Page 24 of Dandelion Sighs

“No. You did good.”

I gave him a regretful smile. “Tell me that when I’m cleaning rooms until I hire someone.”

“I’ll tell you, and I can pitch in too.” He reclined in his chair and steepled his fingers. “About this weekend… Should I pick you up? It’s about a half-hour drive from here.”

I would not let him clean rooms. He was doing enough, and he’d been a boon once again by keeping Landon from quitting. The resort was about twenty minutes away from town in one direction, and Reservoir Barrel was ten minutes in the other direction. “That’s a lot of extra driving for you.”

He lifted a shoulder. “When you’re used to living out of town, the commute isn’t an issue.”

It could be for me. Twenty extra minutes with Jasper one way and twenty extra minutes with him back. All alone. I’d have him all to myself, and I was starting to enjoy that way too much.

I was starting to hope. Sitting in his backyard and talking about his old job had made me wonder. What if this was the beginning of a relationship? What if I could have something with Jasper? What if I was falling for a guy who only saw me as the distraught girl who spilled her mother’s ashes on him?

He was an employee. I had to be strong. If he was interested, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Yes, my parents were married, but they started Bishop’s Landing together. That was different. This was more complicated. Not just my heart was on the line but also my reputation. I wanted to make a life here.

Then there was the flip side. He wasn’t interested; he was just nice and also bored. He hadn’t hit on me, and there’d been so many chances. I’d been alone with him at his house, and not one move was made. He was thoughtful and a gentleman, but he also wasn’t into me.

So should I let him add all those extra miles and spend all that extra time with him? “I can meet you at your place.”

Disappointment flared in his eyes, but it was smothered quickly. “No problem. Swing by when you’re ready.”

Did I imagine what I saw? Could he really be interested? It could be my wishful thinking. “Okay. How’s everything else?”

He took his ball cap off and pushed a hand through his hair. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with all the rain, there’s a leak in the Wiz Khalifa room.”

I groaned. “No.”

“It could just be a clogged spout. Still an issue, but not a new roof issue.”

“Unless it doesn’t get fixed.”

He nodded. “I’ll ask Maria to block off that room until the rain stops and I get in there and clean it all up.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” He pushed out of the chair. “Although I think we’re going to earn our reprieve at Reservoir Barrel.”

I was afraid he was right.

Chapter Eight

Sheridan

On Friday, I pulled up to Jasper’s house. My body still ached from cleaning rooms all morning. My staff was able to pitch in and cover for Constance. Some did it more happily than I expected, and while Landon hadn’t been thrilled, he’d jumped in too. Then he’d decided he liked cleaning, having his headphones on, and being left alone rather than working outside. Maria had been nicer to me than ever, but I had also drafted a policy about large groups that I asked her to review and give me feedback on. Dare I say she might actually like me?

Next week was full of interviews. Maybe I could do this. I was also going to call Linda about the waterfront property one more time and make sure she hadn’t forgotten about me. That way, if she made any decisions, I’d be the first to know.

I headed to the door, but Jasper was already coming out, his legs extra long in a nicer pair of jeans than he usually wore. I tried not to ogle, but with his deep-blue button-down shirt, his brown eyes somehow glittered brighter.

“Hop in, boss.” Grinning, he swept an arm toward his pickup and plopped a cowboy hat on his head. My stomach did a full somersault.

“I can drive if you want me to.” Then I could concentrate on the road instead of him.

“Nah, we’ll use my gas. It was my idea.” He rounded the bed of his truck and opened the passenger door. “Besides, I’ve been to Reservoir Barrel and sampled their taps. It’s your turn.”

“I can’t get drunk. I’ve got to drive back.” What would I do? Sleep on Jasper’s floor? Even worse, the things that I might say if I drank too much would be mortifying. I might tell him how hot I think he is. How I couldn’t quit staring at him. That I think about how good he was with his hands. Alcohol would loosen these lips.

Jasper, did you know that I watched you so hard as you laid down pavers I doubled the water bill for two days trying to cool off?