Frowning slightly, I tried to force a smile. “Well, those are incredible. Or they could be."
“I take care of my things.” The way he said it made the words feel more personal than they should have in a room full of pastries and books. Everything in me went hot and tingly. He’d tilted his head at me, and unexpectedly, I felt myself blush under his scrutiny.
Only when Opal’s voice broke in did I startle out of the haze. She was wiggling in his arms to be let down. "Can we sit outside and read while I eat? Please, Daddy?"
He glanced toward the small wrought-iron tables on the sidewalk, visible through the window where late-afternoon sun still held some warmth. "Sure, Oppie.”
“I’ll help her outside,” Lila offered, giving me a knowing look.
Opal darted toward the door, cupcake held precariously while Lila followed to ensure she settled safely—leaving me alone with Rhodes and Phiny, the air suddenly heavier and quieter.
With exaggerated slowness, Phiny motioned toward the back. “I should just check on the next batch. You know … don't want them bursting into flames.” She paused beside me, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper loud enough for Rhodes to hear. "You should offer to take a look at those greenhouses. Professional opinion. For Opal's sake only.”
She slipped away before I could protest, the kitchen door swinging shut behind her with a soft thud. I rolled my eyes. “Sorry about my sister.”
Rhodes didn't move—he just watched me, arms crossed loosely over his chest, the faint scar along his jaw catching the light. "She's not subtle."
"None of them are. My family is full of busybodies. I got lucky with Lila as a sister-in-law. At least she minds her business.” I shot a look at Phiny’s back. “Soon, Hattie and Kipp will tie the knot, and I’ll get another great sister, too.” I leaned my hip against the counter, needing the solid wood to ground me under his stare, but I wasn’t going to be intimidated. I grew up with brothers, so Rhodes wasn’t going to put me off. "If you're serious about saving what you can, you should get someone out there to figure out what’s worth salvaging.”
"I hired a master gardener from up near Portland,” he interrupted, voice even. "He's coming tomorrow to assess. There’s also a structural engineer coming from Seattle to look at the glass itself and the greenhouses specifically.”
Disappointment flickered through me, quick and irrational that I didn’t even deserve to be feeling. For some reason, I was feeling slightly crushed because I was the one who wanted to brush away the ivy and look at the old plant labels. Tamping down my own feelings, I forced myself to say brightly, “Good. Smart.”
"But," he continued, drawing out the word and stepping closer to me until I caught the scent of him again, "I could use a second set of eyes. Someone who knows the history of the place.”
The offering made my breath hitch. "You sure?"
His gaze dropped to my mouth for the briefest second before returning to my eyes. “I’m sure.”
Forcing myself to ignore the heat that bloomed low in my belly, I swallowed. "Tomorrow, then. After school?"
Rhodes straightened and picked up Opal’s books to carry them out to her. “See you tomorrow,” he repeated, voice rougher now. “My daughter’s waiting.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. He walked out into the sunlight, broad back filling the doorway, and I exhaled shakily, pressing my palms flat to the cool counter as if that could steady the sudden feeling that curled through me. Did he think I was flirting? Wait … was I?
Lila reappeared at my side, arms crossed, smirk firmly in place. "Well. That was interesting."
"Shut up," I muttered as blood suffused my cheeks. “I told him you were my favorite new sister. Don’t make me a liar, and Hattie is going to be joining the family soon, so you’re absolutely replaceable.”
“Ah, someone’s a little testy.” She gave me a squeeze. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell your brothers yet that you and Rhodes have chemistry. Like red hot.” She headed towards the kitchen, and just as she was about to disappear through the door, she shot back, “But Phiny probably will.”
Chat
Dysfunction Junction
Phiny
Why is there a life-size cardboard cutout of Chris Hemsworth in the Annex laundry room? I just walked in and screamed like a horror movie victim.
Chloe
I took a picture. It freaked me out, and I think I scared Fish.
East
Whose idea was that?
Kipp
