Something About You

The door to the conference room opened with a creak. Miles turned, along with several other people, to see his college mentor, Professor Abraham, with his receding hairline and large black-framed glasses, step into the room. He’d invited Miles to speak and introduce everyone to his company, Parker Edmunds Foods. The moderator took to the podium to close out the session as the professor peered along the back row and spotted Miles. He smiled. Miles smiled in return, happy to see his old friend. The professor made his way along the wall through the crowd.

Abraham reached out his hand. “Miles Daniel Parker, so happy to see you.” He spoke loud enough to be heard over the applause going on around the room.

Miles pushed away from the wall and clasped the professor’s hand in a firm handshake. “Yes, sir, it’s good to see you, too. And thank you for the invitation.” Everyone around them was getting up and moving. Miles realized now that he’d missed the pretty young lady’s name.

“No, thank you for making room in your busy schedule for our conference. I haven’t seen you in quite a while, so congratulations on your retirement from the Chicago Cubs.”

“Thank you, but I didn’t really have a choice. A bad shoulder and a torn ACL is career ending. But after ten great seasons, I’m not complaining.”

“Then it’s good you were able to put that business degree to good use. The local media keeps up with your accomplishments. You’ve really made a name for yourself in the fight against hunger. Makes me proud!”

“Thank you, sir. We’re doing what we can with the help of organizations all over the world. I’m always interested in learning about new opportunities springing up in the farming industry. You never know what approach is going to have the most impact.”

Brandon cleared his throat.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Miles turned to Brandon. “Let me introduce you to my younger brother, Brandon Parker.”

The professor shook Brandon’s hand. “Guess I don’t have to tell you what a big deal your brother is around here. Two-time All-American Mr. Baseball, and the pride of UK.”

Brandon held his chin high and pulled his shoulders back. “Yes, sir, I know. He’s made the family proud.”

Brandon hadn’t played sports in high school. His popularity had come from riding his brother’s coattails. Where Miles went, Brandon wanted to go. Miles ran his hand across Brandon’s red fro-hawk, which normally freaked him out, but today he merely smiled.

Several people spoke to Miles as they passed. A few reached out to shake his hand and let him know they were big fans. He acknowledged all of them. Visiting the UK campus was always a morale booster. He’d given a lot to the school when he was there, so it felt good to know people hadn’t forgotten him.

“So, what’s this I hear about you doing some business in the area?” the professor asked.

Miles crossed his arms. “Yes, we’re in the process of expanding, so I’m looking for land now. Not right here in Lexington, though. I had something a little more rural in mind.”

The professor smiled. “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

“Yes, sir,” Miles replied with an even bigger smile, not ashamed of his country roots.

The professor looked back over his shoulder before glancing down at his watch.

Miles looked in the same direction, wondering what had happened to the pretty young lady who’d graced the stage earlier.

“I was looking for a former student of mine. She has a very impressive nonprofit aimed at educating the public about organic foods. I know that’s not your area of expertise, but I’d like to introduce you to her.”

Miles’s eyes widened as a flutter of hopefulness passed through them. “Was she on the stage earlier?” he asked.

“Yes, she was.”

“I heard most of her presentation. I’d be happy to meet her. She’s very passionate about her program.”

“She is. Her name’s Kyla Coleman, she’s in our PhD program and her nonprofit is part of her dissertation. It’s an amazing program and a huge undertaking. You two have something in common.”

“Oh, yeah, what’s that?”

“The desire to end world hunger on your own terms.”

Miles quirked an eyebrow and smiled at the professor. “In that case, I need to make sure I meet this young lady.”

* * *

Five minutes later, Miles and Brandon made their way down the hall to the conference room where Miles was scheduled to speak.

After reading Miles’s bio, the moderator welcomed him on stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the president of Parker Edmunds Foods, Mr. Miles Parker.”

Humbled by the introduction and the round of applause, Miles felt overwhelmed in a good way. As he stepped to the podium, the moderator stepped back. This was the first time Miles had been back to his alma mater to speak, but he hoped it wouldn’t be the last time.

In the thirty minutes Miles spoke, he briefly explained how Parker Edmunds Foods was making a difference in the lives of hungry people all over the world. He spouted a few statistics he knew would impress the crowd before letting them know his company was expanding, and bringing jobs to the area. He was also open to new ideas and approaches in the fight to end hunger. After his presentation, he took questions from the audience, who were gratifyingly aware of his company and their accomplishments.

Once his forty-five minutes were up, Miles left the stage to another round of applause. The crowd now wanted autographs. He signed numerous ones before being rescued by Professor Abraham and pulled toward the pretty ballerina he’d spotted earlier.

Up close, she was more beautiful than he thought. Her brown skin was smooth and flawless, devoid of heavy makeup. Her natural beauty piqued his interest—as well as his loins.

“Miles, I’d like for you to meet one of my most promising students, Ms. Kyla Coleman.”

Miles’s chest expanded as he grinned and offered his hand, wrapping it around her elegant slender fingers. “Hello, Ms. Coleman, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her grip was firm.

“Nice to meet you, as well,” she said with a pleasant smile.

“I was in the back of the room during your presentation, and I was impressed. You really have a passion for organic farming.”

She smiled again, and it set off a fluttery feeling in his stomach that he wasn’t used to.

“Yes, I do. You might say it’s my life. I found your presentation...interesting, too. Although I’m not actually sold on the benefits of tinkering with the genetic basis of the world’s food supply, I appreciate what you’re trying to do.”

For a brief moment Miles was taken aback, but he quickly recovered and smiled as the professor did the same and stroked his beard.

“That’s not all we do at Parker Edmunds. We’re a relatively young company being introduced to new approaches in farming all the time.”

“But is what you produce beneficial for the community or the environment?” Kyla asked, as she crossed her arms and took on a challenging stance.

Miles glanced at the professor again, and he seemed to be enjoying the conversation. He’d obviously expected this from Kyla, so Miles knew he’d been set up. There were two factions at the conference. Those who dealt in genetically modified foods and those who adamantly opposed them. Both Kyla and the professor were obviously members of the latter group.

Miles cleared his throat. “Check your pantry when you get home, Ms. Coleman. You’re probably eating genetically modified organisms, and you don’t even know it. However, I didn’t come here today to debate the safety of various farming practices. We’re here,” Miles motioned to Brandon standing a few steps away, “to learn what we can in an effort to expand our global approach.”

Kyla smiled at Brandon, and Miles made the introductions as a young volunteer walked over to whisper in Professor Abraham’s ear.

“If you’ll excuse me, there’s a matter I need to attend to,” the professor said, as he reached out for Miles’s hand. “Miles, please don’t leave until I have a chance to sit down with you. Enjoy the rest of the conference.”

Then he turned to Kyla. “Young lady, I leave you in capable hands. Miles here is very interested in nonprofit work. Why don’t you invite him out to the farm? Show him what he’s missing food-wise.”

The professor excused himself and dashed out of the room. Kyla glanced around, looking ready to bolt out right behind him, but Miles wasn’t letting her get away so fast.

“So, tell me about this farm and your workshops.”

Kyla squinted her eyes and tilted her head. “Weren’t you listening to my presentation?”

“Unfortunately, we missed the beginning. I assume that’s when you talked about the farm.”

She hesitated a few moments before going on. “My cousin runs a working organic farm and bed and breakfast a couple of miles from downtown Danville. People come from all over to pick their own organic vegetables and fruits and have our chef prepare them the same day. I joined the staff about a year ago, and I started my nonprofit focusing on clean eating. I teach the benefits of growing your own food, no matter how small or large you start out.”

Miles nodded. “Impressive. That sounds like a nice place. And is it cooking classes you give?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

“I teach that what we put in our food, land and water ends up in our bodies. I promote agriculture that is local, a manageable size, humane and socially just. I like to think about our future generations.”

Although she was being curt with him at the moment, Miles had a feeling she loved to talk about her work, given the right setting. He tried to ignore the people around them filling up the room for the next session and focus on the astute woman in front of him.

“You know, Ms. Coleman, my knowledge of organic farming is probably not as extensive as yours. And I’d bet the reason you oppose genetically modified ingredients is due to a lack of knowledge on your part. Before the conference is over, maybe we’ll each have gained a little more insight into both approaches. One may be as good as the other.”

Kyla chuckled and glanced down toward her shoes. “I don’t think so, Mr. Parker. It’s a one-day event. Maybe you should pay a visit to the Coleman Farm—you might learn something. I’ll even let you attend my workshop for free.”

“I just might take you up on that,” he said, seriously considering it.

The crowd around them grew even larger. Miles knew he had to leave to participate in another discussion down the hall, but the desire to leave Kyla Coleman wasn’t there, even though they were at odds. He wanted to get to know her beyond her obvious beauty.

Kyla smiled. “Come on out. I’ll be glad to show you around.” She pulled her tote bag up onto her shoulder. “Well, it’s been nice talking to you. I have another session to attend. Enjoy the conference.”

“You, too. It was a pleasure meeting you.” Miles quickly reached into his suit-coat pocket and whipped out a business card. “My card, should you ever find yourself in need of our services.”

She accepted the card, glanced at it and shoved it into her tote. “Thank you.”

As she walked away, Miles followed the graceful sway of her hips until she left the room. She wasn’t impressed with him, she might not even like him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d met his match.

Miles signaled to Brandon that it was time to move on. He tore himself away from a group of young female volunteers and joined Miles.

“Why’d you disappear?” Miles asked.

“You and that lady were going back and forth at each other about farm stuff. Man, I wasn’t trying to hear all that.”

Miles playfully grabbed Brandon by the neck and pushed him in front of him as they walked out of the room. “She invited me out to her farm.”

“I don’t have to go, do I?” Brandon asked.

“Boy, where I go, you go. I’m trying to teach you about business.”

“Looked to me like you had more than business on your mind when you were looking at her.”

Miles chuckled. “It’s strictly business.” What else could it be? he asked himself. Over a year ago, he’d turned his life around and vowed to be celibate until he met the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He was determined to become a man his father would have been proud of.

Chapter 3

Kyla pushed the covers back and climbed out of bed. Since she’d moved into her cousin’s B and B for the summer, the smell of baking bread always woke her in the morning. Her Aunt Rita arrived at 6:00 a.m. to start breakfast, while Tracee usually pulled in around the same time to start baking. With Rita’s help, Tracee had stepped up her game since last year, baking pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other gourmet treats that were sold in the new Coleman Farm U-pick store. And on Saturday mornings, like today, everything usually sold out.

Kyla had slept a little longer than usual this morning, and hurried to get showered and dressed in time for the morning tour. Hopefully they’d have a lively group today.

The kitchen was abuzz, with Rita and Tracee whirling around loading plates with fresh fruits, yogurt, organic pancakes, organic eggs and Tracee’s mouth-watering organic and vegan banana-almond bread. Kyla joined the whirlwind and grabbed herself a plate.

“Good morning,” she greeted her family.

Before anyone could answer her, the kitchen door swung open and Tayler Coleman, Rollin’s wife, backed her way into the kitchen with her hands full. “We need more food out there. These boys are gonna eat us out,” she said as she set two empty plates on the table. Then she looked up and noticed Kyla. “Morning Kyla.”

“Good morning.” Kyla loved and respected her cousin Tayler. She could listen to the story of how Tayler came to the B and B for a vacation, fell in love with Rollin and never left over and over again. Kyla wasn’t one to believe in fairy tales, but Tayler giving up her corporate VP position in Chicago for the likes of a little country B and B still amazed her.

“We’ve got us a couple of ballers out there,” Tracee said as she handed Tayler two full platters of food. “One said you invited him,” she added and glanced over her shoulder at Kyla.

Kyla frowned and looked up from fixing her plate. “I invited him?” she asked, pointing to herself.

“They asked about taking your workshop this morning, so Rollin invited them to breakfast,” Tayler added, before she backed out of the kitchen into the dining room.

Kyla frequently invited people out to the farm to see how her program worked. But for the life of her, she couldn’t imagine who Tracee meant by ballers. Curious, she set her plate down and walked over to the kitchen door, easing it open just a crack.

She could see a few of the guests, but couldn’t see who was sitting at the other end of the table. She heard Rollin talking to someone. But that wasn’t unusual, since he ate breakfast with the guests on many occasions. Then a voice she recognized made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

The World Hunger Day Conference was over three weeks ago, but that was definitely Miles Parker’s voice.

“Kyla. You okay, honey?” Rita asked.

Kyla let go of the door. “I’m fine.”

Tracee crossed her arms and peered across the room at Kyla. “So where did you go to meet a professional baseball player?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Kyla grabbed her plate and turned to leave the room. “I’ll be in the office if anybody’s looking for me.” She walked down the short hall to the farm’s office, and closed the door behind her. Rollin had converted the billiard room into an office big enough for two desks. He’d even purchased her a laptop.

She didn’t know whether to be excited, nervous or both. When she’d invited Miles to the farm, she was being polite. She never thought he’d actually show up. She’d assumed his interest in her program was out of sheer niceness to Professor Abraham. What did he stand to gain by taking a farm tour? His business wasn’t about organic foods; it was just the opposite.

As the farm’s assistant manager, she needed to check her emails and make a few business calls before the morning tour. She attempted to answer some mail, but she couldn’t get over the fact that the same Miles Parker she’d seen on the front page of the tabloids in the grocery store was in their kitchen eating breakfast. He was infamous for dating celebrities and seemingly doing whatever it took to get him and his buddies on Entertainment Tonight.

A knock on the door snapped Kyla’s thoughts back into place.

“Come in.”

Tracee walked in and closed the door behind her. “We have an idea. Right now Aunt Rita is in the dining room talking to Miles and his friends. Why don’t you get a picture of him while he’s here? We can display it in the dining room to show celebrities have eaten here, like they do in restaurants.”

Kyla’s eyes widened in horror. “I can’t ask him to do that. I don’t know that man. I met him once, and when I invited him out here, I didn’t actually think he’d show up.”

Tracee crossed her arms. “Well, he’s here. Rollin seems to know him, too. And he and his buddies are loving Rita’s breakfast. They ate a whole loaf of my banana bread. He’s not a paying guest, so the least he can do is give us a picture.”

As if Kyla wasn’t already uncomfortable with him being there, now Tracee wanted her to impose on him. She hoped he wasn’t the type of celebrity who hated fans requesting pictures. “Okay, I’ll ask. Since he knows Rollin, maybe he won’t mind. Now get out of here and let me finish these emails.”

“I’ll get my cell phone and meet you guys out by the truck. I can’t believe it, Miles Parker, here!”

“Tracee, don’t go out there and make a fool of yourself. Take one picture of him and Rita. That’s it.”

Tracee turned her lip up at Kyla. “You need to loosen up. You’re no fun, you know that?”

“Yes, I am. I’m a lot of fun. Unlike you, I know the difference between work and play.”

“Whatever.” Tracee walked back to the door. “We’ll meet you outside.”

Once Tracee left, Kyla shook her head. Her sister acted as if she’d never met a celebrity before. Then again, maybe she hadn’t, since Miles was the first celebrity Kyla had ever met. He was not, however, the first player or womanizer she’d ever encountered. Someone from not so long ago came to mind.

She pushed that bad memory from her head and shut down her computer. If it would make Rita happy, she’d ask Miles for a picture.

Kyla grabbed her clipboard and went out the back door to meet Kevin and the truck. Every morning he cleaned the truck up and got it ready for the day’s guests. She found him standing at the back of the shiny, pristine vehicle, as usual.

“Them kids yesterday smashed strawberries all over the floorboards,” Kevin complained as he finished wiping at some spots. “I swear they got no home training. People need to teach their kids about other people’s property.”

Kyla opened the passenger door and tossed her clipboard onto the seat. “Kev, you know you love this truck like your own. If it wasn’t dirty, you’d still be out here wiping it down.”

“Hey, a clean truck is a reflection of the driver. Besides, Mrs. Rollin said we have some special guests this morning, and I don’t want them sitting on smashed strawberries.” He stopped and looked up at Kyla. “Ever heard of Miles Parker, the baseball player? He went to UK and then played professionally for the Chicago Cubs. I used to watch him all the time.”

Kyla rolled her eyes, and rested her hands on her hips. Geez, did everybody know this guy? “Yes, I’ve heard of him.” She cut Kevin a quick smile. “What do you say we get started? Our guests are eagerly waiting on the front porch.”

Kevin frowned. “Okay, I see what kind of mood you’re in this morning. Research not going well?” he asked.

“My research is fine.” She climbed up onto the back of the truck and took her usual seat against the back window. “Let’s start with collard greens this morning. We can end with cherries. Rita wants to make cherry pies this evening.”

Kevin stood at the foot of the truck and smirked. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, as he two-finger saluted Kyla.

She rolled her eyes again and shook her head. They spent so much time together, they were like an old married couple.

As the truck pulled around to the front of the house, an unexpected shiver ran through Kyla when she spotted Miles standing on the front porch smiling and laughing with the other guests. His face lit up, and his square chin softened when he smiled. She wasn’t sure why she noticed that. Another thing she noticed was his ultra-bright-white T-shirt, which she would have advised him not to wear had she known he was coming. Where did he think he was going? She’d explained that it was a working farm.

He’d looked effortlessly cool and confident in his suit at the conference, but today, in his casual attire, he was downright hot! The T-shirt showed off his muscular arms and the shorts his nice calves. He had on a baseball cap with a pair of shades sitting above the brim.

The truck came to a halt, and Kyla jumped down to greet the guests and help a few of them up the steps onto the back of the truck. Still standing on the porch with Miles were Tracee, Rita and Tayler, all smiling like a bunch of Cheshire cats. The whole time, her family had been busy taking pictures with Miles.

“Kyla, get on up here and take a picture with us.” Tracee waved for her to join them.

Miles turned around, and the corners of his mouth slowly turned up as his eyes widened. He had to be one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen. She stopped what she was doing. “I’ll be right back,” she said to the guests on the truck before hurrying up onto the porch. Her family was acting starstruck and embarrassing the hell out of her. She had to end this, and quickly.

“Hello, Mr. Parker.” She gave him a curt smile and extended her hand.

“Hello, Ms. Coleman. I thought I’d take you up on your invitation,” he said as he accepted her hand with a firm shake. “You remember my brother, Brandon? And this is his friend, Trey.”

Kyla smiled and shook their hands. Both claimed Miles had dragged them to Danville so early this morning they were just now realizing what was going on. She’d figured as much, from their skinny jeans and bright shirts.

She turned back to Miles. “Well, I didn’t expect you but—” she glanced over at her family checking out the pictures on their phones “—welcome to the Coleman Farm. I hear you signed up for the tour this morning?”

Miles rubbed his palms together in an eager gesture. “Yes, ma’am, I’m interested in your program. So I thought I’d come out and see you in action.”

For some reason Kyla wanted to blush. She bit her lip and nodded to keep from looking stupid.

“Okay you two, give me a smile.” Tracee jumped in front of them with her phone, poised to take a picture.

Suddenly Miles threw his arm around Kyla’s shoulder and leaned in like they were old friends. She smiled and tried not to look mortified by the fact that her body tingled all over.

“Got it.”

Miles removed his arm, and Kyla took a deep breath. She nodded toward her family. “I hope you don’t mind the pictures. They got to you before I could ask.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m used to it.”

“Thank you.”

She then escorted her remaining guests out to the truck. She couldn’t keep the self-satisfied grin from her face.

These boys have no idea what they’re about to get into.

* * *

During the ride out to the green fields, everyone was pretty quiet as they listened to Kyla’s pitch about healthy organic eating. She’d chosen the green fields because Rita wanted to serve collard greens for dinner, and they were pretty easy to pick. Every guest was given a basket and a pair of shears. The older guests loved picking the greens and shared stories with Kyla of younger days when they grew vegetables in their yards.

Kyla walked over to Brandon and Trey, who seemed to be picking anything they saw. “You don’t want that one,” she instructed and took a bunch from Brandon’s hand. “See the blemishes on the leaves? No good. You only want greens with no blemishes or withering. These are pretty young, tender greens so you won’t find too many bad ones, but skip this one.”