Belatedly, her mind caught up with her mouth. She blushed. "But I couldn't . . . I'd have to . . ." She stammered, trying to think of an excuse why she couldn't go.
He raised one eyebrow. "Do you need to clear it through your boyfriend?"
Her face grew hotter. "I don't have a boyfriend."
"Well," he commented nonchalantly, "It's none of my business. If you need time to take care of things, I can come back and get you."
Her gaze returned to his face sharply. Was he having second thoughts as well? Had his offer been as impulsive as her acceptance? She should feel relieved, but anxious would better describe her response. Something inside said she needed that job. Why, she couldn't say. She cleared her throat.
"No, there's no need for you to make an extra trip."
He raised a brow inquisitively. "So, you're ready to go?"
It was ridiculous . . . and exciting . . .bold and impulsive - everything she didn't want to be. Or was it? She shook her head. What was she thinking of? Of course she couldn't go with him. But her mouth took control again.
"I really don't have anything to do but pack," the words spilled out excitedly, "and call Connie so she'll know where I am."
He gave her a strange look and nodded as he lowered his frame to the sofa. There he stretched out his long legs and sipped at the cup of coffee. "Take your time. This is my day off."
Day off? What did he do? Who was he? Maybe there was a way out of this yet. Maybe Connie wouldn't be at home. She'd have to wait, and maybe by that time sanity would have returned.
"Where do you work?" she asked, trying not to sound overly interested.
"I'm self-employed." He offered no further information and she felt uncomfortable about asking.
To her surprise, she caught Connie at home. Her mouth continued its revolt with her mind, delivering contradictory information to the other end of the line.
"Connie? Lisa. Listen, I got a summer job in the Mountains as a sitter and it includes room and board. Can you watch the house for me while I'm gone?"
Connie hesitated, and then spoke excitedly. "Sure. Is it someone your family knew? You sound happier already."
Happy? More like inane. "No, it's no one my family knew but I think the change will be good for me."
Connie sighed heavily. "No doubt. I was just getting ready to leave the house. I'll be over there in a few minutes so you can show me what needs to be taken care of while you're gone. Bye." The line buzzed.