Bride & Seek (Enchanted Bridal #5) - Samantha Chase Page 0,4

before letting out a stream of curses guaranteed to make a sailor blush.

“I can’t imagine what I or these tools did to piss you off, but I give you props for such a colorful vocabulary,” a deep voice said from behind her right before she screamed.

Cade Taylor did his best to avoid drama and loved how his job managing Emerald Grove's grounds allowed him time to be by himself. It was peaceful–almost therapeutic–and everything he wanted in a job.

In his five years of working at the resort, this was the first time a guest had come screaming into his tool shed.

Well…not screaming. Not exactly. But she was certainly fired up over something.

He put the metal file down that he was using to sharpen the blade on one of his shears and studied the woman. Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, but he wasn’t sure if it was because she was shocked to see him or just…crazy.

“Um…Miss?” he prompted.

Her hand reached over her heart as if willing it to slow down. No doubt he’d scared her–if her scream was anything to go by. She wore a light blue sundress that hit right above her knees, and her long blonde hair was pulled back away from a spectacular face. And even though she was a little breathless, he could see she was also a little irritated with his presence.

“You scared me,” she said finally.

“I got that,” he confirmed. “Are you all right?”

She just stared at him for a moment. “Seriously?”

“Okay, stupid question,” he said with a chuckle. “Still, can I…can I get you something? Are you lost? Is there someone I can call for you?”

With a sigh, her arms dropped to her sides. “Sorry. I just needed a moment alone. And…well…I didn’t realize anyone was in here. Again…sorry. I’ll just be on my way.”

She turned to leave, but oddly enough, Cade wasn’t quite ready to see her go. “So…do you often break into tool sheds to yell at inanimate objects?” He was going for light and teasing and was relieved when she smiled at him.

Then she laughed.

And it was rich and throaty and…wow. How was it possible for a laugh to be sexy?

“This was my first time,” she said, ducking her head.

“Well, if you ever need to do it again, just let me know. Normally the doors are locked, but we have several other storage area options for you to choose from here at the resort.”

She laughed softly and met his gaze. Her eyes were the color of dark chocolate, and even though she was smiling, he saw a hint of sadness there. “I appreciate the offer. I may take you up on it.”

“How long are you staying at the resort?”

She looked at him oddly and then said, “I’m not a guest. I work here.”

That was a surprise. Although the resort's size made it difficult to know everyone, Cade was confident he would have remembered seeing her before. “Oh. I didn’t…I guess I never…” Then he cleared his throat and wondered when the hell the last time was that he’d gotten so tongue-tied. “I’m Cade Taylor, by the way. I manage the grounds here.”

Her eyes went wide for a moment before her expression went neutral. “Hi, Cade,” she said softly. “I’m Cammie Parker. I’m working with Dixie Cruz in the events department.”

“Ah…the drill sergeant.”

“The drill sergeant?” she repeated.

Cade chuckled and raked a hand through his hair. “Um…yeah. It’s sort of how most of us refer to her. It doesn’t matter how chaotic things get, she manages to walk around looking as cool as can be, and then barks out orders and everyone falls in line. It’s very impressive.”

“Oh…um…okay.” Cammie was still studying him as if she were trying to figure out if she knew him. Actually, he was beginning to think the same thing about her.

“So if you’re working with the events here, I’m guessing you live local. Are you a native of the area?”

“Not a native, but I’ve lived here on and off since 2004. My family moved here when I was a sophomore in high school.”

“Ah…so you’re a Grove County graduate,” he said, pleased. “Why haven’t I seen you at any of the reunions?”

“Like I said, I’ve lived here on and off. After high school, I moved to Raleigh to go to college and stayed there until recently.”

“So what brought you back to Emerald Grove?” Cade saw her hesitate and figured it was a personal question. “Sorry, it’s really none of my business,” he said quickly. Sliding