“Couldn’t have you adding another gash to your face.” He pointed to my still-recovering forehead. “Most people get broken noses out on the mountain, not climbing up a short flight of stairs.”
“Ha. Ha.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Wow, did you just make a joke?”
He shrugged. “It’s been known to happen on occasion.”
“Only if it’s at my expense, right?” I teased.
“Not my fault you’re an easy target.”
He wasn’t even trying to hide his smile anymore. It softened his whole face and made him seem a hell of a lot more approachable than his typical grimace.
“You should smile more often. You have a nice one,” I said.
And just like that, his face fell. He cleared his throat again, dropping his eyes so they wouldn’t meet mine.
Oh well. It was nice while it lasted.
I shook my head and walked back upstairs to the front desk. That was the most pleasant interaction Giles and I had ever had. I didn’t care how brief it was. I was calling it a win.
* * *
“Excuse me.”I looked up from the computer to see a brunette with long hair tucked under a beanie peering over the desk.
“Hi, there. Are you looking for a room?”
She laughed. “I’m looking for my husband. Johnny. Have you seen him?’
My eyes brightened upon realization.
“Oh my gosh, hi. You’re Johnny’s wife. It’s so nice to meet you.”
She smiled and extended her hand. “Erin. It’s nice to meet you. You’re Mattie, right? The new property manager?”
I nodded. “Yep, that’s me. And you just missed Johnny. He dropped by to take Bev to an appointment about an hour ago.”
“Ah shoot, oh well. I thought we were supposed to have lunch.” She held up a white sack. “I brought sandwiches. Any interest?”
My stomach growled just at the mention of food.
“Yes, please.”
Erin swung around the desk and took the seat next to me as we dove into the food.
“I’m glad I’m finally meeting you. Johnny has been singing your praises. Says Bev seems more relaxed this week than she’s been all year.”
“That’s the goal,” I said, pleased with the news that Johnny thought I was doing a good job. One point for me in the battle of getting this long-term contract signed. “Do you work in town?” I asked her in between bites.
“I’m a substitute teacher at the elementary school.”
“That must be fun.”
“Fun. A living nightmare. Depends on the day.”
We both laughed and continued to get to know each other.
“So, what brings you to our quaint town of Key Ridge? Rumor has it that you’ve never even seen snow before.”
I put my hand on my forehead. “Great. It looks like my reputation proceeds me.”
