The morning flew by as Jenny familiarized herself with the routine at the store and got to know the young but enthusiastic employees. She took a break in the office and discovered a message light flashing on the phone. After debating for a minute about whether listening to their messages fell under her purview as the temporary store manager, she pushed the button and discovered thirty-six new messages.

Grabbing a pad and pen, she recorded every one of them, and then called Paul to update him on four of the more urgent messages, including the woman on Shore Point Road who had a family reunion this coming weekend and was still waiting for someone from Martinez Lawn & Garden to do the early-season cleanup of her yard that she’d scheduled in May.

“Shit,” Paul muttered. “I can’t remember the last time I listened to those messages. I’ll get someone out there.”

“We need to triage the rest of these,” Jenny said. “You’ve got a few more irate customers to deal with.”

Over the next thirty minutes, they worked together to come up with a plan to deal with all of the most urgent jobs.

“Can you please call Alex about the situation at the Gregory house?” Paul asked. “He can leave the Chesterfield place for another day, since no one lives there.”

Jenny’s skin tingled at the mention of Alex’s name and the anticipation that came with knowing she’d get to talk to him soon. “Sure. I’ll tell him. Would you like me to return the other calls and let them know we’ve got them on the schedule for the next week or so?”

“That’d be awesome. Thanks, Jenny.”

“Sure, no problem.” She programmed Paul’s number into her phone in recognition that she’d be talking to him frequently. And then she hit Alex’s number and waited for him to pick up.

“Hey, baby. How are you?”

She wanted to sigh with pleasure at the sound of his gruff, sexy voice. “I’m very busy at my new job. How are you?”

“I’m hoping you’re going to visit my secret garden again today.”

“No such luck, I’m afraid.” She told him about the call from Mrs. Gregory and Paul’s request that Alex get over there today to get their yard ready for the family reunion. “Be prepared for them to be pretty pissed. They’ve been waiting since May.”

“Shit,” Alex said with a groan. “Well, at least I’ve got tonight to look forward to and last night to think about while I work.”

“Are you thinking about last night?” Jenny asked as a smile spread across her face.

“Nonstop. I think about you all the time.”