“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll check out the dock.”

  She laughed softly. “You’ll end up drifting down the river.”

  I frowned. “Why?”

  “Nobody’s used the dock in a while. It’s in a state of disrepair. You’ll see. Just be careful.”

  She glanced at her watch again and took a quick bite. “Oh my God, I have to eat. Sorry I have to rush like this.”

  “No worries. Thank you for the dinner.”

  She smiled, pleased. “You know, it’s nice having someone to cook for again.” Then, as if worried she’d said too much, she quickly added, “I mean, that was part of why I wanted to do the bed and breakfast thing.”

  We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Caroline kept glancing at the sunroom window where the evening light was growing dimmer.

  Finally, she stood, gathering her plate and cutlery. “I gotta run. There are plenty of leftovers if you get hungry later.”

  “Let me take care of the dishes, Caroline,” I offered, standing.

  A little smile flickered on her lips. “Oh, you don’t have to, Ryan—”

  “I want to.”

  She hesitated, then smiled. “Well, thank you. That’s very sweet.” She grabbed her purse from the counter and checked her lipstick in a small mirror.

  “I shouldn’t be too late. The meetings usually wrap up by nine.” She snapped the mirror closed and dropped it back into her purse.

  “But… Ryan? Please do be careful if you go to the dock. The boards are all rotten. It’s really dangerous.”

  I smirked. I almost said Yes, mommy. But instead, I grinned and said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  She rolled her eyes, laughing. “You stop that!” Then she was gone, her heels knocking on the hardwood, and then down the porch steps.

  ***

  After washing the dishes and putting the food away, I went to the den and turned on the ceiling fan. It quickly began wobbling like it wanted to break free from the ceiling and fly away.

  Switching it off, I headed out to the back yard.

  By now, the sun was on its way towards the mountains, and the sky glowed red-orange. In the soft evening light, I crossed the yard towards the shed.

  It stood on the riverbank, half-hidden by an old apple tree. There was no lock on the door, so I opened it.

  There was an agreeable, musty-metallic smell inside. Flicking on the light, I was greeted by a pegboard wall neatly hung with an array of tools—including a chainsaw and a beautiful power tool set.

  Though they were gathering dust, they still looked brand new, like they had never even been used.

  There were also different sized hammers, wrenches, and various types of pliers. Everything was neatly arranged.

  Metal shelving held a row of coffee cans, filled with nails and stuff. Each one was labeled, “DECK SCREWS,” “BOLTS 1/2 INCH,” “WASHERS.” A circular saw sat on a lower shelf, still in its case.

  There was even a workbench. A pair of garden gloves sat on it, looking like they’d been used recently. The weedwacker, lawn mower, and gardening tools also looked like they got some love.

  I glanced over the tools again, nodding with appreciation. Then I closed the shed and strolled over to the dock.

  I could immediately see what Caroline was talking about. Wooden steps led straight down the bank, which was fairly steep, connecting to a gangway attached to a floating dock.

  The gangway and dock looked solid, if somewhat weathered. They couldn’t have been too old.

  The stairs, though, were ancient. One step near the bottom was broken and rotted. Others were grey and soggy looking. The handrail wobbled enough to make anyone nervous.

  My mind raced back to the shed. Just about everything I needed was in there. I could replace those steps. Shouldn’t be too difficult. Just a matter of finding the local hardware store to get some lumber.

  It would be nice for someone to put those tools to use. But, of course, this was impossible at the moment. I couldn’t exactly start tearing apart my landlady’s property on day one.

  I stepped onto the wooden platform of the staircase, curious if there were any other problems apart from the stairs and railing. Maybe I’d head down for a closer look.

  I heard a screen door slide open. “Ayyy, no. Ryan! Be careful!”

  Sofia was rushing towards me, still barefoot and bikini-clad. But now she’d donned a short, see-through robe, open at the front and streaming around her.

  My God. The way her breasts were bouncing. The way her thighs jiggled, somehow tight and soft at the same time. For a second, I forgot entirely about the stairs.

  I felt my chest muscles tighten. That flirty dinner with Caroline had already built up enough tension deep inside me. Now, with Sofia bouncing her way towards me, the spring was winding a couple notches tighter.

  These women were going to wear me out.

  Chapter seven

  “Ryan, what are you doing? Is broken!”

  Sofia was hastily tying the gauze robe at her waist, and I couldn’t help but notice how the garment accentuated her incredibly voluptuous figure, the way its folds draped loosely around her hips.

  She stopped several feet from the stairs, as if she was afraid to go farther.

  “Don’t worry,” I said, smiling at how dramatic she was being. “I’m just checking it out.”

  “Ayyy, noooooo! Are you crazy?” She contorted her eyebrows theatrically.

  “Nothing’s gonna happen. I was just checking out the damage.” Turning, I stepped down onto the first step.

  Sofia let out a little squeal. Looking back, I was surprised to see her gingerly placing one foot on the platform, then the other. She walked toward the edge and stood directly behind me, clutching the shaky railing.

  “You shouldn’t go down there,” she whispered, still clutching the railing. “Is dangerous. Believe me, I know because one time I was going swimming, and the step was like…” She mimicked a breaking sound and gestured with her free hand. “It break! Since then, nobody use it.”

  “So you guys used to go swimming down there? Must have been fun.”

  I stepped back up to the platform, moving to the side so Sofia could see. She moved a little closer to the edge, looking down.

  “Yes, it was. But no more. Is very dangerous, Ryan. You see where is broken?” She leaned forward, pointing.

  “Boo!” I said softly, reaching around and pinching her arm. She screamed, then immediately clapped a hand over her mouth while the sound echoed on the river.

  She swatted my arm. “Ryan! You’re so bad!”

  I chuckled, giving her a winning smile. “Couldn’t resist. You’re just too easy to tease.”

  She crossed her arms under her plump breasts, fighting a smile. “Ayyyy, nooo. Is no funny. What if I fall?” She turned her face away.

  A breeze stirred the lustrous hair that hung down her back, stopping above her impressive rump. With a quick glance, I saw, beneath the see-through robe, the shape of her round cheeks.

  “I wouldn’t let you fall,” I murmured.

  She heaved a sigh and gazed at the river like a soap opera star when the camera zooms in for a close-up. It would have been the perfect moment to put my arm around her and keep teasing.

  She seemed to want it, too.

  A thrill ran through me. This was totally possible. I could put my arm around this hot woman who was much older than me.

  Maybe even pull her in for a kiss. And even if she didn’t let me do it yet, she’d respect the fact that I tried.

  The realization alone sent blood rushing below my waist, making my jeans uncomfortably tight.

  It was a good thing the sun had disappeared behind the mountains, leaving us in twilight.

  But I let the moment pass.

  Because there was also another hot older woman I was flirting with. Caroline. I still wasn’t sure what it meant, but it felt like we’d started something.

  Our flirting was definitely real. I’d felt an instant attraction to Caroline, and she’d felt it too—maybe not instantly, but certainly after talking to me for a bit.

  But supposing she was flirting with intention, what exactly was she looking for? Just a fling with a younger guy?

  Maybe she saw no possibility of a real relationship with me, being so much younger—plus the fact that I was only going to be there for a short time.

  I would be down for a fling, if that’s what she wanted. But I was probably overthinking. Best to just go with the flow. We both seemed to enjoy whatever it was that was happening, so I wanted to keep letting it happen.

  But if I started something with Sofia at the same time, it could mess everything up. Caroline might get hurt, or think I was just some player trying to hook up with every woman in sight.

  So I decided to back away.

  “Well, better head in,” I said, turning. “Thanks for saving me. I might have died out here.”

  “Yes, I saved your life!” she laughed as she stepped off the stairs. “You owe me.”

  “I do. Good night, Sofia.”

  “Good night, Ryan.”

  For a moment, my gaze lingered as she padded barefoot across her lawn, the gauzy robe floating behind her.

  Returning to the shed, I grabbed a screwdriver and carried the ladder into the house.

  I set up the ladder under the fan and climbed up. Right away, I could see what the problem was. One of the blades was hanging lower than the others, its screws almost completely loose.

  A minute or two with the screwdriver and all the blades were tight again. I climbed down and flicked the switch. The fan spun smoothly, stirring up a gentle breeze.

  After putting everything away, I went to the bookshelf and grabbed a well worn volume that had caught my eye earlier— A Life of Henry VIII.

  Then, turning off the lights, I went to the kitchen and opened the tin of Caroline’s cookies.

  I poured myself a glass of milk and ate four of them. A little excessive, perhaps, but I wasn’t used to being so spoiled. Might as well enjoy it.

  Creaking up the wooden stairs to the bedroom, I felt very content.

  The bedside lamp cast its warm glow over the bed. The pillowcases looked freshly ironed. Crisp white towels sat neatly folded on a chair, along with a fresh bar of soap. The windows had not only blinds but also curtains.

  Caroline clearly paid attention to details.

  Slipping under the blankets in boxer shorts, I settled against the headboard with Henry VIII. The mattress was perfect. Not too soft, not too firm. Opening to the first chapter, I caught a whiff of that delicious old book smell mixed with the cozy fresh linen.

  But my eyelids grew heavy. It had been a long day of driving. Setting the book on the nightstand, I clicked off the lamp and burrowed into the cool sheets.

  The temperature had dropped a lot. A refreshing breeze drifted in through the window, carrying the scent of the river.

  I could hear the rustle of leaves outside and, faintly, the sloshing of the river in the darkness.

  The last thought in my head was how much better this was from my cramped apartment, where I used to lie awake listening to sirens and car alarms.

  It was only my first night, but I already felt at home.

  Chapter eight

  Iwoke up early, eager for a new day. The kitchen was glowing with rays of early morning sunlight when I came down.

  Caroline stood at the counter spooning yogurt into a bowl, dressed in what must have been her suit for work.

  The high-waisted pencil skirt hugged her curves, ending above the knee to show off her legs. A white blouse showed a hint of cleavage, and her fitted blazer was rolled up at the sleeves.

  “Morning! You’re up early,” she said, keeping her voice soft in the early hour.

  “Slept like a rock,” I said, taking in how different she looked.

  “I’m so glad you slept well,” she said, adding strawberries to her yogurt. “If there’s anything else you need, please let me know.”

  “I will, but really, it was perfect.” I put my hand on the coffee pot. “Mind if I pour myself a cup?”

  “Oh, please do! I made extra in case you came down.”

  She was now adding blueberries, and I indulged in a quick look at her ass. Man, did it look good in that tight office-lady skirt. I chewed my lip and filled my cup with coffee.

  “Would you like breakfast? An omelet maybe?”

  “That would be amazing. Thank you.” I settled onto the stool behind the island. “You look nice,” I murmured, sipping my coffee.

  She flashed a smile. “Thanks. I’m dressed for work.”

  I relaxed, taking a few more sips. “I fixed the fan, by the way.”

  She looked at me in surprise, putting down the eggs. “Seriously?”

  “Uh huh.”

  Her heels clicked on the floor, hips swaying as she crossed the hall into the other room.

  “Wow, you really did!” She called out from the den. “It’s working perfectly!” She click-clacked her way back into the kitchen, beaming at me like I was her hero. “Thank you so much, Ryan.”

  I grinned. “It was no big deal. Pretty quick fix.”

  “Well, really. Thanks.”

  She returned to the stove, humming softly as she turned on the gas burner and took out a cast iron frying pan. She tossed her hair as she reached for a spatula, shifting her weight playfully from heel to heel as she worked.

  I watched her with a slight smile, feeling the caffeine start to sharpen me.

  Caroline suddenly looked over her shoulder. “Do you want cheese in there too? Yeah, I’ll throw in some cheese.”

  “That’d be great. Love cheese.”

  “Me too! I’m a cheese-a-holic.”

  I watched her take the cheddar cheese out, then dump sliced onion into the pan.

  “You’ve got some really nice tools in that shed, by the way,” I said over the sizzling onion bits.

  “Oh, the tools. Yeah, my dad bought all that stuff. I don’t know why. He knew I was never going to use it.”

  “Aren’t you worried it might get stolen?”

  “Stolen? No! That kinda thing never happens around here. Well, okay. Someone down the block had his car broken into like 10 years ago, but the thief was from out of town.”

  “I saw a homeless guy on a bike downtown.”

  Caroline looked at me, nodding emphatically. “Oh yes, that’s new. We never used to have any, but in the last few years…” She shook her head. “They’ve even set up a tent city in Robertson Park.”

  “Really? A tent city here? That’s surprising.”

  “The city council just won’t enforce the rules. Between that and some rowdy tourists lately…” She glanced at the window toward her shed. “You really think I should? Lock the shed, I mean.”

  “Absolutely,” I said, my voice dropping lower. “You definitely should.”

  “Okay, then. I will.” Her voice was soft, almost submissive. It sent a thrill through me.

  She slipped the omelet off the pan onto a plate, then walked over and set it on the counter in front of me.

  “Thank you,” I said.

  She smiled, sitting across from me with her yogurt and coffee

  “How long have you worked at the department store?” I asked, forking a chunk of omelet.

  She tilted her head, looking up. “Oh gosh, like 23 years. Pretty much after I finished college, I started there. So, you would have been, what?”

  “Three. I was three years old.”

  She laughed. “Wow. Yeah, you’re twenty-seven, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m forty-five,” she murmured, closing her lips around her spoonful of yogurt.

  My eyes widened. “Forty-five? Holy crap! You look good. Really good.”

  “So do you.” She held my gaze a moment, before stirring her yogurt. “What are you going to do today?”

  I shrugged. “No plan. Just explore more and see what I get up to. Find a gym… Hopefully there is one.”

  She laughed. “There is literally one. Did you see the town hall?”

  “No. I think I saw the courthouse.”

  “Yeah, it’s near there, beside the park. But you’d have to be there like now to avoid the crowd.”

  She checked her watch, then stood to gather her things. The suit skirt rode up as she reached for her purse on the counter. “I have to go. Sorry I’m always running off.”

  “That’s okay. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Your shift must start pretty early.”

  “Eight o’clock. But it’s a 25-minute drive. Harold’s is in Chestnut Cove, the next town over.”

  “What time do you get back?”

  “Around five.” She hesitated, adjusting her blazer. She gave me an apologetic look. “But then I’ll have to go again. It’s movie night with my girlfriends. We do it every week— dinner and a movie.”

  “That’s okay,” I smiled.

  She dabbed her lips with a napkin, then scooped up her keys. “I’ll still be here to make dinner though.”

  “And what about tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. Tomorrow evening. Any plans?”

  Caroline suddenly had a touch of shyness. “Well, actually, I thought we might have dinner together. Talk more.”

  “I’d like that. I was thinking the same thing.”

  “Great then. Let’s do it.”

  We exchanged a lingering glance before she headed for the door.

  “Have a great day, Ryan.”

  “You too, Caroline.”

  My foot was tapping with energy as she left. I shoveled the last of the omelet into my mouth, along with the crispy bacon and toast. The whole grain bread was perfect, like everything else in Caroline’s kitchen.

  I stood and wandered over to the cookie tin, taking one of her oatmeal chocolate cookies. I was already addicted.

  Better not make this too much of a habit, I thought, slapping my toned stomach. One thing I’d always made time for, no matter how hectic things got with the business, was working out.

  The gym had always been an escape to clear my head. When I was there, my restless mind slowed down and I didn’t think about much else.