Page 22 of Colton On Guard
Shaking his head, he pushed such foolish thoughts away. Genna had made it crystal-clear that she had no desire to pursue any kind of romantic anything with him. Except, then why had she kissed him?
Unsure what to take away from all of that, he decided it would be better not to dwell on it at all. Otherwise, her simple kiss might give him false hope. Which could be painful. He’d neverbeen the type to moon over a woman and he didn’t plan to start now.
Yet he couldn’t seem to stop yearning for her.
The way he saw it, he had two choices. He could work hard to force himself to see her only as a friend—unlikely. Or he could try his best to get her to open herself up to the possibility of a fresh start between them.
Because right now, he had to believe they were meant to be together.
Once Genna finished checking in the latest group of excited tourists, Spence loaded them up and drove them away. Needing to avoid how the quiet office made her worried thoughts resurface, she made small talk with Hetty. Both Shelby natives, they were close in age. Genna didn’t know her well, being a couple of years older than Hetty and they hadn’t hung out together in high school. She did know Lakin was dating Hetty’s youngest brother Troy.
The fact that Hetty had become a pilot fascinated Genna and she told the other woman so.
“You’ll have to come up with me some time,” Hetty said, smiling. “It’s beautiful, so peaceful and serene. I do my best thinking when I’m high above the ground.”
“I’d love that.” Genna checked the time. “But right now I’ve got to make a few personal calls. I need to call a door repair place and an alarm installation company.”
“What happened?”
Genna told her about the break-in, though she omitted the fact that she’d spent the night at Parker’s.
“I’ve got a guy,” Hetty said, “both for the door and the alarm. Let me give you their names and numbers.”
Grateful, Genna thanked her. Hetty scribbled down the information on a slip of paper and handed it to her.
“Does Parker know about this?” Hetty asked, her expression serious.
Genna slowly nodded. “He does. He said something about repairing my door himself, but I’d rather just hire someone.”
“If they can get out today, I get it. But if they can’t, let Spence and Parker see what they can do. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s not safe.”
“I know. And thanks for the idea. I’ll definitely talk to one of them if I don’t have any luck,” Genna replied, meaning it. Especially since it was unlikely she’d find anyone who could come out and do the repair today. Maybe if she’d had time to call earlier in the morning. She’d have to try and see.
To her surprise, both the door company and the alarm place sounded eager to have her business, especially when she told them Hetty had referred her. They each promised to be out between five and eight that same evening.
After agreeing, she hung up and marveled at her luck. Then she told Hetty she’d need to leave a little early to meet the workers.
“I’m just glad it worked out,” Hetty said. “And don’t worry, I can cover the front desk for the rest of the night.”
“I appreciate that. But we’ve got to make sure you’re not here all alone.”
Drumming her fingers on the counter, Genna thought for a moment. “Hopefully, Parker or Spence or one of the other guides can stay here with you once I leave.”
“I’m sure we’ll find someone.” Hetty didn’t seem concerned. But then she looked up at Genna and frowned. “What about you? Is anyone else going to be there at your place when you meet up with the door and alarm companies?”
Surprised, Genna shook her head. “I live alone,” she explained. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I don’t know if both companies will be there at the same time, but I’m just relieved I can get someone out tonight. Once I get all of that done, I should be able to sleep safely in my own house.”
Hetty shook her head. “Girl, you are missing the point. What if one of those workmen aren’t on the up-and-up?”
Dumbfounded, Genna stared. “But you referred both companies to me. Are you saying they aren’t reputable?”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all. Don’t you watch any true crime TV? What if the Fiancée Killer took out one of the legitimate workers and traded places, just so he could get to you?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” Hetty nodded. “Heck, even serial killers have jobs. You never know what that guy does when he’s not going around murdering women. You have to be prepared for any possibility, even if it seems unlikely.”
The front desk phone rang just then, saving Genna from replying. After she dealt with the caller, she turned to see that Hetty had gotten on her phone, too.