Page 17

“ A nd you’re sure these numbers are correct?” My eyes scan over the latest profit projections, relief washing over me.

“ Oui . Five acres for pickers and five for the stores.” Jean-Luc leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. We’re in his small office at the back of the storefront building.

It’s already stocked with jams, jelly, and honey from some of the locals. They sell their goods here every year in exchange for working the registers for me. It’s a win-win situation.

I nod along as he speaks, but all I can focus on is the total estimated revenue. It’s the highest number we’ve had in the past four years. After paying my crew, it’ll be close, but I’ll be able to get my head above water .

The visit from Mr. Fletcher this afternoon was a shock I didn’t need. I nearly had a heart attack when he called me to say he was pulling into my driveway. Luckily, I’d just passed the Maple Ridge Hollow town limits and was almost home.

But now, Viktor knows about the debt.

And, like a dog with a bone, I’m sure he’s going to want to swoop in and fix it.

Over the past few weeks, Viktor has shown himself to be a true caretaker and problem solver. But this isn’t his problem to solve. I’m not his to fix.

You could be.

I sigh, closing the ledger and handing it to Jean-Luc. How easy it would be to let Viktor swoop in and fix everything. But after Roman passed, I vowed to do this on my own. I don’t need a man to save me.

It would be nice to have one to give me a few orgasms and do the laundry and dishes, but that’s it.

Viktor already does two out of three. Why not add orgasms?

Shaking my head, I clear the muddled mess in my brain.

“Everything okay, Mags?”

My throat bobs with a harsh swallow. His soulful blue eyes meet mine, and I’m fucked . I can’t lie to Jean-Luc anymore. “No,” I whisper, plopping into the seat across from him. “Remember the drought last year?”

Ears twitching, he nods. “ Oui , somehow, we still managed to turn a small profit. C’était un miracle.”

Bile climbs up my throat. “No, we didn’t. I dipped into my personal savings to make sure you and the crew got paid. The rest of the money went to keeping Lily and I fed and warm through the winter, but I fell behind on the mortgage payment.”

“Mags, why didn’t you tell me?” I hate the underlying pity in his tone. This is exactly why I didn’t tell him.

I don’t want pity. I don’t want a savior.

I can save myself. And I will—if this year’s harvest goes off without a hitch.

“It’s not your problem, Jean-Luc. I’ve got it under control.”With a snort, he shakes his head. “Maggie, you’re family. The crew and I… we know how important this place is to you. We would have done something to help.”

“I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I’m supposed to be the boss.” A sad smile ghosts across my lips.

“Well, now that I know, tell me how I can help.”

“Keep this to yourself. I don’t need anyone else worrying, okay?”

He nods.

“And make sure the crew morale stays up. By the end of September, we’ll be busy, and I need all hands on deck.”“You got it, Mags.”

“Oh, and when you give hayrides this year, make sure you smile real pretty for all the kids.”

The barked laugh that comes from his chest has the fist around my heart loosening. We’ll be okay. We have to be.

“You’re lucky I like you,” he says. Reaching into the bottom drawer of his desk, he produces two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. “Drink?”

“Not tonight, but thank you. I need to get Lily to bed.”

“Ah, yes. How is mon petit bug ? ”

I smile at his nickname for my daughter. Even though he might not show it much, Jean-Luc has a big heart. “Good. She starts kindergarten soon.”

“ Crisse! I remember when she was just a babe.” His eyes twinkle, a smile tugging at his dark lips. “And the nanny?”

Pressing my hands to my cheeks, I will them not to turn bright pink, but my palms are met by warmth. I clear my throat and murmur, “Good. He’s good.”

Jean-Luc’s deep chuckle takes me by surprise. Getting him to laugh twice in one conversation is a rarity. “You’re smitten, aren’t you, Mags?”

“It’s not like that. He’s kind and generous. And I’ll admit, he’s very attractive. But I’m not ready for anything like that. Plus, wouldn’t that be unethical?”

He winks. “Not if no one knows. Now get home to that girl. Apples will still be there in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Jean-Luc. Get home safe.”

The minotaur owns the property next to mine. He may work for me, but he also taps the trees on his property for maple syrup.

“Goodnight, Mags. You could use some more good in your life. Maybe the vampire is the answer.”

As I walk to the main house, Jean-Luc’s words play on repeat in my head, echoing and bouncing around. Could Viktor and I be together if no one knew? If we kept it a secret?

I clench my thighs and hold in a whimper at the idea of sneaking around with the handsome vampire. Stolen kisses. A quick fuck on the couch after Lily goes to bed.

Sounds pretty fucking hot .

And maybe that’s exactly what I need. No feelings involved, just orgasms. Lots of orgasms.

My body lights up like a Christmas tree at the idea alone.

The sky glows a fiery red, reminding me of Viktor’s eyes, as I approach the house, the sun sinking low on the horizon. Sobering from my horny thoughts, my stomach drops.

Who knows how much that idiot Fletcher told Viktor about my debt before I showed up. Blowing out a breath, I wrap my hand around the front door handle, steeling my spine for an awkward conversation.

As I walk into the house, I’m met by a chorus of the sweetest giggles and the slap of tiny feet on the hardwood floor. “Hide, Momma! He’s coming!” Bare feet squeaking on the floor, Lily comes to a stop in front of me.

She grabs my hand and tugs me with her into the coat closet in our front entryway. “Bug, what—”

“Shhh,” she hisses, pressing a hand over my mouth.

Viktor’s muffled voice comes from the other side of the door. “Eight, nine, ten. Ready or not, here I come!”

Hide and seek. I should have known. This has been Lily’s favorite game since she was about three. She knows all the best hiding spots around the house.

Smiling, I tug her to the back of the closet, positioning our winter coats in front of us.

Shuffling feet sound on the other side of the door, then silence.

“I think we fooled him,” I whisper, right as the door flies open, revealing Viktor. There’s a smug grin on his face that showcases his fangs .

Fangs that have been making an appearance in my dreams on a nightly basis.

“Found you!” Wrapping his arms around Lily, he pulls her from the closet. Laughter spills from her lips when he spins them in a circle, her little body clutched in his strong arms.

Moments like this make my heart leap. He’s so good with her. In fact, before Viktor, Lily didn’t laugh or smile nearly as much.

Part of me wishes I could keep him forever. But I know we’re limited on time.

My watch beeps, letting me know it’s time to get Lily ready for bed. I missed the whole evening, spending longer than I thought down in Jean-Luc’s office, double checking my harvest projections.

“Time for bed, Lily bug. Say goodnight to Viktor.”

Her laughter dies, bottom lip sticking out in a pout when he sets her on her feet. “Do I have to?”

“Yes, bug. School starts next week, so we need to get you back on a normal sleep schedule. That means early bedtime so you can get up early.”

As Viktor kneels in front of her, my chest warms. “Goodnight, little one. I had so much fun with you today. Should we do it again tomorrow?”

“And the next day?” Lily wraps her little arms around his neck. Okay, now I’m officially a puddle of goo on the floor. It’s cuteness overload between these two.

“And the next day,” Viktor echoes as my daughter pulls him in for a hug .

Lily tips her head up, lips close to his ear. The whispered words are too soft for me to hear, but it must be something good with the way a slow, easy smile spreads across Viktor’s face.

She smacks a loud kiss on his cheek before running over to where I wait at the bottom of the stairs.

Hands tucked in his pockets, Viktor trails toward us.

“Thank you for staying later tonight,” I say, scooping Lily into my arms. She yawns and nuzzles her nose against my neck. Always one to pretend she doesn’t want to go to bed, even when she’s actually tired.

Viktor shrugs. “Not a problem. That’s what I’m here for.”

On any other night, I would invite him to stay for a glass of wine, and we’d chat on the porch swing, taking in the peacefulness and the stars.

But my mind is a mess, between Fletcher’s unexpected visit and my growing attraction to Viktor.

Right now, I need a minute to catch my breath and sort through my feelings. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Before I can change my mind, I rush up the stairs, putting all my focus on getting Lily ready for bed.