Mentally, he added it to the to-do list, knowing full well he would forget it and every other thing on it the next time he blinked.
The door to the office opened and Autumn appeared, a brilliant smile flashing at him. He offered one back because that was what you did in a small town. You smiled and/or waved at everyone.
Autumn Jameson was a beautiful woman, something he’d noticed the very first time he’d been introduced to her. Her hair couldn’t be classified as either brown or blond, but rather somewhere in between. An interesting mix of color that hung to her shoulders in gentle waves. Her eyes were a deep brown, filled with curiosity, and always seemed to be smiling. Her mouth was a little wide, her nose a tad on the small side, but altogether her features created an intriguing mix.
“Mornin’,” she greeted, stepping back and holding the door open for him.
“Mornin’. You’re here early.”
“I know. Excitement, I guess. I’m sure it’ll wear off eventually, but right now, I’m riding that new job high.” She closed the door behind them. “You’re probably the opposite, huh? Eager to get out of here so you can move on to bigger and better things.”
“I wouldn’t say eager,” he admitted. Excited, sure. He was venturing into something new on all fronts and there was a natural anticipation that came along with it. But he’d never been the sort to leap without knowing how deep the pond. Since he met Brantley, seemed he was taking the plunge over and over without knowing how shallow the water might be.
“Well, I hope you trust this place is in good hands,” she said, her positivity and self-confidence coming out in spades.
That was one thing he liked about Autumn. She was confident without being cocky, smart without being overzealous. Reese knew she was a good fit for this job. She would be able to handle customers and employees with ease and grace.
“I was hopin’ we’d get over to the mechanic shop today,” she said when he headed for his desk. “Maybe after the first appointment, which is in an hour. We could swing through the diner first, grab some breakfast, and you can walk me through the current jobs. Two birds, one stone.”
Yep, she was taking over as though she’d been born to do so.
Since there really wasn’t much more for him to do other than get her up to speed on the jobs they had in the works, Reese couldn’t find a reason to decline. And breakfast sounded damn good.
“All right, but I’m drivin’,” he said with a smirk. She could run roughshod over him, but only to a certain degree.
Two hours later, after they’d chatted over fruit and oatmeal, Reese pulled the truck in front of the mechanic shop.
“I’m not sure how close you are with Ethan,” he said before opening his door, “but I highly suggest you announce your presence before you go saunterin’ in unexpected.”
“Why’s that?”
“Let’s just say it’s a family-owned business, and when Beau shows up, he and Ethan tend to think this place is an extension of their … bedroom.”
Autumn laughed. “Ah. Understood.”
Reese smacked the horn a couple of times before getting out. He met Autumn around at her side and the two of them wandered over to the open bay door.
“I hope to God y’all are decent in there,” he shouted before motioning for her to go in first.
“Ain’t no one naked off in here,” Keegan said, making his way from the back of the building.
“You say that like it’s not a usual thing.” Reese motioned toward Autumn. “Autumn Jameson, meet Keegan Walker. Keegan, Autumn.”
“Pleasure,” she said, holding out her hand. “I’ve seen you and your brother around town. Never been formally introduced.”
“Lorrie’s niece,” Keegan noted. “Bruce and Darlene’s oldest.”
“Very good.”
Kaden appeared, wiping his hands on a rag. “Hey. Didn’t realize we’d be havin’ company.”
“Not company,” Reese clarified. “Your new boss.”
“You must be Autumn.” Kaden offered his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She stepped deeper into the building. “Nice setup you’ve got here. Holds more than I thought it would.”
“More than it should’s more like it,” Keegan said. “Got a backhoe that’s tryin’ to claim it as a permanent address. Just had it overhauled two months ago and it’s givin’ us shit again.”
“What’s the problem with it?” she asked, heading over to the backhoe in question, Keegan hot on her heels.
Reese stayed back with Kaden while Keegan began rattling off details.
“So, what do you think?” Kaden asked. “She gonna fit in?”
“She’s gonna be great. Hell of a lot better than I’ve been in the role.”
Kaden’s blue-gray gaze swung back to him. “You never do give yourself enough credit, Tavoularis. You’ve done a damn fine job.”
He wasn’t so sure about that, but he had enjoyed his time here.
“Now you’re off to bigger and better things.”
