“Gloria Patterson, please. This is Kaylee Sloan.” Then she began a series of questions. Are the houses furnished? Is there a view or at least pretty surroundings? How many bedrooms? Is the kitchen modern? Fireplace? Central heat? Available for six months? How are the utility bills handled? What’s the rent? And finally, “I’d be happy to meet you at three. That’s perfect.”
Then she relayed what she’d learned to Mel and they began to chat about everything related to living in the area—what some of the neighboring towns had to offer, where to go antiquing if Kaylee was into that sort of thing, what the fruit and vegetable stands along the road and the farmers market in Fortuna had to offer.
“Soon it will be cool enough for soups,” Mel said. “I’m a lousy cook but Jack is amazing and Preacher better still. But I still love the farmers market and if I bring home a big box of beautiful fruits and vegetables, Jack can turn it into something delicious.”
“I think that after I settle on a house I should look around to rent a Jack!”
“I have no advice on where to find one,” Mel said. “He took me by surprise.”
Somewhere in a conversation punctuated by laughter, Jack brought lunch for both of them.
“I’d love to hear about your work,” Mel said.
While they ate, Kaylee explained that she wrote suspense novels, the kind that made you wonder what that sound was in the dark of night, the kind that made you check the locks.
“I’ll go to the bookstore,” Mel said. “I love to read, it’s my primary relaxation, but I warn you—I only read the kind of books you write when I’m feeling very brave and secure.”
“What do you usually read?” Kaylee asked.
“I love romance and love stories. In my work, I require happy endings. And hopefulness. I like to read about people working things out.”
“You do know they’re fictional people working things out…”
“Not when I’m reading them,” Mel said. “After you get yourself settled in, if you find you need supplies or clothes or just want to look around, I’d be happy to tag along. I have to plan, though. I have patients to see and the kids, but Jack is great at backing me up in the kid department. My sister-in-law next door helps. She works at home and has a daughter and the cousins keep each other busy. We could shop and lunch, either in one of the bigger towns or check out the stuff in the villages that are a little more remote.”
“Assuming I’ll get settled in…”
“Excuse me,” a deep male voice said.
Kaylee looked up into the gorgeous blue eyes of a handsome man. Her mouth formed an O.
“Hey, Landry,” Mel said.
“Hey, Mel,” he returned. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, but I take it you’re looking for a rental.”
“I’m looking at some this afternoon, as a matter of fact,” Kaylee said, a little distracted by the blueness of his eyes.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “If you don’t find what you’re looking for, I have a house I rent out from time to time. My dad and I lived on adjoining properties and after he passed away, I moved into his house because it’s bigger. The house I’m renting is really nice. It’s only seven years old and small but comfortable. If you want to see it, I can give you directions.”
“You’ll be home later?”
“The rest of the day. Here’s my number. Text me if you want to see it and I’ll send you the address. I’m only ten minutes from here just on the other side of 36. I heard you talking about what you want. It has a porch and a view.”
“I’m Kaylee Sloan. And you are?”
“Sorry,” he said with a laugh. His grin exposed one slightly crooked tooth in a sexy smile. “I’m Landry Moore. No wants or warrants. Mel might vouch for me—she cured my bronchitis two winters ago.”
“I think he’s pretty safe,” Mel said with a laugh.
“If I don’t see you later, I guess we’ll run into each other around town. Probably in here.”
“Thank you,” she said. “It’s very nice of you.”
“My pleasure,” he said. “Good hunting. Mel, see you around.”
Once he left, Kaylee looked at Mel and lifted one brow. “I should stay away from his house. He’s pretty handsome. I suppose he has a wife and seven kids.”
“I think he has an ex-wife. No kids. He’s kind of a loner, but friendly when he turns up. I like him,” she said with a grin.