Page 6 of Ethan

“Alright.” He put the box down. “Any more that are too heavy?”

She bit her lip and he nearly groaned. Then she shook her head and smiled.

“I think that’s it. I appreciate the help.”

“You’re welcome.” He pulled his keys from his pocket. “I’m heading into town for lunch. Want me to bring you something back?”

“What do they have?”

“The best burger you’ve ever eaten.” He grinned.

“Is that right? I’ve had some pretty great burgers in Kalispell.”

“None like Connie’s.” Her stomach growled right on cue and he grinned wider. “Trust me.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d love one.”

“Tell me what you want on it.”

She did. He nodded, then stood there looking at her a beat too long before he turned and walked out before he did something stupid.

He climbed into his truck and drove to town.

****

Naomi stared at the door as he disappeared down the steps. Ethan Harrison was something she hadn’t counted on. Dark hair, moss green eyes, broad shoulders that filled out a shirt the way they were meant to. She put him in his late thirties, early forties, given the hint of gray in his sideburns and scruff.

She needed this job, which meant she couldn't get involved with him, no matter how attractive he was. He was probably with someone anyway, a man that good looking had no trouble finding a woman. But even if he wasn’t, it couldn’t be her. She sighed, opened the box he’d set on the sofa, and got to work.

Her stomach growled as she carried more boxes up the stairs. She hoped he wouldn’t be too long, or she’d start chewing on the furniture.

Twenty minutes later she heard a truck pull up beside the barn. She stuck her head out the door and saw Ethan climbing out, a white bag in his hand. She smiled as he reached the top of the steps.

“I can smell it from here.”

“One bite and you’ll be hooked.” He held out the bag.

“We’ll see. Would you like to come in? I made room on the sofa.”

He hesitated, then nodded, removed his hat, wiped his boots on the mat, and stepped inside. Naomi closed the door, settled onto the sofa, and opened the bag. She inhaled and closed her eyes for a second.

“If it tastes as good as it smells, I’m already in trouble.” She looked up at him. “Did you get one too?”

“It’s in the truck.”

“Go get it and eat with me. We can get to know each other.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back.”

She watched him walk out, then dropped her head back against the sofa.

“What are you thinking? You can’t be attracted to your boss.” She sighed. “Idiot.”

She smiled when he came back through the door, hat in hand. The man had manners.

“Come sit down,” she said, and watched him walk around the sofa. She had trouble keeping her eyes off him in those jeans. They fit him just right, hugging him in all the right places.

He settled beside her and she caught a trace of his aftershave, something warm and faint that made it hard to think straight. She cleared her throat.