Free Sparing the Heart (Pastime Pursuits #3) by Tracy Krimmer

can make it their own. The house is in a sought after neighborhood. I hope that’s enough.
    Anticipating a slow showing, I tossed my Kindle in my purse. Now is the perfect time to catch up on all the books I’ve purchased but never read. Life at the bed and breakfast didn’t allow me much time for leisurely reading, and some of my favorite authors released novels in the past year I’m anxious to read. I don’t expect one person to stop by, so I might as well take advantage.
    Today isn’t only hot — it’s sticky. The combination causes my skirt to stick to the folding chair my butt has the blessing to enjoy the next two hours. The house lacks central air, yet another downside and a poor selling point. I set up fans throughout the house, but I’m only circulating the heat all over. The back of my neck is wet and I swear I can smell my hair.
    I brush off my irritation and turn on my e-reader. I’ll sweat out the next two hours and burn some calories. Best case scenario — I finish reading this book.
    I’m halfway through chapter five of Sophie Kinsella’s latest when the front door opens. I glance at my phone. Forty-two minutes. I guess that’s not too bad for the first house hunter.
    It’s not a prospective client at all. “Gretchen! What are you doing here? And where’s Mona?” I slide my Kindle into my purse, giddy to welcome company.
    “She requires a long nap today and is refusing to go down. Clark has thicker skin so he told me to take some time to myself and he would deal with it. He’s tough as nails, like Superman.”
    Gretchen is lucky Clark makes such offers. What an awesome guy to handle a crabby baby and not expect his wife to do it.  
    “I ran out of there like the Flash. Don’t misunderstand me — Clark does his part every day, but my ears can’t take it anymore.” She covers her ears with her hands and drops them. “So, anything exciting here?”
    “You can’t see the dozens of people here?” I scout out the room, pointing in every direction.
    She twists her lips and her nose cringes. “That bad, huh?”
    “That bad.” I don’t want to complain, though. She left the house to get away from whining. “How did you find me?”
    “I spoke with Kellan this morning. He told me you had a showing today.”
    So he talks about me when I’m not around? This lifts my heart. I love that he remembered about the open house as well. He’s listening when I talk to him. Always a plus. “Want to sit down?” I don’t have a comfortable seat to offer her, so I give up mine.  
    “Thanks.” She crosses her legs and leans forward, bouncing in the chair. “I’m not used to sitting without a baby on my lap.”
    “What do you think of the house?” Even though she’s not one of my prospective buyers, not by a long shot, I value her opinion.
    Her silence speaks volumes and as she nods, it’s obvious she’s doing what she can to come up with something positive. “Well…”
    “You can say it.” I close my eyes and fan myself. “I can handle whatever you say.”
    “Wretched. Horrible.”
    I open my eyes and mirror her smile. “It really is.”
    “But,” she stands up and moves about five feet from me. “Put in some hardwood floors, paint the walls a soft green, add a throw rug and dark furniture, you’ve got yourself a gorgeous living room.”
    “There! That!” I snap my fingers. “You’re the buyer I need. Someone to focus on how to transform the space. Do you and Clark want to buy a new house?”
    “No, but nice try.”
    I shrug. “Can’t blame me for trying.”
    “What’s she asking, anyway?”
    I’m embarrassed to share the price. Instead, I hand her a flyer and point to the number.
    “What?” She whips the paper back at me. “That’s ridiculous!”
    This is the reaction I expect from most people and the exact reason I fear this place will be damn near impossible to sell. “I’ll try this her way until she realizes she’s out of her mind.” Or I decide I quit