barely.
“I’ll think about it, but we’ve never had any problems here before. I grew up in this town. It’s always been a safe place.”
Connor decided to leave that idea for another time and went back to his list. “The barn is in really bad shape. You could do an awful lot with a space that size. We’ll talk about it after the necessary things are done. I just can’t see how it got so bad, though, considering how the rest of the house was kept.”
“My pop, I mean grandfather, used to write his column for the paper out there. That’s where he was when he died twelve years ago.” She looked out at the barn with a haunted expression. “Gram couldn’t make herself go in there much after that. It was a really special place for them.”
“I was sorry to hear about your grandmother. I heard she was quite a special lady.”
“Thank you.” Jordan smiled. “Mr. Coleman must have told you that. I think he was sweet on her.”
They both fell quiet for a few moments. Finally, Jordan asked, “What are you going to charge me for this work?”
“I can’t lie to you, ma’am. Materials aren’t cheap.”
“I worked for a construction company for the last seven years,” Jordan said. “I know exactly how much materials cost. I want to know what your fees are.”
He looked down at his feet. This was the deal breaker. “I live in my van. I could park it behind the barn, or wherever you want. I work from sunup to sundown, no Sundays. After work I could use a place to shower and a good meal. Besides that, I would need about fifty dollars a week for gas and such. I’d stay out of your way, but I would be here until I know that you and Lizzy are safe and sound. It may take a few months.”
“Mr. Coleman tells me you have references.”
“You’re a smart lady. You must take after your grandmother.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I’ve seen her house.” He rose and hopped down the porch steps.
Something was wrong in this house. He’d seen the haunted eyes and defensive body language before. Ms. Jordan Holbrook had secrets she wasn’t sharing. The question was, how involved did he want to get? He had plenty of problems of his own.
****
That evening Connor had finished repairing the car. He had even changed the oil and filters. Jordan watched him from the kitchen window as he washed his hands with a bar of soap and the garden hose. To her surprise, he pulled his T-shirt off and sprayed the water down over his head. As he stretched to let the water cascade down his body, she saw the scar that crossed the left side of his massive chest and another across his stomach. Whoever hurt him had intended to kill. Her heart ached for the pain it must have caused him. Still the ropes of muscle and light covering of honey colored hair on his body fascinated her. If she were in the market for a man, he would definitely fit the bill. However, a man was the last thing she needed.
A half hour later, he walked through the back door dressed in the dirty T-shirt again with a small bundle of clothes wrapped in a towel. “Is it okay to use your shower now?”
“Sure.” She smiled. “Help yourself. Dinner will be ready by the time you’re finished.”
“I generally take my dinner to the van to eat. I don’t want to get in your way.”
“Lizzy’s been looking forward to having company. She had to leave all her friends when we moved. It would mean an awful lot to her if you’d stay.”
“I guess it would be okay for today, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
Connor returned to the kitchen a short time later looking fresh and smelling of soap. He set his bundle of dirty clothes on the floor next to the back door. He looked over at Jordan pouring milk into glasses on the table as Lizzy waited impatiently to begin eating. He hesitated for a moment before removing his hat and placing it on top of the bundle. A place was set for him across from Jordan with Lizzy between them. It had been so long since he’d