LITMIR.BIZ

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Arden wheeled the suitcase behind her, curious to see more of the town in the light of day. She’d gone only one block when she came upon Brandon’s restaurant. A redbrick building with large windows and purple-and-yellow flowers in pots on either side of the gold-trimmed glass door, Heaven on Earth had a welcoming look. For a moment Arden hesitated, then tried the knob. It turned under her hand. She didn’t need to check in with Brandon, but she owed him the courtesy of keeping him abreast of the status of her car. After all, she was a guest in his home.

      The dining area was empty, but she figured he must be around. Leaving her suitcase inside the main entrance, she walked through the maze of tables until she stood outside his office. Hearing his voice, she realized he was not alone and had turned to go when a woman’s voice stopped her.

      “I hate to leave you shorthanded with the rehearsal dinner and reception coming up. I know how important they are to you, Brandon. But I have to go home. My great-aunt raised me and there’s nobody else to care for her after her stroke.”

      “Of course you do. Family is important. Don’t worry about work. I’ll handle it.”

      “But you’re already short two waitresses. You’ll really be in a mess.”

      “We’ll be fine. Is there anything I can do to help?”

      “No. I’m set. I didn’t have much to pack.”

      Arden heard paper rustling. “Here’s your last check. I’ve also included a reference letter.”

      “Thanks. I’ve been so worried, I didn’t even think of that.”

      “I want you to know, if you decide to return to Sweet Briar, you’ll always have a job here.”

      “I can’t even think that far ahead. I’ll never forget you. Would you please tell everyone bye for me and that I’ll be in touch when I can?”

      “Absolutely. And if you need anything, just call.”

      “Thanks.”

      The young woman left the office and brushed past Arden, wiping tears as she hurried through the restaurant. Arden hesitantly knocked on Brandon’s open door. He was sitting at his desk filling out a form. Pen in hand, he looked up. When he saw her he smiled and leaned back in his chair. Her pulse began to race. What was it about this man that rang her chimes? If she wasn’t careful she’d forget she wasn’t interested in men anymore.

      “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

      He shook his head and waved her in. “Have a seat.”

      “Thanks. I met with John. He’s not sure he’ll be able to get to my car today. I hate to impose on you and Joni another night, so maybe I should get a room at one of the hotels you mentioned.”

      “That’s not necessary. You’re not an imposition. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

      “I appreciate that. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation a minute ago.”

      “With Nora?”

      “The waitress?” At his nod she continued. “I know you have a couple of important jobs coming up. I’d love to help if I can.”

      “You wouldn’t by any chance have experience as a waitress, would you?” He sounded as if he was half-joking.

      “Actually, I do. I worked as a waitress in a four-star restaurant my last two years of college.” Although her family was wealthy, her parents wanted Arden and her brothers to know the value of work. They’d seen too many rich kids living off their trust funds, burning through money they hadn’t earned. A perfect waste of a strong back was how her father referred to them. Determined that his kids weren’t going to become spoiled and lazy, Winston Wexford insisted that his children have summer jobs while in high school. They’d also been required to work part-time while in college. He paid tuition, room and board, and other necessities. Arden and her brothers had paid for any extras they wanted.

      Although they each had a sizable trust fund, her father controlled the funds until their thirtieth birthdays, when he expected them to have learned how to be contributing members of society. They received regular generous payments, but, like her brothers, Arden prided herself on making her own way.

      “Really?”

      She nodded. “Yes. So if you need help I’m willing.”

      “I appreciate it. Joni usually fills in when I need a waitress, but she’s a member of the wedding party. How about you come in tonight and work a shift so you can get a feel for things? I’ll pay you, of course.”

      “You don’t need to pay me. I am staying in your house after all.”

      “Doesn’t matter. You’ll be paid. If you have a couple of minutes now, we can go over a few things to get you oriented.”

      Arden followed Brandon out of the office, watching as he moved confidently through the kitchen. He showed her around the spotless room, his pride evident in his every word, before leading her to the dining room. Although she tried to focus, she was distracted by the play of his muscles under his shirt. His shoulders were broad, his chest well-sculpted, but it was his back that was most interesting to her. The muscles there were strong and flexed as he moved a chair out of the way.

      When the tour was over, they returned to his office. He smiled and butterflies began fluttering in her stomach. He might not know it, but his grin was a lethal weapon.

      “So, you still interested?”

      “Absolutely.”

      “Good. Let’s take care of the paperwork.”

      “Paperwork?”

      “Yes. I want to be able to pay you properly.”

      She couldn’t fill out anything. He’d need a copy of her driver’s license. And then he’d know her last name. She hated to think that he would change once he knew who she was, but she’d seen it too many times to believe differently. Money changed people. But she still wanted to help him. Joni had told her this reception was a big opportunity for him, and she didn’t want him to look bad simply because he needed more waitresses. She blew out a breath and inspiration hit her. “Do you pay Joni?”

      “No. She’s pretty hardheaded and won’t let me. She does keep her tips, though.”

      “Then I’ll take the same deal Joni has. No salary and I’ll keep my tips.” She didn’t need the money, after all. And he did need the help.

      “That’s ridiculous. You can’t work without pay.”

      “Why not? You aren’t charging me rent. If you insist on paying me, I’ll have to pay rent. Either that or I’ll move out. Since the bed-and-breakfasts are full, and my car is in the shop and I have no way of getting to one of the hotels you mentioned, I’ll probably end up sleeping on a park bench.” She was playing dirty, but she wanted to help. She hadn’t been raised to be a taker. She needed to pull her own weight.

      He opened his mouth and she knew he was going to continue to argue. She cut him off. “That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”

      He frowned with displeasure and ran a frustrated hand down his face. “I guess I’ll take it.”

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