The Dad Next Door. Stephanie Dees

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ current count, there were one hundred and forty-two things on the to-do list and that was just for the house. It didn’t begin to cover the mountain of paperwork and red tape she had to tackle.

      A knock at the open door was loud in the too-quiet house. She jumped to her feet, her hand at her chest. Through the screen, she saw the guy from earlier.

      Joe, he’d said his name was. He was still dressed the same, except for the boots, which she hadn’t noticed before. They were scuffed and dusty and well-worn, which made her think there might be some hope for him. He didn’t have the sunglasses on, but they were in his T-shirt pocket.

      “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. You were pretty deep in thought.” He gave her a little apologetic shrug.

      She walked to the door. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. Is there a problem?”

      He shook his head. “No, not at all. You look busy.”

      She’d changed into different jeans—ones without a stain—and a soft, loose T-shirt. Not so fancy, but at least it was clean. “I’m making a list. A very long list.”

      “May I come in?”

      She hesitated before she unlatched the screen, but it wasn’t like he hadn’t been alone with her in the house this afternoon and this wasn’t the big city. People were probably neighborly here. She pushed the door open and he stepped inside the room. “I have a few Diet Cokes left in my cooler if you’d like one.”

      “No, thanks, I’m good.” He tested a chair before he sat down in it. “What’s first on the list?”

      “Getting more candles. Or even better, electricity.”

      The corner of his mouth kicked up again. “That does seem like a priority.”

      “Right?” She stacked the papers on the table and watched as the shadows from the candles danced across his face. “Before it got dark, I was able to look around a little bit. Most of the house is structurally sound, but all of it needs work if it’s going to be livable.”

      “It sounds like a huge undertaking.”

      She appreciated that he didn’t try to sugarcoat the truth. It was a huge undertaking. Gigantic. She blinked. “Yeah. My mom wasn’t afraid of picking up a hammer and taught me to be the same way, so I can do some of the work myself, but even so, the timetable is going to be tight.”

      “It’s a beautiful old place. It will be great when it’s all fixed up.” His eyes were gentle and hers stung, again.

      She told herself to get a grip. “Thanks. I think it can be, too. So what brings you out this way again?”

      Joe cleared his throat. “My mom always cooks enough food for the entire block and she wanted me to invite you to dinner. It’s also possible that she wants to get a good look at you before the rest of the town does.”

      “That’s nice... I think.” The candles flickered in the breeze from the open window and she glanced around the dim room. “You live with your mom?”

      A bark of laughter escaped. “Yes, thanks for mentioning that. I wasn’t planning on staying in Red Hill Springs long enough to need my own place. My daughter is living with me now, though, so I’m looking. It’s hard to find a short-term rental in a town this size.”

      “What brought you back to Red Hill Springs?”

      “My dad died. I got shot.” He shrugged, like that kind of thing happened every day.

      “Were you hurt badly? How long are you in town for? How old is your daughter?” So many questions. He was so much less predictable than she’d thought when she first met him. Those boots didn’t lie.

      “I was shot in the line of duty. I’m a cop, like my dad was. I’ve been here for four months rehabbing my shoulder and will be here at least two more. And Amelia’s twelve.”

      She was quiet for a moment, absorbing all the information. “Does your daughter like it here?”

      Joe grimaced. “I wouldn’t normally lead with this information, but if you’re around town at all, you’ll hear it. Her mother—” He stumbled a little on that word but quickly recovered. “Her mother decided to go into rehab and dropped her off at my mom’s with a note and a backpack. I didn’t know she existed.”

      Dark lashes had dropped over his eyes and she couldn’t see his expression. But the tone of his voice sounded like shame and that wasn’t okay. “Rehab is good, I guess, right?”

      “If that’s where she actually went. I’ve checked all the ones within a few hours’ drive and she isn’t registered at any of them. She made a bad mistake, but I’m not sorry my daughter is with me.” He made a face. “Amelia’s not too happy about it, but that’s another story.”

      Claire didn’t know why she felt such a kinship with this man she didn’t know, but there was something. Maybe it was that he was starting his life over with a daughter and she was starting over, period.

      Maybe.

      She looked at him, considered. And then thought, why not? “There’s a little cabin on the property, on the other side of the pond from here. It’s in pretty bad shape from what I can tell, but if you want to look at it tomorrow, you’re welcome to it.”

      His head snapped up. “How much do you want for rent?”

      “We can talk about the rent after you see it. It’s not much, but it has a pretty view.”

      “I really don’t know how long I’ll be here, but thank you, it’s a kind offer.” He stood. “We should be getting back for dinner. And I forgot to mention my mom also said to tell you to bring your bag and you can sleep in my sister’s room.”

      The thought of not spending the night on the floor in this creepy, silent house was appealing, but she didn’t move. “That’s really not necessary. I don’t want to put your mother out.”

      “You won’t be putting her out, believe me. Plus, she insisted and I’ll get in trouble if you don’t.”

      The thought of this big, muscular man getting in trouble with his mom amused her. “I do appreciate it, but this is going to be my home. I think I better get used to it.”

      In the distance, an animal howled. The haunting sound hung in the air. Claire’s heart began to pound. “What was that?”

      “Sounded like a coyote. They’re opportunistic hunters, but you’re probably fine in here.”

      She couldn’t really see his expression across the room in the candlelight, but he seemed dead serious. Maybe she should go to stay at his mother’s house.

      No. Maybe it was pure stubbornness, but she was staying. “I’ll be fine. Please tell your mom I appreciate the offer and I’ll look forward to meeting her.”

      He looked skeptical but didn’t argue. “If you’re sure.”

      She wasn’t sure at all. “I am.”

      “Okay, СКАЧАТЬ