Vital Signs by Bobby Hutchinson

winced when Nicole used it. “It’s my big priority at the moment.”
    Nicole grinned. “See, that’s the difference between us. If it was me, I’d do the garden and to hell with the bathroom.”
    â€œYou’d just get me to do the bathroom for you,” Roy said.
    â€œI would, too.” Nicole winked at Hailey. “He’s really handy to have around. All you have to do is feed him.”
    â€œI’ll give that some thought.” She’d cook her fingers to the bone if there were any possibility.
    â€œWell, when you get around to the garden, give me a call. I’d love to help.” Nicole glanced at her watch. “God, it’s nearly two. We’ve been here half the day. We should probably be going. I’ve got briefs to do for court tomorrow.”
    As they were leaving, Nicole gave Hailey a long, hard hug. “This was wonderful of you. I’m gonna have you over to my place really soon.”
    Roy reached out a long-fingered hand, but when Hailey took it, he unexpectedly gathered her into his arms and hugged her, just as Nicole had.
    Hailey felt herself stiffen as her body pressed against his. Her heart hammered, and hot and cold chills went up and down her spine.
    â€œThanks for the great food, Hailey.” Roy’s voice rumbled into her ear, which was inches from his mouth. He held her a nanosecond longer than a thank-you hug required and then let go. “I’ll be dropping by St. Joe’s tomorrow. Are you working?”
    â€œIt’s my days off. I’m on again on Wednesday.” Maybe she could volunteer to work for somebody, though, if he was going to be there. Anybody?
    â€œMaybe you could give me your phone number. I’ll call and let you know what I can do about our discussion.”
    He was being discreet, even in front of his sister. Hailey scribbled her house and cell numbers down on the back of an empty envelope and handed it to him. Roy stuck it into his pocket as he and Nicole went out to the car.
    Hailey watched them drive away, wishing they’d stayed the rest of the day. Nicole put out a hand and waved, and she waved back.
    Get a grip, she warned herself. Surely you’re not stupid enough to spoil a budding friendship by developing some kind of adolescent crush on Roy, are you?
    Of course she wasn’t. It was normal to feel lust for a healthy heterosexual male, she assured herself. She didn’t have a thing for Roy Zedyck, not the slightest.
    And that was such a lie it was a wonder her nose wasn’t a foot long.
    She walked through the house, restless, nervous…sexually aroused?
    She had all of Sunday afternoon free. She could rip out the bathroom or sand the old wooden doors she was stripping of twenty coats of paint, or even go lie in the sun. Well, out of the sun. Freckles were already covering most of her face.
    She didn’t feel like doing any of those things, though. The day was a waste as far as work went, or play, either. She grabbed her handbag and keys and headed for the truck.
    Might as well ruin what was left of a good day by going to see Laura.
    Â 
    R OY DROPPED Nicole off and went home, comparing his barren apartment with Hailey’s house. Sure, he’d built bookcases and refinished an old round oak table, but that was as far as his decorating skills extended.
    His place looked dusty and bare, as if nobody lived here most of the time. Well, he reminded himself, nobody did; he spent far more time at work than he did here.
    Hailey worked long hours, too, but she had a knack for making a place feel welcoming and homey, and it sure wasn’t done with expensive furniture. Her house was filled with plants and cushions and comfortably worn stuff she’d salvaged from secondhand stores, instead of expensive antique shops. It made a guy want to take his shoes off and put his feet up and relax. With his arms around the hostess?
    Nicole had noticed he was attracted to