Bayou Vows by Geri Krotow

Author:Geri Krotow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-10-05T15:03:22+00:00

Chapter 10

Monday morning Jeb arrived at The Refuge a full fifteen minutes early to find Jena already at her desk, poring over a stack of grant proposals.

“Good morning.” He rapped on the doorframe before stepping into her office. Her face was lined with exhaustion, and the huge steaming mug of coffee on her desk underscored her need for sleep. “You look like you’ve been here for hours.”

“‘Morning. I’ve been here for two.”

“Congratulations on your nephew.”

“Thank you. Brandon told you?” She ran her fingers through her hair, something she did when she was tired or stressed.

He nodded. “Sounds like it was a long day for all of you.”

“It was. You never came.” She made the statement sound like a question.

“Nah. That was a real family event. I’ll meet the little dude soon enough, I’m sure.”

“He’s a keeper.” Soft joy effused her tired features and he took a step closer.

“Wait a minute—is the woman who said she’d never have a baby—who, in fact, detests babies—smitten?”

“Not so fast. Of course I love him, he’s my nephew.” She stretched her neck and took a sip of her coffee. “We waited forever once I got to the hospital. While we were there, Brandon mentioned that he knew I was a mess when you found me in Asunción. Are you sure you didn’t say too much?”

“Certain. Anyone can see the scar on your face, Jena, even with your makeup on. It’s definitely faded, but it’s still there. I didn’t share anything you asked me not to. I’ve told you that.” Exasperation that she didn’t fully trust him made him wish he’d skipped coming in to say hello, even if he did have to get the day’s list of to-dos. “Do you have anything new to add to my responsibilities this week?”

She gestured to the papers on her desk. “I’ve started to look at the grant proposals. You’ve done a hell of a lot of work in such a short time, Jeb. Thank you.”

“It’s my job.”

“How much of the construction work are you still in on?”

“Not a lot—if they need extra hands to paint or someone to sweep up, I’ll help. But I’m pretty much on the desk job now.” His desk had arrived last week, along with a computer. “I’m happy to paint my office, of course.”

“I’d rather you stick to the grants for the short time you’re with us, and the budget breakdown. It’s worth it if the contractors are on the job an extra day or two to finish the painting. You bring in way more with your financial expertise.”

“That’s the goal, anyhow.” He looked around her office, the fresh paint gleaming as sunlight hit it from the large window that overlooked what used to be a side garden. “We can have some shrubs installed, make your view nicer.”

“That’s not important to me. I’m just glad to have a window. My Louisiana State job gave me a desk in a shared office with no windows. Very nineteen-seventies.”

“I imagine a lot of your work won’t be done in here, anyway.

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