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Reid pressed his lips together. A single guy who’d spent most of his adult life with the dregs of humanity, which meant he was devoid of the nurturing abilities a child needed.
Eddie studied him a moment. “What aren’t you telling me?”
He’d forgotten how Eddie could see through him. He was beginning to wonder how he’d ever worked undercover if he was so transparent.
“There was a misunderstanding when I arrived.” He explained his unexpected rescue mission. “If she didn’t plan ahead for something like painting a floor, what if she fails to plan ahead for Lily?”
Eddie shrugged off the concern. “That could happen to anyone. So are you going to see her again?”
Reid nodded. “I’m going to be her handyman for the next few weeks.”
“And she agreed, knowing who you are?”
Reid sat down and clasped his hands together. “Not exactly.” He explained the rest of the mix-up.
“So you let her think you were the handyman her contractor sent?”
“For the time being. This way I can see how they actually interact together and make sure she’s taking good care of Lily. Once I’m confident she is, I’ll explain and she’ll be more likely to agree to let me bring Lily to see you.”
A deep frown creased Eddie’s frail features. “Reid, for a smart guy, you’re being really stupid. You’ve been undercover too long. You see everything as a mission to take down the bad guys. It’s never right to deceive people. It’s one of the first things the Lord taught me when He saved me. Mark my words—your deception will only backfire.” He shook his head. “I want you to promise me you’ll set things straight. Quickly. I don’t have much time left.”
Reid nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Eddie might have a point, but the only thing that mattered was making sure Lily was cared for, and if the Montgomery woman wasn’t suitable, then he’d have to step in, which meant he had to have evidence and ammunition. But he’d honor his brother’s request. He’d come clean soon. All he needed was a few days.
* * *
Tori lifted her coffee cup and took a sip, grimacing at the tepid liquid. That was the second cup she’d let get cold this morning. Leaning back in her desk chair, she raked her hair away from her face with a soft groan. She’d been going over the numbers for an hour, and the result was still the same. Her finances were stretched to the max. Every penny had to be accounted for if she was going to open on time.
She’d foolishly assumed her savings and the profit from the sale of her property would be enough to get the B and B up and running. But even with all her calculations, she’d been hit hard by unexpected costs. The plumbing, electric and roof had all needed to be replaced. The discovery and remediation of asbestos and lead paint had further slowed the construction. The remodel of the kitchen in the main house had taken longer than normal because of restoration requirements connected to a historic home. Her contractor had explained that a historic home required special materials at every turn. She couldn’t run to the store and buy new molding. It had to be replicated to match what was there.
The funds she applied for would ease her situation considerably. Unfortunately, she still had to wait for the on-site inspection, which wouldn’t happen for a few weeks yet, and then she’d have to wait several more weeks for the funds to be applied. The only thing keeping her afloat at the moment was her online jewelry-design business, but that covered only food and utilities for her and Lily.
She’d have to tighten her belt a while longer and concentrate on getting the inside of the rooms decorated and arranged for future guests. She had invested everything in this venture. It was her future—and Lily’s. The business would not only provide a living, but would allow her to spend as much time with her little girl as possible. But at this rate, it would never happen, and she would be stuck with a half-done white elephant of a house and be forced to take an eight-to-five job, put Lily in after-school care and miss out on so much of her life. She’d promised Judy she would be a good mother to Lily. The mother Judy would have been, and she intended to keep that promise, no matter what.
“Morning, Aunt Tori.”
Tori’s concerns melted into mist at the sound of the child’s greeting. She spun in her chair and opened her arms. “Good morning. How’s my little sweetie pie this morning?”
“Good.” She climbed into Tori’s lap for a hug and a snuggle. “I dreamed about a big flower that came to play with me in the yard.”
“You did?”
“It was blue and pink. Oh, and I dreamed about a little puppy with floppy ears.”
Tori stifled a giggle. Her little charge had been angling for a pet since they’d arrived in Dover four months ago. She suspected it had something to do with all her new cousins having dogs. “Maybe we can get you a puppy after we get our B and B open.”
“But that’s forever.”
“Not really. Are you ready for breakfast?” Mornings were Tori’s favorite part of the day. Lily generally woke up soft and sweet and cuddly, and they enjoyed breakfast together before leaving for school. But today her thoughts were focused on her bank account.
By the time she had dropped off Lily and returned home, the sorry state of her finances had given her a monster headache. One thing was clear: hiring a handyman now was out of the question. She’d have to learn to make minor repairs herself or rely on her family. Unfortunately, they all had busy lives of their own and weren’t able to drop everything and come running. Besides, she’d received enough help from them. She needed to provide for Lily on her own. Time was running out, and there was still so much to do.
First off, she had to unhire a handyman.
Tori dialed Reid’s number. It went straight to voice mail. She considered leaving a message telling him she wouldn’t need his services after all, but it seemed rude to fire him over the phone. Instead, she simply asked him to come by the house to speak with her.
A small tingle of anticipation skittered along her nerves. Seeing the man again wouldn’t be an unpleasant experience. He was very appealing. His muscular frame, his probing brown eyes and cool mysterious demeanor were right out of a book. Something on the order of Mr. Darcy, or maybe Mr. Rochester. She shook off the idea. Maybe it was a good thing she couldn’t have him as her handyman.
Telling him she couldn’t hire him would be awkward considering how enthusiastic she’d been when she’d offered him the job. She hoped he wouldn’t be upset. She had the impression that Reid was a man capable of fierce emotions, which might explain why he was so controlled. But she also sensed a loneliness behind his eyes, as if he was searching for something. Or she could be creating drama in her mind. It was a bad habit of hers.
Reid still hadn’t returned her call by the time she’d picked up Lily from school.
“Can I take my new book out to the glider?”
“Of course.” Lily had been overjoyed to receive a new book, and she loved to read in the old double-glider swing.
“Will you watch me?”
“Of course.” Settling onto the back porch in one of the old wicker rockers, she smiled as her daughter skipped across the grass and climbed into the glider. Since arriving in Dover, Lily had developed a need to have Tori near or at least watching over her at all times. Tori loved watching the child play. She was endlessly entertaining, and Tori delighted in everything the little girl did. However, sitting and watching her made working difficult. She’d transferred several items to her tablet so she could oversee Lily’s playtime and still get work done. The amount of paperwork involved in opening a bed-and-breakfast was staggering. Every time she submitted one completed document, three others would be required.
The squeak of the gate told her someone was there. She looked up as Reid came up onto the porch, his solid footsteps sounding on the wooden floor. He stood with one foot on the porch floor, one hand grasping the post, an expectant look on his angular face. His presence sent a wave of awareness along her nerves. He was an impossible man to ignore. When he stepped into a room he sucked all the air and energy right out of it. Very peculiar. She stuffed the weird notions away and stood. “Thank you for coming.”
“No problem. I had an appointment this morning. What’s up today?”
“Nothing, I’m afraid. I’ve been going over my financial situation, and I’m unable to afford to hire any extra help. I’m sorry. I offered you the handyman job before I’d looked at my bank balance. Things should turn around in a few weeks, but until then I’m tapped out.” She smiled, hoping to lighten the news. Reid’s dark eyes narrowed, and his brows drew together. Her heart skipped a beat. Even a deep frown couldn’t mar his chiseled features.
“That’s too bad. I was looking forward to the challenge.”
“And I could use the help. By the way, thank you for finishing the floor. I didn’t notice it until you’d left yesterday.”
“The paint was quick to dry. Half hour tops.”
How had she not known that? Probably because she’d failed to read the information on the paint can. He must think her a real ditz. She touched her ear. “So I could have walked out of the corner and not smeared the floor?”
He shrugged.
Was that a smirk she saw move his lips? She crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, thank you again for rescuing me and for completing my paint job.”
“You’re welcome.” He turned to go, but the post under his hand shifted loose. “Was this on your repair list?”
“One of them.” Her lists grew longer every day.
“Hey, Mr. Reid.”
Tori saw her daughter waving frantically. She climbed out of the double-glider swing and raced across the yard, stopping in front of Reid. “This is my new book. You want to read it to me?”
Tori watched the big man carefully. Would he refuse? Or would he acquiesce to the little charmer’s request? She stifled a grin when Reid shot a panicked glance in her direction. Before she could respond, Lily tugged on Reid’s finger and urged him to sit on the step.
“I’ll turn the pages, okay?”
Slowly Reid lowered his tall frame to the wooden step. Lily flashed a big smile as she handed him the book, then burrowed under his arm, balancing her elbow on his thigh. Tori watched the broad shoulders ease and the hard line of his jaw soften. No one could resist her Lily.
The sound of his deep, soft voice sent a warm tremor through her heart. Behind that dark cloak of mystery he wore was the heart of a kind man. She’d like to know more about him.
What was she thinking? There was no time for any kind of relationship. She had her hands full raising Lily and running her business.
She glanced at the pair on the steps. Lily snuggled close as Reid spoke the words softly. It would be nice to have someone to share her life, her work.
She shoved the thought aside. Her track record in the romance department was abysmal, and she vowed to avoid all personal relationships going forward. And fantasizing about them, too, for good measure.
* * *
Reid read the simple words of the book—a story about a baby squirrel separated from his mother—all the while aware of the sweet child snuggled against him. His brother’s little girl. The thought settled deep inside, stirring up unfamiliar emotions. A tiny hand reached out and awkwardly turned to the next page. Lily grinned up at him, then settled back down. He focused and went on with the story. “‘Why are you out all alone, little squirrel?’ asked the big black bird.”
“No, Mr. Reid. You have to say it different. Like this.”
Lily lowered her chin and repeated the words in a deep voice, drawing a soft chuckle from his chest that he hadn’t expected.
“The bird is a meanie. So you have to talk like a meanie when you read him.”
Her sincerity was both amusing and amazing. He knew nothing about kids. But he knew this little girl, Eddie’s child, was undoubtedly smart beyond her years.
He managed to finish the book with the appropriate voice changes and received a kiss on the cheek from Lily that left a fuzzy, warm sensation in the center of his chest. Before standing, he watched her skip back to the swing.
Miss Montgomery was leaning against the railing watching Lily, and the look of love on her face brought a soft glow to her skin. He had no doubts about her affection for his niece, but there was more to consider. She’d admitted financial trouble. That gave him concern. He needed a little time to get a good read on the situation. He needed the handyman job to keep him close by. It was the perfect cover.
His conscience pinged. Eddie was right. He shouldn’t be lying to her, and he’d tell her the truth soon. He’d rather have a better understanding before he came clean, though. A couple days, at least.
“Miss Montgomery, I have a suggestion if you’ll hear me out. I don’t mind helping out around here until things improve for you. We can settle up when you’re able.”
“I can’t ask you to do that. Besides, why would you want to work for free?”
Reid rubbed his temple. A plausible story quickly formed in his mind, only to be overlaid with his brother’s reprimand. Eddie was right again. He’d been working undercover for so long that lying came more easily than telling the truth. He needed to get a handle on this right now, and keep as close to the truth as possible without revealing his true relationship with Lily. “The fact is, I left my last job. I needed a change. I thought a small town would be a good place to start. The work I’d do around here would allow me to sharpen my rusty handyman skills.”
“What did you do before?”
Reid chose his words carefully. “I was in law enforcement.”
“Oh. My brother is a police officer here in Dover. I know how stressful it can be. I can understand your need for a new direction. I felt the same way when I became Lily’s guardian. But I’m finding changing course harder than I expected. I thought buying this place would be the answer. I wasn’t prepared for all the unexpected problems.”
“You bought this place because of Lily?”
She nodded. “I had to make a living, and I thought that opening a bed-and-breakfast would allow me to provide for her and still spend time with her. Unfortunately, it’s not working out the way I’d hoped.”
She needed him, and he pressed his advantage. “Miss Montgomery, I meant what I said. I’d be happy to help around here for a few weeks.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and faced him. “How would you feel about working for room and board?”
“I’m listening.”
“The small building behind the main garage is actually a studio apartment. The girls converted it for their older brother.”
“Girls?”
“Ada and Edna Smiley. Camellia Hall was their family home for generations. The apartment hasn’t been used in a long time, but it’s larger than the motel room you’re currently in. You can take your meals with us. I’m not the best cook in town, but you won’t starve.”
It was the perfect solution and more than he’d hoped for. “All right. I have to admit the Dixiana is getting smaller by the day.”
She nodded. “Flo runs a good business, but Dover needs more options for visitors. It’s either the tiny cabins at the motel or the high prices at the Lady Banks Inn. I want to offer another option. Something more reasonably priced and comfortable than the formality of the inn.”
He extended his hand to seal the agreement. “We have a deal, then? Room and board in exchange for work.” She hesitated a moment, then grasped his hand. Her fingers fluttered in his palm. Did he make her nervous? He looked into her eyes and felt the jolt again, a strange kind of connection he’d never experienced before. She possessed an energy that vibrated through her fingers. And he found it intriguing.
She broke eye contact, tugging her hand from his. “You can move in as soon as you like. I’ll find the key and get it to you.”
“There’s still half a day left. What can I do next?”
“There are several doors that won’t shut and windows that won’t open, and the pocket doors between the two parlors are stuck.”
“I would have thought your contractor, uh, Floyd, would have taken care of this.”
“He would have, but it was one of many things that got cut from the budget. There were roof leaks, foundation repairs, termites, plumbing problems and electrical issues. Which didn’t leave any room in the budget for anything else.”
“How much work do you still need to do?”
“Small things here in the main part of the house. The original plan called for upgrades in the living quarters where Lily and I are. And a complete remodel of the tearoom on the other end of the house. I’d hoped to keep it running to bring in a little income, but that’s on hold now.” She motioned him to follow her. “Let me show you what needs to be done. None of the doors in the living quarters close completely.”
He gestured for her to lead the way, following her to the end of the hall to a door marked with a small plaque that read Private. It resisted when she pulled it open. “This one is the worst.”
He made a note to start with that door. He followed her through it, his mood lifting considerably. He’d managed to convince her to keep him on as handyman. The offer of room and board had been more than he’d expected. He could see how Lily and Tori interacted without it seeming like he was spying on them. Which was what he was doing. He’d manipulated her into keeping him around. Eddie’s warning surfaced again. A few days, that’s all, then he’d come clean. Once he was sure Tori was a responsible guardian, he’d explain everything. Hopefully, by then, they would have established a good relationship, and his request to take Lily to see her dad wouldn’t be an issue.
Tori stopped in the living area, which was one large room with a small kitchen tucked against the back wall beside a narrow staircase leading to the second floor. A comfy sofa was placed invitingly in front of a charming fireplace. French doors on either side led out to the wide porch. He was struck by how welcoming the small space was. “Nice place.”
“Thank you. This corner of the house used to be the servants’ quarters. It’s the perfect size for us. We’ll be spending most of our time in the main house, hopefully entertaining lots of guests, but this will be our own private retreat.”
A sudden image of him and Tori cuddled on the sofa flashed into his mind. He shut it down. “Do these doors work?”
“Yes, but the bedroom doors upstairs could use some work, as well.”
Reid’s gaze drifted to the far corner of the living room and the desk there. Something sparkled, and he stepped closer. Boxes of flashy jewelry cluttered the top. Several large pieces were spread out on a felt board and held in place with pins. “What’s all this?”
“My custom-jewelry business. I take old brooches, pins and necklaces and rework them into statement necklaces and sell them online.”
“A woman of many talents.”
“Right now all I want is to get ready for my guests.”
“Those bee bees Lily mentioned?”
She smiled, and Reid couldn’t help but notice it was brighter than the jewelry she worked on. Something about Tori made you feel welcome and accepted. His conscience flared. He’d spent years living a lie, pretending to be someone he wasn’t, but it had never felt like this.
