“Listen, you need the help. And I could use yours. I don’t want to let my aunt down and by extension the whole island.”

Her gaze met his. “I’ll need some references for your work. I can’t just have anyone work on the bakery.”

He saw her point. If it was his place, he’d be cautious of whom he let work on it. “Fair enough.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. He selected three volunteers, who had their own contracting businesses. They’d all vouch for his capabilities. He forwarded her their contact information. “Feel free to talk to all of them. They’ll tell you what I’m capable of.”

“I’ll get back to you shortly.” She turned to walk away and then turned back to him. “Hey, are you even going to be on the island long enough to finish the job?”

“If needed, I can be here until Easter.”

“That long, huh?” She smiled as though she’d just come up with a plan that he wasn’t sure he’d like. “By the way, I was wondering if you’d be interested in attending a town function with me.”

Was she asking him out? His interest was piqued. “Town function?”

“You know, a bunch of people get together. There’ll be food and dancing. That kind of stuff.”

His gaze narrowed on her. She was working too hard at being vague about this event. Disappointment assailed him. “It’s a wedding, isn’t it?”

She sighed and her shoulders drooped. “Yes.”

He shook his head. “Sorry. I’m not into dating right now. And I don’t do weddings.”

“No. Not a date. I swear. I just can’t show up alone.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” When he continued to stare at her expectantly, she continued. “Fine. If you must know the town is working on setting me up, and I just can’t go through that. I thought it might be nice to go with a friend.”

“But we’re not friends, are we?”

“I don’t know. You saved me from getting electrocuted. That sounds like what a friend would do.” She sent him a too-bright smile. She was desperate.

“Let me think about it,” he heard himself saying. That definitely wasn’t the turn down he’d been intending to say. But it wasn’t a yes either. Hopefully with a little time she’d find someone more suitable to be her date—erm, escort.

“Great.” She sent him a pleased smile. “I’ll get back to you on the other thing.”

And with that they went in opposite directions. He wanted to know why a beautiful woman like Hannah couldn’t get a date of her own and instead the town felt obliged to set her up. Under those circumstances, how could he turn her down? There was nothing worse than being set up on a blind date.

He turned onto the sidewalk leading to the firehouse. Once inside, he noticed a couple of guys standing around eating chocolate cupcakes. Ethan had no doubt they were baked by Hannah. He’d love to sample her sweet creations, but as he strolled closer to the baker box, he noticed it was empty.