“Light bulbs are done,” Jake announced, and with his tall height and broad shoulders, he filled the doorway. “When was the last time the batteries were changed in your smoke detectors?”
“Oh dear. I’m not sure.”
He smiled. “Thought so.” He tapped the doorframe. “I found nine-volt batteries in the garage, so I’ll change them real quick.”
“You don’t need to—” Ms. Riley started.
“I don’t mind.” He disappeared into the hallway, and his footfalls sounded toward the garage.
“He’s such a thoughtful young man,” Ms. Riley said.
And hot too...
Emily sipped more tea. She needed to get her feelings for Jake under control. She’d thought she was over him, but who was she kidding?
“And so handsome.”
Emily’s eyes snapped to Ms. Riley’s. Had she just heard her second-grade teacher right? Perhaps she had read Emily’s mind? Or had she said those words aloud? She opened and then closed her mouth.
Ms. Riley pressed her hand to her chest. “I might be eighty-five, dear, but I’m not dead yet. I recognize a good-looking man when I see one, and I call it as I see it.”
Emily burst out laughing, and Ms. Riley joined in.
“You two were always two peas in a pod,” Ms. Riley continued. “Joined at the hip in the hallways, on the playground, and in the neighborhood. I thought you’d be married and on your way to starting a family by now.”
Only in my dreams.“We’re just friends.”
“Hmm.” Ms. Riley pressed her lips together. “Well, I think you two belong together, but I guess only time will tell.”
A shiver raced through Emily at the notion of her dream coming true.Yeah. Not gonna happen.
“So, about that garden,” Emily began, peeking out the window again. “Tell me what you do with all of those remarkable tomatoes.”
Ms. Riley gave her a knowing look before launching into a detailed list of her many tomato recipes.
After several minutes, Jake returned to the kitchen. He disposed of the old batteries and then pointed to the window. “Would you like me to mow the lawn this week?”
“It’s sweet of you to offer, but the lawn service comes tomorrow.”
“I’d do it for free.”
Emily’s heart squeezed. Despite knowing Jake for nearly her entire life, she was still blown away by his kindness. She stacked plates and cups from the table and carried them to the counter before setting them in the dishwasher.
“Nonsense.” Ms. Riley retrieved a couple of folded bills from her pocket and held them out toward Jake. “Take Emily out for coffee.”
He gently pushed her hand back. “Already planned on it.”
“Take the money. I insist.”
Jake set his jaw, and Emily knew exactly what he was going todo. “Call me if you need me.” He swept his arm toward the door. “Ladies first.”
“Thank you for the delicious snack,” Emily said while she and Ms. Riley walked out to the porch.
Ms. Riley grabbed her arm and peeked behind her shoulder, where Jake was making his way toward them. Then she leaned in conspiratorially. “You hold on to him. He’s one of the good ones.”
“I don’t think—”
“Just trust me, dear. It’s going to work out between you two.” Behind them, the screen door opened with a squeak, and Ms. Riley patted her cheek. “You two have a good day now.” She touched Jake’s shoulder. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
