In here. Holly flipped on the light in the master bedroom, and his attention gravitated to the king-size bed that monopolized most of the floor space. The covers were unmade and rumpled as if shed just tumbled out after a restless night. A light floral aroma hung in the air and teased his senses. He could too easily imagine Hollys lithe body tangled in those sheets, and his thoughts strayed to the hidden pulse points where shed dabbed her flower-scented perfume.
A hot throb of desire coalesced low in his belly, and his body tightened. Gritting his teeth, Matt diverted his gaze, fighting the surge of his libido. No matter how attractive he found Holly, no matter how long it had been since hed been with a woman, he had to keep his physical interest in his new employer firmly under control. Holly had placed a mountain of trust in him by hiring him, and he wouldnt do anything to betray that trust.
He appraised the rest of the room in a glance. Judging from the plush blue carpet and ornate crown molding, the renovations of the bedroom was complete.
We did this room and the kitchen first, since we use them most, Holly said, confirming his suspicion. But plumbing intimidated Ryan, and we put off doing the master bathroom. And put it off. And put it off. She turned on the bathroom light and stepped back for him to enter. But its time has come. Im ready to tackle the bathroom, whatever it takes.
Matt surveyed the stained linoleum floors and ancient fixtures. Outdated wallpaper peeled from the walls and hung limply over the cracked mirror. He had his work cut out for him. But he could do the job. His duties with the crew this summer had included plumbing work and basic tiling.
No problem.
But hed get a how-to book from the library, just in case.
So thats about it. Holly jammed her hands in the back pockets of jeans that fit her like a second skin. By my estimates, we can be done by mid-December, Christmas at the latest, barring any snafus.
Matt winced and held up a finger. Hey, dont even mention snafus. Youll jinx us.
Chuckling, Holly hit the light switch and backed through the bathroom door. Dont tell me youre superstitious.
Lets just say Ive had enough bad breaks to know better than to tempt fate.
Touché, she tossed over her shoulder as she glided toward the bedroom door.
Matt fell in step behind her, then hesitated when a picture on her nightstand caught his eye. A wedding portrait.
Pricked by curiosity, he eased closer to her bed and bent to get a closer look at Holly, wearing the same dress shed donned as a costume for the party today. Her sculpted face had been captured skillfully by the photographers lens. Her hair and makeup perfect, she positively glowed. But what truly made Holly beautiful was the love in her eyes as she beamed at her husband.
Matt gave the man a cursory glance.
And froze.
Recognition tickled his spine, and icy fingers of shock and dread squeezed his chest. Matts limbs felt leaden. His blood roared in his ears.
If he could point to one person who had caused him the most trouble, the most
anguish, the most loss in his life, hed have to point to the man in Hollys wedding picture.
Had Holly told him her last name? Should he have figured it out before now?
Matt shook his head, struggling for oxygen. Fighting back the bitter taste of bile that rose in his throat.
Hed told Holly hed help her with renovations. Theyd shaken on it, and Matt wouldnt go back on his word. He wouldnt break the trust shed placed in him.
Even if Hollys late husband had ruined Matts reputation and destroyed his life. Ryan Cole was the ruthless ADA whod disputed Matts sworn statement that Jills death was suicide and prosecuted him for murder.
Chapter Four
He grinned up at her from his awkward position on the floor. My dad used to say, You can do it quickly, or you can do it right. Quality work takes time.
Your dad must have known my husband. Ryan was a perfectionist.
When she mentioned her husband, Matt stilled, his mouth tightening slightly before he forced a grin and turned back to the wallpaper in the corner. Shed noticed a similar reaction earlier in the day and mentally bit her tongue. She probably talked about Ryan too much, especially considering Matt had lost his wife not too long ago. Perhaps the reminder of her late spouse stirred painful memories for Matt of his loss. Shed have to be more careful about raising touchy subjects.
After stretching the muscles in her hand, she picked up her scraper and attacked the dingy, stuck-on wallpaper again.
Tell me about your family, Matt said, breaking the awkward silence a moment later. You said earlier you moved to Morgan Hollow when you married Ryan. Where is your home?
Well, I consider Morgan Hollow home now. But my family is in Lagniappe, Louisiana. Thats where I grew up.
Matt propped on one elbow to glance up at her and wrinkled his nose. Lanyap? Thats kind of a funny name for a town.
She laughed. Lagniappe is a Cajun French word that means something extra. Its a great place to live, to raise a family, to grow old.