Page 14 of Chasing Stars
“I did. But I won’t use it yet, I promise!” Jenna giggles. “I let myself get excited for a moment about the idea of fixing the place up.”
I can’t hide the grin threatening to give me away. “It’s okay, you’re allowed to be excited. It would be weirder if you weren’t.” I take a sip of my own coffee.
Jenna’s brow furrows. “I just have a lot of mixed emotions surrounding this house,” she admits with a shrug. “And if I start to feel excitement creep in, it’s quickly followed by crashing guilt or sadness.” She winces and for the first time I get a glimpse of the weight she’s carrying.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask, fighting the urge to reach for her hand.
Jenna sighs. “Not really.” A look of guilt crosses her features. She gnaws on her lower lip. “It’s not you… It’s just every time I try to talk about it, I feel like I’m going to break open. I’d rather have a nice brunch.”
I offer her an understanding smile. “I get it. Well, if you ever want to, I’m here.”
Jenna tilts her head, smiling back at me. “Thank you, Miles. I appreciate that.”
I clear my throat as the server sets our identical plates down. “So, what else did you do this morning?”
“Oh, I talked to the girl who works in the hardware store. Her name is Joy and she had blue hair.” Jenna busies herself cutting up her pancakes and dousing them in syrup.
I chuckle, “Oh, I know Joy. That’s my buddy’s little sister.”
“She seems nice. And I saw they’re hiring in case this house drains my bank account.” She says it like she’s joking but I wonder if that’s something she’s really worried about. I tuck it away in the back of my mind.
“You’ll be fine,” I say, my voice soft. This time I do touch her hand. The warmth of it sizzles my palm. It’s meant to be friendly, reassuring, but when her gaze meets mine, she licks her lips. My chest tightens and I pull my hand back. If I’m not careful, this business relationship is going to turn to pleasure real quick.
We finish up brunch and I pay the bill while Jenna is in the restroom. She pretends to be mad at me when she comes back but I think I see appreciation behind her eyes.
We walk outside and stand on the sidewalk. The cool breeze is back so as much I want to linger here with her, I keep it short.
“I’ll give you a call later and let you know about the inspection tomorrow,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets to keep from touching her.
“Thanks, Miles.” And before I know what’s happening, Jenna rises on her tiptoes and presses a soft kiss to my cheek. It’s quick, warm—and completely disarming. Before I can even respond, she’s grinning and waving goodbye. “I’ll see you later,” she calls over her shoulder. And then she’s gone and later can’t come soon enough.
I meetJenna at her place the following afternoon around two. I watch her from the entryway. She is a bundle of nervous energy,and I have to actively force myself not to check her out as she buzzes around the house, telling me the things she has done since I was last here. There’s a warm front coming through the region this first week of October, and Jenna is wearing cut-off jean shorts and a mock-neck pullover that hugs her tiny waist. I’m so distracted by the curve of her waist and her toned legs as she flutters around the kitchen that I don’t even hear Danny and the home inspector come in the door.
“Yo, Miles.” Danny claps me on the back. “You good, dude? I was talking to you, and you didn’t even blink.” He laughs.
I shake my head to snap out of it. “Just a little drowsy, I guess.” I hold out my hand for Danny’s buddy, a stout guy about ten years older than us with a gray beard. “I’m Miles,” I say as he gives me a firm shake.
“Tommy Russo,” he says, his voice gruff but polite. “Danny and I go way back.”
I chuckle. “Danny and I go way back, too. Thanks for doing this for us,” I say.
Danny eyes me suspiciously, “Us, eh?”
Luckily, Jenna doesn’t seem to hear him from the kitchen. “I just mean I’m the property manager, and I’ll be the one selling it. So yeah, us.” I shoot Danny a warning look.
Danny ignores it and laughs, elbowing me knowingly. “Right. I’m sure it’s got nothing to do with the homeowner being a pretty, out-of-town girl.” He winks, and even Tommy chuckles.
Jenna interrupts my roasting when she sashays down the small hallway. “Hi! I’m Jenna.” She smiles at Tommy, holding out her hand.
He takes it and shakes it delicately, shooting a knowing glance in my direction. “Tommy.”
So, these twohavechecked her out.
“And it’s nice to see you again, Danny.” Jenna smiles. “I appreciate you helping us out.”
Danny coughs and gives me an aggressive shoulder squeeze. “No problem at all.”
“Well, there’s not much you need to do, Jenna,” Tommy says, walking back toward the front door. “Danny and I are going to take a look at all of the important areas, and we’ll come find you when we’re done.”
