When she still didn’t move, his shoulders slumped.
“I’m trying to help, not…what I mean is…”
She put her hand up to stop him. No need to relive any embarrassing memories. She knew that was what he was referencing not so articulately. Layla felt it like a dowsing rod senses water. “Never mind. Just stand there until I tell you it’s okay.”
Layla unwound a length of wire, cut it, then wrapped it around the garland. He held it in place while she tightened it, the tendons on the back of his hands rippling. His fingers were long and sinuous. He trimmed his nails too. She studied them while twisting the wire until the garland slipped again as her focus drifted.
Brant’s hand almost brushed hers as he caught it. “Sorry,” he said again. “I thought I had a better grip.”
Layla felt the warmth of his breath on top of her head. She had to get out of there.
“No worries. A few more twists and I think we’re good.” Now finished, Layla put one more step between them for good measure before she looked at him again.
“You know, I’m serious about being useless without power. I’ve literally been doing a crossword in the dining room for the last hour.” His eyes were black as night. The heavy brows framing them gave him a deliciously dangerous look. Not that she liked the type. Not on him anyway.
“Oh?” She studied her garland. It was safer than looking at him.
“And I’m bored. Do you need help with anything? I’m at your disposal.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I work better alone.”
His brow furrowed for a second, but then his face brightened. “I’m heading to Two Rivers in a bit to pick up some food for Jeff and me. Do you want anything?”
“I’m good. Thanks.” If he would just leave. She couldn’t twist wire properly, let alone think with him around.
“I hear the Round House Grill makes a killer steak burger and sweet potato fries,” he said in a singsong tone.
That sounded pretty good. She hadn’t had much for breakfast. “Okay. Thank you.”
“Do you have your phone on you? Text me what you want on it.”
She didn’t want his number. “I’m not that fussy. I’d like a steak burger, mustard and onions. Medium well. Pickles, but only if they’re sliced and not a spear. And on the side. Ranch dressing for the fries.”
“I can’t remember all that.”
She sighed and fished her phone from her back pocket. He’d never go away. “What’s the number?”
Brant gave it to her, and she promptly texted him the order.
His phone dinged, the message coming through. His grin broadened as he looked it over.
“One burger and fries it is,” he said. “Be back in a flash.”
As he bounded down the stairs, Layla slumped against the railing. Nice Brant had showed up today. But Untrustworthy Brant who made himself look good at her expense overshadowed his better half. She’d have a hard time forgetting that side of him.
If she did at all.
The sun hadlong since dipped behind the trees, giving way to the shadows creeping across the lawn. The power was still out. So much for the hopeful message from Minnesota Power. Sean and Brant disappeared an hour ago after the HVAC guy finally called back with instructions for the generator. Layla finished decorating the large tree in the living room as the room grew dim. Later, she’d use the battery-powered lantern in her room to finish the mini trees for each of the bedrooms. Darcy offered to place them in the rooms when the guests left tomorrow.
On her way past the check-in desk, Layla stopped since Darcy was alone.
“Should we set up a time for me to come back for the dismantling? Weather permitting, of course.” Layla set the tub she carried at her feet so she could find her calendar somewhere underneath the scissors, wire spools, and odd bits of faux fruit and greenery.
“Oh! I didn’t know you offered that service.”
“I do for new clients. It’s to show you how to store your decorations so they last longer.”
Darcy shuffled papers on the desk, shaking her head. “Makes sense. I’m not the best for taking the time. I’m like ‘out of sight, out of mind.’” She mimicked casting something aside. Beside her, the candle flickered from the motion of her hands. “I was overlooked when patience was doled out.”
