Apple-y Ever After - Chapter 2
Saskia loved enchanting mild-mannered men with her family’s fruit.
“You’ve never heard of the Clemens Climax because my family’s orchard is the only one who grows it. My mom developed it herself,” she said.
The man nodded, clearly impressed. “Does she consider this apple the pinnacle of her plant breeding career? And that’s why she named it ‘climax?’”
“It might be the highlight of her career,” Saskia said, “but that’s not the source of its name. I mean, how would you describe biting into it?”
She watched the man blush to the roots of his hair. She wouldn’t have said this if she hadn’t caught him staring at her cleavage like it might reveal the deepest truths of the universe. Honestly, with how deep her cleavage went, there probably were some truths in there somewhere.
He wouldn’t answer her question himself, so she answered it for him. “Orgasmic, right?” she whispered.
He swallowed his bite of apple, declining to agree or disagree, but flashing her a bright, slightly devilish smile. With his russet hair and those blue eyes behind professorial glasses…oh, she was in trouble. She loved a man like this. A string bean, a french fry, a tall drink of water. She wanted to slake her thirst with him.
“Is the Clemens Climax best for eating, or is it also a baking apple?”
“You can do anything and everything with the Clemens Climax,” she said.
“I realize you’re flirting with me,” he said, “but is it good for baking? If it is, I would like to buy two.”
Saskia laughed heartily. “You’re right, I am flirting with you. What’s your name?”
“Milo,” he answered. “And you?”
“Saskia Clemens. Of Clemens Orchard. Nice to meet you, Milo.” She pocketed her knife and took his proffered hand. His handshake had the perfect amount of firmness and warmth, neither asserting dominance nor resembling a corpse. She vowed that this would not be the only time her skin touched his.
“To answer your question, the Clemens Climax does make a wonderful baking apple. Tart and crunchy, like the best apples, and the floral notes hold up to heat remarkably well. Are you offering to make me a pie?”
Milo smiled again, and Saskia vowed she would also taste Milo’s baked goods one day.
“I prefer apple crisp to pie, actually.”
“So do I!” Saskia agreed. “I’ve never had a pie crust that could beat a good crisp topping.”
“Exactly. I’m making an apple crisp for my birthday next weekend and I want to make sure I’m using the best variety of apple. Now I’m feeling out of my depth.”
“Do you have any plans this weekend?” Saskia asked.
“Just working on my recipe.”
“Come up to the orchard,” she said, pulling a business card from the bib pocket of her overalls and pressing it into his hand. “I can show you around and make sure you have exactly the apples you need. I’ll be there both days. Come whenever.”