by Joan Davis
“Damn, girl, take my head off next time, why don’t ya,” Buck said gruffly. “We need to meet with Sam about the production schedule. Let’s go.”
“Things changing?”
“Now wouldn’t that be why we’re meeting with Sam, to find that out?”
“Okay, love you, too,” Honor’s tone was just as grumpy as Buck’s, and by the grin on his face he loved it.
They stepped into the site trailer where the office was located. Sam sat behind his desk and waved them towards the chairs in front of it. “We’ve got a couple of delays that we’re going to have to work around. The backers are rethinking the entire design of the library. They want to add another section for some type of educational training or classes for seniors. I’m not sure yet, and until we get this settled, I don’t see the point in wasting our time by digging out the foundation when the footprint is still subject to change,” Sam said.
Honor could tell he was frustrated. It seemed as if the backers couldn’t resist coming in every few weeks and making some sort of time-consuming and costly change. Sam was in a constant battle between keeping them happy and stopping them from demanding things the budget wouldn’t allow. They were under the assumption that if the change requests were made prior to the work being completed it shouldn’t alter the cost. They failed to grasp the fact that supplies, man power and about a million other things had to be pre-ordered or scheduled ahead of time and even the smallest deviation would cost extra time and money.
“Anyway,” Sam continued, “I need to work out a new time frame and schedule once they come up with their newest brilliant plan. For the time being, I am going to switch gears and put people on the interior work of the recreational center and retail spaces. We’ve got several people out with the flu bug that’s going around. That alone has put us behind in almost every area. So at least we can try to make up ground while we’re on hold.”
Honor interjected without hesitation, “Not a problem. I know the guys are a man or two down in framing and drywall, but I can lend a hand wherever you need me.”
“I hate to ask that of you. That’s not what your job description requires.”
Buck snorted which caused Honor to laugh. “Yeah, I know that, but I was taught better than to think that just because I was hired for one job, it doesn’t mean I’m too good to get my hands dirty with another. Plus, Buck would kick my ass if I tried.”
“Damn straight.” Buck barked approvingly.
“Well, it’s appreciated. I’ll try to let you both know about the new plans and schedule as soon as I know anything concrete,” Sam said grinning.
Honor and Buck stood up to leave and turned as the trailer door opened and Gabriel Ryan and Conner Matthews entered. Honor’s skin flushed a little as Gabriel’s eyes caught hers and he smiled.
“Hey, old man,” Gabriel grinned.
“I got your old man right here, asshole,” Buck shot back good-naturedly.
Conner sprawled out on the big nubby couch that ran along one wall. “I’m starving to death. Hurry it up, Sam. Hey, Buck, Honor. You going with us? I need food.”
“Quit your bitchin. You won’t starve,” Sam growled.
Gabriel looked at Honor and his grin got bigger. “Nice hairdo.”
Honor’s hand automatically reached up towards her head until she saw the humor in Gabriel’s eyes. She knew her braid was unravelling and her hair was sticking out in places. Instead of feeling self-conscious, his words brought out her own wicked sense of humor. Without saying a word she stepped up close to Gabriel and stuck her hands in his silky hair and proceeded to ruffle it wildly until it stuck out in all directions.
“There now, you don’t have to wonder any longer about what you’d look like after doing a hard day’s work,” she said smiling at Gabriel contentedly. “Sam, is there anything else you need?”
“Not a thing,” Sam said straight-faced.
“Good, I’ll get back to work. Ya’ll have a real nice day.” Honor stepped out of the trailer grinning and burst out laughing when she heard a roar of laughter coming from inside.
This wasn’t the first time they had teased each other like this. From almost their first meeting, she and Gabriel seemed to delight in ribbing each other about the silliest things. When he had commented on her manly work boots, Honor had offered to take him to the shoe store to trade in his girlie loafers for some big boy shoes. She never felt uncomfortable or under attack when they sparred. It was just friendly banter. It also made her feel sexy, naughty, and even feminine at times. He triggered every bit of her awareness when he was near.
She loved his smart wit and humor. They had found common ground in politics, world events, and even pop-culture. He was a news junky like her, and they both loved the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Gabriel would start a simple conversation with her and before either one of them knew it they were in an intense discussion that usually ran everyone else out of the area.
Catching sight of him always caused Honor to breathe a little faster and feel a lot more sensual, almost like a cat who wanted to rub up against its mate. Wow, slow down there, Sheba. Don’t start panting in front of everyone. But Honor’s body was tight with the constant arousal Gabriel inspired. She was so tempted to let go and allow herself to get closer to him. She knew he was more than willing, but she also knew she had to be cautious. Recklessness was a dangerous thing. Having fun and keeping her distance had to be good enough. Nobody could get hurt doing that. It was definitely safer. No one to let her down. No finding out about lies and deceptions. Betrayal and hurt could be avoided. Yeah, and you get to sit alone every night watching life pass you by, Honor thought in frustration.
*****
Squinting against the afternoon sun, Honor nudged her sunglasses up on her nose and turned her truck down another neighborhood road. She was spending the weekend getting to know Dalton, North Carolina by driving around and getting lost. The way Honor saw it, whenever you are lost you always find your way to something new. It was better than lazing around in her rental cottage.
Every time she went out it was like a treasure hunt. She had found a wonderful neighborhood consignment shop. It housed everything from antique furniture to vintage clothing. She had also found the quickest way to Charlotte, NC, and even a few lakes that were open to the public. Though small, Dalton boasted its own post office, police station and a variety of shops that would keep even the savviest of shoppers’ content.
Today, Honor found herself wandering through several residential neighborhoods. The houses ranged from simple single-story cottages that were in sad shape to large estates sitting on enormous pieces of property. It never changes, Honor thought. It was the same in every city or town she had worked. There were always neighborhoods that looked neglected and without hope while just a few miles away were neighborhoods dripping wealth and prosperity.
Turning down another tree-lined street, Honor’s breath caught in her throat. As if calling her name, a house caught her attention and held it. It was an older single-story Craftsman style bungalow complete with a wrap-around porch. Like a dream come true, a FOR SALE sign sat right in front. Without thinking, Honor wheeled the truck into the driveway and sat for a moment staring at the structure.
Buying a home had never entered Honor’s mind until this moment. The house spoke to her heart and it spoke back in rapid succession.
From her truck she could see that the house was empty. The windows were without dressing and there was a big realtor’s lock was on the front door. Sitting back, she started taking stock. The house looked solidly built, but the outside needed a lot of cosmetic work. A bit overgrown, the yard still held the proof that it had once been cared for and tended. The roof appeared fairly new.
Unable to stop herself, she hopped out of the truck to get a closer look. Her excitement increased as she climbed the steps that led to the front door. The porch felt solid, but a few of the floor boards had warped and would need to be replaced. The tapered columns that supported the porch ap
peared stable and gave the place a sound, warm feel. It needed work, but with a little paint and care she was sure she could return it to its former glory.
Looking through the windows, Honor found the house empty. She saw a large, sunny room that could be the living room, and she could also see part of the kitchen further down. “It’s everything I want.” Honor murmured.
“I hope that’s not totally true.”
Jumping back defensively, Honor swung around and came face to face with Gabriel Ryan. Jesus, what the hell is he? Half cat? Honor thought to herself. She hadn’t heard a hint of his approach before he spoke. Her heart rate sped up as she encountered those piercing bright green eyes. He stared at her without a word before he took a step closer. Honor fought the instinctive need to back up. Her reaction to him was always the same, attraction and a simultaneous urge to run away. It was a constant battle.
Honor cleared her throat and asked. “What are you doing here?” Looking around, Honor saw Gabriel’s truck parked alongside hers. She had been so engrossed that she hadn’t even heard him drive up to the house.
“I was on my way to see Sam and Risa and I saw your truck. Are you looking to buy a house?”
Not sure of his intent, Gabriel’s question left her feeling exposed and defensive. “I was just curious. I saw the For Sale sign in the yard and stopped to take a look. Why do you want to know?”
Ignoring the suspicion he heard in her voice, Gabriel said, “I happen to know the owner and the realtor who is handling the sale. Do you want to look inside?” Seeing Honor’s hesitation, Gabriel sighed. “God, woman, you are exhausting. Do you want to take a look inside or not? It’s a simple question. I’m not asking you to run around the house naked.”
Honor bit back a spontaneous laugh at his disgruntled expression and choice of words. She relaxed a little and said, “Yes, I would like to look inside.” She’d also like to run her hands through those silky dark locks of hair that just touched the base of his collar.
He moved closer and reached up over her head to the lintel and pulled down a key. She caught the heady scent of his aftershave and had to stop herself from moving closer to his warmth. Giving herself a mental shake, she said, “What’s with these people? They just leave a key lying around? Don’t they realize that anyone could break in and take whatever they want?” They obviously practiced a total lack of personal security or precaution. Honor had noticed this behavior from almost everyone she’d met in Dalton. People didn’t think twice about leaving their homes and cars unlocked in their absence. She had also noticed that people often left personal items like purses and wallets lying about in restaurants and shops where anyone could walk by and take them. Don’t these people understand they are just asking for trouble?
Gabriel opened the door with a shrug. “It’s empty. There’s nothing to take.”
Honor snorted. “Don’t bet on it. Copper wiring, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, molding, cabinets, there’s a ton of stuff that could be stolen. People are financially desperate right now. They will make a buck any way they can, and it happens more often than you’d think,” Honor said as she stepped into the house and looked around. Propping her sunglasses on top of her head, she admired the wood floors that ran throughout the house. Her gaze cataloged every detail with an experienced eye, and she liked what she saw. She didn’t waste time. She moved into the kitchen and began checking under the sink, opening cabinets, noting the outdated appliances and counter tops. Slipping into the utility room and garage Honor checked the washer/dryer connections and the water heater and air conditioning unit before moving back into the main house.
Gabriel watched Honor move and not for the first time admired her tall, lithe grace. Today she was not wearing the usual work clothes she wore at the job site. His body tightened as his eyes settled on her delicious behind. Well-fitting jeans cupped her just right and hugged her legs all the way down to a pair of strappy sandals. The flirty little white baby-doll top she wore molded around her generous breasts before it swished down to just above her hips. Gabriel’s fingers tingled with the temptation to run his hand up underneath that shirt and feel her skin against his.
She walked back towards him and ducked into the entryway that led to the two smaller bedrooms that were separated by a full bath. Gabriel picked up the conversation and said, “People are trusting here. We don’t experience a lot of thefts.” He heard another faint snort of disbelief from within one of the bedrooms and then Honor came back out with a raised eyebrow.
“You and Conner Matthews run some type of security firm don’t you?”
“Conner owns it and I do consulting work for him,” Gabriel said vaguely.
“Then you might want to do a little research. I bet if you asked a few cops around here they would tell you a different story. Like I said, people are in dire straits. A lot of them have families and both parents may have been out of work for more than six months. Unemployment compensation has dried up, food stamps barely last for part of a month and people are losing their homes. After a while, their options run out. Many of them feel like they have no choice, and they start to do things that they would have never thought they’d do just to survive. It’s just the way it is,” Honor said shrugging.
She moved down a short hallway that led into a large master bedroom. It had two large windows that looked out upon a spacious back yard with a built-in deck and even a large pond that was more like a small lake. It had its own bathroom with a shower and a roomy walk-in closet. The more she saw the more she wanted this house. It felt warm and safe, something she never had growing up in Atlanta. Walking back to the window, she took a deep breath. It was something she hadn’t even realized she’d she wanted, but now it seemed like too much to give up.
“You sound as if you speak from experience.” Gabriel spoke softly from directly behind her. Honor felt his warmth as he moved closer and placed his arms on either side of the window. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, but he resisted the temptation.
Still staring out the window, Honor shrugged. “Let’s just say that I know what it’s like to have to do things you don’t want to do just to get by in this world.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. This house was not the only thing she wanted.
Gabriel was quiet for a moment. Her constant wariness was beginning to make more sense. He was beginning to realize that her life might not have been idyllic. He leaned forward a bit before asking, “You like this place a lot, don’t you?”
Unable to resist the need to see his face, Honor turned until she could lean back against the cool glass and meet Gabriel’s eyes. “Yes, I like it very much,” she said.
“I like you very much,” Gabriel whispered leaning closer, his warm breath fanning softly against Honor’s full lips. He moved one of his hands to gently cup the side of her face, and he watched her eyes grow heavy and molten. Forcing his dominant nature down, he moved with deliberate patience. He didn’t want to give her any reason to back away from him.
Honor tilted her head slightly until their lips were just touching. A shiver of awareness skittered down her spine. She had wanted this from the first moment she had seen this man. For weeks and weeks they had danced around each other. Getting close, but never close enough. She knew his walk and the power of his quiet presence. Despite his reserve she couldn’t help being drawn to his wicked humor and sharp mind. Hell, who was she kidding, there wasn’t a thing about him that didn’t draw her attention.
Honor knew he was out of her league. He was everything she wasn’t, a college-educated and rich (if the rumors were correct) pillar of the community. Men like him dated models and dainty debutantes. They did not date under-educated, foul talking, tattooed female construction workers. And yet, here they were and Honor couldn’t resist the temptation he offered. His lips slid against hers and her hands move up to grip his waist.
“Yoo-hoo! Gabriel Ryan, is that your truck I see out front?” a shrill voice called out from the other room.
Jerkin
g back, Honor banged the back of her head against the window. Gabriel cursed softly as he looked at her with regret. He reached out to rub the back of her head, but he saw that her defenses were back in place and she was withdrawing from him. In frustration he turned towards the bedroom door and called out, “We’re in here Millie.”
Gabriel walked out into the dining room and saw Millicent Andrews clutching her little handbag and smiling up at him. “Hey, Millie, I was just showing the house to a friend who might be interested in buying it.”
“Silly man, don’t you know that’s my job? Why didn’t you call me? I would have been happy to do the honors. Ms. Emma has been anxious to sell this place for a while. I had hoped that you would end up buying it, but I guess that isn’t going to happen. So who’s your friend? I’d love to meet him,” Millie said. Ever selling, always on cue, that was Millie.
But Gabriel watched a look of horror coat Millie’s face as Honor walked out into the dining room area and stood next to him. “Millie, I’d like for you to meet Honor Weston. She moved here a few months ago. Honor, meet Millicent Andrews. She’s the realtor for the owner of this house,” Gabriel said, frowning at Millie’s continued expression.
“I . . . Oh my . . . How do you do?” Millie finally asked. “You’re the one that wants to buy this house? Oh, I really didn’t expect . . .” Millie floundered for words.
“You didn’t expect what, exactly?” Honor asked with a raised brow. She didn’t know the woman, but she definitely recognized her.
Millie blushed with discomfort. “Well, I mean, this house doesn’t really seem to be a good fit for you is all I was sayin’. I’m sure there are other homes that would be more . . . suited to your taste, maybe a little more . . . affordable.”
Honor’s eyes grew icy and Gabriel watched her whole demeanor change. “I see, you mean like one of those abandoned houses over on Dumont Street, maybe? Would that be . . . more suited to MY taste?” Honor asked with frozen politeness. Her body language was definitely menacing. He could tell her intent was to scare the woman.