Plus, her inner voice added,Daniel’s eyes flashed when he met you.
“Stop,”she said out loud, annoyed with herself again.Don’t even. You’re here to work —that’s it.
With renewed determination, she grabbed her handbag and climbed out of the car. The night air was crisp but still. As she turned toward the farmhouse, she heard her name and saw a slim figure rushing toward her.
“Penny!” the figure said before engulfing her in an enthusiastic hug.
Surprised, Penny accepted the hug with a laugh. “Whoa there, Eva.”
Eva released her and gazed at Penny with undisguised delight. A tall, lanky twenty-year-old with an explosive head of blond hair, Eva was someone Penny had known for most of her young life.
As usual, the girl was bubbling with excitement. “I just got back to town yesterday and can you believe I was asked by the publisher of Daniel Bedford’s books to follow him around and film him so they can post videos for his socials and they’re paying me to do it? Isn’t that the most amazing thingever?”
“Wow,” Penny said. “That’s great.”
“They said they like my posts and need a ‘skilled hand’ and all I have to do is follow him and shoot videos and send the videos to them and they’ll do the rest and they’re paying me and I didn’t even have to apply!”
“That’s great. And it’s great to see you. How’s nursing school?”
“Oh, it’sintense,” Eva said. “There’s so much to learn. But it’s also good, you know? Like, the work isimportant. If I can make a difference and help people, then….”
“Sounds like it’s going well.”
“Oh, for sure. But enough about me. How are you?”
“All good here.”
“Have you met Mr. Bedford yet?”
“I met him when he arrived yesterday.”
“I haven’t met him yet. I just got here. The publisher only hired me two hours ago. I’m supposed to find him here.”
“I can help with that.” Penny gestured toward the farmhouse. “Shall we?”
Eva slipped her arm through Penny’s. “I can’t believe I get to do this!”
They were almost at the farmhouse when the front door opened and Daniel stepped onto the porch, zipping up his winter coat.
“Penny,” he said, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.
“Daniel,” she replied, ignoring the unwanted jolt of pleasure that shot through her.
He made his way down the steps, just as serious, focused, and handsome as he’d been yesterday.
Stop noticing his looks, she ordered herself.Immediately.
“So I got a text,” he said, “and the videographer that Nigel hired should be arriving soon.” His attention shifted to Eva. “Any chance you’re…?”
“Eva? Yes, that’s me!” The girl disengaged from Penny and stuck out her hand. “I’m the person your publisher hired. So pleased to meet you. I can’t believe I get to do this!”
Daniel shook her hand. “Eva, pleased to meet you. Thank you for agreeing to help out.”
“Really glad to be here, Mr. Bedford.”
He gestured toward the general store across the lot. “I’m popping over to the store for a carton of apple butter for Gabe, but feel free to head into the house. I’ll be back in a few.”
“Can we join you?” Eva asked. “I haven’t been in the general store in ages.” She pulled out her phone. “And I can start the filming.”
