Page 33 of Mountain Dreams

Even you? He was dying to ask, but then she pointed up ahead.

“There’s one of the places on my list.”

Tabling their conversation for later, he turned into the parking lot of the apartment complex and followed the signs to the rental office.

He parked, and when they went inside, they were greeted by a pleasantly plump, middle-aged woman. “Hello. How can I help you?”

“Do you have any rentals available?” Maddie asked.

“Not right now, but I can put your name on a waiting list,” the woman replied.

Cody had been standing behind Maddie, and now he shifted to her side. “How long is the waiting period?”

“It’ll be three months at the earliest.”

“Three months!” Maddie said, scrunching up her face.

“Is it just for the two of you?” the woman asked.

“Oh…um…we’re not…”

“Would that make a difference?” he asked.

“Well, we have a three-bedroom unit opening up next month. It would be perfect for a young couple with kids.”

Maddie’s mouth dropped open, and Cody slid his arm around her waist and tucked her into his side. “We’re not quite ready to start a family yet, but thanks anyway.” Then he took her hand and led her out of the sales office. Once the door closed behind them, he let go and turned to find her staring at him with an incredulous expression.

“What?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“We’re not quite ready to start a family yet?”

He chuckled. “I was trying to help you get an apartment.”

“By flirting with the rental agent?”

“I wasn’t flirting. I was using my power of persuasion.”

She shook her head, but she seemed to be stifling a laugh. “Next time, let me do the talking.”

“Fine. Where to next?”

“Just a few miles south of here, on King Branch Road.”

“That’s just outside Gatlinburg.”

“Um-hmm.”

“That’s kind of far away, don’t you think?”

She eyed him curiously. “Far away from what?”

He’d been thinking of Sawyer’s Ridge, which was stupid. Besides, it wasn’t even that far. “Never mind.”

“It’s between both my sisters’ houses, so it wouldn’t be bad. Plus, I work from home, so it doesn’t really matter where I live.”

“I thought you were working for Wyatt.”

“Not anymore,” she mumbled. “I kept my other clients even after I started doing the accounting for his shop.”