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“I do.” Amber’s quiet support flowed through the line. “So, what are you going to do instead?”

Jolie’s mind immediately went to Ford. Surprising him in his bedroom if he hadn’t already headed off to work.

Amber laughed again. “I hear some pining in that silence. Are your feelings for Ford growing?”

Because it was her sister, she could be honest. “I don’t know if they can grow much bigger. He’s such a good man. He’s honest and kind. Hard-working. Fun.”

“And hot.”

Jolie grinned. “So hot. I feel like my body’s on fire just thinking about him.”

Amber sighed into the phone. “That sounds lovely.”

“No one setting you on fire just by existing?”

There was a slight hesitation before Amber answered. “No one. It’s been a very long time since I felt that way.” Then she laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “Actually, I’ve never felt that way. You’re a lucky woman.”

Jolie’s heart ached a little. “I am. You sound a little down yourself. What’s up?”

She could imagine Amber shaking herself a little to slough off the mood. Her sister was the queen of making other people a priority over herself.

“I’m fine.”

Exactly what Jolie expected her to say. She wished she’d made a video call so she could see her sister’s face. “Doesn’t sound like it. Maybe you need a break. Do you have any vacation time to use up? You could come up to the farm. I think you’d love it here.”

“It’s a busy time for the hotel right now.”

Amber was the manager. And uber-responsible with it. “Soon then. The next time you see a break in your schedule. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen each other in person.”

“You’re right. Way too long. I’ll see what I can do.”

Which meant she’d see to her own needs after the hotel’s. “I hope your bosses know what a treasure they have with you running their place. There’s no one who would do a better job.”

“Thanks for the boost.”

“I only speak the truth.”

“So tell me the truth about how big your feelings are for Ford.”

She laughed. “So big, Amber. So big.”

“Sounds scary.”

Jolie didn’t have to think about that. “Not at all.” Unless he didn’t feel the same.

“I’ve got to go, Joles. Duty calls. I hope you have a good day despite the rain. Maybe you and Ford can find a way to fill the hours.”

Jolie laughed as she hung up, and was still smiling by the time she’d showered and dressed. Sadly, Ford’s door was open and his room was empty.

Not that she was brave enough to barge in and jump him.

Of course, that brought memories of walking in to find her ex banging someone else on his kitchen table. Asshole. It had been a couple of years before, but Jolie knew she’d never forget the humiliation. Trusting people was a challenge. Trusting men to treat her well was next to impossible.

But she knew Ford would never do that to her. He had more integrity and decency in his pinky than Rick had in his whole body.

The jerk had even called her to see if she wanted to get back together a few weeks after he’d cheated on her. After she’d blocked his number, he’d shown up where she worked, acting as if he was charming. Acted like it was automatic that she’d give him another chance.

Asshole. Even though she hadn’t said the word aloud, she mentally apologized for the profanity to Fox. Smiling, she knew her grandfather would have called Rick much worse. She was glad she’d never shared that particular humiliation with anyone.