Charlotte’s gaze came up, the white bandage across the bridge of her nose a poignant reminder of his stupidity.
“Isn’t it remarkable?” Her lips curved into a cautious smile. “And this year we’ve gotten the most donations ever.” Those silver eyes brightened with her statement. “I think we’ll be able to serve at least a dozen more kids if we can sell all this.”
“I’m glad I’m here to help, then.”
“Sure.”
But her voice lacked conviction as she looked away. He wasn’t sure why—maybe it was the broken nose and his complete idiocy, but once again, the desire to prove to her he wasn’t the sum of their first meeting pushed him into action.
“What would you have me do?”
Charlotte studied him for a moment before stepping around the table toward him, her long ponytail swishing behind her. “I could use help organizing and pricing the furniture there.” She gestured toward the group of motley chairs and small tables, even a decorated bookshelf or two. “I’ve marked down everything on this itemized list.” She offered him a clipboard. “And made the price tags. But I’ve not had a chance to sort them.”
“I can do that.” He took the clipboard.
“Thanks.” Her brow creased as she studied him again. “And a local farmer, Jack James, is donating some fresh pumpkins that we’ll need to set up for sale too.” A flicker of light returned to her eyes. “Big ones.”
“Excellent.”
Was that playful little spark a glimpse at the real Charlotte? Each time he’d met her before during the construction work, she’d remained somewhat distant, but that spark of excitement hinted at something more.
A charming playfulness.
“We only have about two hours before everything begins.” She waved toward the items. “So you’d better stop dillydallying and get to work.”
“Dillydallying?” He paused in his turn, tentatively stepping into a little teasing. “You mean to enjoy bossing me around a little bit, don’t you?”
“Oh no.” She shook her head, her lips twisting into a crooked grin. “I plan to enjoy it awholelot.”
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and then, with a sweepingbow and his gaze never leaving hers, he said, “It is my honor to serve, my lady.”
A rush of lovely pink brushed her cheeks, and the sight made him pause. It had been a while since he’d seen a woman sincerely and sweetly blush. The picture stuck in his mind.
She was lovely.
“Very funny.” She shook her head and backed away. “Now get to work before I think you’re afraid of it.”
They worked over an hour, sorting and organizing and pricing, before Jack James and his pumpkins arrived. Enormous. Arran had never seen such pumpkins.
“Told you.” Charlotte walked up beside him as he stared at the massive offerings in the back of Jack’s truck.
“You could build a village inside of those.”
“Not quite.” She coughed out a laugh. “But imagine the pies you could make.”
“How many, do you reckon?”
She stared down at the pumpkin Arran had just pulled into his arms. “Three or four, maybe?”
“Three or four pumpkin pies.” He sighed and turned toward the booth. “I love pies.”
She came up beside him, a smaller pumpkin in her arms, but still larger than he’d expected her to carry. Of course, she worked with Luke, so she must be strong. “Have you ever bobbed for apples or played the ‘Shoot the Ducks’ game at the fair, Your Highness?”
He frowned at the honorific. It didn’t fit here. Or her.
“I can’t say I even know what you’re talking about, Charlotte.”
“Of course.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re a prince.”
