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“She’s feeling better, thanks,” he said, before passing me as he headed toward the stairs.
“Wait, could I talk to you about something?” I said, grabbing his attention. The way his steely eyes locked on me when he turned made my knees weak.
“What is it?” he said gruffly.
I knew he was having a hard time right now, so I tried not to take it personally. But it also made me think about what he would look like if he smiled.
Catching himself, he hung his head with an apologetic look.
“I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“That’s perfectly fine. You have a lot to worry about. Which is kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”
He turned, looking at me questioningly. I felt the heat from his gaze. It was enough to make me think naughty thoughts about him. Pushing those aside for the time being, I took a breath, gathered myself and then asked him to follow me.
Taking him into the kitchen, I showed him the dishes I had cleaned.
“So, this morning the other guests asked about breakfast.”
“Oh, shit!”
“That’s okay. I took care of it.”
“You took care of it?”
I smiled. “Yeah. I offered them a few of the croissants in the fridge and cereal. I know it wasn’t what your mother usually prepares, but they seemed happy with it. And it was something you didn’t have to worry about.”
Cali looked at me, not saying a word.
“Was that okay?”
“Yes, of course. I’m just sorry you had to do it. That was my responsibility.”
“Don’t worry about it. In fact, I was thinking that I could help you out more. I mean, until your mother gets back. But, even then, I’m sure there are things that you’ll need help with,” I said, trying to hide my vulnerability.
Cali just stared at me. I melted under his gaze. What was he thinking? Did he see me the way everyone else did? Incapable of taking care of myself, much less anything as complicated as this place? I was about to retract my offer when he relieved me of my suffering.
“Have you ever worked at a bed-and-breakfast before?”
“No, but I have a lot of experience watching people work at a bed-and-breakfast,” I offered, knowing it wasn’t nearly the same thing.
The gorgeous, built guy continued to stare at me. The longer he did, the more naked I felt. I couldn’t take it anymore. “Please say something.”
“I’m sorry,” he said with sincerity. “I was just thinking of something my mother said.”
“What was that?”
“It doesn’t matter. Do you know what’s involved with taking care of a place like this?”
“No. But I can learn,” I told him enthusiastically.
“There are a lot of things that aren’t fun to do,” he explained.
“So, I’m sure you would prefer to find someone else to do them.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it? You don’t strike me as someone who likes to get their hands dirty.”
“I can get my hands dirty. My whole life everyone’s assumed that I’m helpless. It’s not true. I can do stuff. Someone just needs to give me a chance. If you let me help you, I promise you won’t regret it. Besides, I owe you this.”
