Except Skylar. She gave him the stink eye.

“You sure you don’t mind?” Rosalina handed the packing tape to Harrison, who sealed up the last box. She couldn’t believe she was leaving. Not when she’d barely scratched the surface on this project.

“Not at all.” Brodie glanced at the boxes. “I’ll get them to the post office first thing in the morning.”

When he looked back at her with a reassuring smile, excitement sizzled in her chest. She couldn’t explain this energy between them. This draw. She wasn’t his type—she couldn’t be. His girlfriend was tall, blonde…a sexy businesswoman. “I shouldn’t have waited until the last minute. I’m sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Okay, well, that’s it then.” She glanced back into the kitchen. She’d tossed out the pans and stored the leftover palm oil in the pantry. Not a trace of her enfleurage process left.

Dread kept her rooted in place. “I’m sad to be leaving.”

“You’re welcome to stay longer.”

Oh, she wanted that. So badly. She’d hardly even seen the town. Hadn’t hiked, not once. “I can do the rest of the work at home. Besides, you don’t want me taking up half your bunkhouse.”

“I don’t mind sharing it with you, princess.”

She’d never heard that softness in his voice before. Not even with his girlfriend.

And it stirred up a longing in her she’d never felt before.

I want more.

Everything in her resisted walking out that door.

“You ready?” Harrison said. “We should get going.”

“Of course. Sure.” She watched him head out but still didn’t budge. “I’m so excited about this. It’ll be great for your spa. I’m already thinking about other products like soap and candles. This is going to be really amazing.”

“You can always come back, have a hand in designing the store.”

“I’d love that.” But she knew it wouldn’t happen. She’d been away from St. Christophe too long. “Well.” She didn’t know how to say goodbye to him. “You’ve been so generous, letting me work here.”

“I stand to gain a lot. Be good, princess.”

“I always am.” Her phone vibrated, and she dug it out of her tote bag. “I have to take this. It’s my mother. So, I’ll just…say goodbye.” She didn’t know whether to shake his hand or go for the hug. Embracing him would be way too familiar, so she stuck her hand out. “I’ll be in touch.”

He laughed at her awkward handshake. “Take care.” But she didn’t miss the strange look in his eyes.

Longing. Did he feel this, too? Of course not. He has a girlfriend. She accepted the call as she headed out the door. “Good morning.”

“Are you on your way to the airport?”

“Yes, right now.”