"What I intended to say is, although I'm not sure about hiring you, I'm willing to try you for a week to see how you work out. Would that be acceptable?"

She quickly sat up, her eyes bright. "Yes, yes. A trial period would be fine." Her mouth broke into a huge grin, and she wiped sweat off her upper lip.

What a transformation. Her smile changed an already pretty face into a beautiful one. The twinkle in her eyes, and her full lips revealing straight white teeth, sent his pulse racing. Something twisted in his middle he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years.

He cleared his throat. "You understand you'll have to speak with the customers?"

"I realize that."

Michael stood. "I'll need you to come in tomorrow at nine o'clock. We're open from nine–thirty until six o'clock. You will have one half hour for lunch. We're also open half a day on Saturday from nine–thirty until noon. Can you work those hours?"

"Yes. That's fine." She hopped up so quickly, she nearly upended her chair. Michael grabbed it before it tumbled to the ground.

"I'll be here first thing in the morning. Thank you so much." She grabbed his hand, and almost shook it off his arm.

Michael led her to the front of the store, unlocked the door and let her out. "See you tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you very much. I'll be here. Thank you again." She backed away, then turned and walked into a light post.

"Miss Lester!"

"I'm fine." She rubbed her forehead, adjusted her hat, and hurried away.

Michael shook his head. Strange woman. Hopefully he didn't just commit a huge error of judgment.