Page 39 of Fruit and Flash

“Really good. Thought it was funny I’ve watched some queer media she’s also a fan of,” I chuckle at the memory of her enthusiasm and wonder if she’d want to watch Drag shows with me. “She also wanted to know why I’m coming out now.”

“What did you say?” When I look down at where we’re touching, Kai rubs at the back of my hand in silent reassurance to go on.

“I told her you helped me see that side of myself, but that it isn’t new. I’ve always been bi.”

“I’m glad I could be some small part of that,” Kai looks up at me with his big, brown eyes and I really want to kiss him. “Though I think our chance trip to Foggy Basin’s Pride event helped, too.”

“A little.” Shrugging, I decide I want him closer, wrapping my free hand around Kai’s back. “Wanting to kiss you all the time was a bigger hint.”

“All the time, huh?” Kai grins, and I pull him flush, our chests touching except where he’s holding my hand.

Nodding, I lean in until our lips are a breath apart, nudging his nose with mine. “You’re the change I didn’t know I needed, Kai.”

His breath catches at my use of his first name instead of calling him Hawaii. “You are as well, Hayes.”

We don’t add more, emotions already high enough, as I close the distance and kiss Kai to convey how much I want him. As Kai moves against me, I have a feeling the fascia boards are going to be a project for tomorrow.

Chapter twenty-seven

Kai

Itturnsoutfasciaboards aren’t hard to change out, but they are high over your head or up where there is no shade on a ladder. Even though I am only assisting and filming, I’m drenched with sweat from standing in the sun for hours. After going back to the house for a shower and releasing Hayes to check on the farm stand, I return to record more of the work inside and bits where I’m speaking

When I stop to drink some water, I notice two things. First, more time has passed than I thought, and it’s almost dinner time. Second, the video from yesterday has blown up online.

While I shouldn’t be too surprised, as I have a large and dedicated following, I couldn't predict how the renovation series and new channel would turn out. Thousands of new followers overnight and more engagement than I could have hoped for. I remind myself that even with the success so far, it still might tank, but my optimism pushes that thought right out of my head.

Still, I am over the moon that it’s going well. Hayes and I ended up fooling around before retreating to our own beds for the night, and I guess that’s a type of celebration in itself.

Hayes surprised me when he said he downloaded the app and watched my video. I thought he was going to remain stubbornly off social media. Hell, he doesn’t even carry his phone with him around the farm, forgetting it on the kitchen counter half of the time. Does he even know what these numbers mean?

A couple more videos and I can monetize them in a significant way, especially as I keep picking up more sponsors. I decided the interior walls will be one video and the fascia board the next. Hayes and my own research tells me that drywall is more work than it’s worth, so I have new beadboard paneling coming in tomorrow. After that it will be updating the kitchen and windows before interior decorating.

How did this go from idea to a few weeks from done so fast?

Stretching this project out is important. I could lie and claim it is for my income, but it’s also to have an excuse to stay in Foggy Basin longer. Somehow, I don’t want to leave this too small, too hot, and too remote town, and it has nothing to do with promoting fashion like I came here for. Hell, I only do a few hours a week on promoting Ezra’s brand now. I know the real reason is the farmer I can’t get enough of.

Packing up, I tuck my supplies away in the old kitchen cupboards I plan to sand and repair since they’re still in good condition. Turning off the time lapse on my phone, I put it and the battery pack in my pockets and head toward the main house.

Before moving out here, you wouldn’t catch me walking around enjoying the view without taking the pictures or sending messages. Now, I’ve learned to take things a little slower. Hayes has to move fast on occasion with the animals, and he has multiple big tasks every day, but he doesn’t rush them. NowI take in the green trees, the noisy chickens, and blooming wildflowers and smile at the quiet beauty around me.

Laughing at myself as I reach the back door, because I’ve become the type to stop and smell the roses, I realize I’m actually smelling cooking meat.

Opening the screen door first, I start slipping off my new work boots as I enter the kitchen. The cooking smells are stronger here, and I can see why the main door was open to the heat outside, since there is a bit of cooking smoke.

“Are you burning dinner?” I ask Hayes’ back, where he’s manning a cast iron pan with something sizzling and two big pots that are covered. He’s got his hat off, hair still wet from a shower, and bare feet. “Whatever it is smells good.”

“Oh, hi,” Hayes gives me a smile over his shoulder like I’m a sight for sore eyes and my heart thumps in my chest. “Another minute to brown them and these will go in the oven for fifteen. Breaded pork chops and corn on the cob.”

“Ooh, I’ve been excited to try your corn. You forgot to show me how to shuck it,” I point out, moving to lean into Hayes’ body and look over his shoulder. The chops are cooking in oil and I’m shocked he has his plaid shirt sleeves rolled up despite the hot, popping oil.

“You can shuck my corn later,” Hayes teases with a grin and I laugh as he removes the pan from the stovetop to put it in the oven. This move puts his ass right against my dick and I realize I’m hungry for something else and grab his hips.

“Oh, I’ll shuck it all right. Bet you have delicious…Corn.”

Hayes shakes his head and opens the boiling pot of corn to check on them, but I can see he’s still smiling under his mustache. “Not until after you eat. You forgot lunch.”

“I had a protein bar when I took a shower in the middle of the day. Does that count?”