Cooper's Charm Read online

  “Especially now.” Maris leaned a hip against the end of the table. “I don’t know if Coop told you, but we’re starting this season shorthanded. We were all taking turns with the grounds and the housekeeping, so everyone will be thrilled to take one thing off their list.”

  Still unsure if she had the job or not, Phoenix said, “It’d be my pleasure to make things easier. If I’m hired, I can start right away.” She glanced at Cooper and added, “Today even.”

  Maris straightened. “Seriously?”

  Already feeling a sense of purpose that had been missing for too long from her life, Phoenix nodded. “I’m anxious to get to work.”

  Cooper put his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Then consider yourself hired.”

  Behind the glasses, her eyes widened. “Just like that?”

  “You expected a different outcome?”

  “Well, no, but—” She could barely contain her excitement. If she didn’t have an audience, she would have danced across the sandy shoreline.

  “I bet you already packed, didn’t you?”

  Heat rushed into her cheeks for being so presumptuous, but she admitted the truth with a grin. “My car is full.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He took a drink of his coffee, then said, “You had a great résumé, so meeting was just a formality.”

  More than a little dazed, Phoenix said, “Thank you.”

  “So you accept?” Maris asked.

  “Of course!”

  “Fantastic. So where are we putting her?”

  With his gaze on his coffee, Cooper said, “I was thinking cabin eighteen.”

  Maris paused, subdued a smile and nodded. “Okay then. Give me thirty minutes and I’ll get it set up.”

  “I can do it,” Phoenix quickly offered. “I don’t want to put you out.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’m just glad you’re hired. Now hopefully Coop will find a housekeeper, too—hint, hint.” She looked up at the sky and pretended to pray.

  Cooper shook his head. “You’re the queen of subtlety, Maris. As it happens, I’ll be interviewing a woman next week.”

  In an aside to Phoenix, she said, “He interviews someone every week. Trust me, most don’t get hired so easily.” Then to Cooper, she added, “If she’s not a serial killer, hire her.”

  He snorted. “You’re going to make Ms. Rose think I’m a harsh boss. She’ll run off before she ever gets started.”

  Maris rushed to say, “Coop is the best of bosses. Working for him is a dream.”

  Phoenix laughed. “You don’t need to sell me. I’m excited for the opportunity.”

  “Just because you’re a positive person, meaning you’ll be fun to have around, I’ll make sure you get some extra towels and one of our better coffeemakers.” With a wink, she headed off.

  As Maris disappeared into her store, her words hung with Phoenix. If most people weren’t so easily hired, why was she? She knew she had good credentials, and she knew she could do the work. Was he so desperate to fill the position that a formal interview wasn’t necessary?

  She wasn’t used to things going smoothly these days, but she wanted the job enough not to question it.

  Silence dragged on. She was aware of Cooper intently watching her while he drank his coffee. It made her twitchy.

  Determined, she turned to him. “I’m really looking forward to the job.” Damn it, she’d already said that—or something like it. She didn’t want to babble.

  “Maris hasn’t given you second thoughts?”

  Phoenix shook her head. “Actually, she seems really nice.”

  “She is. I’m fortunate that everyone who works here gets along really well.”

  Perfect. The last thing she wanted was drama in her life. She’d had enough of that. The plan now was to work hard enough to keep the demons at bay, and otherwise live peacefully. “They all live on-site?”

  “Yep.” He stood. “Come on. I’ll show you around while Maris opens your cabin and gets fresh linen inside.” He paused. “You’re aware that the cabin is small, right?”

  “Yes. It’s just me so I don’t need a lot of room.” In fact, it’d be nice to have less to take care of. Recent events had proven to her that material things were far less important than she’d thought.

  “We have some premium cabins, and a few available rental campers, but I try to leave those open to guests.” He carried his tackle box, towel and rod as they walked. “Over there is the cabin you’ll be using. There aren’t any units around it, but it’s close to the lodge, so there’ll be a lot of foot traffic going by. We have quiet time from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., so no one should disturb you during that span.”

  She gazed at the small wood cabin that would be her home for the foreseeable future. Screens enclosed a front porch just big enough for a rocker. A lattice skirt circled the base of the cabin. She envisioned some colorful pots filled with flowers to brighten the all-wood exterior, maybe a wind chime or two and a floral wreath for the door.

  Decorating it, making it her own, would be fun.

  “You’re welcome to get your breakfast from the camp store, but you do have a full refrigerator and a small stove. Each cabin can sleep four, but since you’re alone, I assume you’ll use the loft bed without unfolding the couch. There’s only a small TV, but you have Wi-Fi.”

  She already knew all that from the brochures, so she only nodded.

  Cooper paused, his light brown eyes staring down at her. “I know it’s not much—”

  “I love it. It’s perfect.”

  His gaze lingered. “I think you mean that.”

  Every word. With a confidence she didn’t always feel, she said, “I intend to be very happy here.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  She cleared her throat. “There is one thing...”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m not very tech-savvy.” At her age, it was a terrible thing to admit. “Is there anyone to help me set up the Wi-Fi?”

  Looking somehow relieved, he smiled. “We’ll make sure you get set up. No problem.” He continued on, his pace easy. “My house is up there.”

  Phoenix glanced in the direction he indicated, shading her eyes as he continued to speak.

  “I have two high school boys who come on Mondays to cut the grass. If it’s raining, they bump it back to the next day. It’s your job to keep track of their hours and to supervise them when necessary. Overall they do a good job, but sometimes need to be prompted to stay off their phones and to clean up afterward.”

  “I’ll take care of it.” She looked back at his house again. Situated diagonally from her cabin, it sat atop a rise and overlooked the rest of the park.

  “You can see that we’ve had some recent storms. A lot of cleanup needs to be done. Also, this is the time of year we check trees for dead branches. We don’t want any falling on a camper’s awning and doing damage.”

  “I’ll go through the park and assess them all.” Though she walked alongside him, her attention kept returning to his home. Like the little chapel they passed, it was made mostly of stone with arched entryways and it had a wooden addition on the left side. A path led down to the deepest section of the lake, with posted signs indicating that part was private to him.

  “I cut my own grass,” he said, as if he thought she was wondering.

  “Really? It’d be a simple thing to add that area to the rest.” With a riding mower, it wouldn’t take much longer to keep the manicured lawn looking great.

  “Not necessary.” He gestured ahead. “The supply building is this way, and the maintenance building is at the end of the lane.”

  When Cooper took her arm, she automatically jerked back and would have fallen if he’d let go. Startled, she stared up at him and tried not to look so rattled.

  Expression enigmatic, he slowly released
her and indicated the limb in her path. “You would have tripped over it.”

  Because she hadn’t been paying attention. Way to make a good impression. She forced a smile. “I’m sorry. I was admiring your house.”

  He looked back at the house as if he’d forgotten it was there—and didn’t like remembering. When he returned his scrutiny to her, he looked different, more distant. “Did you catch anything I said?”

  “I think so.” Not really, but she dutifully pointed, “Supply building, lodge, showers—”

  Consideration brought his brows together. “Ms. Rose, you told me you researched the park to get familiar with it, right?”

  “Yes.” Even without the tour, she probably could have told him where everything was located.

  “I did the same.”

  Not understanding, she asked, “You researched the park?”

  “No.” He looked away as a woman opened her camper door and carried a bag of garbage to the curb for pickup. “I research all my employees prior to meeting them.”

  He’d researched...her?

  Well, of course he had. That was the responsible thing to do. But how detailed had he gotten?

  He watched her as if he could hear her breathing, which had the effect of making her hold her breath.

  With too much gentleness, he explained, “Social media being what it is, it’s not difficult to do.”

  “No,” she said on a sharp exhalation. “I guess it’s not.”

  “With you, I also found multiple news articles after a simple search of your name.”

  Horrified, she took a step back.

  “I do background checks and research on everyone I hire,” he repeated.

  She wanted to leave...but knew she couldn’t. Where would she go anyway?

  To her sister? No, Ridley was already too concerned. When next she saw her, Phoenix hoped to be back to her usual self, a woman her sister could admire rather than one she fretted over.

  Her parents? God, no. She loved them dearly, but the last thing they needed was to start worrying about her again. They’d done enough of that already.

  Back to a hotel? Though necessary at the time, it had turned into a miserable existence, like a self-imposed exile. Now that she was out, she never wanted to do that again.

  She preferred to feel the sun on her skin and the earth on her hands.

  This was her chance to make it happen, an opportunity to start over, to reclaim her life. She wouldn’t give it up just because her privacy had been breached once more.

  Far too serious, Cooper said, “I haven’t mentioned your personal history to anyone else, and I won’t. Nothing I found factored into my decision to hire you.”

  Well, that was something at least. “Thank you.” She drew a deep breath and, putting it in the simplest terms, said, “I was hoping for a fresh start.”

  He stared out toward the lake. “I’m sorry for what you went through.”

  With more accusation than she intended, she asked, “Why do you even bring it up?” She didn’t want to think about it, much less talk about it with a stranger. She definitely didn’t want his pity.

  As if he couldn’t help himself, his gaze met hers again; neither of them looked away. “I mentioned it in case you need anything.”

  Phoenix couldn’t blink. The sun behind him set a glow around his brown hair, emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders, his height. It was the oddest thing, but his size didn’t really intimidate her. Not anymore.

  And it had nothing to do with what he’d just said, but rather it was something about him, some vague sincerity...or sadness?

  She shook her head. What exactly did he think he could give her?

  And why were they both standing there staring at each other?

  Shifting her stance to break the spell, she said with conviction, “I’m fine.” Then thought to add, “Thank you.”

  He didn’t look convinced. “If you change your mind—”

  “I won’t.”

  Maris called her name, catching up to them. “I have your cabin all ready. Would you like to see it?”

  Cooper stepped away. “Thanks, Maris. You’ll help her get settled?”

  “Sure. Should I finish giving her the tour, too?”

  “If you wouldn’t mind.” Smiling, he said, “Get her set up for our Wi-Fi, too.” He glanced at Phoenix. “You can start tomorrow, Ms. Rose. I’ll email you the names and phone numbers of your helpers, along with our usual schedule.”

  Phoenix realized she must have offended him to have him walking off without finishing his instructions, but she wasn’t sure how to fix it. “I’ll be ready.”

  He flashed her a subdued smile. “Welcome to Cooper’s Charm. As the sign says, it’s a good place to get away.”

  * * *

  What the hell just happened? Cooper blindly headed for his house, disconcerted over the tension in his muscles, the hot rush of awareness. True, he’d been intrigued by Phoenix Rose since first reading her unusual name. Everything after that had only heightened the curiosity. Then there was the compassion, too, taking him by surprise, he felt it so strongly; he’d blamed it for his early decision to hire her.

  But neither of those emotions explained his reaction when he’d felt her behind him, when he’d turned and met her eyes, widened behind her glasses.

  He’d been all set to meet her, to treat her with gentle indifference. But she’d gone all still and quiet, which in turn had dredged up a heated rush of protectiveness.

  And something else.

  Something he hadn’t experienced in so long, it was almost unfamiliar.

  Blocking that thought, refusing to examine his reaction too closely, he headed for his house. He had plenty to keep him busy today. Every day, actually. Phoenix Rose would be one more employee. Nothing more, nothing less.

  Somehow before the day was over, he’d convince himself of that.

  * * *

  June arrived hotter than usual, which meant the park was already packed. He still hadn’t found a housekeeper, but now that Phoenix was with them and helping to split the extra work, the complaints had dwindled.

  He wasn’t surprised that she’d fit right in, at least with the women. With all men, him included, she seemed far more reticent. Polite always, friendly enough, but lacking any real warmth.

  He understood why, of course. He’d read the awful details of the attack, of what she’d suffered. What he didn’t understand was his continued fascination with her, a fascination that had grown each day.

  Everything about her drew him. With no encouragement from her, he thought of her too often. When she was near, or hell, even just in view, he couldn’t look away.

  He recognized his interest as protective, concerned—the same things any moral, normal man would feel toward a woman who’d been hurt. But it was more than that, too.

  It was personal.

  That shouldn’t be a surprise given her ripe curves, compelling pale blue eyes and air of quiet vulnerability tinged with pride.

  The surprise was that it was more than just physical attraction. He wanted to seek her out, talk with her more, get to know her better.

  With every other female employee, he’d had no problem drawing a professional line. It was only Phoenix who pushed him past a comfortably detached relationship.

  However, her “do not touch” vibe, along with his respect for her privacy, kept him from showing any overt interest.

  He’d lied when he told her that her background hadn’t factored into him hiring her. It absolutely had. His routine research on a potential employee had taken him well beyond the usual superficial work record and into personal, life-changing issues. Of course he’d sympathized with her.

  And admired her.

  The woman was a fighter.

  Caught in a web of his own interest, he stood at the kit
chen door overlooking the park, coffee in hand, and waited for her to emerge from her cabin. Like clockwork, she stepped out promptly at 7:00 a.m. and started on her walk. She always went around the park first thing, checking for problems and getting her equipment out so she could start her work when quiet time ended.

  Wearing modest shorts and a loose T-shirt, her inky-black hair in a clubbed ponytail, she headed for the maintenance building.

  He studied her, not quite smiling but definitely... Hell, he didn’t know what to call it. Enthralled?

  Though she didn’t seem to realize it, Phoenix Rose was a sexy little thing, short at five-four, especially when standing next to him. Most women would consider her plump, but most men—himself included—would focus on her big soft breasts, rounded hips and beautiful legs.

  Definitely enthralled.

  Her purposeful stride made her ponytail bounce. Made her breasts bounce, too. When her sleek hair was loose, the ends teased over her chest right where her nipples would be. She had a dimple in her chin, dainty but strong hands, a surprisingly narrow waist, and eyes the color of a summer sky.

  Never before had he considered glasses sexy. But now... Maybe he liked them on Phoenix because he knew she used them to hide—much like a superhero. Whenever she got nervous, she touched them as if to remind herself they were there, adjusting them needlessly.

  He could have told her that the glasses didn’t conceal a thing. Neither did the loose shirt.

  At his age, after what he’d had, what he’d lost, he didn’t indulge relationship games—or even relationships, really. Those had ended with the death of his wife six years ago. These days, if he found a woman attractive, he let her know it. She either reciprocated and they had sex, or she didn’t and he let it go. Neither outcome troubled him much.

  Either way, he didn’t get involved.

  Phoenix was different.

  Her vulnerability was as obvious as her hope. She wanted to make this work and because, in some ways, her reasons for coming to Cooper’s Charm were the same as his, he’d been happy to give her the chance.

  Smart move on his part.

  She did a great job with the grounds, keeping everything tidy, well-trimmed, and adding a professional flair that really classed it up. Flowers bloomed in every bed, the walkways were cleanly edged, and even the trees looked healthier after she’d removed several branches.