I nodded. Miriam tried to always keep a balance between men and women here. Partly
because it was good for the conversational flow, keeping things light. But men usually had
more upper body strength for hauling vegetables, whereas women had more nimble,
precise fingers and a better eye for picking at the perfect ripeness.
“So you’ll need me to pick up the slack with the heavy lifting,” I said, shooting her a
sideways glance.
Miriam stepped back from the counter, placing both hands on her ample hips. “I suppose
you’ll be expecting your usual payment?”
I nodded seriously, watching out of the corner of my eye as Joanna ducked into the room to
fetch napkins. “In fact,” I said sternly, “I think I might require double the usual amount.”
Miriam stepped back, fanning herself. “You wouldn’t. You monster.”
Joanna backed out of the room, looking at me strangely. “I’m serious,” I said as coldly as I could without smirking. “Both lemon meringue and pumpkin, or I’ll take a vacation day.”
The back of Miriam’s hand flew up to her forehead. “The horror,” she gasped. Then she
broke down laughing. “Thanks, Dean. I’m glad that I can always count on you.”
Joanna had scurried off, but as I walked into the dining room, I saw that she was trying to
hold back a laugh. I also noticed that as I sat at the end of the table while everyone filed in, she was left with the empty spot beside me.
As she pulled her chair in, her beautiful blue eyes turned up to mine. “She pays you for
overtime in pie?” she giggled, raising an eyebrow.
I nodded, trying to keep a straight face. “It’s the only way to deal with these greedy farm
owners,” I said. “You have to lay down the law and make a fair deal.”
“So it’s going to be a lot harder for you, since there are only girls helping,” she said softly.
“I’m stronger than I look.”
My hand reached out to pat her knee without even thinking. “That’s very sweet of you. But
the picking is slower work, and that’s really what we need the most help with. Don’t worry,
we’ll figure it out. We always do.”
Pulling my hand away slowly, I saw the tiniest blush creep over her cheeks. It was obvious
that she was as drawn to me as I was to her. We’d be working closely together for the next
two weeks. Somehow I was going to have to find the strength to keep my walls up, and
keep my distance.
At the same time, I would have to keep her safe. I knew how easy it was for inexperienced