Christmas in Bayberry

“It appears you’re not the only one who thinks so.” Wes nodded toward her aunt, who was fussing over Fred.

“I bet that’s the best medicine he could have. With her taking care of him, he’ll be better in no time.”

“Why? Is there something going on between the two of them?”

Kate shook her head. “It’s no secret that Fred has it bad for my aunt, but she never gives him a chance. She brushes off any comments about Fred’s feelings for her as small-town gossip.”

They stood quietly for a bit while the doctor examined Fred’s leg. Wes told himself he should get back to work. There was nothing else he could do here. He glanced over at Kate. The worried look was still evident on her face. There was no way he was leaving her—not until they knew Fred w

as all right.

Still, he felt useless standing around. “Can I get you anything?”

Kate folded her arms over her chest as she shook her head. She wasn’t the only one waiting to hear the outcome. Most of the town was within shouting distance, either inside the warehouse or just outside the door.

The doctor straightened and walked over to address the crowd of concerned onlookers. “Fred would like you all to know that other than a few scratches and bruises, he appears to be all right. His one leg is a bit banged up. I’ve ordered him to get an x-ray and to stay off his feet for the rest of the week.”

Applause rose in the crowd followed by relieved murmurs.

Fred was now sitting up, holding his right side while attempting to get to his feet with Penney’s help. Wes rushed forward and lent the man his arm. A fireman offered to take over for Penney, and between the two men, Fred was soon on his feet, keeping his weight on his good leg. Penney rushed outside to bring the company pickup to the door, as she insisted on driving him for his x-ray.

Her face was pale and her lips were pressed in a firm line. Wes couldn’t help wondering if Penney’s concern was purely a coworker’s friendly concern, or if perhaps she felt something for Fred, too.

“Ms. Taylor, if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know,” Wes said.

“I told you to call me Penney. We don’t stand on formality around here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” When she arched a brow at him, he said, “I mean, yes, Penney.”

“That’s better.” She smiled at him, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Then she turned her attention to Kate. “I’m going to take care of Fred. Can you see about cleaning this mess up for the sale?”

Kate nodded. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

“With you here, overseeing things, I won’t. It’s not like you don’t do most of the work around this place as it is.” Penney turned back to Wes. “And you’ll be here if she needs any assistance?”

It wasn’t part of his job, but that didn’t stop him from automatically nodding. “Kate doesn’t have to worry. And neither do you.”

After Wes helped Fred into the pickup, he closed the door and waved them off. There was definitely more brewing between those two than friendship. It was then that Wes gave himself a mental shake. Since when did he wonder about other people’s personal lives?

Back in New York, this sort of thinking wouldn’t even cross his mind. It must be Bayberry. There was something about this small community that drew him in. How was it that he’d been in town for less than forty-eight hours and was already feeling as if he belonged here?

He’d already considered sending the information to Watson & Summers and completing the report there, but that wasn’t going to work. So much of the candle company’s data was stored on paper that it made it impossible to complete the project anywhere but in Bayberry.

He turned to Kate. “I should get back to work.” And then he thought of something. “If you would like your office back, I’m more than willing to move elsewhere. Just point me in the right direction.”

She shook her head. “There’s no need. I’m going to be here the rest of the day, cleaning up this mess and then making sure every screw and nut is secure. I want this warehouse to be perfectly sound.”

“I don’t think you have to worry.”

She arched a brow. “Why do you say that?”

“On the way to the truck, Fred said it was his fault. He had too many things going on and told the new guy the wrong thing. One thing led to another and the forklift hit the shelving unit that fell on Fred. He kept saying it was no one’s fault but his own.”

Kate breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m just glad he’s all right and no one else was hurt. Now to get this place ready for the holiday sale this weekend.”

As much as he wanted to get back to work, he couldn’t just walk away and leave Kate with this huge mess. “What can I do to help?”

She looked at him as though seriously considering the question. “You can go finish your report for my aunt. I know she’s anxious for your results.”