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Her eyes widened and she put her hand on his arm. He got so warm he needed to peel off a layer, or two, and quick, and he was only wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
“Jace. I’m sorry. You had no idea I was sensitive about death and you’ve shown that you aren’t trying to buy me or put me in a bad situation.” She gestured around. “I can’t tell you how I appreciate you working this out.” Her blue eyes got feisty again. “And you dang well better bill Bryan. Promise me.”
He didn’t want to. He wanted to be the one taking care of her and he doubted Klein would even let him pay, but he’d explain the situation to Klein, get a bill, and have the resort send the bill on to Bryan. If it got paid that was fine, but it was fine if it didn’t too.
“I promise I will bill him.”
“And I promise that bill will get paid.” She grinned. “I actually know a girl.”
He returned the smile.
He thought they might be having a moment, but he must have been more rusty about “moments” than he’d thought. She broke eye contact and sidestepped away from him. “Well, I’ll just go get my bags and settle in then.”
“Oh, no. Give me a minute.” He turned and rushed out of the house, grabbed the bags from the sport utility, and then hurried back in.
She was waiting by the door. Was that a signal she didn’t want to invite him in? He wasn’t sure but with the landmines he’d stepped on today, he wasn’t going to push his luck.
He set the suitcase with the purse strapped on top next to her feet.
“Thank you.”
“Of course.” He backed toward the door but had to say, “You won’t have a car here. The town is really close if you need anything or want to walk over for dinner, but I’d be happy to run you anywhere you need tonight.”
“No, I don’t need anything. I’ll just settle in, eat some of the snacks,” she gestured to the welcome basket on the counter, “start the fire, and read a RaeAnne Thayne Christmas romance on my phone.” She winked, and he grinned.
“All right. I’ll come pick you up in the morning for your first ski lesson then.”
“You’re still going to give me a ski lesson?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She lit up. Her smile and the happiness in her blue eyes was infectious. “Thank you. Do you mind … bringing the gloves from the lost and found?”
“I’ll send some warm gear from the lost and found down with Tanner tonight and you can see what fits best. He lives a few houses down.”
“Tanner?”
“The bellhop. Good kid. Boot size?”
“You’ll find me boots and I won’t have to scoot around in these stupid things and break my neck?”
“For sure. I want that neck to stay nice and straight.” And smooth and irresistible and needing him to trail his fingers along it …
Slow down, Jace.
“You’re the best!” She gave him a quick hug, and he was the one lit up from the inside all the way out.
She pulled back and looked happy but also a little embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m impulsive.”
“I didn’t mind.” He grinned. He hadn’t minded at all. He loved her impulsive side. It seemed to him she was naturally impulsive, but then she must have been hurt and it had damaged her innocence. Had she trained herself to be leery and cautious when any red flag came up, like him trying to offer his own home? He wished she hadn’t lost trust in mankind. He wanted to be the one to help her find trust and love and safety. And he was getting way ahead of himself. The problem was her story could’ve been his. He’d been so happy, sure of himself, destined for success, and thought everybody was his best friend, before Iluminada had manipulated and betrayed him. Ayla seemed to be the key to finding his own innocence, happiness, and trust again.
“My shoe size is a seven.”
“Perfect.” He didn’t think it was smart to ask what her pants size was for ski pants. He had covered enough shifts in the store and rental shop to get pretty close. “See you at nine.” He nodded to her and walked to the door.
“I’ll be ready.”
He smiled then went out the door, shutting it behind him. He heard the deadbolt click and his eyebrows went up. She was either still cautious with him or just cautious in general. He pulled out his phone. First a call to the grocery store and then he’d sort through the lost and found and find the best outdoor gear he could for her. Tanner was going to get overtime pay and an extra tip from him to deliver the clothes and the food to her house. Jace was also taking the day off tomorrow. If ski lessons went well, he might be taking a few days off.
