Windswept Way (Hope Harbor #9)(59)
Author: Irene Hannon

 

Pleats reappeared on Mom’s forehead. “Are you certain about that?”

 

“Yes.” And that was all she was going to say on that subject. “Why don’t we go back to the carriage house? You must be tired after your trip, and I want to spruce up the bedroom before you turn in.” She pulled the front door open and angled back toward the foyer, motioning for her mother to exit. “I’ll set the alarm and meet you in back. At least there’s no rain or fog this evening. You shouldn’t get lost on—”

 

Her mother jolted to a stop on the porch and stared toward the drive.

 

Ashley swung around.

 

Jon stood at the bottom of the steps. Come for his promised fancy food samples, no doubt.

 

“Hi.” She eased out beside her mother and called up a teasing tone. “You must be hungry.”

 

He didn’t respond. Nor did he move.

 

At the weird vibes wafting through the air, her levity faded.

 

“Um . . . this is my mom. She came up to surprise me for the open house. Mom, this is Jon Gray. He’s responsible for the beautiful grounds here.”

 

Neither spoke.

 

“Mom.” Ashley gave her an elbow nudge.

 

But it was Jon who at last broke the silence, speaking as he backed off. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Scott. I should go. I don’t want to interrupt your visit.” He turned and strode away.

 

“Jon! Wait! What about your food? I have it for you in the carriage house.”

 

“I’ll get it tomorrow.” He called the response over his shoulder and kept walking. “Enjoy your evening.”

 

Ashley crossed the porch, stopping at the top of the steps as he picked up his pace. “That was bizarre. I’ve never seen him act like that.”

 

When her comment didn’t produce a response, she swiveled back.

 

At the shock and revulsion contorting her mother’s face, Ashley’s stomach knotted.

 

No wonder Jon had fled. This was exactly the kind of reaction he’d been afraid of provoking if he removed his camouflage.

 

But Mom’s repugnance was over-the-top.

 

Struggling to keep her temper in check, she marched back across the porch. “Why are you staring at him like that?”

 

Her mother pressed a hand to her chest. Swallowed. “What . . . what happened to him?”

 

“He had a close encounter with an IED in the Middle East five years ago.”

 

“Ah. That would explain it.”

 

“Staring is rude.”

 

“I expect he’s used to it by now.”

 

The twist in Ashley’s stomach tightened. “Would you ever get used to it? Do you know how hurtful that kind of reaction would be? How self-conscious it would make someone?”

 

Head cocked, her mother appraised her. “I thought you said this man was a groundskeeper?”

 

“No, I didn’t. He’s a landscaper. I contracted with his firm to refurbish the Edgecliff grounds and gardens.”

 

“Why was he here on a Saturday night? And what was that reference to food all about?”

 

Ashley folded her arms.

 

Jessica Scott hadn’t risen to the top of a highly competitive profession without possessing strong instincts and an ability to cut to the chase in any situation. It wasn’t surprising she’d picked up more than basic humanitarian concern in her daughter’s impassioned defense.

 

She needed to tone down the emotion and keep her comments about Jon business focused.

 

“We had a bad storm here last night. The grounds were littered with debris this morning. As a courtesy, Jon showed up at dawn to restore order before the open house. To express my thanks, I promised to save him samples of the fancy food we served.”

 

“Why would a contractor do hours of work for free?”

 

“I paid his crew time and a half.”

 

“But not him.”

 

If her mother hadn’t been a business executive, she’d have made a formidable prosecuting attorney.

 

“No.”

 

A few seconds passed.

 

“Why don’t we sit for a minute?” She motioned to the two adjacent rocking chairs.

 

“I thought you were tired.”

 

“This won’t take long.” Mom chose a chair and sat.

 

Meaning she wasn’t going to budge until her daughter complied.

 

Posture taut, Ashley perched on the edge of the second chair.

 

Her mother began to rock. “You know, a man doesn’t make a special trip to someone’s home on a Saturday night at this hour just to collect a plate of food.”

 

“It wasn’t much of a trip. He lives down the road.”

 

“Ashley, you’ve only been here a month.” Her mother gave her The Look. The one she always used when she’d concluded her follow-your-heart daughter was on the verge of making a mistake.

 

“I know.”

 

“You’re fresh out of a bad relationship, based on what you told me tonight.”

 

“I know.”

 

“There’s a certain rebound danger in situations like that.”

 

“I’m past the rebound stage with Jason, Mom.”

 

“That’s reassuring. But living in an isolated place like this has to be lonely. It could prompt you to seek companionship in the wrong places.”

 

Her mother’s tone was gentle, but the implication nevertheless made her bristle.

 

“What do you mean by wrong?”

 

“Well, I’m sure Jon is a fine, hardworking man. But he’s a landscaper.”

 

“Who also happens to be highly educated. His credentials were on his bid. He has three degrees to my one.”

 

“Oh.” That news stopped Mom—but only for a moment. “That’s impressive. But you’re a beautiful young woman. With your looks and intelligence, you could have your pick of men. You don’t have to settle for whoever is available in this godforsaken spot.”

 

Settle?

 

Ashley’s irritation morphed to anger, and she vaulted to her feet. “First of all, you’re jumping to too many conclusions. Jon and I are friends, nothing more. And second, from what I’ve seen of him, any woman would be lucky to win his affections.”