Her lips parted. “Oh?”

One side of his mouth hiked up. “I’m kidding, Sarah. Check my references. I haven’t done this kind of work in a while, but everything you need is within my capabilities. If you want me, I’m your man.”

“I heard your fella had dinner over at Lou’s place and then checked into the Pine Hill Motel.”

“He’s not my fella,” Sarah insisted as she, Maybelle, Rosie, Ruby, and Claudia sorted through the ornaments they’d made the day before, checking for any that needed a touch-up, prior to working on that day’s batch.

Memories of the afternoon before hit. She hadn’t expected Bodie’s half-smile or how her heart had thundered at the expression, and at the fact he’d teased her.

At his promise that if she wanted him, he was her man.

“Well, technically, he is,” she added, correcting herself. “He started at Hamilton House this morning.”

“You left him there alone?” Claudia asked, sounding surprised Sarah wasn’t standing over him with an eagle eye.

“I didn’t babysit the other handymen. Why would I with him?” she asked. “Besides, there aren’t any family jewels for him to take off with. If there ever had been, they’d be long gone by now.”

“His references checked out?”

He’d given two and they had both answered her questions about him with enthusiasm and without hesitation. One had been a handyman who’d employed him years ago, and another was the owner of a security company who had hired him to start work in the new year.

“They couldn’t sing his praises loudly enough. The owner of Steve’s Home Repairs says there’s not much he can’t do and do well. Actually, he said Bodie was the best help he’s ever had, and he’d take him back in a heartbeat.” Good. She needed Bodie Lewis to be the world’s greatest handyman. “Apparently, he’s been military and is just back to civilian life.”

At least, that’s what the owner of the security company had told her. They’d served in the Army together. Recalling how Brody had looked when he’d entered the community room the day before, she had to admit the military background fit.

“Mr. Lewis seemed like an honest enough fellow, but he’s not from around here,” Maybelle said.

A big no-no in all the older women’s eyes, as they claimed Pine Hill men were built better than others—or maybe it was just Ruby who claimed that last part?

“Just be careful,” Maybelle continued. “Don’t be too trusting.”

“Or loosen the reins to your heart too quick.”

Taken aback, Sarah turned toward Ruby. “Pardon?”

“Not every man can be like my Charlie.” She giggled, fluffed her dyed red hair, then continued. “Actually, no man can be as good as my Charlie, but be sure this guy is a good one before you give away your heart.”

Sarah choked back a laugh. “Not that I’m interested in anyone who can have an entire conversation without a single smile, but I think I’m safe. He didn’t seem overly interested, either.”