We Didn’t See it Coming by Christine Young-Robinson Page B

strong.”
    â€œThis isn’t a test, Milandra. Father is gone. It’s for real,” Noelle argued.
    Back downstairs, Kenley and Noelle got lost checking out the backyard. They left Milandra to inspect the rest of the interior and oversee the movers.
    One of the movers came in carrying two boxes stacked on top of each other. His muscular arms were exposed from his sleeveless shirt. “Where would you like these boxes placed?” he asked in a deep voice.
    It was something about the way he looked at Milandra that caused her to blush. It was unusual for her to smile. “You can take them to the family room.” She pointed in the direction of the room.
    The mover placed the boxes down on the floor in a corner. “It’s warm in here.” He wiped sweat from his forehead as he looked at Milandra, thinking of how efficient she was. It turned him on.
    Milandra fanned. “It is hot in here.”
    She wanted to turn on the air conditioner but had no idea where to begin looking for the thermostat controls. The mover knew by her manicured nails, flawless skin, and her upright posture that she was raised letting others do for her. He found her to be sexy in her straight black skirt and tailored white blouse.
    He volunteered, “I’ll get some cool air stirring in here.”
    Relieved, Milandra said, “Thank you.”
    The mover went down the hall to find the thermostat on the wall. Milandra followed him for future reference. Her first task for the place would be to hire help.
    The mover adjusted the temperature. She studied him, noticing how clean-shaven he was. His arms shined as if they had been polished with Vaseline. The cologne he wore overpowered the staleness of a closed house.
    â€œBy any chance, would you be interested in changing jobs?”
    The mover smiled. “I’ll have to shut down my business. I’m the owner of Rice Moving Company.”
    Milandra felt embarrassed. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. . . .”
    â€œCall me Nolan.” He grinned. “Everyone callsyou and your sisters the Houstons, but what’s your first name?”
    â€œI’m Milandra.” She reached out her hand.
    Nolan extended his hand to shake hers. “Nice meeting you, Milandra. Pretty name.”
    â€œMy baby sister is Kenley and my middle sister is Noelle. I truly apologize for being out of place. I assumed the wrong thing.”
    â€œI’m not a big time moving company, but I hold my own. Listen, you and your sisters have suffered a great loss. It takes time to get things in order.”
    Nolan handed her a business card. “Call me. I’ll help you out in whatever way I can.”
    â€œThat’s kind of you, but I don’t want to take you from your work.”
    â€œI wouldn’t miss the moment to catch your pretty smile,” he flirted.
    Kenley and Noelle came back into the family room. They witnessed their sister blushing.
    â€œThese are my sisters. Kenley and Noelle, this is Nolan.”
    â€œHi.” Kenley stared. “Man, you’re cute.”
    â€œKenley,” Milandra said. “You have to excuse my baby sister.”
    â€œShe thinks you’re cute, too. But she’ll never admit it.” Kenley giggled.
    Noelle placed her hand over Kenley’s mouth. “Enough.”
    â€œI’ll go and get the rest of the boxes.” He smiled.
    â€œWe have some things we’re going to need moved from our other house to here. My sister would love to have you move it for us,” Kenley instigated. “Wouldn’t you, Milandra?”
    Milandra rolled her eyes at Kenley. “Yes, I completely forgot. You have the job if you’d like, Nolan. I’ll give you a call when we’re ready.”
    â€œThanks,” Nolan said and left the room.
    Kenley and Noelle teased their sister.
    â€œI can’t believe you, Milandra, smiling up in a man’s face. I’ve never seen your eyes pop open