Page 11 of Shelter from the Storm

He heard more murmurs that said the conversation was continuing, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying. When no one arrived at his doorway, Theo turned off his computer. Maybe he’d gotten lucky and whoever the visitor was had decided to return later.

“Theo Storm?”

Theo glanced up, trying to place the woman standing in his doorway. She looked vaguely familiar, though he knew in an instant she wasn’t from Gracemont.

“Yes,” he replied. “That’s me.”

“I’m Gretchen Banks.”

Of course. The new event coordinator.

“Oh, hey. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.” He gave her a friendly smile as he stood. “I wasn’t expecting to meet you until next week.”

“I know. I’m sorry to drop by like this. I told the guy who found me outside that I was taking a quick look around, but he insisted I meet you.”

“That was Billy, and I’m glad he did.”

Gretchen looked uncomfortable and he could tell she really hadn’t meant to stop in. Problem was, Billy, an affable, too-eager-to-please guy, was shit when it came to picking up on social cues, so he’d obviously dragged her in for this impromptu meeting against her will.

“I arrived in town yesterday, and I was excited to see the farm, so I thought I’d get the lay of the land. But I can see you’re busy, so…”

She started backing out of his office.

“No, wait.” Theo lifted his hand as Gretchen froze in the doorway, looking like a deer in the headlights. That same vulnerability he’d seen during her interview flashed across her face.

“I’m not busy at all.” There were at least ten more things on his to-do list, but since he’d already decided to blow them off, he figured he technically wasn’t lying. “I’m glad you decided to stop by.”

The video feed on his computer hadn’t done her justice. Obviously, he’d noticed she was pretty during the interview—so had Nora—but Gretchen had been sitting during their Zoom chat, so he hadn’t been able to get a sense of her height or build. She was surprisingly taller than he expected, though she was probably still three or four inches shorter than his six-one frame.

She was also quite slim, thin even. Too thin. The lack of weight meant her cheekbones were more pronounced, and he felt the unexpected desire to take her to his mom right now, simply so she could feed her.

She’d worn her long blonde hair down during the interview, but now, it was pinned up in a high ponytail, though several wisps had escaped, framing her face. She had long dark lashes and full pink lips that he’d yet to see tipped in a smile. She hadn’t even smiled during their Zoom.

One of Nora’s arguments against hiring Gretchen was that she’d come across as too serious. While the Storms were hard workers, they were just as notorious for playing hard as well. Laughter, teasing, and practical jokes were the norm around here, and Nora was concerned Gretchen wouldn’t fit in or get their humor.

Theo had rejected that argument because he hadn’t gotten the sense that she was uptight or humorless. Instead, those sad eyes of hers made him long to put a smile on her face, or better yet, make her laugh.

While Gretchen’s complexion was fair, she was currently red-faced. His initial thought was that she was either nervous or even a bit shy—which could be a problem in her new position—but as he took a closer look, he thought maybe she was flushed due to the heat. The hair along her scalp was damp from perspiration and her shirt seemed to cling to her uncomfortably.

It was no wonder she was overheated. It was too damn hot to be wearing a turtleneck. While it was mid-September, they were having an Indian summer, today’s high reaching nearly ninety. He wondered if fall temperatures were lower in Harrisburg. He’d taken a look at a map after she’d accepted the job. It was only a two-hour drive from there to here, so the weather couldn’t vary that much.

She’d been soft-spoken during her interview, but she hadn’t given him timid vibes. In fact, despite her lack of experience, her answers to his questions proved that her vision for the event barn lined up perfectly with his. He’d gone into the interview slightly distracted, aware she wouldn’t be their candidate, so at first, he’d only listened with half an ear because in his mind, all he was doing was checking a box.

But that had changed by the third question, because he’d become enthralled by…well…everything about her. Her looks, her voice, her answers, that look in her eyes that drew him in like a siren’s song, pulling him closer and closer to the rocks.

By the end of the interview, he’d known she was the one for the job.

Theo was big on making gut decisions; mainly, they’d never steered him wrong, and his gut…it had screamed Gretchen was perfect for the job.

“Come on in,” he invited her. He remained where he was because she still looked rather uncomfortable.

“I really should have called first. Given you some warning.” She glanced over her shoulder, clearly intent on leaving.

“Nope. This way is better. I like surprises.”

Gretchen’s brow furrowed in obvious disagreement.

“Not a fan of them?” he asked.

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