Free Autumn Bliss by Stacey Joy Netzel Page B

arrested, but she was dead tired after the past couple days, and a headache was beginning to form at her temples. With the way her eyes were beginning to cross, she wouldn’t make it another hour, much less until midnight.
    She’d give anything for a nap. Or to plain old go to bed right now. Instead, she pushed up from the table and rounded the counter to make a pot of coffee. She pulled up short as Levi stepped out of the bathroom with his tool box in one hand and a bucket in the other.
    “All done?” She eyed the pipe pieces sticking out of the top of the bucket.
    “Mostly. I have to pick up one part tomorrow, but you can use it.”
    “Great. Thanks.”
    When he started for the door, she took a breath to tell him she had leftovers for him to take. But what if he didn’t even want them? She’d feel like an idiot. Keeping her mouth shut, she continued to the coffee maker. After she had one scoop in the filter, she realized he’d set his things down and stood by the island counter.
    “Are you working on the fundraiser tonight?” he asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Anything I can help with?”
    She glanced back over her shoulder in surprise as she ran water in the carafe. “It’s mostly paperwork and organization stuff right now, so not really.”
    “Mark said I’m at your disposal, so don’t be afraid to use me.”
    She about choked as she turned back to the sink. Biting back a grin, she said, “Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty for you to do in about a week. Plus, Eric’s coming tomorrow to start building the booths, right?”
    “Yes, but if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.”
    “Thanks, I will.” She flipped the switch to start the brew cycle. A yawn had her reaching up to cover her mouth as she faced him.
    “You should take a break tonight,” he suggested. “You look like you need sleep, not coffee.”
    “Sleep won’t get the vendor applications completed, or the volunteer letters written, or—” She had to pause for another yawn. Darn it. There was a whole list of things to be done.
    “They’ll all be there in the morning,” he reasoned. “And I’ll bet you’d finish them twice as fast after a decent night of rest.”
    He made good points, and the throbbing in her head underscored his sensible advice. Then her gaze snagged on the clock and she reached to drag her purse across the counter to dig out a bottle of ibuprofen.
    “It’s only eight o’clock. I can’t waste the whole evening.”
    He watched as she swallowed a couple of the pain capsules, then studied her for a long enough moment that she became aware of an increased level of energy in her body. Hmm. If he stayed long enough, maybe she wouldn’t need the caffeine at all.
    “We could watch TV,” he suggested.
    “What?” She stared at him, sure she’d imagined his offer to stay and spend time with her.
    “TV,” he repeated. “What’s good on Tuesday nights?”
    “I-I have no clue.”
    “Me neither.” He jerked his head toward her couch. “How about we find out?”
    Her pulse skipped, then maintained a pace that had her wide awake. Once again, the lure of him was no match for any little smidgeon of rational thinking she had left in her.
    “Um…okay.” She started around the island, then paused and went back to open the cupboard where she kept her mugs and glasses. “You want something to drink? I don’t have any beer or liquor, but I’ve got wine. Or coffee?”
    “I’m good.”
    She pulled down her favorite mug. “I could make some popcorn, or I have some chips.”
    “I’m still full from dinner.”
    “You’re sure?”
    “Mallory, just come sit and relax.”
    Yeah, relax.
    She took a calming breath as she filled her mug, then added some cream and sugar. He’d sounded like he was ready to smile, but his expression was as serious as ever when she joined him on the couch.
    He had the remote in hand and flipped through the channels. “Let me know when to stop.”
    Cradling her mug in her hands, she