“Let me know when you plan to go. I’d love to accompany you. We can take my truck. If we get this one in the stand to rest, we can go right away. Unless you have other work you need to do.”
“Could we? Really? That would be awesome.” She had rooms to clean and general housework. All of which would wait. She couldn’t clean while the rooms were occupied. Her next guest check in was scheduled for late afternoon, so she had time to go now.
An hour and a half later, Clara held the door open while Zane carted the tree into the front foyer. “I could have carried the tree,” she chided gently.
“It’s a man’s job to do the heavy lifting.” He winked as he pushed past her and laughed when she rolled her eyes.
“It’s not that heavy.”
He set the tree down and removed his winter boots, setting them on the wooden rack by the door before he picked up the tall thin tree and carried it into the library. “It isn’t about heavy. It’s about helping people out. I consider it my sworn duty to care for those weaker than myself. Women, children, puppies, kittens.”
“Did you just compare me to a kitten?”
“Meow. If the purr fits.” He chuckled and set the tree down.
His outrageous comment made her giggle. “Chauvinist. Next you’ll be telling me my place is in the kitchen.” Seriously, what was with guys? Zane was so much like her Flint cousins. All blustery, masculine, and insistent on taking care oftheir women.
“Since you brought it up and based on how your breakfasts and baking compare to mine, I’d say yes. But I’d bet dollars to donuts that my beef stew is better than yours. And it’s not chauvinism, it’s chivalry. I know you can take care of yourself and can do virtually everything without help. I enjoy helping people.”
Clara pondered his words. Okay, they made sense. But Zane better not think he was in charge or take on her chores. Except the snow shoveling, she’d let him have that one. She didn’t mind it, but the way it was snowing right now, it would be a foot thick by tomorrow and she wasn’t looking forward to clearing her endless walkways. She couldn’t wait to sit on the porch swing wrapped in a blanket while she watched the snow drift down around her Christmas lights.
“Okay, Mr. I Can Cook like a Michelin chef, time to put your money where your mouth is. You can cook supper tonight. There’s a small steak and a fridge full of veggies in the kitchen. I can’t wait to see how well you actually cook, or if you’re all bluster and hot air.”
“Maybe I had dinner plans. Where do you want the tree?”
“Let’s leave it there for now. After it settles, I’ll figure out exactly where I want it.” She answered his question before acknowledging his evasion. “Dinner plans? You’re just trying to get out of cooking.”
“Maybe I have a hot date?” He picked a few pine needles off his sweater and dropped them into the pot holding the tree.
He had a date.Disappointment rocked her. He wasn’t supposed to be dating anyone. Unless it was her. Wait. Back up. She wasn’t going to date Zane. She wanted a local man, someone who’d be sticking around in the long run. But it would be nice if that man had Zane’s good looks and kind heart.
“Do you have a hot date?” The question blurted right out. Heat rose in her face, and she turned away to hide the flush she knew was there.
“Actually no. I was teasing. But if you’re inviting me to dinner, I’d be happy to cook, and for the record, I think all housework chores should be divided evenly among the people who live there. Adults and children.”
“Me too.” She smiled at him as a few musical notes flittered into her mind. Funny how he made her think in music. Before Zane’s arrival, it had been months since the urge to compose had visited. She’d played regularly, but had composed nothing since moving in. Her muse had been absent since the episode with the rock star. Was hearing the music again due to Zane, or some other bizarre coincidence?
“Your smile is lovely. What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, this and that. Nothing special.” As if she’d tell him that he was inspiring music. “I’m happy to get these decorations up. I don’t want to wait, but we need to let the trees rest longer. I’ll go do my chores and start decorating around one. You’re welcome to join me.” A secret part of her whispered,“Please come. Please come.”
“Join you in doing chores?” He curled up his lip. “No thanks. I’ll go back to my project. Unless you need in my room.”
She laughed at the mock disgust on his face. “Give me fifteen minutes to clean your room. I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee and put out some cookies.”
