When I Fall In Love. Bridget Anderson

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      “Just step over here and I’ll get you all checked in.” He walked over behind the counter.

      Tayler followed him, taking full advantage of the view. Why in the hell is this man working on a farm instead of modeling underwear in a magazine somewhere?

      He pulled her name up on the computer. “So, Nicole said you wanted to stay a month. Is that right?”

      “A month or two, I had told her. She said to let you know once I arrived.” As he worked the computer keys her eyes traveled up his arms, stopping at his biceps, which were speaking to her in a language she wanted to learn.

      He arched a brow. “A month or two?”

      “Yes. Is that gonna be a problem?”

      He took a deep breath and shook his head. “Probably not. This late in August, most of the summer crowd has gone. You must have one hell of a job to get that much vacation time.”

      “Yeah.” She didn’t want to talk about her leave or why she wanted to stay two months.

      “So, how do you want to pay for this, a week at a time or a month at a time?”

      “How about a month?” She handed over her credit card.

      “That’ll work. Who knows, a month might be all you can take,” he said with a sour look on his face.

      Tayler furrowed her brows. What the hell did he mean by that?

      While he finished the transaction, she turned around to admire more of the beautiful foyer and its great crown moldings.

      “This is a beautiful house. It reminds me of Tara—”

      “From Gone with the Wind,” they said in unison. She smiled, but he sort of frowned, as if he hated that she had said that.

      “Yeah, we get that a lot,” Rollin said. “My parents built the place, but I don’t know if they were fans or not.” He walked from behind the counter. “Come on, I’ve got time for a quick tour.”

      He started on the first floor and walked her through the dining room, where he said meals would be served. He then led her through the living room/library, where walls of books resided and afternoon tea would be served. There was also a small recreation room, with a billiard table and other forms of entertainment like board games and cards.

      His private quarters, off-limits to guests, were beyond the staircase across from the kitchen.

      She waited until they were outside overlooking the meditation garden to ask about the other guests.

      “I don’t see any other guests lingering around.”

      “They’re in town at a family reunion.”

      “How many people are there?”

      “Two couples, one from Missouri and another from Georgia.”

      Everyone was coupled up, she noticed, which made her feel out of place. “And then there’s me,” she said jokingly.

      He glanced over at her. “And then there’s you,” he said before walking back toward the house.

      Tayler stood there with her hands on her hips, speechless. She was merely trying to be funny, but his tone had been sharp. Rollin Coleman was rude. She caught up with him at the front door, which wasn’t easy to do in heels.

      “Excuse me, but do you have a problem with me being here?”

      He stopped and turned around. “No, I don’t. Why do you ask?”

      “Because I’m getting some really bad vibes from you, and you haven’t been exactly hospitable during this little tour.”

      He stopped and took a deep breath, giving Tayler an admiring glance before exhaling. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I haven’t been very gracious, have I? Long day. Why don’t we start over?” He cleared his throat. “Thank you for choosing Coleman House Bed-and-Breakfast. I’m Rollin Coleman Jr.”

      He held his hand out and displayed the most captivating smile, with adorable dimples. His smile brightened up his face and seemed so warm and genuine. Not only is he built like a Greek statue, but look at those perfect white teeth. She quickly excused his previous bad behavior and accepted his hand.

      “Nice to meet you, Rollin. I’m Tayler Carter.”

      “The pleasure’s all mine, Ms. Carter. I hope you had a pleasant drive down?”

      “I did. Thank you very much.” She wanted to laugh at his exaggerated greeting. “By the way, Officer Greg said to tell you hello.”

      “What did you do? Get a speeding ticket?”

      “No, he had mercy on this out-of-towner and escorted me here instead.”

      “Mighty nice of him. Well, let’s go back inside. You’ll need to change shoes for the rest of the tour.”

      Tayler looked down at the platform heels that gave her five-three frame a boost. “Why? They’re very comfortable, considering I’ve been sitting on my ass for the last seven hours.” Her feet were tired, but she didn’t see the need to tell him that.

      “You drove all the way down here in those?” he asked with a dubious look on his face.

      She shrugged. “Yes, I did.” Heels were a part of her casual attire, but he didn’t need to know that.

      The front door opened and Rita stuck her head out.

      “Rollin, excuse me, but Corra called and said she needs you over at her house. It’s an emergency.”

      He shook his head. “Wonder what she’s broken now. Rita, if you don’t mind, would you show Ms. Carter around the property?”

      “Sure,” Rita said as she stepped outside.

      “Oh, please, call me Tayler.”

      Rollin smiled. “Tayler. Got it. Well, I’m sorry I have to leave, but let Rita know if you need anything. I’ll see you ladies tonight at dinner.”

      Rita held the door open for Tayler. “Honey, let’s change yo’ shoes before we go anywhere.”

      After Tayler changed into a pair of black sneakers, Rita walked her through the flower gardens and past the hammocks and chaise lounge chairs. Rita pointed out the entrance to a nature trail should Tayler find herself up for a scenic stroll.

      “All of this is so impressive. You must love living here,” Tayler said.

      “Oh, I don’t live here.”

      “I’m sorry, I thought you and Wallace were like the innkeepers.”

      Rita laughed and took a rubber band from her wrist and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “No, honey, Rollin is Wallace’s nephew. We live over in Garrard County. It’s just about thirty minutes away.”

      “So, СКАЧАТЬ