Like a Bee to Honey by Jennifer Beckstrand Read Free Book Online Page A

Rose had put the bandage yesterday. “But look. I told you this wouldn’t come off in a hurricane. Still as secure as ever.”
    Unable to withstand that piercing gaze, she lowered her eyes and stared at Josiah’s boots. “ Denki for your help at the honey house. I feel silly for letting things scare me.”
    â€œThe things that have happened on your farm would scare anybody.” He reached up and smoothed a thin strand of hair behind her ear. Her skin tingled where he touched her. “We’re going to find out who is making all the trouble. Please try not to worry. I hate to see you so upset.”
    The tingling sensation traveled all the way down her spine.
    And scared her to death.
    If Josiah wanted her not to be upset, he would stay away.
    She couldn’t keep from trembling, as if she were out on a bitterly cold night. “ Denki for fixing the sink.”
    Josiah took a deliberate step back. “If ever you need anything, I hope you know you can ask me.” The lines around his eyes softened, and he gave her a half smile. “I should go before my shirt dries and I have to pry it off.”
    â€œ Jah . Okay.”
    They went back into the kitchen. Aunt Bitsy stood at the sink with her back to them, but she turned abruptly and leaned against the counter as if she were hiding something behind her. “Are you finally leaving, Josiah Yoder?”
    Josiah tugged at his shirt and smiled. “I need a shower.”
    Rose very nearly forgot herself and offered him a honey cookie as a thank-you for putting up with her foolishness. But then she remembered what Aunt Bitsy said about stray cats. They come back if you feed them. She’d be better off if he never came back again. Her heart did all sorts of dangerous leaps when Josiah Yoder was near, and he made her feel terrified and ferhoodled and discombobulated all at the same time.
    Who needed that?
    He opened the door and turned back. “Ach . I almost forgot the reason I came today. Keith Chidester says you take your hives to his sunflower patch to pollinate his flowers.”
    Rose nodded.
    â€œHe says he’s never had a better crop. It wonders me if you could bring some hives to my farm. My pumpkins are blooming.”
    â€œWe charge rent,” Aunt Bitsy said.
    Rose frowned. “ Ach , I’m sorry. It is too late in the season to move the hives. The bees would never find their way back.”
    He looked as if his horse had died. “Oh, okay. I’m sorry. I had hoped . . .”
    Again, she sensed that he wanted something from her, something more than beehives and pollination. She nibbled on her bottom lip. Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone? For sure and certain, she’d end up disappointing him.
    â€œMaybe we can bring them next year,” Rose said.
    â€œOf course,” Josiah said, not acting enthusiastic about waiting. “Next year.” He suddenly brightened as if someone had turned a light on in his head. “You could come over and help me decide where the hives will go next year. And you could see the butterfly garden at the same time.”
    â€œ Ach . Yes. The butterfly garden,” Rose said, her heart already thumping against her ribs at that horrible possibility.
    He tilted his head to catch her eye. “Okay then. We’ll see you soon then? Sometime soon?”
    She felt her face get warm. She didn’t have the heart to tell him no to his face. He’d wilt like a plucked dandelion.
    He didn’t press her for an answer. Instead he flashed a smile, nodded to Aunt Bitsy, and closed the door behind him.
    I don’t know what you want from me, Josiah Yoder. I’m more frightened of your expectations than anything else.
    She sighed. Things were so much easier without Josiah Yoder here trying to yank her out of her comfort zone.
    Aunt Bitsy immediately rolled up her sleeves, picked up the bucket, and opened the cupboard below the sink.
    â€œWhat are