“There are plenty of other places to stay. You know you’re always welcome in my guesthouse. For as long as you want.”
Duncan’s offer was more than kind, but it annoyed me somehow. “I’m good where I am. It’s where I want to be.”
He opened his mouth but then closed it again, sighing. “All right. But my offer doesn’t have a time limit.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice stiff.
Duncan shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Your friend came by while you were on break.”
I frowned. “My friend?”
“Thea.”
I brightened at that news. “Did you interview her? What’d you think? She’s super nice and knowledgeable about plants.”
Duncan chuckled. “I offered her the job, and she took it.”
“That’s amazing! Thank you so much. I know she’ll be an asset to the team.”
Duncan scrubbed a hand over his cheek. “She knows more than a lot of people we currently have on staff.” He paused for a moment. “You know what the request to be paid in cash is all about?”
I shook my head. “No clue.”
“It’s weird. She said to go ahead and report it to the IRS, gave me her social and everything, but just asked that I not store anything electronically.”
I frowned. “She said something about not being a fan of technology. She doesn’t have a phone or email.”
Duncan let out a low whistle. “Can’t imagine not having my cell.”
It was my turn to laugh. “You mean you can’t imagine not being able to play Candy Crush on your breaks.”
Color hit his cheeks. “Truth. Speaking of, I’m about due for my fix.”
“Enjoy,” I called as he headed toward the door.
I made quick work of finishing my sandwich, giving in to Biscuit’s pleading eyes twice. “I’m hopeless,” I muttered as I slid off the stool.
Biscuit just licked his lips in answer.
I headed down each aisle of plants, taking inventory of how everything was doing. I paid close attention to the seedlings, as it was easy for them to go the wrong direction—and fast—but they were thriving. I swore they’d grown an inch since yesterday.
“Hey, Rho,” a masculine voice greeted.
I straightened and turned to face the man. Same tanned skin, amber eyes, and kind smile. That smile would always remind me of simpler times when I thought a kiss was the answer to all my hopes and dreams. “Hi, Felix. How are you?”
He smiled wider. “Good. Just picking up a few things for my mom. She’s determined to outdo Ms. Cathy next door with her pots this year.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, given everything I pulled for her earlier, she shouldn’t have any problems. It’s all in the loading area, but I can ring you up in here.”
“Thanks. That’d be great.”
I led the way to the counter. At the sound of approaching people, Biscuit scrambled up. He let out a low growl as he caught sight of Felix.
“Easy, Biscuit. He’s a friend.”
Felix took in the dog. “New foster?”
I nodded as I went in search of Mrs. Hernandez’s invoice. “Not the biggest fan of men, but we’re working on it.”
