Page 18 of Under Daddy's Spell

His grin broadened. “No, thanks.”

“I know throwing carrots and raisins in spice cake topped with cream cheese frosting doesn’t make it healthy, but the muffins are good for you. Quinoa might sound awful, but the way Angie makes them, they’re moist and really tasty.”

“I’m good, Tessa,” he assured her.

She was blathering again. “Okay. If you’re not hungry or thirsty, what brings you by?”

“I wanted to see if lowering the thermostat cooled you off over here.”

“I’ve been so busy. I didn’t pay much attention...” She paused and looked around. The oven was off and, this late in the day, only an occasional customer dropped by for coffee. “I think it helped some. The rain moving out sure helped the humidity.”

“Good.”

Her gazed returned to him, so handsome it almost hurt to look at him. “It was nice of you to check on us.”

“Like I told you before, I’m a nice guy.”

She deepened her voice and shook a finger at him. “Just don’t cross you.”

He chuckled at the poor impersonation. But as his gaze remained on her face, he turned serious. “I meant it the other night when I said you were beautiful, so I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but you look tired,cher.”

Automatically, her hand went to her hair, smoothing and tucking. “Operating your own business and working seven days a week, year-round except Christmas and Easter, will do that.”

“I know, which is why The Body Shop is always closed on Sundays. Everyone needs downtime, Tessa.”

“Yet, here you are.”

“Just today. The sidewalk sale was too good an opportunity to miss. Besides, I had a few loose ends to tie up before tomorrow's grand opening celebration.”

He laid his arm on the table; his hand extended as if he would take one of hers. She tensed, thinking he might. Although he came close, he didn’t. Instead, he leaned in.

“Who takes care of you?” he asked quietly.

Rufus was all she’d had for the past seven years. How pathetic was that?

“I take care of myself,” she blurted out, on the defensive.

In response, his dark-blond brows drew together, and his full lips dipped into a frown. “I know in corporate America, the buzzwords of the year are work-life balance, but the fact is, it’s important for your well-being. Like the adage goes, all work and no play makes Tessa a tired girl.”

She huffed a little laugh. “I don’t think that’s quite right. What’s your idea of fun, Mr. Gym-owner/Entrepreneur?”

“I live on the lake and get considerable downtime watching the sunset from my dock or fishing for flounder and snapper from my boat.”

That sounded like heaven on earth. The sunsets and being on the water, not the fishing. She’d never tried it but would jump at the chance, especially if a hot, blue-eyed blond who had the patience to show her proffered an invitation.

“Dammit!”

They both turned toward the source of the cursing.

Seeing Georgia’s grimace as she held her hand and hissed in pain, Tessa was on her feet and rushing toward her.

“What happened?”

“Steam burn,” she replied.

“Get it under cold water, now,” Jordan ordered from behind her as he flipped on the faucet in the nearby double sink. “You’ve got to stop the burn before anything else.”

Without questioning who he was and why she should do what he said, Georgia followed the authority in his command and stuck her hand in the running water.

---