by Lucie Ulrich
“That was unexpected.” Sarah’s cheeks took on a rosy shade of pink. “I’m so sorry to have put you in this position. Pippa is going to get an earful from me when we get back to the house.”
He barked out a laugh. “It’ll roll off her like water on a duck’s feathers.”
“All the same, it’ll make me feel better.”
There wasn’t much to be done at this point. Kevin shrugged. “Now that you’re stuck with me, guess you might as well show me your new place.” He pointed toward the other side of the street. “I’m parked a few blocks down.”
“And I’m going to live right here.” She hiked a thumb over her shoulder.
“You’re moving into the bakery?”
Her laughter floated on the air. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m moving above the bakery.” She pulled out the keys Antonio had given her and unlocked the street-level door. “Come on up.”
“There used to be apartments above all the shops on this block, but that was years ago. I didn’t know any of them still existed.” He followed her through the front door. “Wow, this is fantastic.”
“I know. I’d live here for those windows alone.”
Kevin took his time admiring the woodwork around the doors, glass doorknobs, and wide baseboards. He entered the bedroom and opened the closet door. “Not the biggest space ever, but if you can find an armoire for some of your hanging clothes, I could put in shelving on this side and leave hanging space on the other.”
“Great idea, but I don’t expect you to feel obligated just because Pippa said so.”
“Pippa knows I love to work with my hands. It’s good therapy when I’m stressed or bogged down with school.”
“What are you studying?”
“Criminal justice.”
“How much more schooling do you have?”
“I graduate in three weeks, and after that it’s just my detective’s exam.” He peeked into the en-suite bathroom. A claw foot tub sat under a small window. The pedestal sink was in good shape, but again, there was no storage. “There’s room for a cabinet in the corner. If you can’t find one to your liking, I’ll build you one. Glass door fronts would look cool, don’t you think?”
“Sure, but—”
“I’m going to check out the rest of the place.” Kevin stepped into the hall.
Sarah’s sandals slapped against the hardwood floors, while her scent followed him to the dining room. Why was he offering to do all this work when he should be staying away? The answer was a no-brainer. He couldn’t help himself.
He entered the dining room. “What’s your take on wainscoting? I could frame out some beadboard and it wouldn’t cost much. Might be a nice accent to the brick wall.” He caught himself and grinned. “Sorry, I’m acting like this place is mine, not yours.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. “For a busy man you’re taking on a lot for somebody you barely know.”
If she kept smiling at him that way, he’d do anything she asked and then some. “Since you’re not moving until this summer, and I only have one class to finish before graduation, I’ll be looking for something to keep me occupied.”
“I’ll have to run any ideas by Antonio, but I have a feeling he won’t object.” She hiked her purse over her shoulder. “In the meantime, we should probably get moving.”
“Yeah, guess we should.”
Kevin waited for her to lock both doors before leading the way down the street. After opening the passenger side door of his SUV, it hit him that he hadn’t bought the shovel he came in search of. Instead, he was taking a beautiful, unavailable woman to his house. It seemed no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stay away from a certain petite redhead.
Sarah’s enthusiasm for her new place continued on the drive home. When he pulled into his driveway, she grinned sheepishly. “You’d think I was moving into a mansion or something, the way I’m carrying on.”
“A mansion wouldn’t suit you.” He opened his car door and got out.
She did the same, then joined him on the path leading to his front door. “What makes you say that?” Her tone wasn’t angry, more curious than anything.
“I guess it was your reaction to every little detail in the apartment and how you embraced the smaller spaces.” He unlocked the door and let her in. “Don’t mind me. I have a tendency to say things without thinking at times. My sister claims I don’t have a filter. I’m sure you’d make a mansion just as much of a home as your apartment.”
“To be perfectly honest with you, I can’t see me living in a mansion either.” She smiled, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkle.
Kevin shut the front door behind them. “If we’re going to make it to dinner on time, I’d better get that shower. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”
“No thanks. I’ll just wait for you in the living room. Or maybe I’ll have a look around and see just how handy you really are.”
He chuckled. “Be my guest. I won’t be long.”
Keeping to his word, Kevin was in and out of the shower in record time. He changed into lightweight slacks and a polo shirt. While brushing his hair in front of the bathroom mirror, he took a good look at himself, and whispered. “Please, Lord, take away any romantic notions I might have where Sarah is concerned. It sure would make my life easier, seeing as she shows up every time I turn around.”
The living room was empty when he returned, as were the kitchen and dining rooms. The bathroom door was open, and he didn’t imagine she’d be in the guest bedroom, leaving the backyard as the only other option.
Sure enough, he found her sitting at the patio table, eyes closed, and bare feet propped up on an adjacent chair. She looked so comfortable he didn’t want to disturb her. That and he could stare without her realizing it. Get a grip. Retreating slowly, Kevin reached for the screen door.
“I’m not sleeping, just resting my eyes.” She popped them open and stretched. “I was fine until I sat down. Guess all the searching and walking up and down stairs finally got to me.”
“It took me six months to find this place. I can’t imagine all the running around you did in one day.” Pulling out a chair, Kevin sat.
“A good night’s sleep and I’ll be fine. Knowing I don’t have to do this again next weekend helps a lot.”
“When will you come back to start working on the place?”
“Next weekend.” She slipped into her sandals, giving him a sweet smile. “I won’t have to hunt, but as you saw, there’s a lot to be done. School lets out the end of the month, and I’d like to settle in by mid-June. If I bring my folks with me, Mom will make sure the place is cleaned from top to bottom, and Dad will get the painting started.”
“If you want to leave the keys with Pippa, I can get some measurements this week for the beadboard, shelves, and bathroom cabinet. Can’t promise I can get all the work done, but it would be a start.”
They retraced their steps to the front door. “If we can make a quick stop at Antonio’s and get his permission, I’ll leave the keys with you.”
Kevin regarded her as she walked with ease to his SUV. “You would trust me with a key to your place?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” She opened the passenger door. “You’re a friend of Pippa’s and a cop. The apartment is empty, so there’s nothing to steal, and if you’d wanted to do me bodily harm, you’ve had ample opportunity.” She slid into the front seat. “I’m not worried.”
She might be if she had any idea how much he wanted to kiss her at the moment.
They drove the few blocks in silence, and found a parking spot around the corner from the bakery. Inside, Sarah managed to snag Antonio between sales, while Kevin stood by her side.
Antonio shook Kevin’s hand. “So sorry, but I’m out of donuts, Poliziotto Jenkins.”
“Good.” Kevin patted his stomach. “You’re going to make me fat.”
With a wave of his hand, Antonio ignored him. There would be a dozen fresh donuts waiting for Kevin come Monday morning. T
he police in Sunset Cove were spoiled.
Sarah explained her situation and her requests. “I also need some sort of light in the dining room.”
“I put in a light. You take care of the rest. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Antonio nodded. “Good. That makes two months’ free rent.” She opened her mouth, but he placed his fingers over her lips. “You no argue. First rent is September one.”
“That’s more than two months. I’m moving in around the middle of June.”
“September one.” He pushed her toward the front door. “I got work to do. Bye, bye.”
Kevin took her by the arm and escorted her out. “I can tell you from experience that it’s useless to argue with the man.”
“I’m one lucky girl to have made so many wonderful friends so quickly.” She grinned up at him and his heart lurched.
Lord?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sarah dashed up to Pippa’s apartment and changed into a pair of lime green capris and a striped lime and white lightweight boatneck sweater. She took her ponytail down and allowed her hair to fall free.
Laughter greeted her as she stepped onto the large deck. She wished Logan were here to meet her friends, but at least she wasn’t home alone, wallowing in self-pity.
Pippa handed her a glass of iced tea. “Are you mad at me?”
“Yes.” Sarah took the offered glass. “But we can talk about that later.”
Chuckling, Pippa sat on the glider. “Kevin said you really scored with Antonio today.”
“Yes, and I feel guilty about it. Whatever I have to buy isn’t likely to cover one month’s rent, never mind two.”
“Let him have his fun.” Mrs. Bradshaw picked up a crab puff. “Antonio is a giver. It makes him happy when others are happy. Besides, I’m sure he’ll be glad to see the place being used again.”
Sarah sat next to Pippa. Kevin was nowhere in sight. She figured he’d had enough of her today, and she didn’t blame him. “How long has it been empty?”
Mrs. Bradshaw finished off her puff. “About twelve years, other than the six months Antonio’s no-good brother mooched off of him. When Antonio first moved here with a dream to open his own bakery, he didn’t have a lot of extra cash, so buying the store complete with living quarters was perfect. It gave him time to save for a house.”
Warmth spread through Sarah despite the breeze coming from the water. “The fact he’s letting me move in makes me feel special.”
“You should,” Mr. Bradshaw said. He offered Sarah a mini empanada, which she gladly accepted. “He obviously saw what Norma and I have always known. You’re good people.” He winked and set the tray on a central table.
“Thanks, Mr. Bradshaw.” Unlike Mrs. Bradshaw, whose hair showed little gray, Mr. Bradshaw’s had gone completely white. Not a bad look, Sarah thought, especially with his dark beard and mustache.
Several other couples joined the group, and before long, Mr. Bradshaw announced dinner. With Pippa’s help, he presented an incredible meal of thinly-sliced pepper steak and skewers of grilled shrimp served over an arugula salad.
They dined on the deck, scattered in groups of three or four. Conversations drifted on the breeze, accompanied by multiple wind chimes. Sarah took her plate and searched for a quiet corner where she found Kevin sitting by himself. “Mind if I join you?”
“Of course not.” He pulled out a chair for her and moved the centerpiece off to the side.
“Thanks.” Sarah took the offered seat. “I should probably mingle, but after a long day I’m not in the mood for casual conversation with people I don’t know. Looks like my volunteer contractor is stuck with me again.”
“Contractor might be giving me a lot more credit than I’m due.”
She stabbed a shrimp. “Seeing as the only things I ever build are made from construction paper, craft sticks, or papier-mâché, I’d say the title fits quite well.”
“I appreciate your compliment and your confidence in me.” He pushed back his empty plate. “I’m sure if not for his travels your fiancé would be more than happy to help you get the apartment in order.”
Sarah took a large swallow of tea. Logan had a number of great attributes—handyman not being one of them. “The only thing Logan uses a paintbrush for is to sweep away dirt from buried artifacts. He doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty, but I wouldn’t trust him with a hammer and nail.”
Kevin chuckled. “Looks like you’d better keep a list of handymen on call.”
“Ha! I may not be able to build a wall, but I can certainly paint one. I can fix simple plumbing issues, install light switches and sockets, change a tire, replace old windshield wipers, check the fluids in my car, and hang the straightest pictures this side of the Mississippi.”
“I’m impressed.”
“Why, because I’m a woman? Would you be impressed if things were reversed? If Logan could do all those things and I was the one who didn’t know a hammer from a nail?” She took a bite of steak and salad, and watched his cheeks go slightly pink.
Kevin leaned back in his chair and scrubbed a hand over his face. “You definitely know a hammer from a nail, because you just nailed me to the wall.” He pushed his chair back and stood, then bowed deeply at the waist. “I humbly beg your forgiveness, Sarah Alexander.” He reached for his knife and wiped if off with his napkin, then laid it first on her right shoulder, then left. “I hereby dub you Lady Master Craftswoman.”
“Craftsperson, if you please.”
“I stand corrected.” Waving his arm in a grand gesture, Kevin bowed a second time. “Again.”
Sarah tugged on his arm, unable to hold back a laugh. “Sit down before you make a complete fool of yourself.”
“At your command, milady.” He lowered himself into his chair. “So, Miss Craftsperson, are you ready for all the big changes ahead?”
Again, her thoughts drifted to Logan, and the distance that separated them. “Not exactly the changes I thought I’d be dealing with, but that’s how life rolls at times.”
“I can see you miss Logan a lot.”
Sarah nodded, afraid her voice would crack should she speak.
“With getting your place in order and your new job, I’m sure the time will go by quickly.” He offered a small smile. “Bet you haven’t heard that before?”
“Let’s see.” Sarah set her fork down and held up her thumb. “His parents.” Her index finger came next. “My parents.” She quickly lifted every other finger on both hands. “And everybody I work with.”
“People mean well.”
“I know, and I appreciate it, but I’ll be glad to be moved in and not have the whole town watching to see how I’m coping.”
“And how are you coping?” Kevin’s smile revealed a single dimple on his cheek that Sarah hadn’t noticed before.
She considered telling him everything was fine, that she was in complete agreement with Logan’s decision and supported him one hundred percent, but saw no point in it. Besides, with Kevin’s powers of perception, he’d see right through her.
No longer hungry, Sarah pushed her plate away. “I do miss Logan, but part of me is angry that he chose the dig ahead of me.” She held up her hands. “I realize how selfish that sounds, but the whole thing came up so quickly, and Logan was so excited that I went along with it. I have to keep telling myself that it’s good for his career and a year or so apart will only prove to his parents that our love is strong enough to endure anything.”
“Why do you have to prove anything to his parents?”
She stirred the ice in her drink with the tip of her finger. “Logan asked me to marry him six months to the day from our first date. Had things gone according to plan, we would have been married less than a year from the time we first met, which his mother felt was rushing things.”
“If it’s right, it’s right.”
“Exactly.” She wiped her finger on a napkin. “Speaking of things being right, can I ask you something?”
&nbs
p; “Sure.”
“Why aren’t you and Pippa a couple? You seem perfect for each other.”
Covering his mouth with a napkin, Kevin coughed and sputtered. “Pip is like my little sister. We’re buddies, not soul mates.”
“That’s too bad. I like seeing the two of you together.”
“Did I hear my name mentioned?” Pippa pulled up a chair and sat with a flourish, wiping her brow in mock exhaustion. “It’s been such a trying day. Please tell me you were saying nice things about me.”
“Always,” Sarah said.
“Yeah, your friend here wanted to know why you and I aren’t dating.”
Pippa’s laughter drowned out the wind chime overhead. “Are you kidding? This guy is my brother from another mother.” She forked a bite of salad. “One day I’ll find my Logan, and Kev will find his Sarah. Right, buddy?”
“In God’s good time.” Kevin smiled Sarah’s way.
A swirl of mixed emotions tumbled through Sarah’s belly. Though she missed Logan, at least she had someone. If Pippa and Kevin were at peace with God’s plan for their lives, who was she to grumble?
Ashamed of her selfish attitude, Sarah stood. “Your dad outdid himself tonight. I don’t particularly like shrimp, and I ate three.” She reached for her plate. “And now it’s my turn to get to work. You two sit and talk while I get to the dishes.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Pippa tugged at the plate Sarah had just picked up. “We can get to it later.”
“Nope. I want everything taken care of before the birthday girl blows out her candles. You and your parents have been amazing and I insist.”
Pippa grinned. “Okay, Antonio.”
Sarah picked up a second plate. “I can think of worse people to be compared to.”
****
And Kev finds his Sarah.
It had been a struggle to keep his face even and come up with a quick response when Pippa had uttered those words a few minutes ago. His Sarah, who wasn’t his at all, moved effortlessly from table to table, collecting dishes and making small talk he knew she didn’t want to make. He couldn’t take his eyes off her and wondered if he’d ever be able to get out of the hole he was digging himself into, or if he even wanted to.
