Good Lord.He looked like he actually meant it, and I found myself saying, "Okay…yes. He was the only one." I hesitated. "At least right now."
This made him frown.
Crap.
I recalled his grin from earlier. He'd come here in a decent mood, and I'd wrecked it by oversharing. Hoping to make things right, I plastered on my biggest smile. "But it's fine, really. I'll figure it out."
I just hoped that I sounded more confident than I felt.
He studied me for a long moment before saying, "You want a solution?"
Did I ever. My stomach did a weird little dance, part nerves, part hope. "Sure, if you've got one."
His tone was casual, but his eyes were deadly serious. And then he said it – two little words that nearly knocked me flat. "Hireme."
13
An Offer You Should Refuse
Griff
I hadn't planned to say it. But the longer we talked, the more it made sense. Call it a win-win.
She needed help. And me? I'd come to town with a list. It wasn't written down, but it was still there.Apologize. Get food. Find transportation.
I almost smiled.One down, two to go.
There was just one problem. She – Maisie – was eyeing me like I'd just suggested a conjugal visit with Shark Bike.
Then she started laughing.
I asked, "What's so funny?"
"Oh my God," she laughed. "For a second there, I thought you were serious."
I liked her laugh. The sound was warm and sweet like the first day of summer. "Who says I'm not?"
"Oh come on," she said. "I'm sure you didn't come here looking for work."
"True. But plans change."
"And even if youwereserious – which I'm pretty sure you're not – it's not like I could afford you."
Normally, she'd be right.Not today.
"How do you know?" I asked. "You haven't heard my price."
She crossed her arms, giving me a skeptical once-over. "Okay. What's your price?"
I didn't blink. "For starters, a sandwich."
Her eyebrows drew together. "So you're asking me to make you a sandwich?" She looked around like she half-expected someone to jump out and yellgotcha. "I mean…I would, since you did me a favor, but I'm pretty sure you're joking."
"Nope."
She stared at me for a beat. "Oh. Well…I don't have a fridge here, but – "
"Not for the favor," I clarified. "I already told you we're even. The sandwich would be part of my pay."
