“Yeah, well, of all the words I’d use to describe him, softy wouldn’t be one of them.”
Sam went to the back of the truck and lowered the tailgate. “Once he knows you better, he’ll be fine.” She motioned for Jack to jump in, but he remained on the ground beside her. “Get in, Jack.” She snapped her fingers. “Now.”
The dog gave Bill one final I’m watching you look, and jumped in.
She closed the gate, and returned to the driver’s side door. “Thanks again. I would have dropped the whole mess if you hadn’t come along.”
“My pleasure. Say, how’s the house-hunting going? Did you check into the complex where I live?”
“Actually, I’m staying at Eva’s for a while.”
“Ahh, I see.”
A strange note crept into his voice, putting her on edge. She considered telling him it was her business, but something under the wiper blade caught her eye. “What’s that?” She moved around him, and plucked the single pink rose from its resting place.
She glanced at Billy.
“Don’t look at me. I didn’t do it.”
She sniffed the fragrant bloom. Coop. It had to be him. “I love roses. Thanks again for your help, Billy Ray. I appreciate it.” She got behind the wheel.
“Anytime, Sam. And I prefer Bill, please.” He rested both hands on the bottom of the window, a smirk revealing a dimple in his right cheek, which, combined with his windblown hair, presented a rather rakish look. “You change your mind about a new place, let me know.” He let his gaze drop to her chest, then back up. “I’ll be glad to help you look.”
A spark of desire flashed through his dark eyes so quickly she almost missed it. Almost.
“If Coop doesn’t object, of course.”
He turned and strolled down the sidewalk to the drug store.
Once back at The Grove, she placed the single bud in a vase and carried it upstairs with her purchases, idly wondering why she did not see Eva.
On impulse, she tapped on the door to her room, but got no response. Concerned, she made her way downstairs, and stopped to answer when the house phone rang. “Pecan Grove B&B.”
“Sam? This is Anson McElroy. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
“No, this is fine. What can I do for you?”
There was a slight pause before he answered, and she could almost see the leer on his face.
“Well, since you asked, how about dinner tonight? My way of apologizing for not being there when you came by to sign those papers.”
How many ways can I say hell no?
“I’m sorry, Mr. McElroy, but I have plans. With Coop.” Not exactly the truth, but she was kinda living here with him, so they could have plans. Maybe. If she were lucky.
“Perhaps another time, then.”
“I appreciate your help, Mr. McElroy.” The evasive answer and formal address were meant to reinforce her lack of interest and define their relationship as attorney-client.
“Well, if there is anything else I can do for you, don’t hesitate to call.”
“I will.”
She hung up and headed for Eva’s office. The older woman sat at the desk, hands resting in her lap.
“Eva? Are you all right?”
She looked at Sam, face pinched. “Feel strange. Dizzy.”
Time slowed to a crawl as they waited for news on Eva. Coop paced the small waiting area like a caged tiger, and Sam’s heart ached for him. He was so upset, he even asked her to call Jason for him, reasoning she could better answer his questions.
“What’s taking so long?”
The worry lacing Coop’s voice, matched her own.
“It takes time to get the necessary tests run,” she soothed, “and they need to ensure she is stabilized.”
“How bad do you think it was?”
“She was awake and able to answer questions, Coop, so that’s a good sign. We’ll know more soon, I’m sure.”
Jason exited the elevator and rushed down the hall. “How is she? Is she okay?”
“We’re taking no news as good news right now,” offered Sam. “They are still evaluating her.”
She stood between father and son as they gazed at the doors leading to the area where Eva was being treated, as though by sheer force of will they could help her.
