Page 52 of Must Love Bees
“Astrid is here,” Halley pointed out. “And someone’s trying to reach you on your phone.”
“Morning.” He gave Astrid a long, assessing look. “Is that more food? I blame all the food for my dreams last night.”
Astrid slid the basket on the table. “It’s breakfast and lunch.” She shrugged. “You don’t have to it eat, though.”
“Were they bad dreams?” Nova asked. “Were there rat monsters in it?”
“No.” His expression softened. “Thankfully. I know I wouldn’t have slept, then.”
“They are scary.” Nova nodded.
It wasn’t the first time she had mentioned this rat monster. Clearly, it was something that troubled the little girl. Maybe today she could try to get more information about this invisible threat.
Charlie reached for his phone. He blinked, held it closer, then blinked again. “Is it really nine?” He stood and headed around the table, turning on his computer and lamp. His hair was mussed and his shirt and shorts rumpled, and he was generally frazzled.
Astrid wasn’t sure which she preferred, starched Charlie or rumpled Charlie. They were both handsome. Then again, she’d yet to find Charlie anything but handsome.
“Uh-oh.” Nova frowned. “You late for work?”
Charlie muttered something under his breath.
“Get ready, Nova. Then we can go with Astrid and Charlie can work.” Halley took her little sister’s hand and tugged her up and off Charlie’s bed. “I’ll help.”
Seconds later, the dining room door slammed, and they could hear the stomping of the girls’ feet on the stairs.
He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. “I appreciate you—and your family—taking care of the girls. It’s very kind.”
Astrid pushed the basket closer to him. “There’s breakfast and lunch for you. I know you liked the cookies so there’s a few extra.” She paused. “We’ll see you for dinner again. Unless you’ve got a repairman coming today?”
“They’re saying next week.” He glanced at her, the muscles of his jaw working. “I can’t impose on your family for a week.”
She hoped he would. Last night had been lovely. Other than her pelting him with a cherry tomato. Even then, she thought he’d enjoyed himself. She hoped he had.
He was the reason she’d put a little more effort into getting ready this morning. A sundress that she thought was especially flowy and soft. She’d brushed her hair and had yet to put any braids in it. She’d even put on some lip gloss which he must have noticed since he kept looking at her mouth.
“What color is your hair?” His question was abrupt.
“My hair?” She pushed her hair from her shoulder. “Auburn? Or strawberry blond?” What a strange question.
He frowned, staring at her hair.
“Charlie.” Astrid fiddled with the basket handle. He was so hard to read. What was he frowning over—her lip gloss or her hair? And why? Instead, she asked, “Did you have bad dreams?”
“I don’t normally dream.” He shrugged, flipping through a notebook on the table. “Your beekeepers can come here.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “If that was what Rebecca wanted, I won’t stop it.”
Astrid blinked rapidly. “Really?” This was a surprise. She was smiling like a fool as she hurried around the table—but she caught herself. She stopped short of reaching for him. She wrapped her arms around her waist and swayed where she stood. “Thank you.”
His frown deepened. With an impatient groan, he took one step closer. Then another one.
Astrid froze.
He stopped mere inches from her. Yes, he was still frowning but his eyes... “Astrid.”
Every inch of her responded to him as she leaned closer. One more step and he would hear her breathe. Unsteady. Wavering. He was close enough for her to put her hand on his arm now. Or for him to reach out for her—
“We’re ready.” Nova burst into the room, the warm air trailing in after her.
Charlie took several steps back and almost tripped over his makeshift bed.
