Bachelor to the Rescue (8 page)

Seeing the building for the first time cemented her determination to make sure it was completed on schedule so she could work every day in this stunning home. She'd questioned coming to see Shaw in person, but now she was glad she had. She would ask him to let her peek inside. Her curiosity was on fire.

As she walked along the driveway, a wave of doubt formed in the back of her mind. Thanking Shaw in person had seemed like a good idea earlier. But now she found herself reluctant. Something had happened between them last night. She'd seen a different side to him when he'd told her about his mother. His vulnerability had touched her heart. She'd taken his hand, and the contact had short-circuited her pulse. She hadn't wanted to let go. What was wrong with her? She couldn't be attracted to Shaw McKinney. It was impossible. Out of the question. Not to mention, wrong.

So why was she here in person to see him? Why hadn't she waited for him to come home or called him on his cell or left him a note taped to a pane on the French door? She couldn't explain this strange compulsion to see him again. Which was ridiculous, because she lived in his house.

Lainie chewed on her bottom lip. She needed to be honest. He'd called her beautiful, and his words had touched something dormant deep inside her. The feminine part she'd denied for a long time. When Shaw looked at her with those intense blue eyes, she felt attractive and cherished. She missed feeling that way. But she shouldn't put too much stock in what he said. He was a man skilled at turning women's heads, making them feel special.

She stopped beside the building, glancing down at the flowing skirt on her sundress. Why had she changed clothes? Her shorts and T-shirt would have been perfectly appropriate to stop by to see Shaw. She should go home. She would hand him his credit card, say thanks for the swings and that would be that.

“Lainie. What are you doing here? Is everything all right?”

Caught. Lainie looked at Shaw, who had appeared from around the back of the building. His blue eyes were narrowed in concern, his stubble-darkened jaw rigid. A well-used leather tool belt hugged his lean hips over faded jeans. With the white hard hat, he looked like an ad for the well-dressed carpenter, and all male. Her mouth went dry. Had he asked her a question? She blinked. “Oh, yes. Everything is fine. I came by to return your card and to see the library.”

Her cheeks warmed and her stomach did a funny twist. His dark, penetrating eyes punctured her last shreds of confidence. Coming here was a bad idea. A very bad idea.

She didn't want him to think she'd come here for him, because she hadn't. That would be unthinkable. Unforgivable. What she was feeling was a crazy mixture of gratitude and stress. Not attraction.

She forced a smile. She'd make this quick, then get back home.

* * *

Shaw studied Lainie closely. She was flushed and fidgety. Not at all like her normal self. He wasn't convinced she was all right. He took a step closer. She flinched and quickly opened her purse, pulling out the prepaid card he'd given her that first day, and handing it to him with a tight smile.

“My replacement cards came today so I won't need this one any longer. But thank you. I didn't use much of it.”

He took the card reluctantly, hurt that she was so eager to return his gift. “I didn't intend for you to give this back. It was for emergencies.”

“I know. But I can handle that myself now. And—” she bit her lip, grasping the strap on her shoulder bag with one hand “—I wanted say thank-you for putting up the swings for the girls. They found them this morning and refused to eat breakfast before playing on them.” She held his gaze. “You made them both very happy.”

Her sincere words touched him deeply, leaving him tongue-tied and searching for an appropriate reply. “I wasn't sure about how low to place the seats. I hope they were okay.” Lainie smiled, her eyes turning a warm cocoa color and causing that wobbly sensation in his knees.

“They were both perfect.”

Pride swelled inside his chest. Lainie's compliments made him feel like a hero. He'd made her happy. “Good. I'm glad they liked them.” He enjoyed the sight of her standing in the sunlight, her eyes sparkling, a happy smile bringing a glow to her face.

She shifted her feet and looked past him to the building. “So this is going to be my new library. I love the architecture of this old home.”

Aware he was staring, he looked over his shoulder, taking a second to compose himself. “Yeah. It's one of the oldest homes in Dover. Artemus Webster was a cotton baron and was influential in bringing the railroad through here.” It occurred to him Lainie had never been inside the building. “Would you like a tour?”

“I'd love that. I haven't had much time to think about what the library would look like. I'm too busy just trying to start work.”

“Wait here. I'll be right back.” Shaw quickly retrieved a hard hat from his truck and handed it to her. She frowned.

“Do I have to?”

“I'm afraid so. This is a government job, which makes it mandatory.”

She grimaced, but put the hat on. It slid down to her ears. Shaw adjusted the inner webbing to make it smaller, then took her arm and guided her back to the front along the sidewalk leading to the recently restored double cypress entry doors. He wanted her first impression to be memorable.

“How's the search going?”

Lainie grimaced. “Terrible. I don't think there's anyplace in Dover I can use. No one wants to donate space, and the cost of renting is too high.”

“Don't give up hope. I've still got a few places to check into.”

Shaw was glad the exterior was completed. He doubted Lainie would have been impressed with the run-down state of the old home when he had first started the restoration. The beige brick facade had been cleaned and repainted, new windows installed in the bay wall, broken parapets restored and new sidewalks poured. All that remained was the landscaping.

Pulling open the doors, he waited for Lainie to enter, but kept close enough so he could see her reaction. The foyer of the old house was paneled in cherrywood, with marble floors and the original gas chandelier rewired for electricity. Ahead, the intricately carved staircase rose to the second floor. Lainie's slow intake of breath told him she was suitably impressed.

“This is gorgeous.”

“It took a lot of restoration work, but I think I got it pretty close to the original.”

“You did this?” She ran her hand along the burled wood insets on the walls.

“I did.” Was she impressed? He wanted her to be. But then he realized his ego was getting out of hand and squelched the thought.

They stepped into the area that would become the lobby and Lainie's enthusiasm faded. Shaw felt a need to explain. “Over here will be your checkout counter. Jeb is building it at my shop. Behind it is your office and rooms for meetings or classes. The rest of this floor will be bookshelves. These wood floors will be refinished.”

He led her to the other side of the building where the wall bayed out creating a cozy nook for reading. “This is where the donor's collection will be kept. It'll be carpeted.”

Lainie moved around the area, her expression troubled. Shaw watched her closely as they toured the second floor and the area that would house the computer center. He'd seen this reaction many times before when showing an unfinished space to a client. Some people could easily envision the end result, while others, like Lainie, weren't able to see beyond the bare walls and construction debris. They exited through the back entrance. Shaw held his breath, bracing for Lainie's reaction.

She returned the hard hat, staring back at the old house and chewing her bottom lip. “It's so empty, and there's so much work to do. Are you sure you can finish it before the deadline in three weeks?”

“I think so. I know it doesn't look like it, but we're in the final stages. You'll be surprised how quickly it'll all come together.”

“I hope so.” Her gaze scanned the area. “Shaw, what's that building?”

He looked in the direction she was pointing. “That's the old carriage house.”

“Does it belong to the library?”

“Yes. But it's not part of the construction. It'll be closed up and kept for future use. Why?”

“It looks like a large space.”

“About the size of a three-car garage.”

“Can I see inside?”

“Sure.” He wasn't sure why she was interested. Shaw unlocked the door and stepped inside. The yellow brick building was a cluttered mess of boxes, old tools and discarded furniture. “Like I said, it's not much.”

Lainie stepped farther into the space. “It's perfect.” She smiled at him, the enthusiasm back in her eyes. “Why can't I work on the library books here?”

Shaw took a look around. The space was good. “I suppose it would work. But it needs to be cleaned out.” He scanned the ceiling, warming to the idea. “I could install a couple of small air-conditioning units to cool the room. There's already Wi-Fi active in the library so you could set up your computer. But I don't have any crew to spare.”

“Maybe we can find some volunteers.”

Volunteers. He smiled and nodded. “I think I know the perfect ones to recruit. My woodworking students. They can clear this out in a day.” The excitement in her eyes swelled his chest. He knew in that moment he'd do anything to make her happy.

Lainie fisted her hands in triumph. “This will be perfect. Once the windows are cleaned and this stuff out of the way, we'll have more than enough room, and when it comes time to move the books, they'll be right here. And it won't cost us anything.” She clasped her hands together. “You won't charge us, will you?”

He had to laugh at her worried expression. “Of course not. Besides, that would be up to the library board, and I don't see them charging themselves.”

“I was beginning to think I'd never find a place. And to think it was right here all along.”

Lainie's joy washed through him like sunshine, casting warmth and light into parts of himself he'd forgotten existed. Her delight drew him like nothing else ever had.

She faced him, her bright smile still in full force. “This is going to solve all my problems. I'll never be able to thank you for this.” She flung her arms around his neck in a quick hug.

Shaw tentatively slipped his arms around her back, his senses on overload, his heart pounding. “It was your idea.”

Slowly, she drew back, her hands sliding down the front of his shirt, as if reluctant to let go. Her gaze locked with his. Her eyes were wide and filled with surprise, but there was a question there, as well. His attention moved to her slightly parted lips. If he moved a mere inch, lowered his head a fraction, he could kiss the lips he'd thought about every night since she'd come to Dover. He looked at her and realized she was thinking the same thing.

Abruptly, she stepped back, her face pale. “I'm sorry. I mean, I shouldn't have done that. It was—”

He wouldn't let her feel badly about what had happened. “It was a hug between friends. That's all.” He read gratitude in her big brown eyes. “You better get busy. Call Angie and tell her I said the carriage house is available. I'll call the boys and get them started.”

“Okay.” She started out, but stopped and threw a smile over her shoulder, leaving him dazed like a schoolboy and unable to move long after she'd disappeared. If he had any sense, he'd keep his distance from his lovely tenant. His feelings were growing, and that could only lead to a painful outcome. He didn't need any more of that in his life. Pulling out his cell, he started making calls. He had to remember there was a big line drawn in the sand between them. Crossing it would have serious consequences for everyone.

Chapter Seven

S
aturday morning Lainie drove to the library filled with happy expectations. Today she would finally start cataloging the books from the donor's private collection. Since discovering the carriage house a couple of days ago, things had moved swiftly. Angie Durrant had approved the carriage house as a suitable working area, and by the end of Friday, Lainie had been hired as consultant, signed contracts, gained access to the library system and been given all the information she needed to begin ordering books and furniture for the library. The books from the collection had been delivered to the carriage house this morning, and she was eager to get started. Gwen had agreed to watch the girls whenever she was needed. It was amazing how things could change in one week.

Parking her car beside the carriage house, she couldn't keep memories of being in Shaw's arms from resurfacing despite her willing them not to. A rush of hot embarrassment rose up her neck. She'd acted impulsively the other day, out of gratitude and excitement. He'd been gracious and brushed the hug off as a simple friendly gesture. But she knew the truth. She was attracted to Shaw, shameful as that was. And she had no explanation at all for her unexpected desire to kiss him. Each day it became harder to match her old assumptions about him to the reality of him. He wasn't arrogant and selfish. He was confident and thoughtful. She tried repeatedly to shove him back into the old mold, but he kept breaking out in new and surprising ways.

He'd come home early the other night, and she'd watched him walk to the swings. He pushed the girls for a long time before going inside. The sight had touched her heart. She'd seen his affection for her children, and they adored him. Shaw fit so easily into their lives. But she didn't want him to. Sighing, she faced a truth she'd been avoiding. Her feelings for him were changing. Somewhere, he'd stopped being the enemy and become a friend.

But she had to remember Shaw was a charmer, a man who won women's hearts with little more than a glance. She couldn't read anything more into his attention than what it was—his obligation to her and the girls because of the past.

She was so confused emotionally that she was starting to lose sleep at the time she needed it most. Shoving thoughts of Shaw aside, she got out of the car. Since arriving in Dover, she'd felt adrift, without a solid footing to stand on. Working on the collection would keep her mind off her conflicted feelings and provide the structure and control she needed.

Lainie stepped inside the carriage house and into a wall of boxes blocking her way. Puzzled, she moved to the worktable and picked up the delivery notice. The donor's private library consisted of three thousand titles. She'd anticipated a few hundred not a few thousand. This was a much bigger job than she'd ever imagined. Why hadn't she asked about the amount sooner? Glancing back at the mountain of boxes, her heart sank. Even working around the clock, she doubted she could finish cataloging in time for the library to open. She'd given her word. But there was no way she could do this alone. She would need help.

But who? Other than Shaw and Gwen, she didn't know anyone in town, and neither of them could set aside their own lives to help her. She needed someone with experience, someone who could step in and start work without needing any training. Someone like...Millie.

She would be the perfect person to ask. She had the experience and intimate knowledge of the town and their reading preferences. Plus a love of the library. But she would never agree to work with the person she believed stole her position.

Still, Lainie had to try. She didn't like being a divisive element in her new town. Reaching out to Millie in a gesture of peace and friendship might be a way to smooth the troubled waters.

She mulled the idea over the rest of the day, and by Sunday morning she'd formulated a plan. When she arrived at Peace Community Church, her hopes were rising. She would talk to Millie at the monthly luncheon in the fellowship hall after the service. It would be the perfect place. A relaxed environment surrounded by lots of people.

But as she and the girls were finishing their meals, Lainie was beginning to think her plan was futile. She hadn't seen Millie anywhere at the luncheon. As the girls went off to play with their new friends, Lainie scanned the room once again. She'd never met Millie, but Gwen had pointed her out before the service. The prospect of approaching the woman sent butterflies aloft in Lainie's stomach. She'd almost given up hope when she spotted the stately former librarian standing near the back door of the hall. Gathering her courage, Lainie rose, trying to ignore her sweating palms and the tightness in her throat.
Please Lord, open her heart and let her see the benefit of working with me.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Tedrow.” Millie turned around, a deep scowl on her narrow face. “I'm Lainie Hollings.”

“I know who you are.”

Lainie struggled to ignore the cold tone in the woman's voice and proceed. “I've started cataloging the books our library benefactor donated, but it's a massive job. I'll admit that it's more work than I can do on my own. If the new facility is to open on time and meet the requirements of the donation, I'll need help getting them into the system. There's also the matter of all the new books that must be ordered.” She took a deep breath, looking for a softening in Millie's glare, but finding none. “With your extensive knowledge and experience with the library, I thought perhaps you'd like to help me get things organized.”

“You want me to be your assistant?” Millie's lips pressed together tightly. “Of all the nerve.”

“It's for the good of the town. I'm sure you want the library to open on time as much as I do. You know the reading tastes of the people here, and I don't. I want to make sure the books we offer encompass the interests of all the residents.”

Millie raised her chin, looking down her nose. “You can figure that out yourself. In time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I don't believe we have anything else to say to one another.”

Lainie fought to control the feelings of humiliation and disappointment. Natalie came to her side, her little face set in an angry scowl.

“I don't like you. You're mean to my mommy.”

Millie stopped, squared her shoulders and turned around.

Horrified, Lainie pulled her arm around her daughter. “Natalie, apologize to Mrs. Tedrow at once.”

“I don't want to.”

Millie looked at Natalie. “Perhaps your father should instruct you on the proper manner in which to address your elders.”

Natalie leaned back against Lainie, her anger fading. “I don't have a father. He's in heaven with Jesus.”

Lainie swallowed a lump of sadness mingled with regret. “I'm sorry, Mrs. Tedrow. I won't bother you again.” Wrapping an arm around her child's shoulders, she started back to her table. She sensed all eyes in the room were on them, but a quick look around proved that notion false. She scanned the room for Shaw. She could use a friend right now. She had seen little of him since she'd started working in the carriage house. She had the feeling he was avoiding her.

She'd been convinced of that when she'd arrived at church this morning in time to see Shaw embrace a petite blonde woman. She'd held his face in her hands, her smile revealing her affection for him. They'd walked into the church together arm in arm. She'd seen them seated closely in a pew near the front.

Apparently, she'd been hasty in thinking he didn't fit the image she'd had of him. He was easily distracted by the next pretty face. Not that it mattered to her. She had no reason to believe that Shaw was attracted to her. A mother of two wasn't his type. While she might find him attractive, she could never have romantic feelings for him. “Natalie, go get your sister. She's playing in the corner with her friends.”

“Lainie, is everything all right? I saw you talking to Millie.”

Shaw appeared behind her. Where had he come from? “I'm fine. I asked Millie to help me with the books, but she refused.”

“I can't say I'm surprised.” He touched her elbow. “If you have a moment, I'd like you to meet some friends of mine.”

He steered her toward the pretty blonde woman he'd sat with. He wanted to introduce her to his girlfriend? No way. She stopped. “I need to get home.”

“Please. It'll only take a moment and they're anxious to meet you.”

They? Did he have a fan club of females? Probably. Too tired and discouraged to argue, she followed him to a table on the other side of the room. The three women had been joined by a fourth whom Lainie recognized as Angie Durrant.

Shaw stopped beside the blonde seated next to Angie. “Ladies, I'd like you to meet our new head librarian, Lainie Hollings. Lainie, you know Angie. This is her daughter, Laura Holbrook, my former boss.”

Lainie noticed the resemblance now between the blonde and Angie. “Nice to meet you.” Shaw introduced the elegant and very pregnant dark-haired woman as Shelby Durrant, and the auburn-haired woman with the sweet smile as Ginger Durrant.

“We're so glad to meet you.” Laura smiled warmly. “Mom has talked about you a lot. All good.”

“She's going to be a tremendous asset to Dover.” Angie glanced at Shaw with a motherly smile. “Since Shaw's become a businessman, we hardly see him. We demanded he sit with us today since all our men are on a Handy Works project.”

“What's that?” Lainie asked.

Shaw explained. “That's the ministry the Durrants started to help with repairs for those who can't afford to hire the work done.”

“What a wonderful idea.”

Ginger smiled. “They will recruit you once you're settled.”

“And I'll be more than happy to participate.”

They chatted a few moments, then Lainie said goodbye. She'd been unduly relieved that the lovely women Shaw had been seated with were the Durrants—the happily married Durrants. That explained the warm hug from Laura Holbrook. She was his former boss. Of course they would be close. Kissing cousins close.

Shaw was not her problem. Millie was, and their encounter had been a disaster. She couldn't complete the book job in time without Millie's help. With the added task of selecting and ordering the furniture for the library, her time was stretched to the limit. She was grateful, but she worried that she might fall behind on her responsibilities.

Lainie had barely changed out of her church clothes and gone downstairs when Gwen knocked at the back door.

“I heard what that old sourpuss said to you. I knew I should have stayed for the luncheon.” She frowned as she took the glass of sweet tea Lainie offered. “My mother is behind this.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Oh, Mom and Millie have been friends and neighbors since forever. They see any change as a bad thing. When the choir director decided to forgo robes, they had a fit. When the pastor was given an additional week of vacation, they were furious. They think he should be on call 24/7, three hundred and sixty-five. It's ridiculous.”

“I hope I can find someone else to help me. If not, you may be watching my kids round the clock.”

“I don't mind a bit. They are darlings. But don't give up yet.” Gwen patted her arm and grinned. “I may be able to fix this for you. This attitude of theirs has been coming to a head for a while, and a talk with my mother is long overdue. Hang in there.”

Lainie had no idea what Gwen was planning, but she hoped it would work. Getting the library stocked and ready was more overwhelming than she'd anticipated, and she was beginning to doubt her capabilities.

What if she failed to finish her job on time? The townspeople would really dislike her then. She'd be forced to leave Dover and start life over—again. All she wanted was to be settled once and for all. Why was that so difficult?

* * *

Shaw had scheduled the delivery of the cabinetry and counters for early Monday morning. He'd gone by the shop to make sure everything was ready. Jeb had pulled the large truck to a stop at the rear of the library right on time. If only all his subcontractors were as dependable.

They tackled the large reception counter first, which was refusing to fit in the space. Shaw shoved his end of the eight-foot-long unfinished counter into place. Russ manhandled the other until the cabinet fit perfectly. “Looks good.” Shaw stepped back and eyed the custom-designed piece of furniture that would be the checkout counter for the library.

Russ nodded, running a hand along the smooth wood. “Jeb did a good job. It's going to be mighty pretty when it's stained and sealed. I think Miss Lainie will be pleased.”

Shaw glanced at his friend, seeing the teasing glint in the man's dark eyes. Had Russ picked up on his attraction to Lainie? He'd have to do a better job of keeping his feelings hidden.

“She'll be pleased when the place is done and she can go to work.” Russ chuckled and went out to help Jeb bring in more cabinetry.

Shaw surveyed the large main room. Once all the cabinetry was installed, he could start on the baseboard and shoe mold, and if he could juggle the painting and staining crew with the floor refinishers, he could make up a couple days of work.

He'd been working full out for the past few days, and it was paying off. But it was costing him in other ways. He was getting home so late he hadn't seen Natalie and Chrissy. He missed them. He missed Lainie. He shouldn't, but he did. He'd only seen them once since the church lunch. Shaw wished he'd seen her talking to Millie sooner. He could have run interference for her, but he'd been trying to maintain a safe zone between them. When Laura had asked him to sit with her, he had jumped at the chance. He'd been thinking only about himself. He was supposed to be taking care of Lainie.

Even though Lainie was mere yards away in the carriage house, he'd deliberately avoided wandering back there to see her. The memory of her impulsive hug, the feel of her arms around him had lingered in his thoughts ever since. But it had also set off warning sirens he couldn't ignore. He was becoming too entangled in her life, too preoccupied with thoughts of her. It was a dangerous path for both of them. Time to pull back before someone got the wrong idea and ended up hurt. There was no room or time in his life right now for romance of any kind. He needed to focus his energy on getting the library finished. That was his main objective. Along with making sure Lainie and the girls were taken care of until then. Nothing more.