they’d visited the town together, Thea felt much more comfortable. She’d always felt like an outsider and had mostly stayed in the shadows, waiting for Jay to finish his business.
Walking with Knox with their relationship out in the open for anyone to see made her feel more confident. More a part of things. She hadn’t been a part of a group very often, and it was a heady feeling.
Branna smiled at them as they entered. “Thea, Knox. Or should I say Annie?”
Knox grinned. “Either. I’m used to it. I’ve heard all the jokes a million times. All of them.”
Branna laughed. “I don’t know about that. There’s something about this town that brings out really bad jokes from all directions. Better be prepared to face the music.” Then she whistled, “It’s A Hard Knock” life as she brought water glasses to the table.
“Sorry. Couldn’t resist. It’s just me here today, so you’re limited to easy things I like to cook. The menu is on the chalkboard. Can I get you something to drink while you decide?”
They ordered a couple of drafts—Epic Phail Pale Ale and the Pilsner of Oz—and checked out the menu. They decided to share some wings and the Phailure To Choose, an appetizer platter filled with whatever Branna wanted to make.
“Any allergies or things you hate?”
Thea shook her head. She’d never had the luxury of being fussy about food. After checking with her, Knox smiled. “Whatever you’re in the mood to cook is good with us. Thanks.”
They sat at adjacent sides of the square table, and Knox reached over to take her hand. “I could get used to this.”
She smiled. “Me, too. I don’t even remember the last time I was on a date.”
He studied her with those serious eyes of his. “Well, get used to it. You deserve to be spoiled.”
That made her laugh. “You’re doing an excellent job of it. This is amazing.”
He frowned slightly but their attention was turned when a man with white hair stopped at their table and stuck out his hand to Knox. “I’m guessing you’re the young geezer who’s looking for advice.”
He cackled at his own joke as Knox shook his hand. Then Stan smiled at her. “Hello, Thea. Nice to see you again.”
Knox grinned. “You’ve got to be Stan Phail. Troy mentioned he was going to text you, but I didn’t expect you to pop up like magic.”
The older man laughed. “I was in Phail General picking up some parts for my lawn mower, and he told me you were heading here. Thought I’d introduce myself.”
Knox waved at a chair. “I’m glad you did. Would you care to join us?”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Branna delivered their food and grinned at Stan. “Finagled your way into an invite, did you? One Falcon Blonde coming up.”
Knox pushed the appetizers into the middle of the table. “Help yourself, Stan.”
He waved off the food. “I don’t want to horn in on your date, so I’ll just have my beer and head home. I’d like to come out and see what you’re doing with the orchard. Jay managed to get a prime piece of land there. That orchard thrived for decades. I hope you can bring it back to life for him.”
Thea’s eyes misted. She hoped they could do Jay proud as well.