Always on my Mind Read online

  I swear I know this guy…

  It was tempting to get up and just talk to him, but…she certainly wasn’t looking or feeling her best so she simply slouched down in her chair and figured she’d pass the time checking out a hot guy and forgetting about her own miserable life for a while.

  “Yard sales, bake sales, tutoring services…” Ethan Harlow read some of the flyers on the Magnolia Sound Library’s bulletin board and wondered if he was making a huge mistake. There was a part of him that still questioned whether he actually needed to do this, but…he was practical–overly practical.

  Okay, he was straight-up uptight about finances and putting up a flyer looking for a roommate was quite possibly the only thing that was going to keep him sane.

  With a quiet sigh, he looked at the ads for homes and apartments for rent and wondered if anyone even looked at these things. Was he being a little too old-fashioned by putting a flyer on a community board instead of posting something online? Maybe. His reasoning was that by doing things this way, he’d possibly be spared from dealing with any freaks or weirdos.

  “God…I think I’m turning into my grandfather…”

  It wasn’t the first time Ethan had that thought about himself and he was fairly certain it wouldn’t be the last.

  Staring down at the flyer in his hand, all those doubts in his mind grew louder and louder. Would he even be able to handle having a stranger live with him? Up until a couple of days ago, this wasn’t even an issue. His co-worker Jeff was going to rent a room from him and everything was all set.

  And then it wasn’t.

  Jeff had a girlfriend and, at the last minute, she asked Jeff to move in with her. There was no way Ethan was going to compete with that, so…here he was, standing in the middle of the library and trying not to freak out about tacking up a piece of paper to a bulletin board.

  Maybe I really don’t have to do this…

  Yeah, it had been something he’d agonized over before buying his first place. When his father passed away six months ago, he’d left Ethan enough money for a down payment on a house. His job as a professor at the local community college didn’t offer him a great income–yet–but that final gift from his dad allowed him to achieve his dream of owning his own home. On paper, he knew he could cover his mortgage and all his other bills, but there was something to be said for having a bit of a safety net.

  That’s where the roommate idea came in.

  Wanted: One roommate. Mature. Professional. No pets.

  If only he could be absolutely sure he would be compatible with said roommate…

  “Okay, this is getting me nowhere. For all I know, no one will even see this flyer or be interested.” And with a fortifying breath, Ethan pinned the flyer to the board and took a giant step back.

  And banged right into the head librarian, Shelby Westlake.

  “Oh!” she cried as Ethan steadied her. “Oh, Ethan, I’m so sorry. I guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

  His ears felt like they were on fire and he didn’t make direct eye contact with her. “No, it was all my fault. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she told him and when he glanced up, he saw her smiling. “I don’t think either of us was paying much attention.” She looked over at the bulletin board. “Any chance you’re offering tutoring services?”

  “Um…what?”

  “The board. I thought maybe you were putting up a flyer for tutoring services. I get a lot of requests from parents looking for science tutors. You always come to mind, but then I forget to mention it whenever you come in.”

  Tutoring was another way to make a little extra money–and then he wouldn’t need a roommate–but…

  “Hey, Shel, do you happen to have a phone charger? I think I left mine at Peyton’s.”

  “Of course. It’s in my purse back in the break room. Hang tight and I’ll go get it.” Shelby went to walk away but stopped. “Ethan Harlow, this is my cousin Parker Bishop. Parker, this is Ethan Harlow. He’s a science professor up at the community college.” And with a smile, she walked away.

  “Ethan Harlow?” Parker repeated slowly before her eyes went wide. “Oh my goodness! We went to school together! You were our valedictorian, right?”

  Nodding, he took a small step back. “That was me.”

  “Wow, and you’re a professor now! That’s pretty exciting!”

  He and Parker weren’t friends back in high school, but he always remembered her being the girl with the big personality who was always smiling. It seemed that hadn’t changed.

  “I don’t know if I’d call it exciting, but I enjoy it,” he said quietly, mindful of them being in the middle of the library.

  “Well, good for you! So how have you been?”

  For a moment, he wasn’t sure how to respond. Was she seriously asking how he’d been for the last ten years? Was there a simple way to answer that kind of question? Or was she referring to how he was right now? Because if she was, he’d have to say he was feeling a little stressed out and not particularly comfortable making small talk.

  “Uh…Ethan?” she prompted.

  Straightening, his hands slid into his trouser pockets. “Um…good. I’ve been good. And you?”

  Her smile faltered a little. “Honestly? I’ve been better. You’re kind of catching me on a pretty crappy day. Just a few minutes ago Shelby was pushing a box of tissues at me and probably wishing I’d gone anywhere else in Magnolia except here.” She let out a small laugh that Ethan recognized because he tended to laugh like that too.

  She was nervous and uncomfortable.

  “I’m sorry,” he told her, and he meant it.

  “Thanks.” She glanced around, presumably for Shelby, before looking at him again. “So, what brings you to the library today? Are you offering tutoring services?”

  “Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

  This time her laugh was more relaxed. “Well…I can’t speak for everyone, but I figured maybe that’s why you were here by the bulletin board. You know, putting up a flyer and all that.” Parker turned her attention to the board before walking up to it and…

  She grabbed his flyer.

  Crap.

  Taking a tentative step forward, he tried to play things cool. Clearing his throat, he moved a little closer to her. “So, um…yeah. That’s my flyer. I’m looking for a roommate and figured I’d start by advertising here.” Gently, Ethan tried to take the flyer from her hand but she wasn’t letting go.

  “You’re renting a room out?” she asked, her eyes never leaving his neatly-typed flyer.

  “Yes. My friend and co-worker, Jeff…” He paused. “Do you remember Jeff Waltham? He graduated with us.”

  “Um…no?” she replied slowly.

  “Anyway, he was going to rent it but he decided to move in with his girlfriend instead.”

  She nodded. “Can’t blame him there, right?”

  “I guess,” he murmured.

  Suddenly, she turned to face him, giving Ethan a paper cut in the process. Hissing, he took a step back.

  “Oh no! I’m sorry!” she said, resting her hand on his arm and leading him to a table in the corner.

  What is happening right now?

  As soon as they were seated, Parker grabbed her oversized purse and dug around until she noticed the box of tissues on the table and offered him one. “I can’t believe I did that, Ethan. I didn’t even think it was possible to give another person a paper cut that way!”

  It would be ridiculous to explain all the ways it was completely possible, so instead, he opted to focus on wiping away the tiny amount of blood. He realized that was also ridiculous. There wasn’t any need for a tissue and by accepting one it kind of made him look like a complete wuss.

  “How big is the room you’re renting?” she asked, interrupting his thoughts.

  “Do you know someone who’s looking to rent the space?”

  She nodded. “Yeah. Me.”

  All Ethan could do was stare. The
re was no way Parker Bishop was asking to move in with him.

  She’s not looking to move in with you specifically, he reminded himself.

  “Don’t you have a bunch of family here in town?” he blurted out before realizing how rude he was being. “Sorry. I mean…why do you need to rent a room?”

  Parker let out a long breath as she slouched down in her chair. Ethan didn’t think she was going to say much, but then she launched into a very long and rambling story about how she used to be a house-sitter in Florida, her best friend getting married, coming home and something about a cruise, home renovations, being too fun of an aunt, and over-bearing siblings. By the time she was done, she was a little breathless and looking at him with the biggest, most hopeful eyes he’d ever seen.

  “So, what do you say, Ethan? Can I rent the room?”

  “No!” He hadn’t realized how loud he’d spoken until he heard several people shushing him. When he looked at Parker, however, she didn’t look the least bit put off. “No,” he said a little more softly. “I’m looking to rent the room to another guy and…you know…that’s not you.”

  “The ad doesn’t say you’re only going to rent to a guy.”

  “Yes, well…I guess I didn’t think I’d have to clarify that,” he reasoned. “But now that it’s out there, I just think it would be better if the person who rented from me was…male.”

  She nodded but he had a feeling the conversation wasn’t over.

  “I’d be a really great roommate,” she said after a moment, and Ethan knew it would be rude to point out how she’d lived in the homes of three families in the last week who might disagree with her.

  “I’m sure you would,” he countered, “but…I’d really prefer if it were another guy renting the room.”

  “So you keep saying.” The way she kept staring at him and the way she straightened in her seat and crossed her arms just screamed challenge.

  And Ethan wasn’t sure he was up for it.

  “I bake some amazing chocolate chip cookies,” she told him conversationally. “And I always make more than enough to share.”

  “That’s nice.”

  Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I love cleaning, too. One of my favorite things to do is vacuum. Weird, right?” she added with a laugh. “What can I say? I just love making sure my house is neat and clean.”

  “It’s a very admirable trait.”

  “Oh, come on, Ethan!” she hissed, leaning toward him. “Are you seriously not going to rent me the room because I’m not a guy?”

  “Well…”

  “Because that’s discrimination! And shame on you for being like that.” She shook her finger at him and he was seriously beginning to feel chastised. “I thought you were one of the good guys and yet…look at you. Just look at yourself! You’re forcing me to live on the street. And for what, huh? Because I don’t have a penis?”

  He looked around frantically and prayed no one else was hearing this conversation. “Parker, please. We’re in the middle of the library,” he whispered. “And I’m not discriminating. It’s my home and I should be able to pick whoever it is I want to live with me. I’m not going to be guilted into it with promises of cookies and a clean floor.”

  Right there, Ethan was fairly certain he’d won. He’d been polite but firm, putting his foot down and proving that he wasn’t a pushover. Crossing his arms over his chest, he mimicked her earlier pose, but it immediately felt wrong. And considering her bottom lip was trembling, he thought maybe he’d gone too far.

  “Parker, I…”

  “It’s okay, Ethan. Really.” She wiped at her eye before quickly looking away. “I shouldn’t have pushed you or tried to manipulate you like that. You’d think after everything I’ve been through in the last few weeks that I’d know better, right?” Softly, she cleared her throat and stood, a small smile on her face. “It was nice to see you and…here.” She handed him his flyer back. “I hope you find a great roommate.” And with a slight wave, she turned and walked away.

  For a full five minutes, he sat there and thought about what had just transpired. The promise of cookies and cleaning was definitely a little manipulative. But were the tears her Plan B? And if so, was he going to fall for them?

  Twisting around, he spotted Shelby hugging Parker.

  Comforting her.

  Not my problem…

  Staring down at his flyer, he took this entire situation as a sign that having a roommate just wasn’t meant to be. He wasn’t cut out for this sort of thing and one way or another, he’d find a way to be comfortable with his finances. He could make his own coffee at home and make his own lunch a couple of days a week. None of it was a big deal.

  Slowly, he made his way across the room and did his best not to look over at Parker again. Unfortunately, he happened to catch a bit of her conversation with Shelby.

  “I wish we had a spare room,” Shelby was saying. “I feel bad it’s going to be the couch, but I promise to keep the kids and the dog away from you while you’re sleeping.”

  Closing his eyes, Ethan had a vivid picture of Parker curled up under the blankets on a too-small sofa and a group of small children and a large dog jumping up and down on it and on her. He had a feeling she’d go with the flow and make it seem like she was having fun, but…could anyone truly enjoy that?

  Before he could second-guess himself, he closed the distance between them and handed the flyer to Parker. “If you’re interested, the room is yours. You can move in immediately.”

  Then he had his arms full of Parker Bishop and he had no idea what to do.

  “You won’t regret this, Ethan! I promise!” Then she kissed him on the cheek before stepping back. “Can I follow you home right now?” The smile she gave him was downright impish.

  She was going to disrupt his nice, orderly world. He just knew it.

  Two

  There were probably dozens of questions Parker should have asked before simply inviting herself to move into Ethan’s house, but she’d been so excited about not living with or staying with family that she’d thrown caution to the wind.

  As per usual.

  Now, as she pulled up to a rather small Cape Cod, she began to wonder if maybe this was the one time she should have thought things through.

  For starters, even though she remembered Ethan from school, that was a long time ago and they were basically strangers. And from what she’d observed so far, he was still a fairly quiet and reserved guy. He drove a hybrid Toyota Corolla which was a completely practical vehicle. He worked as a professor, was a little uptight about living with a member of the opposite sex, and his home was small and somewhat basic. Nothing about Ethan Harlow screamed fun or easy-going and she had a feeling they were going to be butting heads.

  A lot.

  “Too late now…”

  Parker climbed from her car–a sporty red Jeep Wrangler–and tried to hide her amusement when she spotted Ethan looking at her with apprehension. She had a feeling he was hoping she’d changed her mind but…nope. As much as she appreciated Shelby’s offer to let her crash on her couch, having a space to call her own–albeit a small space–was way more appealing. As much as she loved being around people, she also enjoyed her privacy and having a space of her own where she could unwind at the end of the day.

  Walking over to him, she did her best to give him an endearing smile. “Cute house! How long have you lived here?”

  Ethan hitched his satchel up over his shoulder and straightened his wire-rimmed glasses before responding. “I moved in six weeks ago. I’m not even done unpacking yet, so…don’t hold it against me.” He walked up to the tiny front porch and unlocked the door before stepping aside so Parker could go in first.

  Stepping inside, she froze. “Um…”

  Ethan moved around her and walked in. “Like I said, I haven’t finished unpacking yet and there were a few improvements I’m working on, so…”

  Parker was fairly certain her jaw was on the floor because this wasn’t just a ma
tter of a few boxes being left to unpack. There were boxes everywhere. And drop cloths draped over random pieces of furniture, along with an array of ladders and tools scattered around. “What kind of improvements were you planning on?” Carefully, she moved farther into the space. The front door opened directly into the living room and beyond it was the eat-in kitchen. There appeared to be one bedroom off the living room as well and Parker assumed the other was down the hallway she saw off the kitchen.

  Not the greatest floor plan…

  “I was planning on painting,” Ethan explained. “When Jeff was going to move in, he said he’d paint with me, but obviously that didn’t work out and I just haven’t gotten around to doing it yet. I was thinking maybe this weekend would work.”

  “Ooh…fun! I love painting! At least…I think I do. The last time I painted a room was about five years ago. A friend had moved into a new place and had a painting party.” With a soft gasp, she walked over and playfully touched his arm. “Maybe we can do that! You know, you invite a bunch of friends over and we can order pizza and get it all done. What do you say?”

  The look of sheer panic on his face pretty much answered that question.

  “Or…you and I can tackle it ourselves,” she cheerfully corrected. “Either way, we can totally get this done.” Glancing around, her curiosity got the better of her. “So which room is mine?”

  He hesitated for just a moment and Parker could still sense that he wasn’t fully comfortable with this situation just yet. “Um…upstairs. There’s a bedroom and a full bathroom up there so you’ll have some privacy.”

  It made sense and without waiting for him, she made her way over to the staircase and practically ran up. There was no door. You simply stepped into the bedroom space. It wasn’t ideal but it also wasn’t a deal breaker. The walls were painted a hideous orange color that she knew she would most definitely be painting over before she did anything else. Moving around, she noticed there was no furniture in the room and realized that was a serious flaw in her plan.