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Avery’s emotions had been on a teeter-totter since the video call with Lucy. What were the chances a doctor of her caliber would be interested in settling in a small-town clinic and not be put off by the dismal salary?
She had to figure out this housing situation and soon. She’d already called Gavin, but that had been hugely deflating. The plumbing in the cabin he was building was due for inspection next Monday, and he was behind the gun to get it finished. He obviously felt bad for turning her down, so she underplayed her desperation.
Pushing aside her worries, she slipped into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and headed out back. Regardless of her dilemma, she owed the man in her backyard a nice supper and a mountain of gratitude. If he hadn’t come along, the house would still be sitting in a dilapidated state, and Lucy Chan would probably have passed on the position altogether.
The thought of Wes leaving in the morning made her heart squeeze tight. Handyman skills aside, she didn’t want him to go. She already missed him and his easy laugh. Already missed the way she could simply relax around him and forget the pressures of the clinic for two minutes.
Avery made her way through the backyard. The sun had sunk behind the hills, offering a reprieve from the relentless heat of the day. In the distance a lawn mower droned. The sweet scent of flowers teased her nostrils.
From the exterior the carriage house really did look like a storybook cottage now. The roof was complete—the three-dimensional shingles giving the building new life. She took a minute to walk around the building and admire Wes’s excellent work before she knocked on the door. She would put her worries aside for tonight and simply enjoy his company.
He pulled opened the door, and there he was in all his masculine glory, smiling sweetly at her. He wore a clean black T-shirt, and his damp hair was slicked back, one stubborn strand falling forward at his temple. He was so handsome she forgot what she’d been about to say.
The corners of his blue eyes crinkled as he smiled. “How was your day, Doc?”
She blinked away the stupor. “It was, uh, good—very good actually. And hey, the roof looks sensational. It really changed the appearance of the place.”
He opened the door wider. “Thanks. Come on in. I’ve been doing a little prep work in here so Gavin will be ready to lay the flooring when he finds time.”
As she stepped inside a terrible smell assaulted her senses. She stared at the floor and her stomach bottomed out: The carpethad been stripped down to the concrete slab. The place looked like a construction zone. Her smile wilted.
She covered her nose. “What is that smell?”
“Apparently the previous resident had untrained pets.”
“Urine?”
“At least. The carpet and padding were nasty.”
There would be no uncovering the furniture and cleaning up the place for Lucy now. Avery would have to put her up at the hotel and promise the renovation would be complete—somehow—by the time she started the position.
It isn’t the end of the world.She repeated the thought to herself twice more. But the young doctor was already overqualified for this position. She had the credentials to make big money someplace else. Even some small-town practice might be able to pay her more competitively—probably even the one in Ohio.
“What’s wrong?” Wes’s brows pulled together as he studied her. “Don’t worry, I’m airing it out. Just make sure Gavin rolls on some Kilz before he lays the flooring. It’ll knock that smell right out.”
“Kilz. Right. I’ll tell him. Thank you for getting the carpet up. It’ll make Gavin’s job much easier.”
His gaze sharpened on her. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m just hungry.” She forced a bright smile. “I thought we’d go out tonight and celebrate. Well, honestly, I’m out of groceries and haven’t had time to restock.”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“It’s your last night in town. Why don’t you pick—from the five whole restaurants that are open for supper.”
“I’ve been meaning to get back over to the Trailhead. Their brisket’s really good.”
“Sounds perfect. Are you ready to go?”
“I’ll meet you out at the Jeep.”
Avery settled into the last empty booth at the restaurant and took a deep whiff of the savory smells emanating from the kitchen. The sounds of conversation and clinking silverware filled the space, and a loud country tune flowed through the speakers.
“I didn’t expect it to be this busy on a weeknight,” Wes said over the cacophony.
“Taco Tuesday is pretty popular around here. They even make guacamole for the occasion—though it can’t compete with yours.”
“Thank you kindly, ma’am,” he said in an exaggerated southern drawl.
