Survivor’s guilt, Sadie’s mom had murmured when Sadie shared the information with her.

“It’s usually standard paperwork,” Sadie answered, trying to focus. “But since you already filled out the rental application, I’m not sure what else she’d want you to sign. I can give her a call.”

“I think she’s on her way in. I’ll just wait.”

“Here?” she squeaked.

“Is that a problem?”

“No. No. I just didn’t want you to be... bored.”

“I won’t be. It’s nice just to be in out of the cold.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?” She gestured to the narrow sideboard behind her with the coffeemaker and the platter of muffins. She’d bought a dozen this morning, and a dozen remained. “Or a muffin?” she added. “As you can see, we still have plenty of those.”

“I do like a good muffin,” he said, perfectly serious, and yet his blue eyes glinted at her. “But maybe just coffee.”

“It’d certainly warm you up faster,” she said, jumping up, and then almost bumping into him when he made a move toward the coffeepot. She took a quick step away. “I’ve got it,” she said. “You relax. Maybe in one of those chairs.” She pointed to the row of chairs outside Natalie’s office. “They’re far more comfortable than they look.”

“I’ll just wait here,” he said. “If you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind. You’re the customer.” She positioned a Marietta Forever mug on the burner, and then placed a dark roast coffee pod in the machine and turned it on. “How do you like your coffee? Black, or with milk and sugar?”

“Black. And I don’t mean to put you to work.”

“It’s fine. I’m just stapling and answering the phone when it rings.” Sadie winced at the breathless note in her voice.

She had to pull herself together. He was here to take care of business, not see her, and yet just being near him made her feel giddy and dizzy. This was exactly why she’d never found the nerve to actually approach him. Close, he was gorgeous, but from afar, he was the most intimidating thing she’d ever seen. Tough, hard, fearless, dangerous.

“Has it been busy today?” he asked.

She was glad for the question. The drip-drip-drip of the coffee had suddenly sounded too loud. “No, it’s been pretty quiet. Everyone’s getting ready for the Stroll tonight.”

“Are you going?”

“No, I can’t. I have too much to do.