Page 26 of Mountain Dreams

“Yes, I’m afraid it can.”

“Well, at least you’ll have company. That’ll make it more tolerable, right?”

She nodded and smiled at him across the table. “What kind of work do you have to do today?”

She continued eating as he explained what his job entailed, enjoying the food and his company. After they finished, she offered to clean up.

“No, ma’am. You’re a guest here, and guests don’t do dishes.”

She laughed. “You’re taking this bed-and-breakfast thing pretty seriously.”

“In all honesty, I have maid service.”

“Really? And here I thought you were the rare neat bachelor.”

“I try to be, but I get a little help from the staff that cleans the resort cabins.”

“At least let me help you clear the table.”

“If you insist.”

They worked side by side to clear, rinse, and stack the dishes. For a while, she’d forgotten she was still wearing pajamas, until…

“Hold still a minute,” he said while they were standing near the sink. He dampened a cloth and turned toward her. “You got syrup on your robe.”

“Really? Where?” She looked down.

“Right here. I’ll get it.”

She realized too late that the stain was just above her right breast, and he was already dabbing it with the cloth.

“I’m such a klutz,” she said, trying to make light of her embarrassment.

“No, you’re not. It can happen to anyone.” He didn’t meet her eyes, intent on his task.

She decided he must have already taken a shower, because she detected his signature woodsy scent along with the smells of their breakfast. He was careful not to touch her breast while he cleaned the spot, but it seemed very aware of his closeness. She felt her nipples harden under her pajamas.

Suddenly he paused, and she looked down in a panic. Sure enough, her excited nipples were poking through her cotton pajamas and her pink robe, leaving very little to the imagination.

Heat flooded her body, and her cheeks flushed.

He quickly stepped back. “You’re all set,” he said and turned away to rinse the cloth.

“Thanks,” she mumbled. She pulled the robe tighter around her body, as if that would disguise her hard nipples.

“I need to… I’m just going to go to work now,” he said, looking everywhere but directly at her. “Make yourself at home while I’m gone.”

“Okay,” she said, finding it hard to look at him too.

He barely glanced at her as he hurriedly left the kitchen.

She stayed put and rattled some utensils like she was still cleaning up.

“See you later,” he called from the living room.

“Yep. See you later.”

She waited until she heard the front door close, and then she slumped against the counter and buried her head in her hands.