Helen Myers - Almost a Hometown Bride

“The stove is as good as new,” Merritt reiterated. “If he hadn’t been available, I’d be returning to a walk-in freezer this evening—and it’s likely your customers might not have bread tomorrow.”

Her calm tone and sound logic deflated her aggravated employer somewhat. “You have me there. Still, this isn’t like you to accept so easily. Usually, you’re as skittish as a filly around strangers, particularly men.” Seeing Merritt’s expression grow closed, she quickly added, “Okay, okay, so I reason through things out loud. I’m glad everything is back in order. Just be careful, will you? What you heard about him being something of a lady-killer isn’t all exaggeration. Back before he got into serious trouble, you could count the female tongues hanging to the ground when he went through town. Even a married lady or two made fools of themselves inviting his attention. All that testosterone has probably only compounded being locked away in prison.”

“He’s been perfectly decent. Good grief,” Merritt added, “you sound like you’re lecturing Nikki. I’m no flirt.”

“There’s a first time for everything when it comes to the mysteries of chemistry. Look at me and Leroy. Better yet, don’t. We aren’t a pretty sight.”

As Alvie laughed at her own humor, Merritt shook her head. “What you and Leroy share is uniquely yours. Don’t make fun of that.”

“I’m not, really,” the older woman replied with a sigh. “I was more upset that you felt as though I was treating you like ‘Miss Always In Season.’ For the record, I don’t waste my concern or breath on Nikki. I just live with the hope that she ups and takes off with some specimen before I have to fire her. She’s exactly the kind to file for unemployment, and I would greatly resent having to pay half of that.” Alvie nodded at the tray Merritt had prepared with the chili and breadbasket. “Dinner is on the house tonight. No doubt he’ll get his back up, but tell him it’s my appreciation for the help at the house.”

Great, Merritt thought, picking up the tray. Now he’d get bent out of shape because she’d told Alvie everything.

To her surprise, however, Cain accepted the gesture. And, after he finished everything, including all of the breads, he agreed to a hot slice of apple pie, too. That’s when Merritt understood that he was killing time in order to give her a lift home. Also to avoid the cold. That made her wonder where would he go afterward.

None of your business. Can’t you see that even though he wants to stay in the warmth, he’s trying to avoid eye contact so you won’t get tempted to make too much small talk?

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.