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Zach’s stomach clenched. They were getting too cozy. Walking hand in hand to the barn, now shopping and decorating together. Both of them could get hurt. When his girlfriend had broken up with him, his mom had taken it hard. She didn’t need to get attached to another woman who would soon walk out of their lives.
He shook his head. “Never mind. This isn’t going to work.”
Chapter Seventeen
“We talked this all through. What’s the problem with me helping to paint the room?” Crystal gathered up her hair and stood in front of the window unit, letting the cool air blow on her itchy skin.
“I don’t think us working together is a good idea.” Zach’s gaze locked on her eyes.
She caught her breath at the intensity. Why was he looking at her like that?
“Why?” Crystal asked.
“I really don’t have time to talk about this. Let’s move on.” He dug his keys out of a pocket.
Erin glanced between the two of them and plucked up her cell phone, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’m sorry, Zach. I don’t mean to put so much pressure on you. Let me give Levi a call and see if he can—”
“No. He’s busy,” Zach said in a gruff tone.
Crystal winced. She didn’t want Levi dragged into this now.
Erin said, “Well, so are you, honey. I’ll check and see—”
“Don’t bother. I got this.” Zach placed a hand over Erin’s and pressed the phone down.
“Not without help. If you’re too uncomfortable working with Crystal, I’m sure Levi can. They seem to get along splendidly.”
Zach’s nostrils flared. “I never said I was uncomfortable. I said it wasn’t a good idea.”
Erin gestured to Crystal. “She’s very pretty. You can’t help it if you feel uncomfortable working with her. I’ll make other arrangements.”
A flush of heat rose to Crystal’s face. She was anything but attractive with bumpy rashes everywhere. Why on earth would Erin say she was pretty?
“I’m not uncomfortable with…with anything,” Zach grated out.
“It’s okay. I understand.” Crystal let go of her hair, shaking it down in an attempt to cover her face as she lowered her head. Of course, he wouldn’t want to be stuck in a room looking at her hideous condition. Maybe she could find a way to help without forcing him to be disgusted, sharing space with her.
The silence was deafening.
Crystal shuffled her bare feet, staring down at them.
“I’m done with this conversation.” Zach trudged to the door.
“Does that mean you’ll let her help?” Erin asked.
“Yeah. Just leave Levi out of this. I’ll be back later to pick you up, Crystal.” He opened the porch door.
Erin grabbed her purse. “No need. We’ll do our shopping, and she can have dinner with me at the house, if that’s okay with Crystal?”
“Sure. I appreciate the invite.” It would save her an extra car ride with Zach, who was in a rush to get away from her.
“All right. I’ll be over later.” Zach left and shut the door behind him.
Crystal mentally ticked through her inventory of clothes. She had a long sleeve shirt, pants, and a hat. He wouldn’t have to see much of her body at all. She could do this. She could still help.She could turn the room into something beautiful that would make Erin proud to host her friends. The woman deserved it, as nice as she was being to Crystal.
It had been a while since Crystal had sketched and painted. She’d needed an outlet as a teen, alone in her room at night with the door deadbolted to keep out her mother’s boyfriends. Painting had become her hobby. That led to marketing and design. Like a sponge, she’d soaked it all up. Excitement bubbled and tickled her ribs at the chance to use her creative skills again.
Crystal considered the timeframe. The room wouldn’t be ready for detailing until the paint dried. She’d need to come back to finish Friday night because she might be on the set again during the day. Zach would be busy with the scouts, and she didn’t want him driving her anyway. She nibbled her lip as a plan formed. When she had time, she’d give Levi a call.
