Читать книгу Falling For The Hometown Hero - Mindy Obenhaus - Страница 14

Chapter Five

Grace wandered up Seventh Avenue three days later, surprised at how quickly Ouray had begun to take up residence in her heart, granting her a measure of tranquillity she hadn’t known in a long time. She never would have thought the fabric of small-town life would feel so good. Yet here she was, savoring every cozy thread.

The laid-back lifestyle was a pleasant change. Much different from the navy. And the cruise ship would likely keep her hopping, too. Day and night. She’d better enjoy this while she had the chance.

Diet Dr Pepper in hand, she eased onto Fourth Street as the sun drifted farther below the town’s western slope. After work, she’d gone back to her campsite and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a baggy sweater. If she was going to spend her evening weeding through a bunch of dusty boxes, she was going to be comfortable doing it.

She still wasn’t sure why she’d agreed to help Kaleb sort through his army stuff. Didn’t they spend enough time together at work? Or was Kaleb one of the reasons she was enjoying her time in Ouray?

Her steps slowed. That had to be the most ludicrous thought she’d ever had. She was about to embark on a high-seas adventure. See places she’d only dreamed of. The last thing she needed was a man in her life.

So why was her stomach fluttering at the sight of Kaleb’s single-story bungalow?

Yellow with white trim and lots of gingerbread millwork, the house beckoned passersby to pull up a rocking chair and enjoy life on its wraparound porch. Yet for as inviting as the house was, Grace found herself with a sudden case of nerves.

What was she? Sixteen again? She was there only to help him make a dent in those boxes.

With a bolstering breath, she downed the last of her drink, nudged her anxiety out of the way and continued up the walk onto the porch and rang the bell.

A few moments later, Kaleb appeared behind the screen door wearing the same medium wash jeans and work shirt she’d grown accustomed to seeing him in.