Chapter 5 #2
Unsure what to take away from all of that, he decided it would be better not to dwell on it at all. Otherwise, her simple kiss might give him false hope. Which could be painful. He’d never been the type to moon over a woman and he didn’t plan to start now.
Yet he couldn’t seem to stop yearning for her.
The way he saw it, he had two choices. He could work hard to force himself to see her only as a friend—unlikely. Or he could try his best to get her to open herself up to the possibility of a fresh start between them.
Because right now, he had to believe they were meant to be together.
Once Genna finished checking in the latest group of excited tourists, Spence loaded them up and drove them away.
Needing to avoid how the quiet office made her worried thoughts resurface, she made small talk with Hetty.
Both Shelby natives, they were close in age.
Genna didn’t know her well, being a couple of years older than Hetty and they hadn’t hung out together in high school.
She did know Lakin was dating Hetty’s youngest brother Troy.
The fact that Hetty had become a pilot fascinated Genna and she told the other woman so.
“You’ll have to come up with me some time,” Hetty said, smiling. “It’s beautiful, so peaceful and serene. I do my best thinking when I’m high above the ground.”
“I’d love that.” Genna checked the time. “But right now I’ve got to make a few personal calls. I need to call a door repair place and an alarm installation company.”
“What happened?”
Genna told her about the break-in, though she omitted the fact that she’d spent the night at Parker’s.
“I’ve got a guy,” Hetty said, “both for the door and the alarm. Let me give you their names and numbers.”
Grateful, Genna thanked her. Hetty scribbled down the information on a slip of paper and handed it to her.
“Does Parker know about this?” Hetty asked, her expression serious.
Genna slowly nodded. “He does. He said something about repairing my door himself, but I’d rather just hire someone.”
“If they can get out today, I get it. But if they can’t, let Spence and Parker see what they can do. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s not safe.”
“I know. And thanks for the idea. I’ll definitely talk to one of them if I don’t have any luck,” Genna replied, meaning it.
Especially since it was unlikely she’d find anyone who could come out and do the repair today.
Maybe if she’d had time to call earlier in the morning. She’d have to try and see.
To her surprise, both the door company and the alarm place sounded eager to have her business, especially when she told them Hetty had referred her. They each promised to be out between five and eight that same evening.
After agreeing, she hung up and marveled at her luck. Then she told Hetty she’d need to leave a little early to meet the workers.
“I’m just glad it worked out,” Hetty said. “And don’t worry, I can cover the front desk for the rest of the night.”
“I appreciate that. But we’ve got to make sure you’re not here all alone.”
Drumming her fingers on the counter, Genna thought for a moment. “Hopefully, Parker or Spence or one of the other guides can stay here with you once I leave.”
“I’m sure we’ll find someone.” Hetty didn’t seem concerned. But then she looked up at Genna and frowned. “What about you? Is anyone else going to be there at your place when you meet up with the door and alarm companies?”
Surprised, Genna shook her head. “I live alone,” she explained. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I don’t know if both companies will be there at the same time, but I’m just relieved I can get someone out tonight. Once I get all of that done, I should be able to sleep safely in my own house.”
Hetty shook her head. “Girl, you are missing the point. What if one of those workmen aren’t on the up-and-up?”
Dumbfounded, Genna stared. “But you referred both companies to me. Are you saying they aren’t reputable?”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all. Don’t you watch any true crime TV? What if the Fiancée Killer took out one of the legitimate workers and traded places, just so he could get to you?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” Hetty nodded. “Heck, even serial killers have jobs. You never know what that guy does when he’s not going around murdering women. You have to be prepared for any possibility, even if it seems unlikely.”
The front desk phone rang just then, saving Genna from replying. After she dealt with the caller, she turned to see that Hetty had gotten on her phone, too.
Though she thought Hetty’s scenario disturbing, once uttered, it took root inside Genna’s mind. Suddenly she found herself nervous, unsure if she should go through with her plans for that evening.
Except, she really needed to have her front door repaired. And an alarm system wasn’t something she was willing to put off any longer.
Parker’s truck pulled in. She watched through the front window as he got out and strode up to the front porch. She needed to check the schedule, but she thought he had one more trip that afternoon. He’d be taking a group of hikers up to look for wildlife and fall foliage.
Which meant he’d likely finish before she had to leave.
Maybe she’d ask him to go meet the workmen with her.
Entering the room, Parker greeted her and Hetty with a broad smile. “It’s a beautiful day,” he said. “Hard to believe it was storming so badly yesterday.”
Genna nodded. Hetty ended her phone call and frowned. “Genna’s leaving a little early. She’s having two different workmen at her place tonight. With everything that’s been going on, I don’t think she should be alone with them. Don’t you agree?”
He swung his blue-eyed gaze to Genna. “Definitely,” he replied. “Genna, would it be all right with you if I come over and help? Just in case?”
She liked that he’d asked her instead of just insisting. “That’d be great, but we also need to make sure Hetty isn’t alone here after I leave.”
“Spence will be back by then,” Hetty noted, dismissing her concern with an elegant wave of her hand. “He’ll stay.”
Two vehicles pulled up and parked. “I think your next group is starting to arrive,” Genna said.
“I’m ready.” Parker rubbed his hands together. “It’s a small group this time. There are only six. Once you get them checked in, we’ll take off. It’s a two-hour hike with a break at the top of the mountain. When I get back, after they’re all processed, we’ll head out. I’ll follow you to your place.”
The front door opened before she could respond. Six people filed through the door, all talking at once. She checked them in one by one, enjoying their obvious excitement.
Finally, they were ready to go. Parker gave them a brief talk, made sure everyone had what they needed in their backpacks, and led them out the door.
Genna watched him leave, unable to look away until he and his group disappeared from sight.
“So that’s how it is?” Hetty teased, grinning. “The sparks flying between the two of you just about set this place on fire.”
Though Genna felt her face heat, she managed to play it off. “You definitely have a huge imagination,” she replied, trying to keep her voice level.
“Whatever.” Hetty shrugged. “Not any of my business.”
The rest of the afternoon passed swiftly. Spence and his bunch returned with plenty of fish. They were a group of happy customers. As Genna checked them out in the system, several volunteered that they planned to write glowing reviews.
“We appreciate that,” Genna said, smiling. Even Hetty looked up from scrolling her phone and grinned with approval.
Nonchalant, Spence strolled around to the back counter. “I aim to please,” he announced with a cheerful wink.
After they’d all left, Genna filled Spence in on her situation.
He nodded with approval when she told him Parker would be following her to her house. “Good,” he said. “And I’ll stay here and help Hetty close the office. Right now, no female in Shelby needs to be around strange men when she’s alone.”
“That’s what I said,” Hetty chimed in.
“Then I’m glad Genna listened.” Spence’s cell phone rang and he stepped outside onto the front porch to take the call.
Since she’d be leaving early, Genna got busy filing all her electronic paperwork and setting everything up for whoever would be opening tomorrow. She had the day off; something she was actually looking forward to.
The last part of the afternoon seemed unusually quiet. She answered a few phone calls inquiring about tours, directed them all to the website, and checked a few times to see if there’d been any new reservations.
Hetty had gone outside to talk to Spence. Genna could see the two of them sitting in the oversized wooden chairs enjoying the sunshine. They made a cute couple. The love they shared was palpable.
This job, this place, and these people, felt like family, she realized. This sense of belonging, of camaraderie, was exactly what she needed at this stage of her life. Even if she had some definitely different kinds of thoughts about Parker.
Eventually, Parker and his group wandered back in.
Some of them were red-faced and perspiring, other seemed out of breath, but they all appeared happy.
She began the checkout process, asking each one about their experience.
Without exception, the guests raved about the wildlife and the colorful autumn foliage, glad they’d taken the hike and gotten the exercise.
After they’d all cleared out, she looked up to see Parker and Spence deep in conversation. Hetty had answered the phone and, from the sounds of it, had signed the caller up for one of the winter snowmobile tours.
Heart full, Genna began gathering up her belongings, getting ready to leave. When she straightened, backpack over her shoulder, she noticed Parker watching her. The heat in his gaze made her knees weak.
“Are you about ready to go?” he asked.
“I am.” She nodded, looking away. “How about you?”
“Ready when you are.”