Fall in Kentbury (Kentbury Tales Book 2) by Claudia Burgoa

Author:Claudia Burgoa [Burgoa, Claudia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-09T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Bishop

I’m perched high on a ladder, snipping away at reluctant maple branches. They rustle and resist beneath my shears, but then the world blurs for a second as a glint of chestnut hair catches the corner of my eye. I pause, balancing carefully on the rung to squint down at the orchard.

Below, McKay hesitates among the rows, doe-eyed as she takes in the maze of trees. A gentle exhale escapes me involuntarily at the sight of her. There’s a gravitational pull I can’t explain, something deep and intangible drawing me to this near-stranger. A crooked smile tugs at my lips, unbidden but genuine.

Slowly, I descend the ladder, leaves crunching under my boots as I approach. “Well, hey there,” I call out, swiping the sweat from my brow. McKay turns, relief flooding her face when she spots me.

“Lost or just admiring the view?” I ask lightly, a teasing lilt to my voice. Her answering grin tells me it’s both.

The sunlight creates a halo around her, making her hair look like the changing leaves—fiery, passionate, and alive. I’m not sure what it is about McKay that attracts me. She’s like the first breath of crisp fall air after a stifling summer—refreshing, grounding, reminding me of cozy firesides and the warmth of home, even when the world grows cold.

“My grandmother suggested I come to help you with the Fall Festival preparations,” she says, biting her lip nervously as I approach. Up close, her hazel eyes are even more stunning, flecks of gold sparkling in the afternoon sun.

I lean against the ladder casually. “You’re not intruding at all. I can always use the company out here. It gets pretty quiet when it’s just me and the trees.”

“Why am I not surprised to find you up in a tree?” she teases, her voice a soft murmur mingling with the distant birdsong.

“I prefer it more when I’m brewing cider or beer,” I confess, arching an eyebrow suggestively. “That’s an art. I’d be happy show you how sometime.”

Her cheeks turn a pretty pink that makes me wish I could whisk her back to my place and have my way with her. The palpable tension between us is growing with each passing day. There’s undeniable attraction, though I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to admit what’s happening between us out loud. This is the story of my life: falling for someone clearly out of my league who enjoys the lifestyle and luxuries of big cities. I’m just a simple man.

“So, you want to help me with something else instead?” I ask, arched brow belying my casual tone.

McKay smiles then, relaxing a bit. “Well, I don’t have much experience with festivals, but I’m happy to help however I can.” Her voice feels like a caress against my skin.

She looks so earnest standing there bathed in dappled orchard light. Wisps of hair dance around her face, catching the breeze, and it takes all my willpower not to reach out and sweep them back behind her ear.

“Thank you so much for the offer, but everything’s set for the festival,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.

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