His Honour, Her Family. Tara Randel

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       CHAPTER ONE

      GRACE HARPER LOOKED up from the paper-strewn desk as the office door opened, bringing with it a warm breeze blowing in leaves that had yet to be swept away from the outside entrance. A tall man strode to the counter with purpose. He removed his polarized sunglasses, his dark gaze meeting hers as he brushed a stray leaf from his short brown hair.

      “I’m here about the job,” he said, his deep voice succinct and to the point.

      Thank goodness. She’d been back at the Put Your Feet Up vacation and rental business office for only two days. It was Wednesday and already she wanted to pull her hair out. As much as she desperately needed a new outdoor guide—thanks for bailing, Nathan—the idea of holding a job interview on top of straightening up the mess Mama had left behind was enough to give her a pounding headache. Which, she believed, was already knocking at her temples.

      She sent him a pleasant smile. “What would you like to know?”

      He nodded toward the door. “From the help-wanted sign out front advertising for a tour guide, and the fact that you offer outdoor vacations, I’m guessing you’re shorthanded. So what would the job entail?”

      “First, yes, we’re shorthanded. My mother normally handles the office, but she was injured, so I’m filling in temporarily.” She stuck out her hand. “Grace Harper.”

      Strong fingers enveloped hers. “Deke Matthews.”

      “Well, Mr. Matthews, I need someone who can hike, fish, canoe, kayak and zip-line, to start with.” She handed him a brochure. “Our packages are listed here. I also need you to be able to manage a group of people and have first-aid knowledge.”

      He scanned the glossy paper in his hands. “Isn’t it rather late to be hiring a guide with the summer season so close? It’s already the end of May.”

      Biting the inside of her cheek, she wanted to scream, “Yes.” Instead, she answered, “I’m afraid my mother’s accident set us behind and our only other guide has been out of touch.”

      “I suppose you’ll want someone to start right away?”

      “That would be ideal.”

      He СКАЧАТЬ