"Okay."

"Are you considering the idea of having s.e.x with me?"

"What the h.e.l.l am I supposed to say to that?"

"The truth would work. I'm very big on honesty in any sort of relationship, however casual. I've lived and learned on that one. So I'd like to know if you are while I'm considering it. Straightforward," she continued, as he stood, scowling and speechless. "No strings, no complications. If you're not, no problem. I'd just like to be on the same page."

Talk about putting the cards on the table. "The same page. I don't know what the h.e.l.l page I'm on."

He was tired, filthy, and she was. .h.i.tting on him in the d.a.m.n parking lot. Had he thought she needed more figuring out? h.e.l.l, there was no figuring her out.

"All right. When you do, just let me know."

"Just let you know," he repeated. "Yes or no."

"It's simpler, isn't it? You look tired," she observed. "You'll feel better after you clean up and get something to eat. I have to go in. Good night."

"Yeah." He opened the door to let the dog jump in. After a debate, he decided to drive with the pie on his lap. D.A. wouldn't be able to hold back from sticking his whole face in it otherwise.

He got behind the wheel, just sat there.

"No, you can't figure women, Dumba.s.s. You just can't figure them."

CHAPTER EIGHT

WITH HER GUESTS OUT AND ABOUT, THE ROOMS TURNED, and Carolee doing a market run, Hope carved out some office time. She had payroll and invoices to deal with, the home page, the Facebook page, emails, reservations-and a s.p.a.ce of quiet time to get it done.

Then there were lists, the routine tasks and ch.o.r.es that needed doing on a continuous loop. Guests commented on how fresh, pretty, and clean the inn was-and it took steady work to keep it that way.

With the payroll out of the way, she uploaded a few new pictures to the Facebook page, added a brief, chatty post, then moved on to emails.

She clicked Send on the last one just as the Reception bell rang. As good a time for a break as any, she thought. She started to rise when the idea of Jonathan flipped through her mind. If she found him at the door, fine. Even good. This time she'd finish giving him that piece of her mind.

She geared up for it, almost looked forward to it, but found Justine at the door.

"Hi! I thought you had a key."

"I do, but I don't like using it." She glanced back over her shoulder where workers hammered and sawed on the skeleton of a roof. "I hope the noise isn't a problem."

"It's not bad, and the view improves every day. We've got a lot of excitement and interest in the idea of a fitness center right in town."

"That's what I want to hear."

"I'm sorry I missed you and w.i.l.l.y B yesterday."

"I'm making up for it. It always smells so good in here." Justine strolled into the kitchen, helped herself to a Diet Pepsi out of the refrigerator. "It gives me a lift every time I come in. Oh, did you see Lacy's getting equipment installed? Icing Bakery should be up, running, and open to the public in about ten days."

"We can't wait. It's nice to have a neighbor, too-one I'm told makes amazing sticky buns."

"Avery says we'll all be in heaven. We've also rented the two apartments over the bakery. So you'll have more neighbors. Got time to sit?"

"Sure." Adjusting mental lists, she joined Justine at the kitchen island.

"Guests in the house?"

"We've got the cutest couple staying the weekend in J&R. He's a huge Civil War buff. In fact they hit TTP before closing yesterday and he scooped up some books by local authors he didn't have. You'd have thought he found gold. Now they're touring the battlefield. They booked the Historical Adventure package. But the deal is she goes with him today, and tomorrow he has to go antiquing with her."

"Fair's fair."

"He's full of stories. We had two other couples in last night, and he kept everyone entertained until after midnight. Oh, and he loved the Civil War chess set in The Lounge. He's hoping one of the guests checking in today's a player."

"Tommy and w.i.l.l.y B used to play. Me? I like Monopoly." She let out her big laugh.

"You play it really well. I was going to email you once I have all the details, but we've got someone interested in booking the inn for a bridal party."

"A wedding?"

"No, they've got the venue for the wedding and reception, but they're interested in booking us for the night before. Bride, groom, attendants, parents. And the same for the wedding night. I've blocked it off, for now. They're supposed to confirm by Monday."

"Sounds good. How was your Girls' Night?"

"It was great. I really appreciate being able to do something like that. I'd like to have another down the road, with you and Carolee, maybe Darla joining in. My mother and sister if I can manage it."

"Sounds even better." With a satisfied nod, Justine sat back. "You're happy."

"This is a dream job for me, Justine. I couldn't be happier."

"So, no temptation to take Jonathan Wickham up on his offer?"

Hope winced. "Should I have told you about that?"

"Not necessary." Justine waved the question away. "I hear everything worth hearing eventually."

"I guess you do, and no, not the least bit tempted. This is my home. Jonathan may think I can't exist without Georgetown, the Wickham, and him, but he's wrong. I feel more ... myself than I have in a very long time."

"I'm glad to hear it. Glad to know you didn't give either of his offers the time of day."

"Oh. Oh! Don't get me started on door number two."

Justine laughed again. "That's exactly why I'm here. To get you started. Men don't give the real details, just a sketchy overview."

"What kind of person was I involved with?" Hope shoved back, got a soda for herself. "I knew he was flawed, everyone has flaws. And I knew there were weak spots, and of course, I a.s.sumed I'd sh.o.r.e them up. I know better than that, but-"