Mary Jo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and pulled away. She didn't know what to think about his apology. He seemed sincere. He was probably right about the impression her hillbilly expressions gave others - especially when she was seeking employment. She'd have to be careful about that. It had never seemed important. After all, it didn't define who she was - not any more than her clothes did, but she wouldn't think of going to an interview in sloppy or inappropriate clothes.
It wasn't his handsome face that attracted her to Monroe. Normally he was patient and considerate. In fact, his criticism was so out of character that it had shocked her. She cared what he thought, and he was thinking bad things about her.
She was straightening the papers when he stood.
"I'd better get out there before dark. I want to be there to show them where to set up the trailer. I want to get an early start in the morning." He hesitated, searching her face. "Do you still want to help?"
She looked up at him in surprise. "Of course. I said I would."
For a moment they gazed into each other's eyes. That tingly feeling began in her stomach again and her pulse increased. He leaned toward her. At the point that she thought he might kiss her, Billy Ray sauntered into the room. He looked at them as if he thought he was interrupting. He smiled at Monroe. "I will be there early to help."
Monroe flashed a warm smile at him. "I'm looking forward to working with you. I'd better get going." He turned toward the door. "I'll see you in the morning."
Mary Jo watched his tall figure stride purposefully to the door. A slight limp only enhanced his masculine grace. Broad of shoulder and narrow of hips, he made a striking silhouette when he opened the door. He paused at the door and turned to them. His gaze included Billy Ray, but landed on hers with significance.
"Good night," he said.
"Good night," they echoed.
He stepped through the door and closed it. A few minutes later he started his car and backed it out of the drive.
Billy Ray turned to Mary Jo with a broad smile. "I like him - Rose."
You never knew with Billy Ray. Sometimes he appeared to be lost in his world, and then he'd say something that indicated he had been listening.
She nodded. "I do too."
She picked up the papers and took them to her room. As she set them on her desk, she noticed the pan still in the floor. She could move it now. Nothing was coming through that hole. She picked up the pan and swirled the water around in the bottom. A mayfly floated on the surface, dead.