Page 34 of Mountain Dreams

“That was smart.”

“He didn’t want me to, but now I’m glad I did.”

Soon he saw the sign for King Branch Road, and something struck him. “Did you happen to tell Avery that you’re an accountant?”

“No, why?”

“She’s been nagging Jax about hiring someone to do the accounting for the resort. If you’re interested, I could put in a word.”

He kept his eyes on the road, but he felt her staring at him.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

He knew she would be, but he selfishly wished she’d reconsider. If she worked at Sawyer’s Ridge, he’d get to see her more often, even if she moved out of his cabin. Then another brilliant idea popped into his head.

“If you worked at the resort, you could live there too.”

“Where? Don’t you rent all the cabins to guests?”

“There’s one cabin we reserve for employees, Sweet Dreams. Avery’s living there now, but I’m guessing she’ll move in with Jax soon, which would free it up.”

She went silent, and when he glanced over, he thought she looked nervous. “I didn’t mean to push. It was just an idea.”

“It isn’t that.”

“What, then?”

“Turn here,” she said, pointing to the apartment complex on her right.

Once again, he followed the signs to the rental office and parked in front of it. “What is it?” he repeated.

She sighed. “I probably shouldn’t say anything, but since you already guessed…”

“I knew it! Avery’s moving in with Jax, isn’t she?”

Maddie looked pained. “She might have mentioned something about it.”

“And they didn’t want me to know.”

“Not yet, but I’m sure they would have told you soon.”

He chuckled. “First, Jax tried to keep it a secret that he and Avery were together, and now this. When will he ever learn?”

She laughed. “Please don’t say that I told you. I just met Avery, and I want her to like me.”

“It sounds like she already does, especially if she told you their secret before me. Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”

“Thanks,” she said, looking relieved.

“I hope you’ll consider working at the resort, though, at least temporarily.”

“Cody…”

“It would benefit both of us. You’d have somewhere to live, and we’d have an exceptionally organized accountant on staff. It’s a win-win.” He didn’t mention the other benefit of him getting to see her on a regular basis.

She sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.”