Page 4 of Double Booked

“I’ll be out in a minute.” She closed the door.

He heard her moving around the bedroom and then the water turned on in her bathroom. A few minutes later, she reemerged in a fluffy pink robe, and her hair was smoothed down. She shuffled over to the coffeepot in her fuzzy pink slippers, took a mug off the holder on the counter, and poured a cup.

Since her back was turned, he observed her, curious about his unexpected guest. Her body was hidden beneath the robe, but last night, he’d noticed her shapely figure in her sweater and jeans. She was of average height, but she looked smaller without shoes. His gaze was still on her when she suddenly turned and faced him. Her face was smooth and void of make-up, and she had a crease on her cheek from the pillow.

“You’re already dressed,” she said.

“I’m an early riser. Did I wake you?” He’d been trying not to.

She shook her head. “It was the smell of coffee.”

“Have you heard back from the rental office?”

“No, but it’s still early. If I don’t hear from them soon, I’ll try calling again.”

He nodded and slugged down the rest of his coffee. Then he rose and went around the counter to rinse out his mug. She inched back against the refrigerator, like she didn’t want to risk them touching. He might have been offended, but he understood her reaction. They were virtual strangers thrust into this awkward situation, and she was smart to be cautious. While he rinsed his mug, she went and sat at the counter.

“In case I don’t see you later, it was nice meeting you,” he said.

“You’re leaving?”

“I’m off to work.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a nature photographer.”

“That’s your job?”

He’d experienced similar reactions countless times. “Yes. Believe it or not, I actually get paid for it.”

“Sorry. I’ve never known anyone who does that.”

“Most people are amateur or portrait photographers, but I take pictures of nature and wildlife.”

“Colorado is a great place for that.”

“That’s why I’m here. What brings you here?”

She shifted on the stool, looking uneasy.

“Never mind. It’s none of my business,” he said.

“It’s okay. I just needed a break from stuff going on at home.”

“Where’s home?”

“Michigan.”

He raised his eyebrows. “That’s pretty far away.”

“That’s the point.”

“Is this a vacation or…”

“It’s a working vacation. I’m an editor, so I can work from anywhere. Where’s home for you?”

“Arizona.”