Page 55 of Love Like Lightning

“Thank you, seriously. I’m going to have to start sleeping in the nude if I don’t get some laundry done soon.” We both freeze, and her eyes go wide when she realizes what she said. “I’m kidding. It’s not that dire. Anyway, your numbers all look great. You’ve done a really good job at this.

I honor her quick subject change with a laugh. “Thanks, I did all right with math in school.”

“You must’ve been incredible to be this good.”

A slow, warm blush spreads across my cheeks as I glance down to hide a small grin. “Well, I did a bookkeeping and accounting certification at the local community college. I guess that set me up for success.”

I feel Gia’s eyes on me, and I turn to look at her. A small smile lights up her face, and just the sight of it makes my heart expand in my chest. “That’s impressive. That must’ve been hard to juggle while getting your business off the ground.”

“Nah, it wasn’t a big deal.” My instinct to downplay it takes over.

“No, Henry, it is. You wouldn’t believe how many people go to start their own businesses and don’t even think about this aspect. They think accounting is easier than it actually is, and then they have to call people like me to make things right after years of them just jumbling everything up. It really is impressive. I’d honestly say just hire someone when you have the ability and desire to. You’ve got a good grasp on this. Ultimately, it’s just going to be one of those things you take off your plate when you can.”

She so simply pushes back, makes sure that I know that what I did was important. That it’s worth noting and praising. It’s such a small thing for her to tell me that what I did—what I’m doing—is impressive, but it has a large impact. Her words are slowly unraveling some of the stories I tell myself. Maybe I’m not just faking it ‘til I make it. Maybe all my success can’t really just be chalked up to luck.

An alarm on my phone rings, and I take it out of my backpack to check it. It’s a ten-minute warning for my next appointment.

“That sounds great. It’s kind of a time suck, so I’ll start looking into moving that off my plate maybe in the next six months or so if I can. Hey, I really appreciate you taking a look, but I’ve got to run. Someone’s got a busted porch.”

“No problem.”

We pack up and bring our dishes over to the bin that’s set up on the end of the counter up front. Before we head off in different directions, I pull her into a hug.

“Listen, like I said, drop by to do your laundry anytime.”

“Thanks, Henry, I’ll be taking you up on the offer.”

She waves and heads down Main Street in the direction of the bed and breakfast, and I’m left with a heavy feeling of want settling into my bones.

Before I head to my truck, I tell myself to get used to it.

24

Gianna

When Henry offered to let me do my laundry at his place, I almost cried. I need my favorite pajamas clean, and it’s a miracle that I made it close to four weeks with what I packed.

Even so, I feel kind of weird about it. I chose to come in the afternoon to minimize any interaction. Although, I’ve been seeing him more days than not lately. When I texted to let him know I was planning to stop by, he said he had a pretty busy afternoon, so he’d be out but to use whatever I need.

It’s been nice to have someone other than Cam to talk to while I’m here in Ever Lake, and I can almost convince myself that we’re just friends.

That when he brushes a crumb from my lip, my body doesn’t light up in flames. Or when he hugs me, I don’t want to hold on to him for longer than strictly appropriate.

Almost.

After I grab the large laundry bag from the passenger seat of my car, I make my way up to the house. I find the spare key easily and unlock the door without any trouble.

“Hey there, Gianna.” Betty pokes her head out of her door.

“Oh, hi, Betty.” I pull the door closed and turn toward her.

“What’re you up to?”

“I was just going to do some laundry. Henry said it would be okay to use his washer and dryer,” I explain quickly, not wanting her thinking I’m doing anything nefarious.

A smile tilts her lips. “Of course he did. Any interest in some tea and a cookie or two beforehand?”

Thinking about my plans for the rest of the day, I figure why not? If the tea and cookies she’s got on hand today are anywhere near as good as the first time I visited, I can’t pass them up.

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