Snowbound With Mr Right. Judy Christenberry

a particularly graceful style about him as he worked.

      Sally remembered a young man who had once been in Bailey temporarily because he’d been banished to his grandparents by his parents. Sally had thought herself in love with him at one time, but her father had warned her that pretty is as pretty does. Did Hunter know that expression? Or was he used to proving his way, rather than charming his way?

      She’d vote for charming. It was in his genes, she thought, and not the jeans he was sorting. It was obvious he could turn on his charm at a moment’s notice.

      Sally decided that maybe it was time to put Hunter Bedford in his place. He’d said that he would stay until Christmas Eve, but maybe it would be better if he only stayed for a few days. Then he could return to Denver, the big city, never to return to Bailey.

      The phone rang and Sally hurried to answer. It wasn’t often that they had phone calls. “Bailey General Store,” she said cheerfully.

      “Is this Sally Rogers?”

      “Yes, it is. How may I help you?”

      “Hello, Miss Rogers, this is Wilbur Hunt. I hope my grandson is behaving himself.”

      Sally smiled at the voice on the other end of the line. “Hello, Mr Hunt. Yes, he is. He’s being very helpful, actually.”

      “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Could I speak to him, please?”

      “Just a moment, please.” She put down the phone and turned to call Hunter to the phone.

      “Me?” he asked in surprise.

      “It’s your grandfather.”

      Hunter frowned and made his way to the phone, taking the receiver from Sally.

      “Hello, Granddad?”

      Sally moved to a department as far away as possible. Even though she strained her ears, she couldn’t hear what he said to his grandfather. Maybe the man was recalling him. That would certainly solve her problem, but the thought suddenly made her feel a little sad.

      Hunter hung up the phone. “Sorry about that.”

      “Not a problem. When do you have to leave?”

      “I’m not going anywhere. Why would I?”

      “Oh, I assumed that’s why your grandfather called.”

      Hunter gave her his lazy grin again. “Not hardly. He actually wanted to know if you were working me. He thinks it’s important that I earn my keep.”

      “I wanted to talk to you about that. We’ve been very busy today, so I intend to pay you the same as I’m paying Mary and Ethel—it’s only fair.”

      “I wasn’t talking about a wage, Sally. I don’t expect you to pay me. I’m here to learn about your business for my own benefit.”

      “Well, you will definitely work hard during the two weeks you’ll be here if today is anything to go by. We have been very busy already.”

      “Well, I’ll be happy to do anything you ask me to. Just say the word.”

      Sally suddenly thought of something he could do that neither lady could do for her and which had been troubling her for some time now. “Actually, Hunter, I do have an additional way you can help me.”

      “Sure. Like I said, I’ll be glad to do anything. What do you have in mind?”

      Sally smiled, knowing that this request would at least take Hunter by surprise. “I’ll need you to play Santa.”