A Place to Call Home (3 page)

“Yup,” another man confirmed. “He’s a man of his word. Very particular about keeping his reputation pristine. But he has nothing to worry about since he’s the most recommended contractor around. Hell, I don’t know where he ever finds the time to sleep. Seems he’s always working.”

“But you’ll never hear that boy complain.”

“Got that right,” someone seconded.

“If you don’t mind me asking, pretty lady,” asked a guy seated down the counter.

“The name is Hannah O’Leary.”

“Okay, Ms. O’Leary. What’s your business with Mac? You ain’t from around these parts.”

Everyone in the café instantly fell silent, all eyes fixed on Hannah.

“Well, sir, I’m the new owner of the former Brigman house on Jackson Street. I’m opening a restaurant catering to breakfast and special functions, and well, Mac had stopped by to make a bid on the necessary repairs.”

“The ol’ Brigman house, huh? Everyone in town knows only Mac is capable of fixing up that heap of wood. He’ll do a mighty fine job for you, Ms. O’Leary. Just you wait and see.”

Hannah swallowed hard. Working with the sexy contractor appeared to be inevitable. She politely excused herself, and with flaming cheeks and a nervous belly, she stepped out into the blazing heat of the South Carolina midday.

Chapter Three

Mac managed excellent progress on the rest of his jobs. By five o’clock, he all but burst with thankfulness to be headed to his final job. His head throbbed, and he still had to figure out what to make for dinner for himself and his three ravenous boys. Since he’d forgotten to take the ground beef out of the freezer that morning, meatloaf was out of the question.

Driving down a long curvy road on the outskirts of Charleston, Mac squinted when he spotted a car off to the side of the road up ahead. Of course, if the driver needed assistance he would stop and help, but that didn’t keep him from sighing. He only had one more job to finish and stood dead tired on his feet. The last thing he wanted was to play Good Samaritan.

Eyeing the opened hood on the BMW luxury automobile, Mac cursed. There weren’t too many of those expensive cars around here, and he knew
exactly
who this one belonged to. The driver’s door stood ajar and something lay on the ground. Mac swung across the road to park in front of Hannah’s car but saw no sign of her. Where the hell was she? She wouldn’t have attempted to walk in this heat and in those flimsy sandals she wore, would she?

Mac focused on the lump next to the car. Drawing closer, he realized what it was.

“Hannah!” Mac slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop. Jumping from his truck, he ran to where she lay in the fetal position. “Hannah! Can you hear me? Hannah!”

His hands roamed her face. Her cheeks were flushed and warm, and her eyes fluttered but didn’t open. With the back of his hand, he gently slapped her cheeks.

“Hannah, it’s me, Mac. Wake up, honey. Come on.”

Her eyes flew open and then narrowed. “Stop. Hitting. Me.”

Mac had never been so glad to see a woman’s temper. If she fought him, that meant Hannah would be okay.

“Stop falling unconscious on the ground, then.” He smiled. Not only because relief filled him but also because she looked more beautiful than he remembered. “Told you to eat a better lunch.”

“Shut up,” she said, her voice hoarse and dry.

 Other than a few scratches and a slight bruise, which probably occurred when she hit the ground after blacking out, she didn’t appear to have suffered any serious injuries. Just a bit dusty but no blood. He carefully lifted her and carried her to his truck.

Hannah stirred in his arms but, unlike earlier when he’d carried her down the stairs, she had no temper now, looked weak and tired. The slender woman barely weighed enough to strain his muscles but his arms tightened around her anyway as his long strides quickly ate up the ground. He wanted to make her feel better, feel herself again.

“What are you doing?” Her once husky voice sounded weak and scratchy, signaling her distress.

Glancing down at her cradled in his arms, he discovered she looked so fragile. “Saving your ass once again for today, looks like. Think you can manage to avoid a third time? I’m pretty beat.”

She wore the denim shorts and white tee that had had driven him wild at lunch. The outfit showcased the curve of her ass and her perky breasts, the nipples erect thanks to the air conditioning in the restaurant. Damn, how he had tried not to get caught eyeing her tits and ass. However, his gaze, ruled by his dick, had had a mind of its own and had taken every opportunity to sneak a peek at her sexy body.

Mac placed her onto the passenger seat, secured her seatbelt, and stretched across her to turn the AC all the way up. Opening his lunch pail in the back seat, he retrieved a cold water bottle.

“Here. Drink slowly, honey,” he said in a soothing voice, while holding the bottle to her dry lips.

She followed his instructions and took a sip. He forced the bottle into her hands and stepped back.

“Don’t guzzle the water or you’ll puke. As thirsty as you are, you have to drink slowly. Okay?”

“My purse. It’s on the front seat,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“Wait here. I’ll get it.” His knuckles brushed over her cheek briefly. “You okay, Hannah? I know it’s a stupid question, but you didn’t hit your head or anything, did you?”

“Yeah, I think so. No need to play doctor again. Don’t worry.”

He stopped and stared, the image of removing her clothes to gently inspect her body giving him an instant hard on. With his hand, he discreetly adjusted his dick but achieved minimal comfort.

“Smart ass,” he said, unable to tear his gaze from the emerald irises staring back.

Slowly, the frightened look finally disappeared, replaced with wariness. “What the hell is your name anyways?” she suddenly asked with heat.

The simple demand brought a sigh of relief since this feisty woman now matched the one he remembered. He offered a slight grin. “Mac.”

“That’s not a name. I remember something else from your bid. Began with an A.”

He hesitated then said, “Austin MacDevin.”

“Ah. So Mac’s just a nickname.”

He shrugged. “Has been for years. Now can I get your things so I can get you the hell out of this heat?”

She answered by allowing her head to loll back against the seat, and Mac shut the truck door.

When he climbed back in the truck, Hannah looked better, no longer red and flushed. He handed over her purse then cranked the engine and swerved onto the road. “I called a tow. Should be here soon. Secured your vehicle and left the keys on the front tire.”

“Not like it’s going anywhere,” she complained.

He dialed his cell. “Aidan, order pizza for dinner. Tell Ray to deliver the pizza to the house and I’ll stop by tomorrow to pay him. Yeah, something came up. Warn your brothers I’m in no mood for fighting tonight, so when I get home everyone better be behaving. Got it?” He remained silent for a minute. “I’ll make a deal with you, son. I’m taking care of something very important. If you can take care of things for me with dinner and all, we’ll talk about you going to Catherine’s when I get home. Shouldn’t be more than two hours.” He disconnected and dared to look at Hannah. “How you holding up?”

“Fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, sweetheart.”

She faced him, green eyes glaring through slits.

“I said how you holding up?”

“I’m tired. But I’ll survive. You do a good job at rescuing me, Mac.”

“That I do.” He glanced at her slender frame sagged in the seat. “One thing you’ll learn is heat stroke can hit you quick around here.”

Mac stopped in front of a small brick building, turned off the ignition, and jumped from the truck to rush to Hannah’s door.

“Where are we?” she asked, her voice sounding stronger.

“Dr. Sherborne’s office. I think we’ll just about catch him before he closes for the day. Have him check you out. It’ll save you a trip to the Emergency Room if he can check you out.”

“No, that’s not necessary.”

He leaned in and lifted her and her purse, leaving no room for her to argue. “It’s necessary.”

Smiling, he carried a cursing Hannah into the office. The cool air humming from the air conditioner in the window of the small waiting room kept the humidity outside. No other patients sat on the metal chairs lined up along the walls, which meant Mac had just made it in time to catch the doctor before he left for the day. Pictures of flowers, cartoons, and Civil War soldiers adorned the soothing blue color of the walls. As always, the office smelled of bleach from sterile cleaning and berries from an air freshener puffing a fragrant cloud every five minutes from an automatic dispenser on the wall. At least Hannah would be safe now.

Immediately, Mrs. Sherborne, the doctor’s nurse and wife, stepped from behind her reception desk and showed them into an exam room. Then she shooed Mac out to the waiting area where he paced for twenty minutes like a caged animal.

When Hannah walked out with Dr. Sherborne by her side, she looked a hundred times better.

“Mac. Good to see you,” Dr. Sherborne said and offered his wrinkled hand for a shake.

“Doc, how is she?” Mac spoke to the man but watched Hannah.

“Little bump on the head is all. She shouldn’t be alone tonight. Needs plenty of water.”

Mac glared at Hannah. He should’ve known she wouldn’t admit to hitting her head the stubborn little witch. “She won’t be alone. The boys and I will take care of her.”

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“Thank you, Doctor Sherborne,” Hannah said before allowing Mac to take her arm and walk outside.

Evening had settled around Charleston. The sultry air slightly cooler than the day’s heat, the fragrant scent of Yellow Jessamine filtered through the soft breeze that had developed. Keeping his hand on Hannah’s elbow, Mac guided her to his truck and opening her door. Still unsteady on her feet, she appreciated the assistance and the fact that he had remained with her since he obviously had family waiting for him.

“Thank you for your help, Mac. If you wouldn’t mind driving me home, I’d really appreciate it. I know you have to get home.”

“My boys have eaten dinner already. And I’m not driving you to your house. You’re coming home with me. You shouldn’t stay alone tonight. Doctor’s orders.”

“That’s completely unnecessary. I won’t intrude.” How could she ask him to help her any more than he already had today? However, the idea of having him take care of her appealed immensely to her exhausted body. But what would his family think of him bringing her home like a stray puppy?

“I’m sure your wife won’t be pleased with you bringing home a strange woman.”

He glanced at her then back to the road. “Good thing I don’t have a wife, then.”

“Oh.” She fidgeted, not quite sure how to respond.

“I’m a single dad. Three boys you’ll meet in a few minutes. Aidan is sixteen, Ryan fourteen, and Luke nine. And Porkchop.”

“Porkchop?” Just the name piqued her curiosity.

“My big but harmless dog,” he said, a chuckle escaping his lips. “I promise you’ll be completely safe at my house. Doc knows you’ll be staying at my house tonight.”

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t be safe. It’s just that, well…”

“Spit it out. It’s just what?”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

He laughed. “You really don’t trust people much, do you?”

Chapter Four

Hannah sat pissed at herself while Mac drove through Charleston, leaving the center of town behind them. How could she have passed out? It’s not like she didn’t know how to handle these temperatures. Now she’d made a fool of herself in front of the one man who had piqued her interest in years.

Her head ached, and her body twitched in more places than she could count. Probably from a combination of falling through the floor, rolling down the stairs and landing under Mac’s muscular body, and later fainting with heat stroke. But somehow she didn’t think those were the only reasons her body felt funny. And how could she explain the butterflies in her tummy?

Daring to look at the hulking man sitting next to her, she found her other answer. Yes, Mac had indeed stirred her body in private places she hadn’t used in eons—other than with her trusty vibrator. How did this one man possess the ability to heat her flesh faster than a sauna? Her brain screamed for her to steer clear while her body begged for a chance to feel all of him. After being placed on a concussion watch until tomorrow, how could she even think of his naked body covering hers? Oh, hell, thoughts like this only added to the pounding in her skull so she laid her head back onto the headrest again.

Mac parked in a driveway of a two-story, tan clapboard house. The property appeared well maintained, the lawn mowed, the shrubs trimmed, no peeling paint.

When Mac came around the truck and lifted Hannah into his arms to carry her inside, she wanted to protest but her bones felt like liquid and exhaustion overwhelmed her. She gave in to being cared for by this strong stranger who had now rescued her twice in one day. Her head rested on his shoulder when he made his way into the house.

Inside, noise overwhelmed her. A television blared, the dog barked, and three boys, all talking at once, surrounded them in the kitchen. Hannah quickly surveyed the spotless room with its stainless steel appliances, beige tile floor, recessed lighting, dark granite counter, and a large picture window facing the driveway. The open floor plan connected the dining room and parlor creating one large room. The dining room contained a long cherry wood table, six high back matching chairs, a chandelier with crystal raindrops hanging over the table, and nothing more. It appeared to serve only one purpose—to feed the family, not to entertain. “Boys, quiet. Turn off the TV. Porkchop, shut up,” Mac bellowed.

The middle child ran into the living room to shut off the television. From her vantage point high in Mac’s arms, Hannah tracked the boy’s movements while he obeyed his father’s instructions. He scurried past a long brown couch and two oversized brown armchairs, and arced around a cherry wood coffee table centered amid the furniture. The boy switched off the large flat screen TV and sped back to the kitchen.

By the time the child joined his siblings, silence filled the room.

Hannah stared at the kids, horrified to find three pairs of deep blue eyes identical to Mac’s locked on her.

With no sign of tiring, Mac continued to hold Hannah in his arms while he faced his kids. “Boys, this is Hannah O’Leary. She’s new to town and had a really rough day. So we’re going to be quiet and let her rest.”

“She’s staying here, Daddy?” the youngest boy asked.

“Yes, Luke. For tonight. She’s a guest, so everyone’s on their best behavior. Aidan, go to Catherine’s. Be home by ten.”

“Thanks, Dad. Nice to meet you, Ms. O’Leary.” Aidan eyed her curiously. For a young man, he stood about six feet, she guessed. His athletic build showed tender muscles budding under his sleeveless t-shirt. With his short black hair neat and his blue eyes bright and bold, he looked like a young version of Mac.

“Hannah. Please just call me Hannah.”

“Sure,” he said. “Hannah.” Pivoting on his heel, he strode toward the front door. “Later, dudes.”

“Ten o’clock!” Mac called to his son’s retreating back.

The front door slammed closed.

Mac faced the other boys. “Okay, you two, put the pizza in the fridge and take Porkchop out.”

“You’re going to help us with the puzzle like you promised. Right, Daddy?” the youngest boy asked.

“If you do what I said. Now get to it.” He didn’t wait for a reply but turned and walked out of the kitchen.

Mac carried Hannah up the stairs, into a bathroom. Gently, he placed her on her feet, keeping his hands on her waist. He bent his head to look into her eyes. “Think you can take a shower on your own, Hannah, without needing me to rescue you again?”

“Oh, God. I hope so,” she said softly. The thought of him having to help her while totally naked stirred erotic thoughts in her throbbing head. Her face heated.

He smiled slightly. “I’ll be right outside the door if you need me. There are towels in that closet. But there’s only regular soap and shampoo. Sorry. No females in the house means no frilly soaps. You’ll have to make do.”

“It’ll be fine. Thank you.”

His hands slid cautiously from her waist as if he expected her to melt to the floor. “Okay. Just yell. I’m right out here.”

“Mac,” she called when he reached the door. He turned, and her cheeks flamed. “I don’t have any clothes to change into.”

“I know. I’ve got that covered,” he assured her with a grin. “Just enjoy your shower. You’ll feel much better.”

The instant he shut the door, Hannah stripped. She couldn’t stand being in those filthy, sweaty clothes anymore.

Stepping under the warm stream of the shower, she found the soap Mac had mentioned and scrubbed her skin. Ten minutes later and, finally clean, she turned off the faucet.

“Hannah,” Mac called from the other side of the door, after a gentle knock. “Are you okay in there?”

She wrapped herself in a large bath towel. “Yes, I’m doing fine.” She wrapped another towel around her hair.

“Good. I have clothes for you.”

She opened the door a crack and peeked out. How odd and interesting to be staring at such a virile man while only a strip of terry cloth covered her body.

He shot her that killer smile. The familiar feeling of butterflies in her belly returned. Why did she have to have such an automatic reaction to his attentions?

“Sorry. You have to open just a little more for me to squeeze these through.”

She did and he handed her the clothes.

“T-shirt’s mine and will probably fit you like a dress,” he said. “The gym shorts are my oldest son’s. Socks are Ryan’s. Sorry but I have no under things to give you, so you’ll have to go without.”

Feeling her cheeks flame again, she dropped her gaze, taking interest in the clothes she held. “These will do. Thank you.”

She shut the door and dressed. The black T-shirt did go past her knees, so she knotted it at the waist and tied Aidan’s shorts tighter to keep them up. Gathering up her clothes, she opened the door to find Mac keeping his word and standing there waiting.

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Good.”

Before she knew what to expect, he lifted her into his arms again, cradled her to his chest and walked down the hall into a bedroom. She should have been frightened being carried into a strange man’s room, but she believed Mac would cause her no harm. After all, he’d been nothing but kind to her all day.

Mac gently placed Hannah onto the bed, took the dirty clothes from her hands and tossed them into the corner. He pulled up the sheets, tucking her in. Air conditioning cooled the room.

“You know this is completely unnecessary. I don’t need to go to bed this early.”

“Uh huh. Just like you’re going to probably tell me you’re not utterly exhausted and ready to collapse.”

“Of course I’m not. I’m fine. Really.” She cut off a yawn.

He leaned over her, his arms on both her sides. “I’ll make a deal with you, Hannah. Close your eyes, and if after two minutes you’re not asleep then I’ll let you get out of this bed.”

“You’ll let me?” she said and frowned. But the view? Oh, she so enjoyed him looking down at her with such purpose.

“You heard me. Two minutes. Deal?” His voice softened to a whisper.

“Fine. Deal,” she conceded, snuggling back into his pillow, and shutting her eyes before she could beg him to lay down with her.

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When Hannah opened her eyes, darkness filled the room and the clock on the nightstand glowed 9:32 p.m. She didn’t even remember falling asleep. Climbing out of bed, she crept to the door and opened it slowly. She followed the stairs down to where she heard male voices. Walking into the dining room, Hannah found Mac with two of his sons doing a big jigsaw puzzle.

“Hey, there, sleepyhead. Didn’t expect to see you for the rest of the night,” Mac said, standing and walking to her.

She couldn’t help but smile. “Is that your way of saying I told you so? That I was exhausted?”

He smirked. “Maybe. Hungry?”

“Actually, yes, now that you mention it. I’m starving.”

“There’s leftover pizza. I’ll warm it up for you.”

“Hannah, are you good at puzzles?” the youngest boy asked.

“You must be Luke, right?”

He nodded. The boy stood tall for his age and solid, his black hair short, his eyes bright blue just like his father’s. But unlike his father’s wary eyes, Luke’s were trusting.

“I’ve never done a puzzle before, so I don’t think I’d be any good,” Hannah confided. “Sorry.”

“What?” the other boy said. “Who hasn’t done a puzzle before?” He too had considerable height but hadn’t quite filled out his stature. Wide shoulders on his thin frame would one day be complimented with plenty of muscles by the looks of him. He wore his black hair longer than his brother’s and thick black lashes shadowed his bright blue eyes. This kid would grow into a heartbreaker for sure. They all would. Just like their dad.

“You must be Ryan. I just never had the chance to do puzzles, I guess.” Hard to do when you’re hiding and scared.

“Hannah, sit down,” Mac commanded. “Boys, make room.”

“No. Don’t move the puzzle. I’ll just sit here on the end.”

Mac placed the pizza and a glass of soda in front of Hannah then looked out the window.

“You waiting for someone?” she asked before taking a sip.

“Yeah, my oldest. Aidan. He’s at his girlfriend’s house.”

“Thought you told him to be home at ten?” She bit into the pizza and tasted heaven.

Mac looked at her. “Glad to see you paid attention. Now let’s see if he did.”

“Come do your puzzle.” She took another bite. “Watching a clock doesn’t make it tick any faster.”

He grinned. “Are you a natural born smart-ass, lady?”

She didn’t answer him, but studied the puzzle while finishing her pizza. “Oh! There’s a piece.” She placed the cardboard part into its spot. How much fun, seeing the picture growing before her eyes and having a part in making it. Feeling like a winner, she nearly jumped up and down. “I found one!”

“Congratulations. Now finish eating,” Mac ordered. “You need to get back to bed.”

She looked at him and smiled. “Oh, really? I’ll decide when I’m ready for bed.” She stood to take her plate to the sink unable to resist flashing him a smirk as she walked past him into the kitchen.

When she turned to head back to the table, she bumped into Mac. Without warning, he lifted her again in his arms.

“Put me down. Just what the hell do you think you’re doing, Mac?” she protested.

“Taking you back to bed now that you’re done eating.”

“Put me down this instant. No one tells me what to do.”

“Looks like I am, darling,” he confirmed, his expression a little mischievous with narrowed eyes and stern lips. “Boys, you might as well tell her now that my word is law in this house.”

The boys giggled and Mac smiled. Hannah’s heart warmed instantly. No one had ever gone through so much trouble for her. Plus she couldn’t deny the pleasure in being toted around by such a strong man intent on caring for her, if only to see her get the rest she desperately needed after such a harrowing day. Wrapped securely in his strong arms, she felt safe and treasured.