Not that she cared about his opinion.
Brushing her hands together, Penny turned toward her part-time help, Briana Riley. “Are you sure you’re fine on your own for a few hours?” she asked, although she needn’t have bothered. She had no doubt the recent high school graduate could handle things on her own. Bree had been working at the store on weekends for an entire year, picking up extra hours after graduation to save for college.
Truthfully, Penny couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic, hardworking employee. Bree planned to major in history and loved being surrounded by antiques and collectibles almost as much as she did.
“Yep! It’s been a little slow today, so I think I’ll polish the set of Reed & Barton silverware we just got in.”
“Perfect! We’ll be out back in the garden if you need anything.”
As if on cue, Colt waltzed through the front door, the delicate chime of the bell attached to the head jam announcing his entrance. Not that he needed an announcement. With his palpable charisma, Colt Davis was a difficult man to ignore.
But then, so was a bull in a china shop. And in Penny’s opinion, both intruders were equally unwelcome.
“Afternoon, ladies! This is quite the place you have here.” He nearly stumbled over a stack of steamer trunks propping up an oil landscape painting in a gilded frame.
Bree giggled.
When his gaze fell on the snickering teen, Colt’s eyes widened.
Penny almost indulged in a laugh herself, realizing this was the first time Colt had met Bree.
The girl could be considered… a bit eccentric. Rather than wear blue jeans and graphic tees like the rest of her peers, she preferred outfits from different periods in history. Today’s ensemble happened to be American colonial—a floral, floor-length gown complete with ruffled sleeves and lace petticoat.
“Uh, excuse me. I forgot how to use my feet for a second.” To his credit, Colt righted himself quickly, summoning a heart-stopping grin, the dimple in his left cheek utilized to a dazzling effect. “And you are?”
Blushing profusely, Bree curtsied. “Bri-Briana Riley. I work for Pen—Miss Heart.”
Penny covered a smile with the back of her hand. Poor girl. She’d never seen her so flustered. But then, Colt had an uncanny ability to render most women tongue-tied. Emphasis onmost.
“I’m sure she’s lucky to have you. You seem like the kind of person who takes her job seriously.”
Still flabbergasted, Bree nodded silently, her round face as pink as the rosebuds dotting her dress. Her huge, doe-like eyes darted to Penny, as though begging for guidance on what to do next.
“She’s invaluable,” Penny said with genuine warmth. “I don’t know what I’ll do when she leaves for college in the fall.”
“Oh, yeah? Where are you going?” Once again, Colt turned his debilitating smile on Bree, and the color in her cheeks crept into her hairline, contrasting sharply with her fair hair pulled into a taut bun.
“W-Westmont College in Santa Barbara,” she stammered.
“Nice place! Near the beach, right?”
Relaxing slightly, Bree flashed a shy smile. “Yes. I can’t wait. I’ve never been to the beach before.”
“You’ll love it. Surfing. Volleyball. Boogie boarding. Endless fun to be had.”
Penny smirked. Of course Colt would list three of the most active beach sports. She imagined he spent countless hours at the ocean during his world travels. With his tanned skin and sun-kissed blond hair, he could be the spokesmodel for Coppertone or Ray-Ban.
“Oh, I probably won’t do any of those things.” Bree pulled a face. “But I’d like to study under a sun umbrella, listening to the waves. Maybe fly a kite. Oh, and I promised Penny I’d build a sandcastle and send her a photo.”
Now it was Penny’s turn to blush when Colt shifted his gaze to her crimson face. Why had she asked Bree to build a sandcastle? It seemed silly and childish now. Ridiculous, even. But the request had spilled out of her lips the instant Bree announced her acceptance into Westmont, giddy to be moving so close to the ocean.
Penny dug her nails into her palm, praying Colt didn’t press further.
He studied her a moment, his head cocked to one side, before returning his attention to Bree. “That sounds like fun. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. And congrats on getting into Westmont. It’s a prestigious school. You should be very proud.”
“Thanks.” Bree dropped her gaze to her vintage leather shoes, but Penny could tell his praise pleased her.
She thought about mentioning how Bree had been offered nearly a full-ride of scholarships, too, but figured the poor girl had been embarrassed enough for one afternoon. “I thought we’d talk in the garden. We can go through the back.” Penny gestured for Colt to follow before telling Bree, “Come get me if you need anything.”
