“You can use what I have back there unless you need the special dye-free kind.”
“I use whatever works and is available.”
“My kind of girl.” He winked, and her heart flipped in ways she wished it wouldn’t.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” She hated accepting help, especially for free. “You’ve been much too generous already.”
“Just being neighborly.” His eyes looked behind her toward his motel. “If you absolutely feel like you have to repay somehow, maybe you wouldn’t mind giving me some tips on the motel. You said your dad owned one, right?”
“He did.” On a much larger scale, but she didn’t mention that at the risk of offending him. “And I minored in hospitality.”
“Would you mind letting me pick your brain?” He glanced at his watch. “I have to be somewhere in a few minutes, but Bridget mentioned you’ll be sticking around for a few days. Maybe if you’re free tomorrow?”’
“Sure. As far as I know, we’re not doing much except relaxing and exploring the town.”
He laughed, a deep masculine sound. “I love this town, but it’s not too big. It won’t take you long to see it all, but I would take your time and see all there is.”
A thought occurred to her. “If you’re leaving soon, should I come back later with my laundry?”
“My laundry room is on the back side of the house with its own entrance.” He pointed around the corner. “I’ll go unlock it, and come anytime you want. Use whatever you need, and when your friends return, they’re welcome to use it as well.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” He pulled out his phone. “What’s your number? I’ll call you, and you can save my number so you can give me a ring if you have any questions.”
She listed off the ten-digit number then felt the phone vibrating in her pocket several seconds later. She took it out and saved Joel’s number. “I’ll go grab my bag. If you’re gone when I get back, thanks again.”
Walking back to her room, she couldn’t shake her smile. Against her better judgment, she looked forward to the time she’d get to spend with Joel tomorrow. His unassuming, generous attitude struck a chord deep in her heart.
Maybe her friends were on to something after all.
