An Unlikely Rancher. Roz Fox Denny
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what to do. “The truth is I can’t afford any of these air conditioners at the moment. I’ll need to arrange for a bank loan, and I worry that since I’m new in town that may take time.”
The men didn’t respond. Flynn ran a hand through his cropped blond hair. “My rent’s paid up for this month. To be honest, I’ve sunk so much into the airpark I’m sort of strapped for cash, so I’m not in a position to front you the money and take it out in rent.”
Jenna glanced at Andee, who sat beneath the tree pretending to read to the dog.
Turning her gaze on Flynn, Jenna took a deep breath and said in a rush, “All I can think to do is to temporarily offer my upstairs. It’s vacant. Two bedrooms with a full bath. One room has a double bed and dresser and a TV. The movers hooked up cable. The second room has a daybed, a nightstand and bookcase. As for kitchen privileges, I can make room in a cupboard and the fridge. We can set a timetable so we don’t trip over each other.”
Flynn scrutinized Jenna for the longest time, then his dog. Even though Beezer sat in the shade, he was panting hard from the heat. “It isn’t ideal,” Flynn muttered darkly. “I’ll give you a month to square things with the AC. Just so we’re clear, there’s no need to get chummy because we’re sharing a house.”
Jenna’s mouth dropped open, then snapped shut. She sensed heat rising to her cheeks and was sure of it when J.D. said, “My card’s stapled to those brochures. Call when you decide which unit you’d like.” He left in a hurry.
Jenna clutched the brochures, locked in a glaring match with her renter.
“LOOK, THE THING IS...I don’t keep regular hours,” Flynn said, grasping at straws. Of course he couldn’t admit he didn’t want to live with her, but it sure didn’t look as if he had another choice.
He should have known he couldn’t trust this woman to keep a simple business contract; he paid rent, he got a decent roof over his head...and air conditioning.
And now, burned by another woman who couldn’t keep a commitment.
He’d given Saundra an engagement ring shortly before he’d gone on his last tour abroad. She was to live in his apartment while he was gone and they’d get married as soon as he came home. His family had been ecstatic. Only, things changed drastically when he returned home broken, needing a new knee and months of rehab. Saundra wasn’t meant to play nursemaid—not that he’d asked her to—and hadn’t dealt well with his decision to leave the military, either.
“I haven’t established a routine yet,” Jenna said, plainly putting the brakes on her own irritation. “Believe me, this isn’t an arrangement I’d opt for if I could see another choice. I spent part of today insisting to Andee that Beezer could not come to our house for a sleepover.”
That triggered a full-bodied laugh from Flynn.
“It’s not as if we’re going to be roommates,” she was quick to add.
Flynn lifted an eyebrow before dropping his sunglasses to cover his amusement. He guessed Jenna Wood had stronger objections to this forced situation than he did.
What was there about him that she found so objectionable? Shouldn’t he be relieved? Well, he wasn’t. And that gave him pause, which killed his sense of humor.
He cleared his throat. “The bank is already closed today. I hope you plan to see about that loan first thing tomorrow morning.”
“I do, so don’t lose sleep over it.” Jenna put on her own sunglasses. “Andee, bring your book, honey. We’re finished here.”
“Beezer likes The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I told him next time I’ll read Goodnight Moon.” Andee hugged the dog, then skipped to the car. The dog shook himself and ambled after her.
“I bet those two will be happy,” Flynn muttered.
“Undoubtedly,” Jenna snapped. “I certainly hope Beezer doesn’t scare my ostriches like the low-flying aircraft from your airpark.”
“I did mention your concern to the pilot,” Flynn said.
“You did? When? I’m sure the same plane scattered my birds again today. It was noon or a tad later.”
“Hmm. I spoke with him when he showed up to fly today. It was right before I went home for lunch.”
“Thanks for saying something, even if he apparently didn’t pay attention. Yesterday you didn’t sound as if you’d involve yourself.”
“It’s not my place to. But, like I said, the opportunity presented itself.”
“He’s probably dropped down on my list of problems anyway.” Jenna frowned. “I really should buy two air conditioners. My house is only equipped with a swamp cooler. I prefer AC. It cools better.”
“Maybe if you crack open a window it’ll work better.”
Jenna studied Flynn pensively. “I’m not keen on leaving windows open at night. Especially not downstairs, where Andee and I sleep.”
“Ah. Well, installing security screens on the lower level might be cheaper than buying a new air conditioner big enough to cool your house. There are bound to be drafts.”
“Mommy,” Andee called. “I thought you said we had to go. The car is hot.”
“I’m coming.”
“Did you ask if I can call him Mr. Flynn?”
Flynn glanced between the pair. “You can both call me Flynn.” He lowered his voice. “It seems easier if we use first names, considering...” He hesitated. “Will it be less confusing if I bring my stuff over tonight after she’s in bed?”
“So she can wake up and find you there in the morning? Not that she goes upstairs. I’ll make it plain she’s not to bother you. The dog is a different matter. Keeping her from loving on him will be hopelessly impossible.” She frowned. “Like I need this aggravation.”
“I’d check into one of the motels, but neither allows pets.”
“Well, maybe we’ll laugh about it once it’s over.”
“I really doubt that.”
Jenna stiffened. “Of course not. What was I thinking? I’ll check to be sure you have bedding and towels upstairs. Beyond that, I’ve no desire to run a motel. The rooms don’t come with maid service.” She turned and marched to her vehicle.
Flynn pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d set her off again.
The dog gave a woof as Jenna got in the SUV.
“Beezer, come here, boy. Let Andee go. Come on, you traitor.”
The dog finally came to him as Jenna drove off, and butted his thigh. “Hey, careful, buddy.” He stepped out of Beezer’s reach. “Keep your paws crossed that my stupid blood pressure will be normal tomorrow. I need the VA doc to approve my flight physical. I want to start advertising those flying lessons... Maybe get Travis Hines signed up for a refresher course.”
* * *
“DID THE MAN fix Mr. Flynn’s air conditioner?”
Jenna tilted the rearview mirror just enough to see Andee. She had thought to wait until their evening meal to break the news concerning their houseguests. But this was the perfect opening. “The house needs a new one.”
“Why?”
“The old one broke and won’t cool the house now.”
“Beezer was hot sitting with me in the shade. Will living in a hot house make him sick?”
“Honey, Flynn rents that house from me, so getting a new air conditioner is up to me. Since it will