But the other one? It’s different.
Quieter. Husky. Low.
It slides under my skin before my brain even catches up.
I freeze, instincts flaring sharp and sudden. I don’t move. Don’t breathe. Just listen.
“Do you know anything about computers?” Kelly asks.
“Computers?” the stranger replies. “Oh—yes. My last job required me to work with them.”
Her voice is calm, polite, and something else.
Like warm skin beneath wool.
It curls into me, sinks deep, and my body reacts before I can tell it not to.
“Where was that?” Kelly presses.
“Oh. Um. A realtor’s office. Down in Fort Lauderdale.”
“Florida?” Kelly sounds stunned. “And you gave that up to come here?”
There’s a pause.
A hesitation.
“Oh, I like the snow. Um, well,” the woman says softly, “can I ask—do you know if there’s a place nearby where I could rent a room?”
Kelly inhales sharply. I know that sound.
It’s the idea forming sound.
The one that gets us into trouble.
“A room?” she says. “Oh! I didn’t even think of that! We’ve got a small cabin here. Used to be for a watchman before the security system upgrade. That could work. Let me grab the keys.”
I frown.
That cabin hasn’t been used in years.
I check it now and then, but “livable” is generous.
“Really?” the woman says, relief clear in her tone. “That would be amazing.”
“What will you charge for rent?” she asks a moment later.
Kelly laughs. “Consider it part of your pay.”
I close my eyes.
Jesus Christ.
That’s it.
That’s my line.
Sexy voice or not, I am not letting some stranger live on mill property.
