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“Then we put them in these big crates and prepare them for storage.” Brock’s low voice behind her made her jump. He tossed Ian and Jessica each a funny-looking bag that resembled a mix between a tote and a pair of overalls.
She let out a strangled chuckle and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before lifting the bag by one strap. “And this is for…”
That disgruntled look had reappeared on Ian’s face. “You put the apples you pick in that. The straps cross in the back so it gives you more support.”
Jessica glanced at Brock. “Do you think we’ll find enough to fill a crate?”
Brock shook his head. “No. That will happen toward the end of the season. For now, I’m guessing we’ll each get a couple dozen.” He gestured toward a row of trees. “I’m going to have you start down that row. If you don’t find many, you can keep going south.”
Jessica made a funny face, that blush returning to her cheeks. “Which way is south again?”
Brock chuckled. He pointed to the next row to the left of the first. “Don’t worry. If you move the wrong way, you just won’t find much. I cleared those rows earlier last week.” He shouldered his bag and strode away.
Jessica flashed Ian a smile. “Ready?” She deposited her bag on the ground and slipped both arms around his waist. “Or do you want to sneak over to the trees Brock already cleared and make out?”
He made an effort to hide the smile on his face. “I thought you wanted to pick some apples?”
She shrugged. “There’s plenty of time for that.”
Ian turned his attention in the direction where Brock had headed. He waited for almost a full minute before he snatched Jessica’s hand and dragged her toward the nearest grove.
Jessica giggled, hopping over fallen branches. They entered the shaded area and Ian looked over her shoulder. Probably to make sure Brock didn’t notice the path they’d taken. His eyes sparked with longing as he pulled her closer. He flipped her hat from her head and tucked her hair behind her ear. His sizzling touch was always quick to light that fire in her midsection. Ian grazed her jaw with the back of his fingers, then tilted her chin toward him.
Their lips fit together with an almost unbelievable connection. She melted into his arms. Her mouth opened to his, welcoming him. Ian’s kisses were sweet but manly. He needed her as much as she needed him. She’d never felt this way before with anyone.
They broke apart, and he leaned his forehead against hers. Jessica sucked in a breath. She closed her eyes and reveled in the shiver that ran through her body from head to toes.
She never wanted this feeling to end. If being with Ian meant she could continue to feel this way for the rest of her life, she’d be content. More than content, she’d be the happiest woman alive.
Ian pulled back, the haze in his eyes a reflection of her own. He grasped her hand, turned it over and brought the underside of her wrist to his lips. His eyes didn’t leave hers even as he kissed it again.
“Ian,” she murmured, “you have no idea what you do to me.”
His lips quirked into a sly smile. “I don’t know about that. I think I have a pretty good idea. Because you affect me in the exact same way.” He pressed her hand to his cheek for a moment before turning his face toward it and kissing her palm. “You’re perfect, Jessica. Perfect for me. I think I’m falling in love with you.”
A burst of butterflies exploded in her stomach, filling her chest and making it hard to breathe. She blinked away the emotion that threatened. She’d never said “I love you” to any guy.
It seemed like this all-powerful word. Once she said it, she wouldn’t be able to take it back. Guilt doused the ardent atmosphere. She couldn’t bring herself to say it to him.
“I—I’m sorry, Ian. I care about you.” She moved her hands to his chest and splayed her fingers open and closed. “I mean,reallycare about you. So much that I can see myself with you years into the future. I’m just not ready to—” She blew air out between her pursed lips and met his gaze, expecting to see anger.
His brows were pulled together. He looked concerned and maybe a little hurt.
Jessica placed her hands on either side of his face. “That doesn’t mean I want anything to change. This—you—are perfect. I’ve never been happier than I am right now.” She let out a little laugh. “And that’s saying something because life as I know it has changed so much.” She brushed at the hair near his temple. “I just need some time.”
