Page 7 of Swooning for the Summer Manny

THREE WEEKS LATER

“What do you two think? Could you see yourselves living here?” I ask my clients as we walk away from the beautiful three-bedroom single family home I just showed them. Outside, it’s ridiculously hot; the relentless summer sun is beating down from the sky and the air is thick with humidity. I’m dying in my blazer, but I’m doing my best not to show it.

The couple exchanges a smile, and then the wife says to me, “The house is gorgeous. I could absolutely see us living here. I’m guessing it’s probably going to go fast, isn’t it?”

I nod. “With the way the market is right now, yes. But don’t let that pressure you. Take a little time to think about it and let me know if you want to move forward with an offer. If you do, I’ll take it from there and do everything I can to get you the property.”

“Thanks, Karin. We really appreciate you.”

“Of course! It’s my pleasure.”

I wave to my clients as they climb into their car. As soon as they drive away, I rush over to my car, tear off my blazer, and let out a sigh of relief as the air conditioning blasts through the vents. God, that feels incredible.

I check my watch and feel another rush of relief when I see that I have plenty of time to make it to Amelia’s play. Today is the last day of her camp, and the kids are putting on a performance for all the parents. Amelia has refused to tell me anything about the play, but Ryan, who has been helping her rehearse her lines, has told me that it’s going to be great.

As I drive over to the day camp, I reflect about the sweet bond that Amelia and Ryan have formed over the past few weeks. Ryan is so good with my daughter, and she adores him to no end. I don’t know how Amelia is going to deal with it when the summer eventually comes to an end and Ryan has to leave.

Come on, Karin. Be honest with yourself. You’re going to struggle when he goes, too. And not just because he’s been making your life easier.

Fine. That’s true. I’ve developed a real fondness for him. But can you blame me? He’s just so…pleasant to be around. He’s easy to talk to, he makes me laugh, and he’s always so attentive…

Okay. So I have a little crush on him. Or, fine. A big crush. Is that such a terrible thing? It’s not like I’ve done anything about it. I’ve kept my swooning to myself.

I turn up the air conditioning and focus on the road. When I arrive at the day camp, I spot Ryan’s car and pull into the spot next to it. I make my way across the park to an area that’s been set up with a curtained stage and a bunch of folding chairs.

“Karin!”

I see Ryan waving at me from the front row. I smile and make my way over to him. My heart thumps harder the closer I get to him. The t-shirt he’s wearing today makes his muscular arms look incredibly good. Then again, everything Ryan wears makes him look incredibly good. The man is unbelievably chiseled.

“Thanks for grabbing these seats,” I say.

“Sure thing. How’s your day been?”

“Hot.”

Ryan laughs, his gorgeous eyes shining. “Not a fan of the heat?”

“Not this kind of heat. Are you?”

“I kind of like it, actually. It’s like being in a sauna.”

“Now that is a much nicer way of thinking about it.”

We continue to talk as the seats around us fill up. Soon the camp director is calling for everyone’s attention and introducing the play we’re about to see. My chest fills with anticipation as the curtain rises and the kids appear, all in handmade costumes.

The play that they put on for us is delightfully entertaining. It’s full of drama, suspense, and heartfelt moments—and I’m incredibly proud of Amelia’s performance. When it’s over and all the kids take a bow, Ryan cups his hands around his mouth and cheers loudly, and my daughter beams at both of us from up on the stage.

Afterward, as everyone is mingling on the grass, one of the other moms comes up to us and introduces herself, telling us her name is Nina.

“We’re having a barbecue at our place, if you’d like to come,” Nina says. “Everyone’s invited.”

“That sounds great,” Ryan says.

“We’ll be there,” I say.

“Wonderful!” says Nina, and gives us her address. As she walks away, I look over at Ryan, suddenly self-conscious about accepting the invitation on his behalf.

“Sorry, I should have checked with you first,” I say. “Please don’t feel like you have to go with us.”

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