Mechanic Jordan Hart is down on his luck, so he gladly accepts a temporary job servicing tractors at a hazelnut farm in Newberg, Oregon. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to his boss, Beckett Shaw. Still working on embracing his bisexuality, he’s reluctant to start anything, but Beckett’s gentle coaxing convinces Jordan to take a risk.<br><br>Beckett has vowed not to get involved with anyone until he can restore the Shaw Farms name as a leader in hazelnuts. But there’s no denying his interest in the shy mechanic who shows up at his door. Just as they begin to find a balance, outside forces threaten to tear them apart. Job opportunities force Jordan out of the Portland area he loves so much. But when danger comes too close to Beckett, Jordan must decide if he can follow his heart to the Willamette Valley ... and straight back to Beckett.

Hearts and Hazelnuts

The thought of Jordan jolted Beck’s insides, and he made a firm effort to push it away.


Beck turned to go and nearly ran over a man standing right behind him.


“Sorry. Pardon me,” Beckett apologized hastily.


Beck froze and looked the man over. He was big and broad shouldered, with a doughy paunch and small, dark, beady eyes. His hair was all but gone—just a few wisps of gray over his balding pate—and his smile was oily. Beck immediately recognized him and fought not to cringe. Homer Gagnon owned a hundred acres of trees just west of Shaw Farms in some of the lushest land Willamette Valley had to offer. He also owned one of the busiest production plants and had contracts with dozens of farms throughout the valley.


Shaw Farms wasn’t one of them. In fact, Beck wouldn’t do business with him at all.


“Nice to see you, Mr. Gagnon,” Beckett lied. They were surrounded by curious onlookers, and Beck didn’t want to cause a scene.


Chapter 12