A thump sounded downstairs, followed by a male voice calling, Holly? You home?
Upstairs! she shouted back.
Matt sent her a curious look. Were you expecting company?
Thats Jon, my brother-in-law whos helping me with the renovations. I gave him a key so he could work even if I wasnt home. She set her scraper down and gauged their progress with an encompassing glance around the bathroom. How about a break? Ill make a pot of spiced cider, and we can eat leftover sugar cookies from my classs Halloween party.
Matt rose to his feet and rubbed the muscles at the back of his neck. Youre not paying me to sit around and eat cookies.
Hey, Im the boss. She sent him a mock scowl. And I say its break time. Besides, I want you to meet Jon. Youll be working with him a lot in the coming weeks.
Holly? Jon called again from the hall.
Coming. She headed out to meet her brother-in-law, signaling Matt to follow her. She stepped out into the hall just as Jon reached the top of the stairs. Jon, a fireman in a nearby town, had the thick chest and wide shoulders of a man who kept his body in top condition for his job. Like Ryan, he had the Cole familys brown hair, straight narrow nose and dark eyes.
Her brother-in-laws smile of greeting dimmed as his gaze shifted to Matt. A puzzled frown dimpled Jons forehead for a moment before he schooled his face. Hey, I thought Id work on sanding the floor in the study today, he said by way of greeting. But if youreentertaining He cast another meaningful glance toward Matt.
Holly supposed having a man
in her bedroom on a Saturday morning could look suspiciousif she were the sort to bring men home for one-night stands. Which she wasnt. And Jon knew that. She gritted her teeth and sent him a scowl, primarily for the awkwardness his comment might have caused Matt.
Jon, this is Matt Rankin. Ive hired him to help with the renovations.
Her brother-in-law arched a dark eyebrow, reflecting his surprise, but he quickly molded his countenance in a polite smile, offering his hand to Matt, as Holly completed the introduction.
Weve been removing the old wallpaper in the master bathroom. Why she felt compelled to explain why Matt had emerged from her bedroom she wasnt sure. If she wanted to entertain men in her home, she couldwithout having to answer to Ryans family.
Jon narrowed a scrutinizing gaze on Matt and scratched his chin. Have we met before? You look awfully familiar.
Matts casual stance stiffened slightly. Not much, but enough for Holly to wonder about his reaction to Jons question.
Notthat Im aware of.
Jon continued to study Matts face intently. I know I know you from somewhere. Do you go to Macs gym? Calvary Baptist Church? Work for a first-response squad somewhere locally?
Matt shook his head, his expression wary. No. None of the above. Sorry.
Oh, well, maybe it will come to me later. Jon shrugged and turned his attention back to Holly. Pitching his voice low, he stepper closer to her. I told you Id help you finish the house. You didnt have to hire anyone. Extra help is an unnecessary expense when Ill work for free.
Holly cut a side glance toward Matt, who feigned interest in the family photos on the wall, before facing Jon again. And I appreciate your help more than you know. But youre busy with Kim and working at the fire station, and Im ready to be done with this old house. I want to finish by Christmas if possible.
Both of his eyebrows shot up now. By Christmas? Itll take more than one guy working round the clock to finish in two months.
Holly grinned and patted Jons arm. Which is why I still need you to come when you can and pitch in, if youre willing.
Of course, but He left the complaint hanging, glancing once more to Matt before sighing his resignation. Whatever. Its your house.
Yes, it is. Sowe were just about to take a break. Would you like some spiced cider? Holly started down the stairs but tossed the question over her shoulder.
Uh, no, thanks, Jon answered, his gaze fixed on Matt again. I thought Id get started sanding the floor in the study today. You still want to keep the hardwood floor in there, right? Sand the existing floor, then stain and finish it?
Yep. Thats the plan.
The soft thud of footsteps on the stairs told her Matt was following her as she made her way to the kitchen. She moved her Snoopy cookie jar from the counter to the table and removed the lid. Help yourself. The mother of one of my students made them.
Matt pulled out a kitchen chair with a scrape and sat down. He ate one of the cookies in two bites and closed his eyes as he savored the treat. Mmm, cant tell you the last time I had a homemade cookie. These are delicious.
Ill be sure to tell Mrs. Holbrook you enjoyed them. Taking a seat across from him, she nibbled a cookie herself, and her mind drifted back to something Matt had said earlier. What did you mean when you said you practiced in Charlotte before you moved to Iona Falls? What did you practice?
Matt seemed startled by her question. He drew a deep breath and blew it out, then rubbed his bristly chin before answering. Medicine.