Hershey's Choice Read online

  Britt chewed the inside of her cheek. Apprehension gnawed her stomach.

  “These are good. They are really good.” He stared, eyes wide.

  “You’re just saying that.” She disliked lies, even ones that spared her feelings.

  “No, I’m not.” He flipped to a poster of a living room. “This one is incredible. The color of the walls, the fabric you’ve chosen for the furniture, the accompanying pieces of tables, lamps, and art work. Your attention to detail is spot on.”

  Her cheeks flushed with warmth. “Thank you.”

  “The woman who decorated the demo suites at King’s Pier is hiring. I asked her to help with my house, but she’s swamped. I can arrange a meeting tomorrow. She’d love your work—”

  “No.” She quickly declined his generous offer. As much as Britt wanted to do a back-flip to declare her excitement, she couldn’t accept a job that resulted from persuasion from Ryan or her father. Could I? She was her own worst enemy. Taking a leap of faith wasn’t something she was accustomed to. “I’m going away tomorrow.”

  The back door opened and closed.

  “Then Thursday?”

  “Won’t be back until Thursday night, then there’s the wedding.”

  “She’s a stubborn one, my daughter.” Dad leaned an elbow on the wall.

  “Dad!” She heard the door open and close, but thought he was still in the kitchen. Not lingering in the doorway and listening to Ryan’s offer.

  “No cottage this weekend. I have workers meeting me there tomorrow to replace the roof and windows.” Dad winked. “So, you’ll be home and available to attend an interview.”

  She stood straight, hands fisted at her sides. “I will not have you or Ryan influencing anyone to get me a job.”

  Hershey walked in the room panting, water still dripping from his jaw after a big drink. He sauntered to Britt and gave her hand a slobbery wet kiss.

  “I’ll hire you, for my house.” Ryan held up his hand before she could decline. “There’s no influence or ulterior motive. I need help with designing my house to the vision I see in my head. I want to hire you and apparently, you have two free days. Let’s get started first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “I can’t.”

  “She’ll be ready at seven.” Dad winked before heading to the kitchen. “Make that eight.” He glanced at Ryan from the doorway. “Tonight might be a late night. Before I consent to you spending the next two days with my daughter, I need to know a lot more about you.” Dad returned with two bottles of beer and passed one to Ryan.

  I’ve been bamboozled by my father! Britt wanted to scream, but no one would listen.

  Dad sat on the loveseat and gave permission to Hershey, who wore a smug smile across his doggy face, to join him.

  Traitors!

  Ryan tapped the empty space on the sofa beside him.

  Mr. Arrogant!

  Designing the interior of a house was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Not a poster board, an actual house! She should jump for joy. Instead, her stomach twisted into a tight knot of anxiety. Could she be professional with Ryan and nothing but professional over the next two days?

  Chapter Five

  Ryan clearly had an ulterior motive. He didn’t want Britt spending the next two days away or with someone else. Call him selfish, but he did need help decorating his house. Bev, the interior designer from King’s Pier, wasn’t available, and after viewing Britt’s designs, Ryan found his assistant. Her work, be it on poster boards, was amazing. He couldn’t wait to collaborate on his house. Spending time together offered an added bonus.

  At eight on the dot, he arrived in the driveway. Ryan had spent the last hour rearranging his schedule, making the next two days available to Britt.

  The house door opened, and she stepped outside.

  His breath escaped him. Her hair was swept into a long ponytail on top of her head. She wore a yellow sleeveless top, white pants ending below her knee, and a pair of bohemian-styled, open-toe sandals with multiple straps around her ankles. Be still my heart.

  “Good morning.” He walked to the passenger side to open the door.

  “Good morning and thank you.” She stepped up and into the truck.

  Hershey’s tail wagged at high speed as he leaned to greet Britt from the back seat.

  “Good morning to you, too, Hershey.” She scratched the dog’s ears.

  Ryan climbed into his truck, smiling. Britt was perfect. A lady who wasn’t mortified when a dog licked her cheek.

  She waved a hand at the living room window. “I know he’s watching from behind the curtain.”

  “Your dad is a super guy.”

  “So you say, even after he manipulated you into hiring me and grilled you until midnight about your future expectations?”

  He started the truck and drove onto the street. “First, he didn’t influence my decision. I need and want your help. Second, he did grill me, pretty hard.” He chuckled. “But I’ll do the same when I have a daughter as beautiful as you.”

  She quickly turned to stare out the side window.

  But Ryan saw the crimson glow of her cheeks.

  “You didn’t have to pick me up. I could have met you at your house or a store. And we didn’t have to meet at eight. You must have a busy work schedule. Dad shouldn’t have assumed you were available.” She twisted the strap of her purse around her finger.

  Ryan enjoyed Britt’s rambles. “I didn’t have much going on with Cara and Kevin’s wedding this weekend. I wanted to be accessible if they needed me, but they have this awesome wedding planner who took care of everything.” He shot a glance to his right to find her stare now focused in his direction. Ryan returned his attention back to the road, enjoying the idea of Britt’s gorgeous brown eyes checking him out. “I rescheduled my meetings to next week. So, I’m all yours for a few days.”

  A long moment of silence passed before she spoke. “I’m not a professional. I don’t know why you’d want a novice like me working on your home’s decor. I should have you sign a waiver or something.”

  He could listen to her excuses all day. “That won’t be necessary. I have complete confidence in your talent. Besides, with Bev unavailable, my other option was my mother.”

  “You’re choosing me over your mother? Perfect!” She slammed her hand on her purse. “Another reason for your mother to dislike me.”

  “I won’t tell if you won’t.” Her laughter made his pulse skip a beat. “You are doing me a great service by helping. There’s no way I could shop with my mother. That’s a torture I can’t be subjected to. She’d go alone and would purchase the opposite of my request. I don’t want my house to be sit but don’t touch. The dragon lady’s tastes are more extravagant than mine.”

  Grinning, she threw a gentle punch at his arm. “You’re terrible.”

  “You know every word I say is true.”

  She didn’t argue.

  “I thought you’d want to stop by the house to check out the rooms. You were there the other evening, but I assume that notebook of paper you’re clutching for dear life is for ideas.”

  Britt shoved the notebook in her purse. “What about Hershey?”

  He glanced in the rear-view mirror. “Yeah, he didn’t take the news well of staying home while we are shopping. He whined and stared with those same sad brown eyes that are pleading now.”

  Britt turned on her seat and kissed Hershey’s head. “He is irresistible.”

  “If I make a sad face, will I get a kiss, too?”

  “I don’t fraternize with clients.”

  Her straight back confirmed she meant business, but her chocolate-brown gaze gave Ryan hope. “Only because your usual clients are getting married. I’m single and looking for love.”

  Her jaw dropped.

  Too much information. Ryan gripped the steering wheel. He was a terrible poker player and shouldn’t have revealed his cards so soon.

  “I…umm…I want to thank you again for this opportunity. You don
’t even have to pay me. All I ask in return is if you like my work, you’ll write a note of recommendation.”

  She was an ace at changing the subject. “I fully intend to pay you the going rate and give you a glowing reference.”

  Her cheeks flushed again.

  “You despise being an event planner. So if interior decorating is your dream job, why not go after it?” He pulled into his garage and put the shift in Park. Ryan rushed to the passenger’s side and offered a hand to help her from the truck. He then opened the back door for Hershey.

  “I don’t hate my job. Just my boss,” she said as they entered the kitchen from the garage. “I get most of the interesting clients, but also they’ve been some of the nicest people.”

  Hershey darted to the kitchen.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Ryan followed his dog to the glass doors that led to a screened-in porch. “Hershey spotted a squirrel in the back yard last night and has been trying to track the rascal ever since. He cornered one once, but he didn’t do any harm. I think he believes squirrels are wind-up toys and when they stop, he waits for someone to pull the string. No fun standing still. My boy prefers the chase. As do I.”

  “No, thank you, on the drink.” Britt dug the notepad and a pen out of her purse. “If I have your okay, I’ll get right to work.” She didn’t wait for a response. “We don’t have a lot of work in here.” She grimaced at the lack of appliances on the granite countertop. “Maybe a new coffee pot, toaster, and a microwave.” Britt then stepped into the empty porch. “You should definitely consider a lounge set for this space. The view of the lake is breathtaking.” She scribbled a note. “Thick cushions to sink into while you have your morning coffee and read the paper.”

  “Then after a long day at work, a glass of wine while watching the sunset.”

  Britt raised an eyebrow. “I was thinking exactly the same.” She smiled and waved her pen. “Also a perfect spot to entertain without being bothered by pesky mosquitoes.”

  Ryan let Hershey outside.

  The dog’s nose swept the grass, trailing after a scent.

  “How about soft lighting and candles to create a romantic dinner-for-two setting?” He chuckled as she rolled her eyes and pushed past him to re-enter the kitchen. Courting this woman would not be a simple task.

  Britt continued through the other rooms in the house, asking questions on his color preference and fabric choices.

  She was all business, leaving the house and touring several stores.

  Her knowledge of interior design went beyond his expectations. While Britt may not be professionally trained, she had done her homework. She knew how to read her client’s likes and dislikes by asking all the right questions.

  While they shopped, he gave her complete control. Her beaming smile captivated his heart and jumbled his thoughts. Ryan only hoped she saw through his blunder of saying yes to the florescent pink sofa pillows. At the time of her question, he couldn’t very well admit his gaze had been glued to her cherry stained lips. His response had more to do with kissing those lips than picking out pillows.

  Several hours later, they returned to his house and unloaded the back of his truck. The larger items such as the sofa, chairs, end tables, televisions, washer, dryer, and dining room set were being delivered, but the smaller pieces were boxed and loaded on his truck. Working perfectly together, Ryan unloaded boxes and Britt placed the accessories in temporary locations.

  “We’ll put up the artwork and ornaments once the furniture is arranged,” she said, sinking onto the wooden floor beside Hershey’s bed. She amused him by playing tug with his black teddy bear. Britt leaned against the wall and kicked off her shoes.

  “I’m sorry. You must be exhausted. I shouldn’t have dragged you around all day.” Nice work, dummy. He wanted to ask her out for dinner, but her limp frame supplied the answer to his unasked proposal.

  “I’m the one who did the dragging. Don’t think I didn’t see those eye rolls when I suggested the last two stores.” She laughed, letting Hershey win the game of tug. “I enjoyed every single moment.”

  “I did, too.” Ryan favored the time with Britt over shopping. Drives between stores were the best. She relaxed and chatted about work. Once, he pulled over to the side of the road, because he was laughing at her stories about planning a wedding for a Goth couple and another pair who insisted on walking down the aisle in their complete drag outfits. “I enjoyed getting to know you.”

  And flirting! He took advantage of every second they were together. Ryan leaned close when she pointed to an item, touched his hand to hers when she wanted him to feel a surface, wrapped his arm around her shoulders when they sat on sofas, and the ultimate flirt move—laying next to her while testing the comfort of the beds.

  “I should get home.” She stood and brushed her hands down the front of her capris. “Remember to think of what type of picture you’d like above the mantel.”

  “You’re probably tired, but can I ask one favor before I drive you home?” Ryan wasn’t ready for this day to end. “I’ve been working on a surprise for Cara and Kevin’s wedding and could use your help.” Britt wouldn’t refuse this task. His motive to use Hershey as an excuse to spend more time with her wasn’t unscrupulous, not if they’d all have fun.

  ****

  “Yesterday must have been a good day. You arrived home pretty late.” Dad joined Britt in the kitchen, dropping a few slices of bread in the toaster.

  “The day was very productive, and I intended to be home early, but Ryan wanted help training Hershey for a surprise he has planned for Kevin and Cara’s wedding.” She washed her cereal bowl and spoon in the sink.

  “He’s a smart dog and eager to learn.”

  “Oh, I didn’t thank you for the night before.” Britt leaned against the counter.

  “Thank me for what?”

  He acted innocent enough with a raised brow as he buttered his toast, but she knew better. “You know what I’m talking about. Giving me no choice but to work with Ryan. Having a beer. Grilling him on his future expectations.” She had almost spit soda from her mouth when he asked Ryan if he wanted a family and children. “Pretty heavy conversation to have with a guy you just met.”

  Frowning, Dad placed his plate on the table then gripped the back of the chair. “He’s dating my daughter.”

  “We’re not dating!” Her voice rose higher than intended. “We’re friends.”

  “I walked in on a pretty cozy scene.” He sat and sipped his coffee. “If you want to be more than friends, you have my blessing.”

  Britt rolled her eyes. “Since when have you ever liked anyone I dated?” Never.

  “Ryan is a great guy. He comes from a loving family, he has a stable career, and he’s focused on the future. The guy knows what he wants.” Dad took a bite of toast and chewed before he finished his praises. “He built a house and he’s ready for a family.”

  “You got all of that from a few hours of chatting?” Ryan had definitely won over her father.

  “After years on the road, I’ve learned how to read people. Ryan is one of the good guys. Notice how he only had one beer because he was driving? He’s responsible. And he opens doors.” Dad raised a brow. “He respects women.”

  Britt knew Dad had been spying from the window. She already made a list of Ryan’s pros and cons, which had zero negatives. So, she didn’t need her father spelling out all of Ryan’s special qualities. “Speaking of being on the road.” Time to change the conversation. “I thought you weren’t due home until next week?”

  “I received a text from Tom, insisting I attend the wedding.”

  Dad didn’t like weddings and probably used his job as an excuse. But Tom—Dad’s best friend, Kevin’s father, and ex-trucker—would be wise to the false excuses. “Not like you to give in.” Britt picked up his dishes from the table and placed them in the sink of soapy suds.

  “He laid on a guilt-trip. After Nathan’s dad passed, Tom and I made a promise at the fun
eral to stay close.”

  He rested his elbows on the table and stared into the empty air. Dad had taken Sean’s passing very hard. Dad, Tom, and Sean were the original three musketeers. Britt couldn’t imagine losing Nathan and Kevin. Although Kevin was moving next week, he’d be but a phone call away.

  She dried her hands on the dishtowel then rubbed her father’s shoulder. “Well, I’m glad Tom convinced you to return early, because I missed you. Plus, I’ll have someone to sit with while the single girls fawn over Nathan.”

  Dad chuckled. His gaze met hers. “What if I was home more often? Would you be okay with me being around every day?”

  Britt’s jaw almost hit the table. Her father had never discussed leaving the life of a trucker, even when both Tom and Sean retired from the road. “Are you sick? What’s wrong?” She gripped the back of a chair, praying for air to reach her lungs.

  Dad stood and squeezed her arms. “I’m okay, honey. I’m thinking about the future and putting the road behind me.”

  As a child, she had dreamt about this day. Each time she saw Dad climb into his rig, she wondered if he’d returned. She’d have nightmares of the police knocking on the door to say her father had been in a terrible accident. The fear and nightmares chased her childhood and continued to this day.

  “I’ve lost a lot of precious moments. My little girl has grown before my eyes. I don’t want to miss the day you fall in love. I want to be here to walk you down the aisle.” Tears watered his eyes. “I want to be present in your life and my grandchildren’s lives. I want to be a great granddad.”

  His smile was warm and proud. “Oh, Dad.” She wrapped her arms around her father. “You’re the best, and you’ll be an awesome granddad. But, you’re moving the clock forward kind-of fast, don’t you think?” Britt stepped backward. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled to have you off the road. Unfortunately, I’m not anywhere near ready to get married. First, I need to find a potential husband and that might take some time.”

  “I believe he found you. Or better yet, his dog found you.”

  Before she could oppose his whispered comment, she was alone in the kitchen. She followed Dad into the living room.