A Place to Call Home (6 page)

“Sorry, Ry,” Aidan muttered just loud enough to be heard. His sour face evidenced his embarrassment.

Mac stared in amazement.

“Okay,” Ryan said, his mouth remaining open.

Luke giggled.

“Luke?” Hannah called, turning to face them with a huge platter brimming with pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast in her hands.

“Yes?” Luke said quietly, his smirk suddenly gone.

“Now, you’re not laughing at your brother for apologizing, are you?” Her voice sounded the softest it had been so far.

“No,” Luke said shyly.

“Good, because it takes a big man to admit when he’s made a mistake and own up to it. By apologizing for his momentary lapse in judgment, Aidan just proved he was man enough to take responsibility for his actions. And that is very commendable.”

Son of a bitch, she was good. Mac grinned his best shit-eating grin. Did she even realize she was a natural mother? Hell, the boys’ own mother didn’t even know how to be one.

Aidan stood taller, his expression relaxing, her soothing words obviously easing his embarrassment.

“Now all of you take a seat. I’ll yell for your father.”

Hannah turned and Mac quickly stepped from the doorway, keeping her in his sights. She stared a moment then met his smile with a huge one of her own.

“I’m right here,” Mac announced entering the room. “Wow. Doesn’t this smell good, guys?” He sat across from Hannah.

“Can we dig in?” Ryan asked.

Hannah looked around the table and caught Mac’s eyes. “Do you say grace or anything?”

“No. Should we?” Mac asked.

“I don’t. I just thought if it’s something you did as a family...”

“Nah, let’s dig in,” Ryan said and grabbed for the food.

Quickly, everyone filled their plates and ate.

“Oh, I forgot the coffee.” Hannah started to rise.

“I’ve got it.” Mac stood and walked to the counter. “It’s the least I could do for such a fantastic feast.”

Her slender body wrapped in his T-shirt drove him insane with the need to touch her. If they had some privacy, he would give in to his urge to talk her out of it.

“Man, this is awesome,” Luke said. “Can we have this every day?”

When he placed her coffee cup down in front of her, Mac’s gaze met Hannah’s. That damn perfume wafted through the air, teasing his nose…and his dick. Did she carry it with her or something?

“Sorry, buddy, there’s no way I’d ever cook this good. It’ll be back to cereal after today, so eat up and enjoy while you can.”

“Aw, man. Can’t Hannah come live with us?” Luke asked innocently.

Mac almost spewed coffee through his nose and mouth.

“Can you, Hannah? Then you can make us breakfast every day,” Luke persisted.

Mac attempted to answer but Ryan cut him off, offering his fourteen-year-old insight. “Don’t be such a dink. She can’t come live with us because they’re not married.”

“They can get married,” Luke argued.

At this Hannah laughed. Mac ground his teeth.

“Could you marry my dad, Hannah? Pleeease,” Luke asked.

Hannah looked from Luke to Mac and smiled brightly. Oh, she loved this, didn’t she?

“I don’t know, Luke. You see, your dad hasn’t asked me yet. Isn’t that right, Austin?”

“Austin! Wow. No one calls him that,” Aidan said.

“Really? Well, I happen to like the name.”

“So you’ll marry him if he asks you?” Luke then turned to Mac. “Daddy, ask her. She can cook!”

Mac laughed, he just couldn’t help it, the whole conversation just so ridiculous but so lively. “All right, that’s enough out of all of you.”

Mac paid special attention to Hannah, giving her a warning glare in case she had any ideas of continuing the silly talk, though it had lifted his mood, made him happy. “No more talk at the table. Just eat. There’s no one getting married around here.”

“Except maybe Aidan and his girlfriend,” Ryan teased.

“Shut up,” Aidan responded.

Round two began.

“Hey.” Hannah only had to say it once and silence commenced.

Astounded, Mac studied all three of his sons who had continued eating without any further hostilities toward each other. How impressive for Hannah to be so sure of herself to wield authority over adolescent boys, gain their respect by treating them fairly, and prevent any outbursts. He’d ask her how she did that when they were alone.

Mac stuffed himself until he couldn’t breathe and sat finishing his coffee. Silence had never been a part of the MacDevin household but that morning had proved different when all four MacDevin men sat around the dining room table eating breakfast—an historic moment that hadn’t escape Mac’s notice.

“I have to be on a job at seven,” he said for Hannah’s benefit. “I can drive you home first.”

“Thank you.” She stood. “Okay, guys, clear the table. No fighting, right?”

The boys agreed in unison.

Yeah. Mac had to admit Hannah O’Leary had his boys under her spell for sure with her fantastic cooking and her feisty temper dispelling sibling rivalry. Mac glanced at the feisty beauty sitting across from him. Now, he only had to ensure he didn’t become enchanted as well.

Chapter Seven

When Mac parked in front of Hannah’s house, it saddened her that he had to leave. She could easily get used to having adult company. She sighed, and then inhaled his woodsy aftershave in the coolness of the morning air one last time before got out of his truck.

“Mac, thank you for all your help. What you did for me was incredible. No one has ever taken care of me that well.”

“No one, huh?” he said, sounding shocked.

She shook her head, fighting the sadness that always threatened to consume her when she thought of what she never had. “I didn’t mean to impose by making breakfast this morning. I just wanted a way to thank you for your hospitality.”

“I could’ve given you a suggestion or two,” he said, shooting her that killer smile she adored.

Goose bumps immediately covered her. A flurry of butterflies tickled her tummy at the sight, but she attempted to keep her concentration in line. “I’m sure,” she agreed, her own smile coming easily. If he didn’t leave soon then she’d be so tempted to ask him inside. But why jeopardize a fledgling business relationship for a few moments of pleasure?

He reached over and twirled a long curl from her ponytail. “You must be kidding if you thought making breakfast was an imposition. You just raised the bar so high for me I’ll never be able to compete with that food. My boys will be disappointed tomorrow when they eat cereal.”

Hannah laughed, the slight tug of her hair reminding her of his touch, making her want to turn into his arms. “I’m sorry I took your truck without letting you know but you were in the shower. I knew I had to hurry since you had to work.” She sent him a sideways glance. “I guess you thought I stole it, huh?”

His mild grin spread slowly. “The thought did cross my mind. But I wasn’t too worried since I know where you live.”

“Where I’m staying temporarily,” she corrected. “I won’t be living here.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. I move around a lot. I stay long enough to open the restaurant, then move on to my next project.”

“Where are you from?” he asked, releasing the curl but keeping his arm close. “You have a slight accent. I just can’t place it yet.”

Hannah froze. Her breath hitched. The unexpected question caused her to become quiet for a moment. How could she explain her past without scaring him off? If he knew the truth, he’d run fast and far from her.

“Well, nowhere in particular,” she managed with more calmness than she felt.

“Come on. Everyone comes from somewhere.”

And some people didn’t want to remember where that somewhere was. Those memories were better left in the past. “Listen. I know you have a full day, so I’ll let you get going. Thanks for the ride.”

Intending to end the conversation, she stepped out of the truck and shut the door. She waved to Mac before turning away, her once steady legs threatening to collapse beneath her. As she rushed to her house in hopes of leaving Mac behind, her heart pounded. How else could she ward off his questions? Questions she didn’t want to answer.

He followed her to her door. “Okay, so you don’t want to talk about where you’re from. I get it. Listen, I’m coming by later this afternoon to install new locks on these doors and hook up an alarm system.”

“You don’t have to do that.” She could focus only on the way his body shadowed hers. Not one spot on him didn’t display muscle.

“I do. This house has been vacant a long time. Who knows how the locks work. I’ll take care of it today.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate that.” It seemed strange having someone want to help her.

He shrugged. “The alarm system will only have a siren until you arrange for phone service to tie it into the alarm company who will dispatch the sheriff. For now the alarm will sound, usually enough to scare off unwanted visitors.”

Would it be enough to scare off unwanted family members? “Charleston doesn’t seem like a place where there’d be a lot of crime. Should I be worried?”

He shook his head and hitched his thumbs in his pockets. “Nope. Just need to be practical. Just the smart thing to do.”

She rubbed her temple to ward off the beginnings of a headache. “Okay, if you think that’s the best to do then do it. Just give me the bill.”

“I’ll stop by the hardware store in town, and with your permission, I’ll start an account for you. I’ll purchase the locks and you’ll have itemized receipts. Just pay the hardware store directly. The labor will be free.”

Her back stiffened. She didn’t want to feel like a welfare case. Those days had been left in the past. “I don’t need handouts. I’m quite able to pay for the labor. Just give me a bill.”

“Didn’t say it was a handout. Consider it a housewarming gift.”

“But it’s not my house. Just my business.”

“Whatever,” he said, looking around. “You going to be okay here?”

She looked up at the dilapidated house. “Yeah, I’ve got to get settled and check on my car.”

“I’m very good friends with the mechanic,” Mac said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll call him. When it’s ready, I’ll give you a ride.” His fingers gave a slight squeeze before he pulled away.

She smiled while butterflies swarmed in her belly. “I think you’ve done enough for me.”

“Give me your cell number,” he demanded, entering it into his cell when she recited it. “Like I said, I’ll give you a ride to pick it up.”

Folding her arms, she studied him. “You’re very pushy, you know?”

He grinned and strode toward his truck, his muscular butt displayed nicely in his worn jeans.

“Mac?”

He faced her and grinned. One look at him and her breath caught. Maybe it was a combination of exhaustion and his constant attentions, but she couldn’t remember a time ever being so in tune to a man’s presence.

“I don’t need to check any references. You’ve more than proved yourself worthy of the job. It’s yours.”

He hesitated before he spoke. “Fine. I’ll be your contractor as long as you’re not here while I’m working.”

That was rude. “Why not? I won’t get in the way.”

“Like hell. You’d be a distraction, Hannah.”

“How?” she demanded, hands on her hips where Mac’s T-shirt formed a knot.

His gaze raked her body from toes to head before stopping at her face. “Sexy body. Nice eyes. Great smile. If I had to watch you waltz around in front of me all day I couldn’t promise much would get done other than me having a constant hard-on.”

She closed the distance between them and ran a finger along his jaw. The freshly shaven skin invited her kisses, but she willed herself to behave. For now. “Well, that works two ways. I’ll have to watch you play with tools all day.”

He cleared his throat, his eyes lighting with a sexy gleam loaded with promises of temptation and fulfillment. “This could be a lot of fun.”

“I’m hoping so.”

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The morning flew by quickly. Hannah spent most of it setting up her bedroom and unpacking her clothes. The tiny apartment needed to be gutted and remodeled like the rest of the house and not one appliance had been updated. The mildew stench had been unbearable until Hannah had bleached and scrubbed every surface. Now the place smelled like a toxic cloud. But at least now it shone clean, free of dust and germs, and her things could be unpacked without getting ruined.

She lugged six large trash bags down to the backyard, sweat covering her skin in the hot late morning summer sun. Outside she breathed deeply, not caring how hot and humid the air hung. Anything felt better than smelling bleach. As she walked through the overgrowth, Hannah noticed that the gardens had been neglected like the house. Bushes not pruned, trees roots not mulched, roses not pruned or weeded. But visions danced in her head of what the space could become with a little TLC. She’d ask Mac about laying a brick patio out here, so in the cooler months, her customers could enjoy dining outside.

When her phone rang, she ran around the kitchen searching for the chime, rummaging through the cluttered countertop to find it. She answered breathless.

“Panting for me already?” Mac teased.

“Of course. I like your tools.”

He laughed, the familiar deep rumble echoing over the line. “Join me for lunch before we pick up your car.”

She could listen to that Southern drawl all day and it’d still sound sexy.

Clearing her throat, she spoke softly. “No, I can’t, but thanks. I’m filthy. I’ve been cleaning all morning.”

“Well, I’m heading over to you in half an hour, so get ready.”

“I said I can’t,” she insisted. Was the man thickheaded?

“You still need to pick up your car and I need to eat. So I’ll be there in thirty minutes, and you can either eat lunch with me, or watch me eat. I don’t care. Don’t matter none to me either way. Just be ready.”

The phone went dead.

Thirty minutes. She looked in the mirror, dirty face, sweaty skin, dusty clothes. How could he expect her to be ready in thirty minutes? The man was an ape.

She quickly stripped, jumped in the shower and stood under its pitiful spray, still talking to herself. “Thirty minutes. How can a woman get ready in that little time?”

After fighting a losing battle with the showerhead, she gave up, dried off, and spritzed her body with the perfume Mac adored.

True to his word, he arrived in exactly thirty minutes, blowing his horn. Hannah grabbed her purse and stomped to the door. How dare he blow a horn to summon her?

Hannah climbed in the passenger door that Mac held open. Well, that showed he knew something about etiquette. When he jumped back in his seat, she spoke. “You know, I thought you Southern boys had manners.”

“We do. Didn’t I just hold open your door for you?” he asked, driving toward town.

“Then you should know it’s not polite to blow a horn when picking up a lady. You should get out and ring the doorbell.”

He glanced at her. “I’ll remember that next time I pick you up.”

Next time? Sweet!
“You’re pretty confident there’ll be a next time,” she said with less bite.

“Yes, ma’am. At least this time you weren’t hanging from the rafters.”

She shook her head while glancing out the side window. “God, I’m never going to live that down.”

“Not any time soon. Besides, it’s kind of cute. I’ve never seduced a woman I’ve met under such unusual circumstances.”

Her head whipped around, shock consuming her. “You haven’t seduced me.”

“Not yet. Debating whether I should.”

She studied his profile. Confidence oozed from him. “What’s that mean?”

He only shrugged. “Nothing other than I haven’t decided if romancing you is in our best interest with me working for you and all.”

She angled her head and shot him a sideways glance. Who was he to think he could call all the shots? “Maybe I’m the one that will be seducing you, Mac,” she purred.

He laughed, the hearty sound filling the truck. “We’ll definitely see about that, Hannah. I like how you think, though. Not many women around here like to be so open.”

“Get used to it. Where I come from it’s the norm.”

“And where is that?” he asked, turning a corner.

“Oh, Christ. Are we back to that conversation? Don’t you let anything go?”

“Not when I’m interested.”

“Why would you be interested in my past?”

He shrugged, entering the diner’s parking lot. “I don’t know. Maybe I’d like to get to know the woman I’m about to work for. Try it. You may like talking.”

“Doubt it. You have a better chance of seducing me.”

He looked at her briefly before parking. “Don’t know if I want to kiss a lady I’ll be working for.”