An Unlikely Rancher. Roz Fox Denny

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СКАЧАТЬ New regulations come out every few years.”

      “I see. But this house passed inspection a few weeks ago,” she said. “Shouldn’t I have known about this issue then?”

      J.D. shook his head. “When these suckers go, they go fast, often without warning. I maintained this for Mrs. Wilson. It operated fine. Now, poof, it’s shot.”

      Taking a deep breath, Jenna pinched the bridge of her nose.

      “I have brochures in the truck on the types we handle. Any of them could be installed as soon as possible.” J.D. ripped the sheet off his clipboard and passed it to Jenna. He loped off to the open back of his panel truck, where she heard him rummaging around.

      “This is a bummer,” Flynn murmured, eyeing Jenna.

      J.D. jogged back and gave Jenna three brochures. “The cheapest we recommend is $5,500 on up to $12,000. For a house this size I suggest the one at $8,000. It’s a workhorse and over the long haul will give you the best bang for your buck.”

      All Jenna could think was that $8,000 was way more than a buck. Way more than she had in the savings account. “Is there such a thing as buying used?” she asked hesitantly.

      The repairman looked sympathetic. “No.”

      Not looking at Flynn, she paced back and forth, trying to figure out 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.

       CHAPTER FOUR

      “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 СКАЧАТЬ