“At the time, it wasn’t. I used to hate to do dishes.”
Still chuckling, he headed for the outbuilding. “So, what we need is in here?”
“Yes, hang on, I forgot the key.” She ran inside, grabbed a key off a hook behind the counter, and hurried back. TJ was waiting by the door, still studying the benches.
“So,” he drawled with a grin. “Did you ever get extra dish duty?”
“No, I didn’t!” she said emphatically, unlocking the door. “There it is, that’s what we need.”
“How heavy is it?” he asked, eyeing the three sided wooded counter. “Can the two of us carry it?”
“Yes,” Lila said. “But we might have to stop now and then so I can rest. You can probably carry it just fine without passing out.”
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Let’s get it outside.”
She grabbed one end while he took the other. “I’m not very good at walking backward,” Lila warned with a cringe.
TJ smiled. “Then let’s switch places.”
They did and soon had the counter outside. “Oh, I guess this isn’t so bad,” Lila said.
“No, not at all. I can carry it around the building if you’d like.”
“Sure.” She was about to grab her end again when he hoisted the whole thing onto his shoulder and started walking.
“Hey, wait a minute! I was going to help you!” Lila trotted after him.
“No need, sweetheart,” TJ said. “I’d rather you not hurt yourself. It’s not that heavy, I just hope I don’t hit somebody with it.”
She laughed as they crossed the backyard behind the hotel and walked around the building. He didn’t stop and headed for the festival area.
Okay, not only was TJ Jones handsome, but capable and strong. She sighed inwardly and tried not to walk behind him. That would result in her staring at those broad shoulders of his, and eventually other parts. The last thing she needed was to be caught ogling his backside while walking down Main Street in Old Town.
When they reached their booth, he set the counter down and centered it neatly. Stepping back, he admired his handiwork. “There. That looks good. Now let’s decorate.” He clapped his hands together, grinning.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anyone so excited to decorate a coffee booth,” she teased.
“Well, it’s something fun! I love these hometown festivals, don’t you?”
She nodded. “Yes, I admit I do. Didn’t you mention you’re going to man the booth while I go shopping?”
“Yes, then we can switch. Maybe I’ll find a few Christmas presents here and wrap them before I leave.”
Her heart sank at that last word.”Oh… right. You’re going back to Cornwall.”
He looked at her a moment, his expression softening. “I’m afraid so. But I’ll think of you.”
She stopped breathing for a heartbeat. “You will?”
“Of course! I’ve enjoyed our time together. It’s been fun. Way more entertaining than hanging around home.”
“Oh. Well.” She gave him a shy smile and hoped she hadn’t gone bright red.
They strung the lights, hung the decorations, then returned to the hotel’s storage building for a long folding table to hold the coffee paraphernalia and a smaller one for the accompaniments.Once everything was arranged, they stood back, admired their work, and high-fived.
Lila had to admit she enjoyed her time with TJ. Maybe a little too much. Was it wrong if she liked it? She should be careful; he was leaving soon, and there was no point letting herself catch feelings. But doggone it, she wanted to have a good time. And in doing so, feelings naturally grew. She couldn’t ignore him now, nor tell him she didn’t need help tomorrow when the festival opened.
“Something wrong?” he asked. “You’ve got a funny look on your face. Did we forget something?”
