Jess. No one else was home. He stood and opened the door for her.
She granted him a small smile. Saints above. How did a woman manage to look so tempting in paint-covered overalls and a do-rag bandanna wrapped around her head? Not that the rag was doing much to maintain any control of her unruly locks.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she said. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ve finished.”
Jordan hadn’t been expecting the feeling of disappointment that meandered through his gut at the announcement. Nor did he anticipate wondering when he would see her next.
“Oh. Well, thanks. Let me just grab my checkbook.”
But she stopped him with a hand to his chest before he could turn away. The contact sent a surge of heat through his core. As if reading his errant mind, she pulled away in haste.
“No, don’t do that.”
“Do you prefer an electronic transfer of funds?”
She shook her head. “No. I mean I won’t accept any money. It was a labor of love. Truly. I’m happy to know Sonya liked it and hopefully she’ll enjoy it even more with the additions made today.”
Jordan felt a moment of uncertainty. Should he insist? He’d never had anyone turn down a fee for rendered services before. The original artwork was one thing, but he’d asked her to come by this afternoon and add to it.
She smiled at his confusion. “It really isn’t necessary, Jordan. You needn’t waste another thought on it.”
What manner of sorceress was this young lady? She beguiled him. Did something to his senses he wasn’t familiar with nor prepared for. Under any other circumstances, despite their clear differences and incompatibility, he might have asked her out. Maybe something as simple as having her show him around this new town he found himself in. And then at the end of the day, they could share a bottle of wine over a cozy candlelit dinner. Then see where things led.
Just. Stop.
Mere moments ago he’d been reminding himself of all the reasons he shouldn’t entertain such thoughts about Jess—or any other woman for that matter.
“I don’t know what to say. I feel like I should pay for all the time and effort you put in.”
Her eyes narrowed on his face. “I assure you, it isn’t necessary in this case. Like I said, I refuse to be paid for a task I initiated and loved doing.”
He’d never actually thought about it that way; wasn’t sure if it even made much sense. “If you’re certain,” he said, giving her a chance to change her mind once more.
“I am. I wouldn’t cash a check if you gave me one.”
Several awkward moments ensued. Neither one of them seemed to know what to say next. Though he felt like kicking himself, he desperately didn’t want her to walk out the door just yet.
“Do you need help gathering your things?” He finally managed to speak a coherent question.
“Uh... Thanks but I’ve already loaded everything into my car.”
“Oh. I guess—I guess you’re all set, then.”
She glanced away, a rosy glow appearing on her cheeks.
But then they both spoke at once, over each other.
“I can see myself out.” Just as Jordan said, “I’ll walk you to your car.”
Okay, now the air felt really awkward. He was a successful, accomplished businessman for heaven’s sake. He gave professional presentations and delivered talks to some of the most prominent people in the industry. And here he was stammering, trying to talk to a woman he’d just barely met.
He had to get a grip. And he had to stop focusing on how her curves filled out what should have been a completely unflattering denim outfit. Or how her nose seemed to have just the perfect number of light freckles that he only just now noticed.
This was getting ridiculous. He shook off the wayward thoughts. There was no use for them. He was bound to run into her from time to time. Especially considering Sonya would no doubt participate in many activities at the community center where Jess worked. But he would leave it at that. He owed it to his little sister to make her the number one priority right now. After all, if it wasn’t for him, that precious little girl could still very well have her hearing intact.
“I should probably get back to work, then,” he told her then watched her walk out without another word.