Heat rushed behind my eyes. “I’m here to work,” I said tightly. “If that’s a problem, tell me now.”
He studied me for a long moment. “No,” he said. “It’s not a problem.”
It wasn’t an apology.
“Good,” I said. “Because I’ve already driven three hours.”
“Park over there.” He pointed and turned away.
I followed, anger buzzing under my skin.
“So,” I said, “is this how you usually greet people?”
“Depends on the person.” He shrugged.
“Lucky me,” I muttered dryly.
He shot me a look. “You always this hostile?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m being polite. It’s you who doesn’t have manners.” We stopped near a small building at the edge of the orchard.
“Rules are simple,” he said. “Show up. Work hard. Keep your head down.”
“I’m a quiet, hard worker, so that shouldn’t be a problem,” I said quietly.
“Good,” he countered.
“Good,” I repeated.
He showed me around the orchard, and then he took me to a cabin. “This’ll be your place. We appreciate it if you keep the place clean and take care of it. Keep parties to a minimum.”
“I’m not the party type,” I muttered.
He gave me a once-over and shrugged. “Whatever.”
“Wow, I don’t see how I’m going to be able to work for someone who has your attitude,” I bit back.
He blew out a breath and ran his fingers through his medium-length brown hair. “We got off to a bad start. I don’t take almost getting run over well.”
“My apology, but you spawned out of nowhere,” I said.
“Fair enough,” he said and forced a small, crooked grin. If he wasn’t such an ass, I’d think he was hot. “Okay, let’s start over. Asher Thorne. My family owns Maple Valley. I need someone reliable to help me on the orchard since I have another job in town.” He offered his hand.
“Claire Segal, and I’m your gal,” I said, shaking his hand. Then I winced because why the hell did I say that? It sounded horribly awkward. But I already knew the answer. I found Asher hot, and when I was attracted to someone, it tended to make me nervous. “I mean I plan on working hard and minding my own business.”
“Right,” he said, with a quirky smile. It felt more like he was laughing at me than smiling at me. “Get settled. Training starts at four a.m. Oh, and here’s the key for your cabin. Don’t lose it. It becomes a pain in the ass if I have to get the spare from the main house.”
“Got it.” He dropped the silver key in my hand.
“Four a.m. sharp,” he repeated.
“Right, okay.”
Asher walked off. I was left staring at his fine behind in those jeans. I bit into my lower lip. Damn, he was dangerously attractive but such an ass. It didn’t matter anyway because I had a job to do and he was the boss.
CHAPTER 2
Claire