Brent’s eyes lit up with excitement. “A rooming house? That could explain the early entries.” He turned to Felicity. “This could be an incredible resource for my research.”
Gran looked at her. “Did you find the lights for the porch?”
She laughed. “In all the excitement of finding the guest books, I forgot them. I’ll go get them and hang them now.”
“I could help,” Brent offered. “I was just taking a bit of a break when I found you sitting out on the porch of that cute outbuilding.”
She smiled. “Yes, Gran insists on calling it the shed, but it’s adorable, isn’t it? Just like a tiny little house.”
She led Brent back to the shed. His eyes sparkled with genuine interest as he spoke about the potential historical significance of the guest books. It was refreshing to see someone so passionate about their work. Had she ever been that passionate about teaching? Surely she had when she first started. If only she could find that passion again, instead of the burnout she’d felt the last few years with each day dragging on and on. Dealing with the students, the parents, the administration, and the ever-changing rules.
Pushing her thoughts away as they entered the shed, she located the box of twinkle lights and some hooks and extension cords. She picked up the boxes, and he reached for them.
“Here, let me take that.” He took the boxes from her and they headed back to the B&B.
“Gran’s going to be thrilled to have these up. She thinks it will make it a welcoming atmosphere out on the porch.”
He chuckled. “As if it wasn’t already with the rockers, and flower planters, and the great view of the bay. Your Gran really rolls out the welcome mat to her guests.”
“That she does.” They climbed the stairs to the porch. “I appreciate the help with these.”
“I’m happy to help,” he said, flashing her a warm smile that made her heart skip a beat.
What was that all about?
She quickly looked away, focusing on gathering the extension cords and hooks they’d need.
As they set to work hanging the lights along the porch railing, she found herself stealing glances at Brent. He was handsome, with a neatly trimmed haircut and kind eyes. She mentally chided herself for noticing, reminding herself that he was a guest and she was here to work, not to get distracted by a charming historian.
As they continued to string the lights, the conversation flowed easily between them. “So, how long have you worked here at the B&B?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m just here for the summer. Visiting Gran and helping out.”
“So what do you do when you’re not here?” He paused from untangling a strand of lights.
“I’m… a teacher.”
“That’s a rewarding career.”
“It is… but I’m suffering a bit of burnout.” She didn’t know why she was telling him this. It was her burden to bear.
“It’s hard when something you once loved starts to feel like a burden,” he said, his tone understanding. “Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need to gain a fresh perspective.”
She nodded, surprised at how easily he seemed to grasp her situation. “That’s what I’m hoping for. I just need to figure out what comes next.”
“Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’m a pretty good listener,” he offered, his smile genuine.
She returned the smile, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I might just take you up on that.”
As they finished hanging the last of the lights, she stepped back to admire their work. The soft glow added a magical touch to the already charming porch. She glanced at Brent, who was also surveying the results with a satisfied expression.
“It looks perfect,” he said, turning to face her. “Your grandmother is going to love it.”
“Thanks for your help,” she replied, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. She felt a flutter as their eyes met.
The spell was broken by the sound of Gran calling her from inside. She took a step back, her cheeks warming. “We should probably head in.”
He nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “After you,” he said, gesturing toward the door.
