Page 10 of Dandelion Sighs

Next, we went outside. I breathed in the fragrant air. Tall trees dotted the property, and there were rows of bushes between the parking lot and the drive that wound in from the main road. More bushes and flower beds bordered the building.

Jasper noticed. “Gotta love lilac season.”

“I do. They were Mom’s favorite bushes, so Dad planted them by all the entrances.” I pointed to the line of purple flowering trees on the far side of the lawn. “And he planted them all along the border of this property and the empty cabin on the other side.” I swung my arm to indicate the area behind the resort. “Conveniently, the strip of land between us and the dock is free, but I guess someone snatched up the cabin and acreage before Dad could buy it.”

“That sucks,” he murmured.

“Yeah. I just wish there was something I could do.”

“I’m sure she’ll sell. Eventually.”

“Not in time for this year, and I could’ve really used the boost.” If the doors stayed open that long. I would need to bring in a lot of business this season. Good thing I had no safety net. All my time would be dedicated to this place. “We’ll just keep running deals and trying to get people in the rooms.” I started for the other end of the lawn. “I’ll show you the shed that needs a new roof. I feel like it’s one rain away from caving in.”

When he saw the dilapidated square shed that housed our lawn mower and maintenance equipment, he let out a gusty exhale. “Your feeling is right. Let me get that reinforced today.”

“Just like that?”

“Yep. Does the resort have an account at the lumberyard?”

“I have no idea.”

He waved it off. “I’ll pay for it and then give you the receipts.”

Shame burned in my cheeks. He must think I was inept. He was here to save me from myself because he was such a good guy. I should’ve had this set up. Or at least thought of it. I hired someone and he was spending his own money to help me. Of course, he’d be paid back, but it wasn’t right. “We should get it set up. I’ll give you the company card.”

I’d have to see what our limit on the card was.

“Whatever works,” he said easily. “It’ll be nice to get my hands dirty again. Retirement is not for me.”

It’d never be for me if I tanked my meager savings with this resort. I’d have to cobble together a few part-time jobs to afford a place to live. “Okay. Um, you’ll let me know what you need from me?”

He slid his gaze toward me, and the heat glimmering in the warm brown depths stole my breath. Then it was gone, replaced by the charming cowboy I’d run into. “Will do, boss.”

Oh, that I liked too much.

I didn’t fight the small smile on my face when I walked back to the office tucked behind the registration desk. Jasper didn’t know me, but he treated me with respect. He treated me like I was capable. People I’d known my whole life didn’t do that.

I sat behind my desk and Maria appeared at the doorway, not bothering to hide the curiosity in her brown eyes. She patted her salt-and-pepper hair. “Where did you find that man candy?”

I mentally sighed. As much as I wanted to high-five her, I was the boss. “You can’t call coworkers man candy.”

Perplexed, she put her hand on her chest. “It’s a compliment.”

“It’s also harassment.”

“If he called me that, I wouldn’t have an issue.”

Me either. “No matter which direction, it’s not allowed. Is there something I can help you with?”

She rolled her eyes like I was a buzzkill. I was. “We’re out of paper. I can’t give anyone receipts.”

How could we be out of paper? “Is there a box in the storeroom?”

“I don’t think it got ordered.”

What the… “Did you miss it in the last order?”

Her smile was tight. “Your mom used to take care of all the ordering. I offered, but she always wanted to do it.”