Page 64 of More Than a Helping Hand

“But now you aren’t sure.”

“I don’t want Bailey getting ideas.” And if I’m really honest, it’s easier to keep my hopes in check when we’re sneaking around.

He nods.

“You were fabulous with her at the party. She needed that hug. And I don’t expect you to fill those shoes, but your presence that day was a good thing.” It hurts that I’m not enough to solve Bailey’s problems, but that’s selfish. I want to be enough so that I don’t have to lean on others for help.

He pulls my hand to his lips and gives it a kiss. It’s obvious that his wheels are turning, but whatever thoughts are tumbling around in his head don’t get said out loud.

When we get to the rental, Anderson keys the code into the lock, then swings open the door. An inch of brown water covers the floor. I reel back from the stench.

“Well, crap.” He rolls his shoulders, then opens his email.

“Smells that way.” I walk away from the door.

He slams the door and steps up behind me. Then he wraps an arm around me. “I’m so sorry. Let me contact this lady and see what’s up.”

“Yoohoo! I’m so sorry I didn’t catch you before you opened that door.” A woman hurries up the sidewalk toward us. “Are you Anderson?”

“I am. And I’m guessing you’re here to tell me that the house isn’t habitable.”

She sighs. “I think the last guests flushed rocks down the toilet, or maybe bubble wrap. I’m not sure what happened, but all three of the toilets flooded, and you don’t want to stay there.”

“Yeah.”

“I would’ve called earlier, but I’ve been on the phone with plumbers for hours. Anyway, I have one place not rented where you can stay but it only has one bed. It’s small, but there’s a hot tub at the place too. And I’ll rent it to you for half price. I’ve never had something like this happen, and I feel awful.”

Anderson’s shoulders are tight. “If it’s only one bedroom, then it won’t?—”

“I think we should take it, sweetie. We drove all this way.” I may regret this, but I’ve really been looking forward to spending time with him.

He blinks, and the corner of his mouth twitches like he’s tickled by what I said.

The woman looks from me to Anderson. “What’s the verdict?”

“We’ll take it.” He takes my hand. “Where is it? Hopefully not next door.”

“It’s actually in a different complex and closer to the water.” She taps on her phone. “I just sent you an email with the address and information. And my number. If you have any problems, call me. No matter what time. I’m so sorry.”

I squeeze Anderson’s hand. “I’m glad it happened before we dragged our luggage inside.”

“Right.” He tips his hat to the lady, and we get back into the truck.

The one-bedroom is close to the ocean. Standing outside the front door, I can hear the water lapping at the shore.

When he opens the door, we’re both holding our breath, but there is no flood, no awful smell. There are also not many walls. The only room with a door is the bathroom. It’s essentially an efficiency apartment that’s decorated like a honeymoon cottage. The couch is tiny, more like a love seat. But knowing Anderson, he’ll offer to sleep there.

“I thought she said one bedroom.” He’s staring at the large bed in the middle of the room.

“She said one bed, but, like you, I thought that meant one bedroom. That’s clearly not the case.”

“We’ll make this work. You can have the bed, and I’ll?—”

“Also sleep in the bed.” I step in front of him, staring up. “Because you won’t fit on that couch, and we’re adults. And I trust you to keep your hands to yourself because the bed is the only thing I’m willing to share right now.”

His demeanor changes, and amusement dances in his eyes. He steps forward, and I match it with a step back. We repeat this little tango until the back of my legs are touching the bed.

“Please explain what you mean, my dear.”

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