Jack pointed to a large tree at the side of the house. “I remember the old wooden plank swing that hung there. Remember how that yellow nylon rope would burn our hands if we held too tight when we spun each other around?”
The rubber seal of the truck’s window frame warmed Livy’s forearm. “Yeah. Didn’t you try to jump out of that swing one time and get hurt?”
“Got this scar to prove it.” Jack leaned over, and she made out a small pink scar above his right eyebrow. “Fell face-first into some twigs on the ground.”
She traced the scar with a finger. What a treasure that they shared these childhood memories. He turned over her hand and placed a tender kiss on her palm before casually stepping out of the truck. How did he do that—keep his composure so well? She breathed deep to regain her own wits—a common practice now—and stepped down from the truck, too.
Just as they finished unloading the tools onto the porch, the loud rattle of a diesel engine sounded from the road. The delivery of the trash container was a little early. After a few tries to back the truck up the steep driveway, the driver eased the big metal container down on the far left side of the yard. Livy signed for it, giving the inn as her address for the invoice as Aunt Bea said she could do.
Time to get to work.
Standing with the passenger door open, Livy rummaged through her bag for the coveralls. From the other side, Jack removed his long-sleeved pullover to reveal a dark blue Bowdon Supplies T-shirt—and strong, toned arms. Dancing in his arms the night before, she’d noticed his fit frame, but seeing his muscles flex as he pulled on work gloves left her a little breathless.
He smiled at her through the cab of the truck. Get it together and stop staring. Blushing, she grinned back, shimmied into her coveralls, and closed the door.
“You look like my middle school janitor. Where’s your yellow bucket and mop?” Jack tugged at the arm of the baggy work clothes as they made their way to the porch.
Sure, the one-piece tan outfit wasn’t the most flattering. “Well, let’s see what tune you’re whistling when we’re done here and I can just whip this thing right off.” Like back at the antique shop, Jack’s eyebrows perked up again with a flirtatious grin. “Oh, Jack, you know what I mean! Stop flustering me!”
He laughed with her.
Why did she fight the urge to flirt? So what if he flustered her? And there was no shame in finding him attractive. She was a single woman and Jack was a single man. Just enjoy the day for whatever it’s meant to be.
The next several hours, they worked hard to clear the remaining junk from the entire house. The large furniture made it into the trash container except for the couch, a set of old dresser drawers, and a floor lamp, which went into the back of Jack’s truck for delivery to the local thrift store. Livy also filled a large box with random books to take to the community library, which held a book swap once a month. Around two o’clock, they took a snack break. Livy went to the truck and retrieved the apples, peanut butter, cheese and crackers, and water they’d thrown in the cooler in the backseat.
“Thanks. I’m starving.” Jack caught an apple Livy tossed him. They walked to the back of the house and spread a drop cloth underneath a shade tree. Livy set the other items down and stretched her arms above her head.
“It’s really warmed up this afternoon.” She unzipped the coveralls, but the zipper stuck about a third of the way down. After struggling with it a minute, she let out an exasperated huff. “Would you please see if you can get it?”
“Sure.” He set his apple down, rose to his knees from the spot he’d claimed on the drop cloth, and motioned her closer.
He tugged and pulled. Licking his bottom lip, he appeared to concentrate on the task, but Livy saw his lips quiver to hold back a laugh. A bead of sweat rolled down her back. She also needed to pee. With a nervous giggle, she placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.
He gave the zipper a forceful tug and it gave way. Livy tumbled into him, nearly knocking them both to the ground. His arms wrapped around her, helping keep their balance. Laughs faded, as their faces met, his cheek scruffy against hers. She sat back, putting some space between them again.
“I’m glad you’re here, Jack.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“That’s nice.” Livy smiled, lifting to her feet. “But I’ve got to go.” She scurried off to the other side of the house to find a private spot to squat, his laugh floating on the air.
Once back, Livy claimed a spot on the cloth close enough that her knees touched Jack’s.
“It’s been kind of hard, you know?”
“Yeah, it’s a big move.” He nudged her knee before resting back on his elbows and looking up into the branches above. A strong breeze blew stray hairs across her face.
“We’ve accomplished a lot already today with your help, but it’s more than that.” She lay back with her arms behind her head. “You’ve kept me company. When I decided to move here, I had one objective: get away from the city and the person I’d become. I didn’t think about not knowing anyone here. On the drive up here from my mom’s, it hit me. I’d be away from certain people I no longer want to see, but I wouldn’t have anyone at all here.” She propped herself up on an elbow, facing Jack. “I prayed to God that He’d put a friend in my path. I think my exact words were, ‘Lord, give me someone to keep me company.’ As usual, He did so much more than that.” Her hand found Jack’s laying against his chest. Did her smile convey her affection?
Jack seemed to study the leaves high above. His hand closed over hers and squeezed. Had she shared too much and made him uncomfortable? She didn’t think so, but doubting herself was a hard habit to break.
He twisted to face her, eyes damp. She held her breath.
“Livy, that is the exact prayer I’ve been praying for the last six months. Those very same words.” His voice was deep and soft, breathy. “I have the most amazing friends, and I couldn’t ask for a better brother. They’ve all been there for me through the divorce, encouraging me and supporting me as I’ve worked to heal. Once I moved past the shock and anger of the situation with Claire, they started to set me up on dates. I haven’t been interested. Dating seemed so trivial, so risky after what I had been through. But I’ve been lonely.” His voice cracked and he drew in a deep breath. An understanding she’d gladly give up flooded her as he continued. “About six months ago, sitting in church, I prayed that God would bring me someone to keep me company. And I believe He has.”
Livy finally exhaled the breath she’d been keeping in, rolling onto her back. Her feelings were enough to process. Jack’s both overwhelmed and scared her. This wasn’t just a wink and flirty quip. She and Sam had become involved so quickly after meeting. She hadn’t known him at all, really, when they’d begun dating. She’d been pulled in by the attention he offered—and look where that had gotten her.
Livy had to find a way to talk to Jack about her fears. Maybe tonight at his house they’d have a chance to talk some more over dinner. Here at Gram’s house, in the middle of so much to do, wasn’t the time or place.
The only sounds were of an occasional cricket, a songbird’s serenade in the distance, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Livy stood and offered Jack a hand. As she helped him up, her arms found their way around his middle. Her head rested against his chest for a long moment, and she noted its rhythmic rise and fall. She wasn’t used to being held by a man again. The embrace was exciting and tender, just like on the dance floor the night before.
He kissed the top of her head. In that moment words like treasured and safe swirled in her heart. Had it really only been four days since they’d met? Could these feelings be real? God, if it’s Your will, help me be the woman Jack needs. And help us see where You’re leading us.
They spent the rest of the day scrubbing the kitchen, pulling up rugs in the two bedrooms—revealing original hardwood floors—and purging the shed. Jack checked the integrity of any walls that appeare
d to have water damage from a leaky roof and marked a few for new sheetrock and finishing.
“I’m going to talk to some of the guys and see if we can arrange a Saturday for us to come and bang out several of these bigger jobs.” Jack loaded the larger tools in the truck.
She handed him her tool bag. “I think your contractor voice is pretty cute.” You look pretty cute, too.
“Thanks, I think.” He laughed, placing it inside and pulling up the hatch. “Tonight, we can talk more about the other big projects you want to do.”
“Let’s not worry about the house tonight. We’ve gotten a lot done today, and I feel really good about the progress. Shop talk can wait one night, don’t you think?” She smiled at his raised eyebrows.
“Yes, ma’am. No arguments here.”
As the truck meandered down the winding country road away from Gram’s house, Livy caught a glimpse of herself in the side mirror. Just like the cottage, there was already a little more vibrancy in her face. Did it reflect a renewed hope? Next to her, Jack cleared his throat. She turned to him and watched him study the road, masterfully maneuvering the twists and turns. Would he be as careful with her heart?
CHAPTER
Eleven
J ack’s truck made easy work of the steep, but gentle climb up the mountain to his house. Livy was curious to see where he lived. The tall, swaying pines along a winding private road were enchanting. Just when the trees grew thick enough to drown out most of the daylight, they came to a clearing.
“Well, this is it.” Jack’s truck rolled to a stop, and quiet filled the cab.
“Wow.” Livy let the word linger. Before her stood a large, honey-colored log cabin and a simple but beautifully landscaped yard. Mature spruce trees that flanked the sides of the house reminded her of Christmas.
Up close, it was even more mesmerizing with a wraparound porch, natural stone chimney, and deep red tin roof. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting, but this was something special. Both impressive and somehow modest and inviting.
“Hey, buddy! Did you have a good day?” Rex bounded off the porch. Jack knelt and gave the dog a good scratch behind the ears. “Do you remember this pretty lady?”
Rex pushed his wet nose into her hand. “I remember you, too, boy.” She turned to Jack. “He looks a lot like my daddy’s dog, Molly. They were inseparable on the farm. I have a soft spot in my heart for men who love their dogs.”
“Lucky us.” Jack’s eyes brightened as he patted the side of his leg, beckoning the dog to follow his lead. “Come on, boy. Let’s show Livy around.”
Jack grabbed Livy’s duffle bag from the backseat, and Livy followed him inside. The spacious interior was stunning. Walled by the same wooden beams as the exterior of the house, it boasted tall, vaulted ceilings. She followed him through the main living space to the open kitchen.
“Jack, it’s just beautiful. Doubt I can afford granite like this in Gram’s house.” He ran her hand over the cold, smooth flecked granite counter.
“Sure you can. I know the guy who runs a quarry just about an hour from here. I could get him to sell it to you wholesale.”
He was even more handsome in his home, in his element.
In the living room, an oversized brown leather sofa and loveseat, antique wooden coffee table, and brick-red woven area rug were positioned in front of a large fireplace. She ran her hand along the mantle, made of the same natural stone she’d seen outside. The comfy throw pillows and blankets on the couch and seat made the place feel homey and lived-in. “It suits you very well.”
The home was comfortable and sturdy, just like Jack. She walked over to a huge, floor-to-ceiling wall of windows past the living area. Outside was an expansive porch and balcony that framed a breathtaking, unobstructed 180-degree view of the valley below and misty mountain ranges in the distance.
“Thank you. I worked for a long time on this house. It was a real labor of love.” He joined her at the window.
She turned and swatted his arm. “Get out! You built this?”
“Designed and built—with a great crew of guys, of course.” Jack looked around his home, standing tall and beaming.
Livy shook her head. “You have an obvious eye for architecture. Do you miss designing houses now that you’re running the store?”
Jack surveyed the expansive living room. “Well, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it at all. It’s my passion, really. But I don’t regret for a moment coming back here to help my family. Bowdon’s is the only supply store Laurel Cove has ever had. I couldn’t let the family legacy die with Dad. I always expected to take it over one day, just not quite this soon. But, as you know, life has a funny way of leading you right where you need to be.” He smiled at Livy and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
“Yes, I do know a little something about that.” She leaned in to playfully bump his shoulder.
“Building this house kept me sane during Dad’s illness. It was my therapy. I had intended to finish it in time for Claire and I to move in and celebrate our first anniversary, but that never happened. So it’s just me and Rex.” He patted the dog’s head, who sat at his side looking out over the view. “Do you want the rest of the tour?”
“Would love it.” She nodded and he grabbed her hand, sending electricity through her arm.
He pointed across the room. “That small spiral staircase leads up to a second floor loft, which is my office.”
He then showed Livy the guestrooms and guest bathroom down a long hallway, his bedroom down a short hallway on the other side of the living room, and finally the laundry room. He set out the soap and fabric softener for her laundry then paused in the doorway. “Guess I’ll leave you to it. Holler if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Jack.” He stood there a moment watching her before turning to go. She smiled and waved him away. Gushing water filled the washer but didn’t drown out her thoughts. The craftsmanship of the home was immeasurable to anything she’d seen before. And the cozy style suited him nicely. But did it bother him to live in a house he’d intended for his now ex-wife? She added the detergent, closed the lid, and started toward the kitchen. The sun was below the horizon now, the large living room even cozier in dim light.
“Do you like shrimp?” Jack set items on the counter from the refrigerator.
“One of my favorites.”
“Good.” Jack maneuvered around the kitchen with little effort, in his element.
Being in his home filled Livy with a sense of comfort too. But she suspected that had more to do with Jack himself than the beautiful and cozy design. How did he do that? Put her so at ease?
“I think I’ll get these marinating, then we can grab a shower.” He shot her a wide-eyed look, face flushing.
Livy’s hand flew to her mouth to stifle a laugh. It was Jack’s turn to pull his foot out of his mouth.
“What I mean is, we can each take a shower.” His hands flew up in defense. “Me in my bathroom, and you in the guest bath.”
“Yeah, sure that’s what you meant.” Livy drew out her words and squinted her eyes at him.
He washed his hands, prepped a quick marinade for the shrimp, and placed the bowl in the fridge before showing Livy to the guest room. It was just as charming as the rest of the house, with a high four-poster bed covered with a colorful quilt and rocking chair in the corner facing broad windows. She smiled at a square pillow on the chair with “Cabin Fever” stitched across it in thick red thread. The grand view mimicked the one from the porch. If she lived here, she’d never tire of this view.
Jack pushed open another door that led to an attached bathroom.
“Watch out for the purple bubble bath in there.” His tone was serious, but a smile played across his face. “Owen and Jen’s kids spent the night a few weeks ago when they went out to Asheville to celebrate their anniversary. They left their soap here.” With a wink, he left her to clean up. As if she didn’t already find him delightful, the thought of him caring for children w
as even more impressive. A known instinct jumped inside her. One baby step at a time, Livy. As she reached to turn on the shower, her own laugh at the pun echoed off the tiled walls.
***
Jack heard the rush of water sound through the pipes from the direction of the guest bathroom as he headed toward his bedroom. A longing tugged at him. He’d actually never been alone with a woman in his house. It had turned out to be a somewhat unexpected day with Livy. Breakfast had turned into shopping, which turned into helping at the house. Even despite the run-in with Mary Sue, having Livy here now—for an actual dinner date—made the day too good to be true. Could it really be this easy?
Jack showered and dressed in khakis and a lightweight black sweater before returning to the kitchen. He put on quiet music and lit a candle at a small table next to the bank of windows. The shrimp and vegetables were skewered for grilling, and he was preparing a small salad when Livy stepped into the kitchen.
His breath escaped at the sight of her in a long, black, flowing dress covered in a loose gray cardigan. Her hair, which he’d only seen pulled back in a ponytail or braid, now cascaded past her shoulders in thick, brown curls that framed her face. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds. Beautiful before, she left him speechless.
As she walked toward him, Jack couldn’t stop staring. He wasn’t quite sure why, but her bare feet made her even more attractive. She was comfortable with him—in his house.
“You look…” Jack paused when she stood next to him. “Amazing.”
Livy stepped close and inhaled near his neck. “So do you, and you smell great.” Goosebumps scattered across his arms.
Someplace Familiar (Laurel Cove Romance Book 1) Page 11
