Excerpt from The Apple Orchard by Linda Barrett

"You've made a big impression on Stacey," Jake began without preamble, "and I'm worried." He stopped short and pivoted to look right at her. "I don't know anything about you, and …my daughter is very vulnerable."

Abby felt herself bristle. "What do you think I'm going to do to her?"

"Why do you need a three-month hiatus from the career you chose?" he asked, totally ignoring her question. "It's unusual for a young professional like yourself…. It could be that you deserve all the sympathy in the world. On the other hand, you might be a totally lousy therapist, like so many I've encountered. I have a daughter to protect, Abby, and need to know the truth. So, tell me, what's your story?"

He knew he'd stepped over the line when her eyes blazed lightning bolts at him. How could big, warm, chocolate brown eyes change into points of fire? Suddenly his own blood felt as hot as Abby's eyes looked. A scorching heat racing through him from head to toe.

What irony! Could he be attracted to a woman he'd have to steer clear of? For Stacey's sake.

"All you need to know, Dr. Templeton," said Abby, "is that I'm here to work in the orchards…I'm in no way a danger to your daughter or you."

She sounded in control. But the corners of her mouth trembled, and Jake saw the vulnerability hiding here. Remorse caused him to back off.

"Nothing is more important to me than my daughter, Abby. She used to be full of joy. Totally uninhibited and happy. It's been two years since her mother's death, but she hasn't adjusted at all. Stacey's hurting inside and I can't reach her. God knows, I've tried. And the members of your profession-all four of them-have not helped either."

He knew he might be insulting Abby right now, but his first loyalty was to Stacey. He took a cleansing breath.

"I would appreciate it, Abby, if you don't get involved with her. We haven't had any luck with the shrink types, and I don't know anything about your credentials."

Her complexion paled and he knew he'd been right when he'd suggested she was running from something. Something big and something bad.

"You're right, Jake. You don't know me and you love your daughter." Her husky voice was a bit lower than usual, but steady. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze. "So I'll relieve your mind completely. By the time you sit down to dinner tonight, I'll be gone. There are other orchards needing workers." Her eyes flashed at him now, not in anger, but in challenge. Will that make you happy?