full day somewhere. The entire space had been transformed. The reception desk was clear other than the papers stacked neatly to one side. The wood furniture in the waiting area had been polished, and the top of the coffee table held a selection of magazines. There was even a plantâone that was green and healthyâon the end table next to the row of chairs where clients waited.
He caught the faint scent of lemon mixed with the richer smell of fresh coffee. His office hadnât looked this good in all the years heâd been here. There was a freshness to the space, as if it had been aired out like a favorite quilt.
He was still taking it all in when Emily appeared from the hallway.
âI hope you donât mind,â she said, almost shyly. âI started cleaning up before we talked about how you wanted it done.â
He rubbed a hand over his jaw, realizing in his haste to be on time heâd forgotten to shave this morning. âI didnât even know it needed to be done. Are you some kind of a witch who can wiggle her nose and make things happen?â He shook his head. âBecause Iâm five minutes late and what youâve done here looks like it took hours.â He glanced at the closed door to his office.
âI didnât touch anything in there. Yet.â She reached behind her and shook out her loose bun, blond hair falling over her shoulders. Jase was momentarily mesmerized, but then she gathered the strands and refastened the bun. âI came in early,â she told him, moving to stand behind the receptionistâs desk.
âHow early?â
She moved the stack of papers from one side of the desk to the other before meeting his gaze. âAround five thirty.â
âIn the morning?â he choked out. âWhy were you awake at that time?â
âI donât sleep much,â she said with a shrug. âIâve gone through the filing system Donna set up and think I understand how it works. We need to talk about how you record billable hours.â
He stepped close enough to the desk that his thighs brushed the dark wood. âWe need to talk about you not sleeping. How often does that happen?â
âA few times a week,â she said quietly. âItâs no big deal.â
âHow many times is a few?â
Her mouth pressed into a thin line. âWhy do you care, Jase?â
âHow many?â
âMost nights,â she answered through clenched teeth. âMy doctor in Boston gave me a prescription for pills to help, but I havenât refilled it since Iâve been back. Davey had trouble adjusting when we first got here, and I wanted to hear him if he needed me.â
âAnd now?â
She shrugged. âI watch him sleep. Heâs so peaceful, and it makes me happy. This morning my momâs schedule allowed her to watch him for me when he woke up, so I came into the office to get a few things done.â She looked up at him, her gaze wary. He noticed something more now, the shadows under her eyes and the tension bracketing her mouth. It didnât lessen her beauty or her effect on him, but he kicked himself that he hadnât seen it before. This woman was exhausted.
âYou didnât have to do this,â he said, gesturing to the shiny clean space. âBut Iâm glad you did.â
She rewarded him with a small smile. âIt was a pit in here, Jase. Itâs like you donât even care.â
âI do care,â he argued. âI care about my clients and this town. So what if the office isnât spotless?â
âYouâre a business owner and youâre running for mayor. People have expectations.â
He choked out a laugh. âTell me about it.â He didnât mind taking grief from her because the brightness had returned to her gaze. The Emily he remembered from high school had been so sure of herself and her place in this world. Sheâd held on to that
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