Page 58 of Kissing the Sheriff
“If opinionated.” He met her gaze then looked away. “About the landing. What else would you like brought down?”
She shrugged. Was he avoiding conversation? “Anything having to do with sewing.”
“Right. As to the new sewing room, don’t shove anything against the wall until tomorrow. The paint should have a full day to dry.”
“Understood.” She fetched the cookie jar from the larder and offered him one. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Love some, thank you.”
She set the jar on the table and headed for the stove. He was quieter than normal, and she wondered if he had other things on his mind. She stole glances at him as she wondered how she was supposed to know if he was interested. He had moments where she thought he was attracted to her, but maybe she was wrong. Her heart sank further at the thought. She should leave well enough alone, let him finish her house, then stay as far away from him as she could until he and his brothers left.
How did she wind up in this state to begin with? She went fishing, they had a good time, they shared some meals and talked about the house. Nothing out of the ordinary. So why did she suddenly find herself so attracted? What had changed?
She started the coffee and stopped. “Oh.”
“I beg your pardon?” he said from the table.
“Nothing,” she called over her shoulder and took a shuddering breath. She gave herself permission to enjoy him the otherday, to spend time with him and come what may. That one decision had caused a waterfall of emotions and she was still trying to figure out why. Was it because Letty found love with Sterling? Deep down, was she hoping to do the same?
“Cassie?”
A shiver went through her. When did he leave the table? She turned around. Conrad was right behind her. “Yes?”
He looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“N-nothing.” She gave him her back and checked the coffee pot. “This is going to take a bit. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’m sure Phileas will be ready for some after we move everything.” He stepped away.
By the time she turned around again he was heading into the dining room. “Where are you going?”
“To see if Phileas is coming. He should’ve been here by now.”
As soon as he disappeared, she sighed in relief. How was she going to be around him now? Her heart felt as if it could leap from her chest!
She tried to occupy her mind by getting cups and saucers from the hutch. She brought them to the table, then went to the stove. There was no sound from the parlor. Should she wait with Conrad for Phileas to arrive? It wasn’t as if she could will the coffee to boil.
“Okay, fine.” She marched into the parlor. Conrad wasn’t there. He must be outside. She went to the door and saw him standing in the middle of the walk.
“Here he comes,” Conrad said when she joined him.
Her shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank goodness.”
Conrad smiled. “Anxious to get your furniture moved?”
She laughed. Little did he know how much she didn’t want to be alone with him. She might start flirting and get her own reputation for it. “Well, it is getting dark.”
“Indeed.” He waved at Phileas as he got closer. “We’ll get the things in the back carried inside first.” He left the porch and met Phileas at the gate. Phileas waved at her, then followed Conrad to the back yard.
Cassie sighed in relief and faced the front door. “Just get through the evening, then he’ll be gone.” But she didn’t want him to be. In fact, if she wasn’t careful, she’d try to come up with some silly excuse to have him stay. Like … swoon. No, that wouldn’t work. Jump on the table and pretend she saw a mouse? Maybe a spider? Now, he wouldn’t fall for that either.
Unfortunately, at this point she was falling for him.
* * *
Conrad watchedCassie out of the corner of his eye as he and Phileas carried furniture into the house. She was quiet and didn’t make any comments on where they placed things. And when they brought furniture down from the landing, she was much the same. Instead she looked nervous, and he wondered what was going on. Did she want them to leave? “Cassie made coffee,” he finally said.
She snapped to attention. “Oh, yes, I did.” She headed for the kitchen.
