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‘They get a bit bad-tempered in the autumn, don’t they? I’m not sure I want to be stung.’
Jamie chuckled, turning onto a path that led to the left. ‘My bees are very good mannered. But since you prefer apples, the orchard’s this way.’
He led her towards a collection of young trees, planted far enough apart to allow for more growth. Jamie pointed out the different varieties, some for cooking and some for eating.
‘That one looks about ready.’ He pointed up at a red apple in the branches above Anna’s head. ‘Want to try it?’
‘I’d love to, thanks...’ Anna reached up, and even when she stood on her toes her fingertips didn’t quite make contact. ‘Can you reach it?’
‘They taste better when you’ve picked them yourself, straight from the tree.’ Jamie hesitated and then held out his hand. ‘You want a boost?’
The apple was hanging right above her head, just begging to be picked. ‘Um...yes, okay.’
She felt his hands around her waist and he lifted her against him. Anna curled her arms protectively over her chest, feeling her own body stiffen. The thick layers of clothing between them didn’t seem to be doing anything to mitigate the effect of being so close to Jamie.
‘Um... It would help if you hung on...’ Anna could hear the strain in his voice. She was dead weight in his arms, and Jamie was clearly struggling a bit to support her.
‘Sorry...’ Winding her legs around his waist was easier than she’d thought. More natural. And when she clung to his shoulder with one hand, it seemed almost the proper thing to do.
‘That’s better.’ He balanced himself and Anna suddenly felt safe and strong. She reached for the apple, turning it in her hand.
‘Oh. This one has a hole in it.’
‘Pick it anyway, it can be used for cooking. What about that one...?’
The apple that hung a little higher was ruby red and perfect. When she bent it upwards, the stalk separated from the branch easily, a sure sign that it was ready to harvest.
‘Got it.’
He let her down carefully. When her feet hit the ground again it was almost a disappointment to have to step away from him. Anna inspected the apple carefully for any holes or damage.
‘Now close your eyes.’ Jamie’s lips curved. It was the kind of smile that no woman in her right mind would want to miss a moment of, but Anna closed her eyes, sinking her teeth into the apple.
It tasted fresh and sweet. So much more like a real apple than the ones she bought in the supermarket.
‘This is gorgeous. You want a taste...?’ She opened her eyes.
He nodded, his eyes darkening suddenly. Moss green, and glistening with a desire that provoked an immediate response in Anna’s chest. Suddenly she forgot all about the apple.
When she stepped towards him, his hand touched the waist of her jacket. So softly that she didn’t even feel it. She wanted very badly to feel everything about his embrace, and everything that told her she shouldn’t was shattered beneath the weight of expectation of his touch.
She had to move. Either forward or back. Forward was the only way that seemed clear at the moment. Anna reached up, allowing her fingertips to brush his cheek.
It was a sweet, slow give and take. Staring into each other’s eyes, watching for the response to each new action. The increasing pressure of his hand on her waist. Anna laid her hand on his shoulder and they were almost in an embrace. One that she wanted so very much. She stood on her toes, kissing his cheek lightly, and felt him pull her a little closer.
This was delicious, but it could end at any moment. He could decide that he’d misinterpreted all the signs, or that he needed something more definite and draw back.
‘I want to kiss you.’
Jamie smiled. ‘I’d love to kiss you back.’
That was that, then. Still he didn’t move, waiting for her to take things at whatever pace she wanted. Head-spinningly fast seemed like a wonderful option. Anna stood on her toes, kissing his lips.
* * *
She tasted apple-sweet and dew-fresh. When he drew her a little closer, Jamie felt her arms tighten around his neck, pulling him down. In a moment of sheer exhilaration he realised that she wanted this just as much as he did.
He couldn’t conceal his hunger. When he kissed her again, she responded and Jamie felt his whole body harden. She was so soft and yet so strong.
