Sierra gritted her teeth and shrugged. “It’s the model I want to follow.” They’d had this conversation earlier in the fall when he’d helped her pull the heavy supers for extraction. “I’d rather allow them their own high-quality feed.”
“You’re leaving money on the table.” He pried a frame out of the super with his hive tool and held it up to observe.
The aroma of sun-warmed honey wasn’t as strong as over the summer, but it still drove straight to Sierra’s nose. Worker bees crawled all over the honeycomb. More took flight around them, the air humming.
“You’ve got some mites in this one.” He pulled an acid-soaked pad from a plastic bag in his cargo pocket.
“Wait. What are you using?”
“Sierra, it’s one thing to indulge you with your chosen feeding method, but you can’t let mites get established. They’ll kill off the whole hive and go looking for the next one.”
Yeah, she knew they were serious. “I still want to know what is in those. Are they natural or chemical?”
Tyrell shook his head. Even behind the black screen, she could sense his annoyance. Well, she was staying firm on this one.
“Who says chemicals aren’t natural? They aren’t derived from thin air, you know.”
“I’ve just heard horror stories about mites becoming resistant to the increased chemicals. We want the treatment to kill the mites, not make them bigger and stronger.” The same argument could be used against antibiotics in humans.
“Yeah, well, these are fine. Really, Sierra. Show a guy some trust here.”
“I’ll rotate to a different type next year.” She’d need to order her own supplies in advance. Act like she was in charge of her hives’ health. She could do that.
They treated several more hives for mites then wound a length of hot-water-tank insulation around each, careful to leave the entrances open.
Tyrell surveyed the neat rows of wrapped boxes. “You sure you don’t want to send your hives south with mine? Easy greenbacks.”
“Nope. There’s more to life than money.”
Tyrell laughed as though she’d told the best joke ever. “Maybe, but it sure does grease the wheels. Have you ever lived in short supply?”
He had her there. “Not really. My folks have a decent income.” At least her mom did as an optometrist with a major eye care clinic in Portland, which allowed Dad the freedom of the open road as a truck driver.
“Stick with me, doll, and you’ll have all you could ever want.” He gave her a side squeeze and grin. “I might even let you keep a few pet hives on the side to run your own way.”
He likely figured he was indulging her. She shrugged away. “These hives are owned by our cooperative, not by me. I’m just the beekeeper.”
Tyrell chuckled. “It’s not like any of them knows how to take care of them, doll. It’s all up to you… and me.”
He needed to stop calling her that. “Claire helped with extracting the honey.”
“Yeah, she did.”
“Zach found an old set of extraction equipment on a farm call the other day, so I guess next year we’ll be doing ours at Green Acres.”
“Old stuff can be more trouble than it’s worth, especially if it’s galvanized.”
“Noel says the tank can be painted with epoxy and it will be as good as stainless.” She hoped he’d done his research.
“Well, it will be good for them to have their own when you join up with me.” He winked.
Days like this, Tyrell irritated her more than he stirred up any longing. Good thing she wasn’t tied to him for more, but he knew a lot about beekeeping from his dad as well as from the commercial apiary he’d worked on in California for several years. Sierra could be thankful he was willing to mentor her in turn.
“There you go.” Tyrell connected the mesh electric fence around the small bee yard and tested the voltage from the solar charger. “That should keep the bears out until they den up for the winter.” He looked up the hillside where the fire had been a couple of years before.
“Thanks, Tyrell. I appreciate it.”
They walked a short distance from the hives before stripping off their gloves. Sierra unzipped her hood, letting it fall back as she ran her fingers through her hair.
“There’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” Tyrell said as they approached his truck.
“Oh? What’s that?”
He reached for both her hands. “I’m concerned about how much Rubachuk is hanging around here with you. He’s not a very stable sort. You shouldn’t be encouraging him.” He laughed. “Though I’m sure you’re not doing so intentionally, doll. You can’t help being so gorgeous.”
“You mean Gabe? He has a first name.” So did she, and it wasn’t Doll.
“Yeah, him. Just watch out for him. He doesn’t have much business sense.” Tyrell cupped her face in both his hands. “He doesn’t have the means to take care of a pretty girl like you.” He leaned in and kissed her.
If she thought Tyrell Burke was marriage material, she would be kissing him back. There would be lightning flashes or sizzling emotions or something.
All there was were two sets of lips meeting for a brief moment. Sierra was pretty sure Gabe could do better than that if he ever put his mind to it.
Chapter 15
“Surprise!”
Sierra skidded to a stop at the doorway of the big house, and Chelsea walked right into her.
Many voices chimed together. “Happy birthday!”
She spun around and grabbed her sister’s arm. “You knew! How did you ever keep it a secret?” More to the point, how had Chelsea convinced her to get the paint off her arms, do her hair, and put on nice clothes before they crossed to the main house for just an ordinary dinner?
Chelsea laughed. “Hey, you’re the one who decided to put me to work painting your spare room while I was here. It was easy enough to keep you focused at the back of the duplex.”
“Stations, guys.” Jo turned from the front window and waved her hands.
“Wha—?” Sierra began as Chelsea grabbed her arm and pulled her around the corner into the great room.
“It’s Gabe’s birthday the day after yours,” whispered Claire. “Thought we’d get the both of you in one go.”
Oh, great. She ducked behind the sofa. Finally someone threw her a surprise party like she’d been hoping for years, and she had to share it with Mr. Curmudgeon?
“Shh. He’s on the deck.” Jo straightened her lacy top and walked over to the door, where she waited for his knock before opening it.
“Surprise!” everyone yelled again. “Happy birthday!”
Everyone but Sierra. She leaned back against the wall, watching him from across the room. Okay, she shouldn’t be a petulant child about it. By the look on his face, he’d expected this even less than she had.
The cares slid from his eyes as he smiled around at the group surging toward him. “Wow, thanks. I never expected this.”
Zach chuckled. “That’s why it’s known as a surprise party.” He looked around until his gaze caught Sierra’s. “Get over here, birthday girl,” he hollered. “Have we got a crown for you.”
“It’s Sierra’s birthday tomorrow,” Jo said to Gabe as everyone turned.
Sierra managed to get a smile on her face, dredged up some confidence from somewhere deep within, and strolled over to the door. “Happy birthday, Gabe.”
When his eyes fixed on hers, she felt the jolt to her soul. And that Old Spice smelled better than it ever had.
“You, too, Sierra.”
Before she knew it, her hand was clasped in his, held high while Claire and Jo pinned… something… in their hair.
“Lean over, girl. You’re too tall,” muttered Jo.
Sierra bent then realized what Jo held in her hand. “Not on your life.” She pushed at the cardboard crown.
“Oh, don’t be like that.” Claire grabbed a few bobby pins and made short work of attaching it to Sierra’s hair as cameras f
lashed. Great. Here came Facebook.
“But we painted it purple and everything.” Jo grinned. “We even glued a few fake gems to it.” She tilted her head. “You look like royalty.”
Yeah, she bet. Sierra cut a quick glance at Gabe, only to realize his cardboard crown was turquoise, just like his apartment walls.
He shrugged and gave her a half-smile.
Her hand was still tucked in his. What must people think? Sierra pulled free and took a step away. She hadn’t even taken time to figure out who all was present.
Besides the Green Acres gang and Chelsea and Allison, Sierra counted a bunch of twenty-somethings from the church and community, some pairs and some singles. She did a longer look, waving and smiling at individuals.
She turned and whispered to Jo, “Didn’t you invite Tyrell?”
Jo’s brows came together. “Um, no. Never even thought of it.”
Sierra dragged Jo off to the side. “Never even thought of it? He’s my boyfriend!”
“Hey, I’m sorry. It’s just that you never bring him around, and it honestly never crossed my mind.” Jo’s chin poked toward the people noisily surrounding Gabe. “He doesn’t hang around with this bunch. I’m sure he has something special planned for your birthday, just the two of you.”
Mixed emotions surged through Sierra. She should be furious with Jo. On the one hand, she was. But having Tyrell and Gabe in the same room would not be a good idea. Though, frankly, not as stupid as throwing a joint surprise party.
Tyrell didn’t do well not being the center of attention. It was probably for the best. And besides, did he even know it was her birthday tomorrow? She couldn’t remember a conversation where they’d shared such things.
Oh man. What was her relationship with Tyrell based on, anyway?
“Look, I’m sorry.” Jo patted Sierra’s arm. “I didn’t mean to ruin your party. We just thought it would be fun to invite a bunch of friends over, have some finger food, and crank the tunes. We told them not to bring gifts. We’ll do ours tomorrow when it’s really your birthday.”
“It’s okay.” Sierra blinked and gave her head a shake. “Sorry for being a spoil sport.” Hip-hop music blasted behind her. She couldn’t stay grouchy. “It will be fun.”
Jo met her gaze. “Promise?”
“Promise.” An evening where Gabe had already snagged her hand once, in front of everyone? Sure it had been for birthday solidarity, but he’d still done it. The guy she’d known before the day they’d painted his apartment would never have done that.
Was it possible Gabe was finding his way back to the land of the living? Did she really want her hand in Tyrell’s when — or if — Gabe came calling?
There he stood, a silly turquoise painted cardboard crown tilted on his blond hair, laughing with Noel and Robert, a guy from church. He glanced her way and their eyes caught from across the room. Something softened in his and he quirked a grin just before Zach thumped him on the back.
Time to throw caution to the wind and, along with it, Tyrell. She just needed to give Gabe a bit more time to come around.
* * *
“So you’re Gabe.” A woman with curly blond hair dropped into the chair beside his.
She looked a little familiar, but he couldn’t place her. “Yes. And you are…?”
“Sierra’s sister Chelsea. I’m just up for the weekend from Portland with my friend Allison.” She pointed out the tall slender woman talking to Jo.
Gabe stifled a grin. Poor Jo, with her neck kinked back. It must be a pain — literally — to be short in a world of tall.
“Allison is thinking of moving here. She helped out with the party today while Sierra and I painted her spare room.” Chelsea tilted her head toward Gabe. “I hear we have you to thank for a few buckets of pink paint.”
“Yeah, it had been sitting on a shelf for several years. I’m glad someone could make use of it.” For the first time, he managed to think of Bethany and the baby without his throat choking up. Progress? He’d take it.
“Anyway, it looks good on the wall. I wish I had something to offer here at Green Acres myself. I’m jealous Allison might get to move here, and I’ll be stuck in Portland forever.”
Gabe watched Allison, her hands gesturing all over the place as she talked to Jo. “What does she do?” She was a bit skinny for his taste. Was thinking about women’s shapes as though it mattered to him a good sign or a bad sign? I’m sorry, Bethany. I’ll always love you, but it’s time to live in the present.
The present.
Sierra joined Jo and Allison. Now there was a woman with a few curves. Not too many, but just the right amount. If they really did clear the floor later for dancing, he might brave up and ask her for one.
Gabe became aware Chelsea was talking. “I’m sorry. What was that again?”
She followed his gaze with a knowing grin. “Allison is certified to teach organic farming. She’s looking forward to moving out of the city so she can put it into practice. You know, help people get their hands in the dirt rather than sit in a classroom and take notes.”
If Chelsea thought his eye had swung to Allison, so much the better.
She bounced out of her chair. “Do you want to meet her?”
“Uh, sure.” An excuse to join the group where Sierra laughed and talked? Looked like she and Allison would smack each other the way both sets of hands moved, but so far, they’d missed. He stood and followed Chelsea over.
“Hey, Allison! I’d like you to meet Gabe.” Chelsea turned to him. “Sorry, I missed your last name.”
“Rubachuk,” he supplied.
“Wow, that’s a mouthful.” She grinned up at him. “This is my friend Allison Hart. Allison, I was telling Gabe all about your work. He owns a health food store here in town.”
“Hi, Gabe.” Allison turned to him and wrapped his proffered hand in both of hers. Long nails, painted black. Yeah, she hadn’t had those in dirt any time recently.
“Nice to meet you, Allison. Chelsea says you’re thinking of moving here?”
“Yes, it’s just the opportunity I’ve been looking for. I’ll be spending all day Monday in meetings with Jo, Claire, and Sierra to see how it might work out.”
“Sounds great.” Gabe’s gaze slid to Sierra and that crazy crown, now sitting at a rakish angle. “Here, let me fix that.” He tugged out the bobby pin that lay askew, straightened the crown, and repinned it, her hair silky under his fingers.
He shouldn’t stare into her eyes for too long, not with so many interested in their exchange. He grinned. “Allison must have knocked into it. I notice she talks with her hands.”
Sierra’s gaze narrowed for a second, so quickly Gabe might’ve imagined it. Then she looked at Allison as though through a new lens. “Yes, she does. Thanks for adjusting it.”
“No problem.” Was it possible Sierra thought him interested in Allison? Man, he’d never had to play this game. He and Bethany had been an item since their early teens. There’d never been anyone else in his life. What was a guy supposed to do in a situation like this?
“Anyone want to dance?” Zach called as the music changed. “We’ve cleared the furniture.”
Allison grabbed Gabe’s hand. “Come on! Let’s give it a whirl.”
On the other hand, giving Sierra a taste of her own medicine didn’t sound so bad. Much as he’d tried to accept Burke in her life, the guy rankled him. He couldn’t help thinking she shouldn’t look at him the way she did if she were serious about Burke. Maybe she wanted Gabe to be jealous?
He took Allison in his arms and tried the quick, unfamiliar steps she obviously knew well.
Maybe two could play Sierra’s game.
* * *
Way to make her feel like an outsider at her own party. Not that she was the only one on the sidelines, but that didn’t reduce the pang of watching Gabe grin at Allison, so near his own height and skinny to boot, as they shimmied across the floor.
Okay, Allison shimmied. Gabe looked unsteady on
his feet. Was it because he wasn’t a dancer or because he had the every-guy’s-dream-come-true woman in his arms?
And why did she care? Because no matter how hard she’d tried, she couldn’t help but think of Gabriel Rubachuk that way. She’d always liked him, even when he was married to Bethany. It’d been a good kind of friendship back then. Nothing inappropriate.
But now. What was he thinking as he looked deep into Allison’s eyes? A reason to stay in Galena Landing? All this time Sierra’d thought he was leaving the area, and the only way he’d stay was if he fell in love with her and changed his mind.
The idea that another woman might be the one to keep him here had never crossed her thoughts until this moment, and it was most definitely unwelcome.
The song came to an end. Gabe and Allison parted, though Allison hung onto his hand for a few seconds longer than necessary.
Gabe’s gaze swung straight for Sierra, and her heart lifted. Maybe it wasn’t game over after all. He raised his eyebrows and held out his hand.
Everyone else in the room faded away. His eyes never wavered from hers as she walked straight into his arms.
* * *
Too bad this wasn’t a slow dance. Gabe could’ve held Sierra close for a long time if the music allowed. Instead, they wove in and out among the other dancers, pulling close, then separating.
Not fully separating. He kept her hand in his, kept his eyes on hers as though they were the only ones in the room. Of course, they weren’t. In fact, people would probably be talking about them tomorrow, if they hadn’t started already.
As of this moment, he didn’t care. In two days he’d be thirty. He wasn’t a teen who needed to worry about what the other kids thought. He was a man.
The next step flung her into his arms for a brief moment, his nostrils catching the light floral scent she favored, and his hand tightened at her waist, pulling her closer.
No resistance. “Having fun?” he murmured.
She nodded against his shirt.
A Farm Fresh Romance Series 1-3 (A Farm Fresh Romance Box Set) Page 63