Harlequin Love Inspired October 2019, Box Set 2 of 2 by Carrie Lighte

Author:Carrie Lighte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Now that the specifics of the Christmas outreach project had been assigned to various committee members, Brooke felt the pressure begin to lift. For the rest of the week, she made a concerted effort to keep her attention on chamber of commerce business while trying hard not to think about how Shaun had turned his back on her Monday night.

So what if she’d exercised a little professional command at the meeting? Wasn’t that her forte? Wasn’t it a key reason Emily had pigeonholed her for this project in the first place? And as far as her boss endorsing her involvement with the committee, Shaun shouldn’t be upset about local businesspeople wanting to help those in need.

Then Saturday rolled around, and the idea of facing Shaun again made her stomach feel like the inside of the turbo-speed food chopper she’d created a successful ad campaign for last year. At least it wouldn’t be just the two of them. In addition to the committee members who’d signed up for the first workday, Dad said he’d like to come along, and Tripp and Diana both promised to get there as soon as their Saturday-morning work schedules allowed.

On the other hand, considering how her family continually nagged her about her social life, or rather lack thereof, being subjected to their play-by-play commentary as she interacted with Shaun might prove the greater risk.

Hair pulled up in a ponytail, and dressed in her scruffiest jeans, sweatshirt and sneakers, she arrived with her father at Whitetail Valley Mobile Home Park shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Shaun’s rattletrap car wasn’t anywhere in sight, and neither was Kent’s truck. Good, a few more minutes to compose herself.

Mr. Zamora bustled out of the office to greet them. “Welcome. Everyone here has been so excited about today, and a few of our residents are also available to pitch in.”

“That’s great. And the weather is cooperating, too,” Brooke said with a glance toward the cloudless sky. She introduced her dad, and the men shook hands. “The plan is to get started painting the rec hall this morning. Also, one of our committee members is a handyman who said he’d take a look at those broken washing machines.”

Just then, the rumble of an out-of-tune engine drew her attention, and Shaun’s old green car pulled up. Climbing out, he took exaggerated care in making sure his car door didn’t nick hers.

“Good morning,” he called, zipping up his fleece-lined flannel jacket. He popped open the back of his car. “I have all the painting supplies, compliments of Zipp’s Hardware, thanks to Kent.” More volunteers drove up as he spoke. “I can get the crew started…” A sardonic grin curled one side of his mouth as he nodded toward Brooke. “Unless you’d rather take the lead.”

“You go right ahead.” She hadn’t been looking forward to ruining her clothes and hair with paint spatters. “I think I’ll help with the grounds cleanup.” She did know a thing or two about gardening, an interest she’d developed while puttering around her little house in LA.

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