And a Time to Dance by Paynter Chris

Author:Paynter, Chris [Paynter, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Blue Feather Books
Published: 2013-06-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“Fuck!”

Aggravated, Corey ripped up the tile when she realized she hadn’t measured it right for the corner of the cabinet. She cast a brief look over her shoulder at the dwindling stack of tile behind her. She couldn’t afford to make too many more mistakes. “Goddammit.”

She mentally brushed off her irritation and measured the area again.

“This better fucking fit,” she muttered as she tore off the paper on the back. Her language was the first to go when she was frustrated—with her work and with her life. Kneeling down, her brow furrowed in concentration, she was about to fit the tile into place when someone spoke behind her.

“Hey.”

Startled, Corey didn’t get the tile aligned properly. She tried to lift the piece up, but the heavy coating of glue made it stick solidly. A piece of the tile broke off. “Well, fuck!” She whipped her head around and glared at Erin. She was dressed in cargo shorts and a green T-shirt with the lodge’s logo over her left breast. She looked fantastic. Damn it.

Erin grimaced. “It seems I’ve caused another accident.”

Corey struggled to her feet. Her protesting muscles made it known she’d been on the floor too long without a break.

“What do you want?” Corey said, more sharply than she intended. But the broken piece of tile was fresh in her mind, as well as the hot air balloon outing and the subsequent brush-off conversation in the parking lot. It was Friday. She’d been avoiding Erin and Tess all week, choosing instead to go to town and grab some food supplies to make her own lunches and dinners.

Erin shifted in place. “Um, Aunt Tess sent me down.”

“Why?”

“She wanted to know if you’re doing all right. And that you’re not wasting away to nothing. Her words, not mine.”

Corey leaned over and picked up another piece of tile. “Tell her I’m fine.”

Erin stepped closer. “She wanted to ask you up for dinner tonight. She said to tell you you’re always welcome but for me to remind you.”

Corey ran her fingers over the pattern on the tile, not wanting to face Erin. “Tell her thank you, but I think I’ll drive into town to get a steak tonight.”

Erin moved even closer to stand in front of her. She touched her shoulder. “Please don’t shut us out.”

Her shoulder tingled at the touch, but she still didn’t raise her head. “I’m not. I’ve been busy with getting this floor done.”

“Corey, look at me.”

She finally met Erin’s eyes.

“I think I know what this is about. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings Saturday. It’s just—”

Corey cut her off. “I understand. You don’t need to explain it all again.”

“No, I think I do. I’m your employer. If this didn’t work out, it would make it extremely awkward for us to be around each other. I think maybe we got caught up in the balloon ride, the scenery… the trip to Steamboat Springs was emotional. I think it’s best if we stop anything before it starts and stay friends.

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