Holly appraised Matt more closely. Could she trust him?
His clothes, though well-worn, somewhat dirty and wrinkled, had been high quality when new. She recognized the name brand logo on his shirt pocket and designer cut of his slacks. Turning this incongruity over in her mind, she wondered where hed gotten the expensive clothes. When hed smiled, shed noticed how white and straight his teeth were. Another anomaly among the men typically served at the Community Aid Center. So who was he? What was his story?
Trusting her gut, she squatted next to him and gently patted one of the squirming kittens. I found a stained-glass window in the next room I want to save, too. Its pretty heavy, but maybe between the two of us, we could get it to my truck.
He met her gaze and nodded. Sure, lets have a look.
Holly showed him the stained glass and stood back as he hefted it into his arms with little effort. Lead the way.
Taking the steps carefully, keeping near the wall, she led him outside and down the street to her truck. He rested the stained glass on the tailgate while she rearranged some painting supplies in the bed to make room for the window.
Im remodeling my farmhouse, and this glass would be perfect in the entry foyer over the door.
It is beautiful, he agreed, settling it on the drop cloth shed spread out. He dusted his hands and gave her a hard look. You have someone at your house to help you unload it?
Holly bit her bottom lip as she thought. I can call one of my brothers-in-law to come over, perhaps.
What about your husband?
Hollys heartbeat stumbled, and she swallowed hard before she answered. He died last year.
Matts face darkened as his eyebrows drew together. Im so sorry. I lost my wife a few years ago myself. I know how hard it can be.
Im sorry for you, too. Her gaze flicked to the watch on his wrist that hed told her was from his wife. The timepiece would have been an expensive gift. Had Matt come from a wealthy family? He certainly spoke like an educated man. If so, how had he suffered such a reversal of fortune?
Now, about those kittens Matt scrubbed a hand on his chin, his beard making a scratching sound that danced down Hollys spine with a pleasant shiver.
Holly reached into the truck bed and dumped paint brushes out of a small box. We can put the babies in here. But the mother wont come willingly.
Exactly. I was thinking we could wrap her up in a towel or one of those rags upstairs. Wrap her tightly like a mummy. It wont hurt her, but she wont be able to struggle and scratch us.
Us. He was using the plural pronoun again.
She frowned. Matt, I
He held up a hand. I know what youre thinking, butyou cant drive and subdue a frightened cat at the same time. If youre willing to drive me back into town tonight, Ill put my arms on the line with the scared feline and help you unload the window at your house.
Holly stared at him, debating his argument, his offer. Whats in it for you? Why would you do that for me?
His eyes widened, and he shook his head. Who said there was anything in it for me? Arent you a little tired of the selfish attitude society has come to? What happened to being a good neighbor and helping out for the sake of being nice?
Holly opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Matt seemed too good to be true. Already today hed saved a boys life without sticking around for the accolades. If she were to believe him, hed been worried for her safety and come into the abandoned church to make sure she was all right.
Narrowing a skeptical look on him, she pinched his arm. Are you for real?
He rubbed the offended spot. Yeah, and that hurt.
Holly crossed her arms over her chest. So youre not like a guardian angel or something?
Afraid not. He flashed his white smile, a dimple pocking one cheek and his blue eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun.
Hollys pulse fluttered.
He was undeniably attractive, even with his rumpled clothes and scraggly beard. His eyes were stone-cold sober, and she didnt smell any alcohol around him. He just didnt fit any of the stereotypes for vagrants shed learned over the years.
She shook her head. Youre not like most of the men that come to the Community Aid Center for help.
I hope thats a good thing. Sobering his expression, he said, I understand your concern, though. We just met. You dont know if you can trust me. The whole safety issue, right?
She lifted her chin. A girl has to be careful.
Youre right. He nodded and stroked his chin again. You could pat me down to check for weapons. He raised his arms and gave a devilish wink. But Im not carrying.
She returned a grin. Or I could call my brother-in-law, the cop, to run your name through their computer and get the lowdown on you.
His smile faltered, and Holly experienced her first real misgivings. Why did mention of the police bother him? Shed been bluffing, but Matts reaction spurred her to dig out her cell phone.
Matt sighed and jammed his hands in his pockets. Go aheadif it will put your mind at rest.
Holly dialed Roberts cell and wasted no time with small talk. Can you check a name out for me? Matt She looked to Matt, lifting her hand to invite him to fill in the missing last name.