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He stepped into a living room that was bright with light from two lamps on the end tables. “How’re you doing, Jill?”
She closed the door behind him and slid her hands into her front pockets. “Currently looking for employment. I got laid off from the accounting firm I was with for six years, and there’s not much available in King Creek for my field.”
“Something’s bound to turn up.” Tyson offered her an encouraging smile. “If I hear of anything in accounting, I’ll let you know.”
“Have a seat.” She took an armchair and gestured to a recliner. “To tell the truth, I’ve been thinking of changing fields. Accounting isn’t exciting, and I’m ready for something new.”
He settled into the recliner, which creaked beneath his weight. “Any ideas of what you’d like to do?”
She flashed him a grin. “Sure, but you can’t make any money at amateur scuba diving.” She waved that away. “Seriously, I’m considering using my business degree to open a florist shop in King Creek. I’ve saved and invested well, and along with a business loan, I could make it happen.”
“I’ll be a loyal customer.” He glanced in the direction of the hallway before looking back to Jill. “Do you know what kinds of flowers Haylee likes?”
Jill shrugged. “I’d say anything bright or unusual.”
“Hello, Tyson.” Leeann swept into the room, pushing up her sleeves. Like Jill, she was dark-haired and beautiful. “Haylee dropped her earring, so she’s currently using a flashlight and looking under the bed.” She came to a stop in front of him. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Haylee came out of the hallway, her long denim skirt swirling around her red leather boots. Her smile brightened their living room like the sun coming from behind the clouds. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” She touched one of the diamond and sapphire earrings she wore. “These were a gift from Mom and Dad, so when I dropped one, I freaked a little and had to search for it.”
“Not a problem.” Tyson got to his feet when she entered the room. He almost couldn’t tear his gaze from her. She was so damned gorgeous. He gestured from Jill to Leeann. “Your sisters kept me company and told me all about you.”
Haylee looked alarmed. “I hope not all.”
“He’s teasing you.” Jill’s dimples deepened. “I told him about my idea for a florist shop, and he promised to become a customer.”
“You have our whole family and Tyson.” Haylee grinned at her sister. “What more do you need for incentive?”
“Jill’s got the brains and the talent.” Leeann nodded. “We’ve been telling her to go for it, and we almost have her convinced to go down to the bank and take out a business loan.”
Jill held up both hands in a “whoa” motion. “I’m almost there. It’s just such a big step.”
“Take a leap of faith, sis.” Haylee stood beside Jill’s armchair. “You can do it.”
“Yep.” Leeann nodded. “How can you fail? You’re a McLeod.”
“True.” Jill sighed. “Every sibling in our family has done well. Four brothers are successful ranchers, the fifth is a vet with his own practice, and Haylee has her event planning business.” She inclined her head to her middle sister. “Leeann is great at her job as an imaging tech at the county hospital. On top of that, she’s written the first book in a series and has an agent. She’ll be the family’s next success story.”
Leeann looked a little embarrassed. “It’s a long jump from a writer to a published author, and one who can do it full-time without a side job.”
“Yes, you can do it.” Haylee smiled her encouragement. “We’ve read your book, and you have talent, dear sister.”
“Yep.” Jill nodded emphatically.
Leeann smiled. “You all love me, so what I do doesn’t matter. You’ll love it, too.”
“Absolutely.” Haylee turned to Tyson. “I made sour cream chicken enchiladas for the potluck. Hold on while I go get them.”
“Need any help?” he asked.
She gave a shake of her head. “I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later, she carried in a huge casserole dish, and the delicious smells of the enchiladas made his stomach growl. “I’m ready if you are, Tyson.”
“Good and ready.” He took the casserole pan from her and moved to the front door. He touched the brim of his western hat to Jill and Leeann. “Night, ladies. I’ll get her home safely.”
“Before the stroke of midnight.” Jill rose. “Or she’ll turn into a pumpkin.”
