‘‘Doesn’t everyone?’’ She did her best to answer his smile, but the heat continued to sting her cheeks. ‘‘I thought I’d be done before y’all got back. I guess the floors took longer than I figured on.’’

‘‘They look nice. Foolish already had a slide. Surprised you didn’t hear it.’’

‘‘I was daydreaming. I thought I’d—’’ Then she managed to clear her brain and get a good look at him. He was filthy, covered with sweat and grime and God knew what. ‘‘You’re not thinking of taking a shower in here?’’

Ethan lifted a brow. ‘‘It crossed my mind.’’

‘‘No, you can’t.’’

He shifted back because she’d taken a step forward. He had a good idea just how he smelled at the moment. That was reason enough to keep his distance, but worse, she looked so fresh and pretty. He’d taken a solemn vow not to touch her again, and he meant to keep it.

‘‘Why?’’

‘‘Because I don’t have time to clean it up again after you, or the bath downstairs, either. I still have to fry the chicken. I thought I’d make that and a bowl of potato salad so you wouldn’t have to worry about heating anything up when Cam and Anna get home. I have to deal with the kitchen after, so I just don’t have time, Ethan.’’

‘‘I’ve been known to mop up a bathroom after I’ve used one.’’

‘‘It’s not the same. You just can’t use it.’’

Flustered, he took off his cap, dragged a hand through his hair. ‘‘Well, then, that’s a problem because we’ve got three men here who need to scrape off a few layers of dirt.’’

‘‘There’s a bay right outside your door.’’

‘‘But—’’

‘‘Here.’’ She opened the cabinet under the sink for a fresh bar of soap. Damned if she’d have them use the pretty guest soaps she set out in a dish. ‘‘I’ll get you towels and some fresh clothes.’’

‘‘But—’’

‘‘Go on now, Ethan, and tell the others what I said.’’ She shoved the soap into his hand. ‘‘You’re already scattering dust everywhere.’’

He scowled at the soap, then at her. ‘‘You’d think the Royal Family was dropping by for a visit. Damn it, Grace, I’m not stripping down to my skin and jumping off the dock.’’

‘‘Oh, like you’ve never done it before.’’

‘‘Not with a female around.’’

‘‘I’ve seen naked men a time or two, and I’m going to be too busy to take Polaroids of you and your brothers. Ethan, I’ve just spent the best part of my day getting this house to shine. You’re not spreading your dirt around.’’