Page 17 of Her Hidden Smile

“How are you going to give out the cookies?” Renzo asked.

My bottom lip hurt, and I stopped biting it. “Normally, Irv comes inside and carries the platters outside. There are bottles of cold water in the barn fridge.”

Renzo nodded. He must have peeked inside.

“Everyone can help themselves,” I added.

“How many platters are we talking about?”

“Six. They’re good-sized plastic ones that I bought off the internet.”

“Will you be okay if I come inside?”

His tone was soothing, like he was trying to calm a wild animal.

I hate this.

“Yes, you can come inside.” I heard my petulant tone, and I hated that, too. The only people I really enjoyed having in my home were Little Grandma McGill, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Other than that, I could tolerate Irv. I was a mess.

I hid behind the door as Renzo stepped inside.

Renzo realized what I’d done.

“Cariña, what do I need to do for you to relax? Do you need to stay in that corner and watch me pick up the platters from the dining room table? Or do you need to move even farther away, so you know I won’t get close to you?”

I considered his words. I moved to the living room behind my couch. I felt comfortable beside the fire extinguisher that hung on the wall. It was silly, but it made me feel safe.

I felt Renzo watching my every step. When I turned to look at him, I thought I would see mirth in his eyes, but I only saw understanding. Maybe he really did have sisters who were neurotic like me.

“I’m taking the chocolate chip and snickerdoodles first,” he said with a grin and a wink.

“How come I get the feeling you want to save the snickerdoodle cookies for yourself?”

“Because you’re a smart woman, Millie Randolph.”

He picked up four of the platters. One in each hand, and one resting on each forearm. “I won’t be able to climb the fence, so you’ll have to open the gate this time.”

“I think I can manage that. As a matter of fact, I’ll even open the front door for you.”

Was that me? Was I actually teasing this man?

He moved to the door, but well away from the doorknob. I appreciated his consideration. “I’ll be back for the other couple of platters later. I’ll put these on the hood of the truck. The kids will love these. Thanks for this.”

I nodded. I was out of words for the day.

“By the way, the professor got all the waivers signed.”

“That’s good,” I mumbled.

“I’ll be back for the other two trays, then I should be out of your hair for the rest of the day. Does that sound good?”

I nodded.

I pushed the button that opened the gate and watched him walk out. The way his shoulders and back flexed as he balanced the trays was captivating.

Hmm, that was weird. I only thought that way about men on the TV.

Two hours later, when Renzo came back for the last two trays of cookies, we did the same process and I watched him once again. This time, I was ready for the show. I was glad he was wearing a light-gray Henley shirt that fit him so well. When I got back to my computer, I was still thinking about how he looked. I had to shake my head to get back to the business at hand. What I was working on was important and required my full attention. I didn’t have time for stupid daydreams.