Bogota Blessings Read Free Page A

handsome in a brooding rogue sort of way. “We were on our way to see if we could look at the house. It’ll be easier to plan out a work schedule and arrange for supplies once we have a better idea of what needs to be done.”
    “Come, we will tell Maria we are going to the house.” Mateo met Kayla’s gaze. “You must always let someone know where you are going. That way they know where to start looking if you don’t come back.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.” The force with which he spoke sent fear skittering through her. Maybe she wasn’t as safe at the mission as she’d thought, despite the assurances Pastor Ramírez had given them when discussing the renovation project. But then, would her father have sent her on this trip if he thought she was at risk?
    Angie stepped close as Paul moved up to talk with Mateo about the teen he’d mentioned. “I thought we were supposed to be safe as long as we stuck close to the mission,” she whispered.
    “So did I,” Kayla whispered back, her gaze on the limping man ahead of her. “But I think I’ll take Mateo’s word over my father’s.”
    “Scary as he is, me too.”
     
     
     
     

2
     
    No denying it, the woman was smart. Mateo watched Kayla walk through the rundown house, investigating every corner, taking copious notes, and discussing the necessary repairs with her two compatriots. Although he’d done a little construction work, helped with repairs around the mission, and even remodeled parts of the dormitory, his knowledge and skill was far below that of the pretty American.
    He’d seen the change in her eyes when he mentioned the possibility of Eduardo helping with the renovation. Instead of the worry evident when he walked up, warmth had appeared. Perhaps even a hint of admiration. And although he knew pride was a sin, he couldn’t stop the swelling in his chest whenever he thought of her admiring his compassion for the street kids. Few foreign volunteers seemed to see him as much more than a handyman who was always around to take care of whatever needed to be done.
    Paul and Angie headed for the hallway, saying something about checking out the bathroom fixtures. Kayla still stood under the hole where a light fixture should be, making notes. Mateo slowly approached her, wishing he was better at charming women. Instead, he tended to remain silent or say things that made them laugh at him for attempting to flirt.
    Kayla glanced at him with a smile. “This place sure needs a lot of work.”
    “Yes, but there are plenty of people who are willing to help. They may not be as experienced as those you work with in the United States, but they work hard and follow directions well.”
    “That’s really all we need. Angie, Paul, and I can take care of any structural work that needs to be done, but it looks like most of the work will be cosmetic.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked up at the hole in the ceiling. “Angie’s worked with volunteers before to wire houses for Habitat for Humanity, so this won’t be an issue. And Paul, well, he always seems to have a couple of plumbing apprentices working with him.”
    “What about you?” Mateo asked, fishing for any bit of information he could get.
    She brought her gaze to meet his. “I’m in charge of making this place look pretty. You know, plastering, painting, putting up trim. As long as the volunteers follow instructions, this project should go smoothly.”
    “I have done that work myself. Perhaps I can help you once you get started.”
    “I know you can help me.” She laughed, a light sound that lifted his heart. “I don’t know enough Spanish to carry on a conversation, so I’m hoping you or someone else who’s fluent in both English and Spanish will help translate for the volunteers.”
    “Translation work is one of my jobs when we have foreign volunteers. Some of the other local volunteers also speak passable English and can help.”
    “That would be great.