Hey. Wasn’t that right about when Clancy asked her out? “Well?” Bianca asked.
Clancy checked his watch. “I’m sure I don’t remember. If I had slept with the mayor, it would’ve been before Bianca finally, and very briefly, agreed to go on a couple of dates with me.”
Ewan kicked dirt off his boot. “That was a bad idea, and you both know it. We work together in too close of conditions for any of us to date.” The guy seemed to completely forget he was dating Liam, their director.
Exasperation filtered through her. “Why are you two dolts sitting on Mrs. Shiller’s porch?”
Now Clancy chuckled. “She let us sit inside until eight, but then she said the place closed except for guests, so we’d have to wait for you on the porch. But she did make us sandwiches.”
“Roast beef,” Ewan added.
Bianca moved toward the door. “Did you check in at the Inn by the water?”
“Yep,” Ewan said.
Good. She liked having a bit of distance between them in case she decided to take Adam up on his offer. Her body tingled at the thought. It was so unlike her, but she was tired of just working. “I’m having coffee on a working ranch tomorrow morning, and I’ll let you know if it seems like a good place to film. That is, if it’s okay with the owners.”
Clancy stood. “Good. I have one farmhouse chosen for the main family scenes, but we could use a couple more.”
Bianca’s eyes felt gritty. Man, she needed sleep. “You got the contracts signed already?”
“Not yet. The Willoughbys wanted a night to think about it, but according to our investigators, they need the money for their farm. They’ve applied for two loans, each in the fifty thousand dollar range—one for back taxes and one to plant new crops—but have been turned down.” Lightning zapped nearby, illuminatingClancy. “Let’s scout somewhere tropical for the next movie. I don’t care if it’s a western.”
Ewan stood, brushing crumbs off his pants. “I’m on board with that. Come on. Let’s drive both cars to the bar and then you can drive us to the Inn. I’m in the mood for tequila.”
Clancy studied her. “We thought we’d hit the town and have a couple of drinks. Want to come and see the bars at night?”
“No thanks.” She fought a yawn. Speaking at town meetings took energy, although she’d done it enough times that she no longer felt like throwing up afterward. “I need sleep. See you tomorrow.” She opened the door and walked inside, letting the warm smell of chocolate chip cookies wash over her.
Mrs. Shiller hustled in from the kitchen wearing a housecoat, the belt knotted tight at her waist. Pink curlers dotted her white hair, and a thick layer of cream coated her face, giving her a faint shine. She looked ready for bed and wide awake at the same time. In her arms was a heavy glass vase crowded with roses, dark red and tightly furled, their smell thick and heady in the doorway. “Oh good. You made it back before the rain,” she said.
“I—yeah,” Bianca said, shutting the door. “I didn’t expect anyone to be up.”
Mrs. Shiller smiled. “Were your friends still on the porch?”
“Yes.” Bianca fought a smile. “That was kind of you to give them dinner.” She sniffed. “These are beautiful. Who gave you roses?”
Mrs. Shiller placed the vase on the table near the door. “They’re for you.”
“For me?” Bianca paused.
“Yes.” Mrs. Shiller pulled out a sealed white envelope, her lips pursing. “They were on the front porch, and I don’t know who they’re from. I even held this to the light but couldn’t read anything.” She handed it to Bianca and didn’t move.
Bianca took the envelope and studied the roses. They were spectacular. “Did these arrive before or after my friends did?”
“Before. Maybe about fifteen minutes? Someone rang the bell, but when I opened the door, only the roses waited for me.” Mrs. Shiller squinted, looking closer at the envelope. “Well?”
Well, all right. Bianca tore open the envelope. Was there any chance Adam had sent the flowers? She’d never admit it, but the idea sent a small thrill through her. Maybe not so small of one. He didn’t seem like a roses type of guy, but he was trying to get her into bed.
She pulled out the card to read:
You looked lovely tonight.
Her throat tightened as she read the rest.
Although a little tired. I’d like to help you with that.
The rain started in earnest, drumming against the porch roof and windows, the sound filling the space around them.