“You heard about that?” She groaned and stopped her eyes from rolling. “I’m so sorry. Dex knows he’s not allowed to take toys into the bathroom.”
“All’s well that ends well.” Walking past her, Addy patted her shoulder. “Bring those babies to see him as soon as they’re home, please. I brought them home presents.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Of course, I didn’t, but that’s the fun in it.” Addy’s bright eyes sparkled.
“They’ll appreciate it.”
Hunter entered the kitchen. Black grease streaked across his cheek and his jeans bore dirt that wasn’t there earlier. “Your bags are in your room, Mrs. Addy. Sorry about the delay, but James across the street needed help with a flat tire.”
“No worries, my dear. I was having a lovely chat with Beth.”
The insinuation in Addy’s tone shot another wave of heat up Beth’s neck. She prayed it was only her imagination, but the curious spark in Hunter’s eyes said otherwise. “And now it’s time to get back to work. You know where to find me.”
She hurried from the kitchen before Addy could say anything else. Sitting behind the desk in the office, Beth powered on the computer. Unlike some people, she loved the administrative tasks, as long as they were maintained on a regular basis. It provided a balance between physical and mental activity and gave her an opportunity to work in silence.
Clicking through the bed and breakfast’s dedicated email, she went to the one Jessa had sent several weeks ago, a survey and information request on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. She’d meant to complete it before now, but time had escaped her.
After verifying all contact information was current, she updated the list of amenities offered. Moving on to the survey portion, she hesitated. Should she hand that off to Addy? No, Addy trusted her, and if she had more to add, she’d tell Jessa herself.
Jessa did an amazing job as the Chamber of Commerce director, so Beth didn’t have much to add for suggestions, but she did send her praises for the weekend getaway giveaway. The joint endeavor among the establishments brought new web traffic to Jasper Lake. Although the winner had chosen to stay at a cabin and not the bed and breakfast, Addy’s saw an increase in reservations from the giveaway.
Hunter tapped on the doorframe with his knuckles. “Have a minute?”
She hit send and looked up. “Now I do. What’s up?”
He held his arms behind his back and rocked on his heels. “What are you doing Thursday night.”
“Not sure. Why?”
Letting his hands fall to his side, he walked further into the room. “Would you like to go to dinner?”
She cringed. “I don’t know. Dex is in a weird phase where he won’t leave food on his plate. It’s like he’s a toddler again.”
“That wouldn’t faze me, but…” Taking a deep breath, he didn’t finish his sentence.
“But what?”
“I was thinking maybe just you and I could go.”
Her mouth formed an O. She recovered her gaping jaw, but then had a horribly embarrassing thought. “Did Addy put you up to this?”
His head jerked with genuine surprise that couldn’t be feigned. “No.”
The denial created more humiliation, and she wished she could crawl under the table. Now he’d certainly suspect she and Addy had talked about him. “Oh.”
“Never mind.” His lips turned to an unsure frown. “It was a crazy idea. Forget I asked.”
Leave it to her to botch a date invitation. If she had her doubts about stepping into more than friendship, they were temporarily put aside when she saw his confidence slide. “No, it wasn’t. I’d like to go.”
“Trixie can watch the kids.” A sheepish smile came to his face. “I may have already asked her in case childcare was your objection.”
It was a sweet gesture, even if it meant she’d be subject to more prodding from his sister. “Thank you. That would be great.”
“I’ll pick you up at six?”
She smirked. “I’ll be waiting at my door.”
He chuckled. “It’s not the same when you live down the hallway, is it?”
“It will be fine.” She glanced down at her t-shirt and jeans, a favorite outfit when she wouldn’t be around guests. “Where are we going?”
“Lakeview.” He hesitated then rushed his words. “If that’s too much, we can stay local and go to the diner.”
“I’ve never been there. I’ve wanted to but not had the opportunity.”
“I’ll make our reservations for seven. It shouldn’t take an hour to get there, but just to be safe.”
“Sounds good.”
An awkward moment passed. Hunter brushed his palms against his thighs and shifted his shoulders. “I should get back to work.”
“Me too.” She sucked in a long breath, not releasing it until after he’d left.
“Wow,” she whispered to the empty room.
She had a date. With Hunter.
She had a date!
Panic ripped through her. Her breath came in short spurts. Oh, dear goodness, why had she said yes. She and dating didn’t get along. Kyle was proof of that. She hadn’t dated anyone since him, had barely dated before him.
Hunter isn’t Kyle.
The silent reminder from her conscious calmed her and spoke a voice of reason. Hunter and Kyle were two very distinct men. Maybe that was the key. Kyle had been spoiled from a young age, and though he had many positive qualities, he lacked true life experience that produced maturity.
Hunter’s poor choices had given him life experience that grew him. He’d taken his mistakes, owned them, and grew from them. He possessed a maturity that Kyle never had.
An overwhelming urge came over her to call her mother. She checked the time, saw she had plenty of it before she had to pick up the kids. Slipping her phone from her pocket, she went outside to make the call.
Scanning the backyard, she didn’t see anyone. Confident she was alone and could have a private conversation, she sat on the swing.
Her mom answered on the first ring. “Hi honey, how are you?”
“I’m good.” She pushed her feet against the grass, setting the swing into motion.
“Are you sure? It’s not like you to call in the middle of the day.”
“Everything is fine. I just wanted to talk to you.”
The concern in Reba Aguilar’s tone didn’t fade. “I’m always here for you, you know that.”
“I do, and I appreciate it.”
“I wish I could see my grandbabies.” Wistfulness entered Reba’s voice. “How are they?”
“Good as always. We can facetime when they get home tonight.”
“I’d love that. What time? I had a garden club meeting at five, but I can skip if needed.”
“We can call at seven. Will that give you time?”
“Perfect.” Reba cleared her throat. “Since we have that out of the way, are you going to tell me what’s on your mind?”
Mom always had possessed an uncanny ability to see through her. “I’m going on a date.”
Reba squealed. “It’s about time.”