“This is perfect,” she said, turning back to me. “It feels like home with all the welcome we were just given.”
I swallowed the ridiculous prickle in my throat. "That's very kind.”
Back in the hall, I nearly collided with Dex as he lugged the luggage up the steps.
“You survived,” he said, eyes amused.
“Barely. I’m just glad they seem happy,” I answered. I waited as he put the luggage in the room and backed out. We both walked down the stairs, leaving the honeymooning couple behind.
“You should have a rest. You and Jane both,” Dex admonished.
“There’s no time. Kitty has booked more guests so we need to get other rooms ready,” I said with a yawn.
“Let your family handle it,” Dex advised.
I blinked at him in disbelief. “Kitty? Lydia? My mother?”
“Meri and William seem somewhat sensible. Plus, Braxton and I can assist to keep the chaos to a minimum,” Dex offered.
I snorted. “I don’t think you’re capable of keeping the Bennets in line.”
“I have an entire company of architects and builders. I’m more than capable of leading a simple renovation project." Dex frowned at me.
I was about to protest again when Dex grabbed my hand. In the years I had worked for Fitzwilliam Hale Architecture, I had never seen Dex touch anyone. Shocked, I stared down at our joined fingers.
“If you aren’t going to think about yourself, think about Jane. She’s been weaving back and forth on her feet because she thinks she needs to keep up to you. Both of you need a simple nap. Just an hour or so,” Dex told me.
“You’re trying to guilt me into taking a nap,” I managed to say. It was strange having someone concerned about me. I rather liked my hand in his, I thought fuzzily and realized I must be more tired than I thought.
“Maybe,” Dex murmured.
I should have left it at that. Instead, I said, “Thank you. For the hinge and for the notes on my clipboard." I couldn’t make myself add what I meant, which was thank you for the way he looked pleased when we passed the inspection, as if the inn belonged to him as well.
His gaze slid to me. Warm, steady, and probably a little dangerous to my heart. “You’re welcome.”
Something easy slipped between us then, a brief silence that didn't need filling. His expression softened the way it did when he forgot to be efficient, and I felt a flutter low in my chest that I didn't give permission to exist. It startled me, enough that I looked away first. I untangled my hand from his. “Maybe I should make sure Jane has a rest.”
I retreated to the kitchen, reminding myself that Dex was eventually going to go back to his life in the city. He couldn’t stay here forever. In fact, he had extended his stay far longer than necessary.
What did that mean? Why was he still here?
“Lucy? Are you okay?” Jane gently asked. She set a recipe book down to give me all of her attention.
“I think we’ve done enough for the day. I’m tired and I know you must be, so I’m suggesting a quick nap,” I told her.
“What about preparing dinner?” Jane frowned.
“Kitty can do it and Meri can help,” I suggested.
Jane reluctantly nodded. “As long as Lydia and Mom stay away from the kitchen.”
“I doubt Lydia would help so there isn’t any worry about that,” I dryly mentioned. “I’ll tell Meri and meet you upstairs.”
It didn’t take long to track Meri down, who made a face at the request but agreed to help Kitty stay on track with something simple yet tasty for dinner.
I yawned again as I made my way upstairs to the apartment I shared with Jane. It was still a time capsule to the seventies since family quarters would be the very last thing to be renovated.
Jane was sitting on the sofa, holding a mug in both hands.
