I appreciate this. I would have gone to my class no matter what, but I would have spent the whole time feeling guilty. Louise gave a quick grin, then left.
Holly turned to the old-fashioned kitchen and realized she hadnt asked where anything was. She was going to have to fumble around to find pots and pans. She didnt really mind. She was in one of the beautiful Victorian mansions shed admired since coming to town. Jordan Haynes might not get along with his housekeeper, but Holly thought he was nice. Best of all, she was taking the first step in repaying her debt to him.
Jordan watched Holly carrying in a laden tray. Shed found an apron and slipped it over the white frilly blouse and long, soft-looking blue skirt she wore. Her wide eyes shone with excitement, and her mouth quivered on the verge of smiling.
Are you hungry? she asked.
He inhaled the savory aroma of steak, baked potato and broccoli. Starved.
She set the tray on the table hed pulled next to the bed. Like the bed, the table had been rented from a hospital-supply center. Hed figured if he had to be restricted for a couple of weeks, he might as well be comfortable. The table slid around easily and could be raised and lowered to fit across his bed.
Holly reached for the bed controls. Can you sit up a little more? It will be easier to eat.
Sure.
She worked the controls like an expert. Next she raised the table two inches and slid it close. She unfolded a napkin and handed it to him. She played nurse very well. Interesting.
He glanced at the tray and saw it was set with two plates. Thanks for joining me, he said. Sometimes I get tired of eating alone.
Holly sank into the chair next to him. Im glad you dont mind. Louise suggested I join you. I was going to ask, but Her voice trailed off.
The all-business persona faded as quickly as it had arrived. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, as if she didnt dare stare directly. Quite a contrast of personalities. Deliberate or unconscious? Then he reminded himself hed spent nearly three days staring at the same four walls. His family had stopped by to visit, but it wasnt enough to fill the hours. He didnt care if Holly was a serial killer. He was grateful for her company, whatever her motives.
She took her plate and set it on her lap. He cut a piece of steak and tasted it. The meat was cooked perfectly.
Great, he said when hed swallowed, then leaned back. So, Holly Garrett, cat owner, howd you find me?
I went to the fire station. I thought I could leave the cookies with one of the men there and they would deliver them.
Fat chance. They would have been devoured in thirty seconds.
She smiled. Thats what the captain on duty told me. He gave me your address. I hope you dont mind.
Its fine. Glenwood is a small town. Everyone knows everyone. Thats why I moved back.
Where did you move from?
Sacramento. Id grown up in Glenwood. When I decided to become a fire fighter, I left.
She cut some broccoli and speared it with her fork. Dont they have a training academy here?
The county does. But that wasnt the problem. My father was the sheriff. His father was a cop, all my uncles are cops. Im one of four boys, and the other three are all cops.
You were expected to be a policeman, too. It wasnt a question.
Exactly. He remembered the fights hed had with his old man. His brothers had teased him about his choice, but theyd supported his decision. Not Earl Haynes. His father had threatened to disown him. By that time Jordan hadnt cared much about his fathers opinion. Not after everything the old man had done.
Holly tilted her head slightly. Are you happy with what you do?
Yes. But I didnt like being away from my brothers and their families. So I put in an application here. When a position for fire captain opened up, I got the job. He grinned. One of my brothers, Travis, is the sheriff. He never said anything, but I suspect he put in a good word for me.
Holly laughed softly. The sweet sound penetrated his chest and, for a moment, thawed some of the cold he felt there. Then the laughter faded, and her eyes darkened with an emotion he could only label as sadness.
Dont be a fool, Haynes, he told himself. He didnt know this woman well enough to be reading her emotions.
Your family sounds wonderful, Holly said, the tone of her voice confirming his guess. I can understand why you would move back to be near them. How long have you been here?
About six months.
Thats when I got here, too.
What brought you to Glenwood? Its not exactly a bustling metropolis.
My mother and I inherited a store.
So she wasnt a nurse. Which one?
An antique store across from the park. Now its called A Victorian Parlor.
He remembered seeing the shop after it had opened. When Im feeling better, Im going to be working on restoring this old place. Maybe I should come by.
Definitely. She leaned forward. The store specializes in Victorian pieces, with a whole section on restoration. There are books of wallpaper, both reproductions of old prints, as well as Victorian inspired. I can order fixtures, faucets, even disguised switch covers. As far as the restoration books go, a few are for sale, but mostly I loan them out. Thats one of the things I like about Glenwood. There are so many old homes that people are restoring.
She hung on to her plate with one hand and gestured with the other. Enthusiasm filled her voice.
You like your work, he said.
I love it.
Then Ill come into the store and get your help.
Id like that.
Their eyes met. She bit her lower lip and turned away. Jordan studied her. Part of him wanted her to be as shy and innocent as she seemed; another part of him hoped it was an act. If she was playing a role, then he wouldnt like herand that would be easier for him. Mostly because he didnt want to admit being attracted to Holly Garrett.
I remember that place being empty for a long time. When did you and your mother inherit the store?
My moms aunt passed away about five years ago. Shes the one who left it to us. She toyed with the last piece of steak, then pushed it away and set the plate on the floor. My mother was ill for several years. She had breast cancer that kept coming back. We talked about the antique store. It was our joint dream. Holly leaned back in the chair and folded her hands on her lap. After she died three years ago, I paid off the rest of the medical bills, then saved money. When I had enough, I moved up here.
She told the story simply. Jordan knew there were many details shed left out. He wondered about family. Was she an only child? Where was her father in all this? But he didnt like questions, and he wasnt about to force her to answer his. At least part of the mystery was explained. If her mother had been ill for a long time, Holly would have become familiar with hospitals. No wonder she could do a great nurse imitation.
Do you like owning your own business? he asked.
I love it. When I was still in high school, I had a part-time job working in an antique store. After I graduated, I worked there full-time. I know a lot about antiques, restoration. One day I want to buy an old place like this and restore it from the ground up.