Project: Daddy by Patricia Knoll

Author:Patricia Knoll
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

MAC wrapped his legs around the edge of a roof beam and leaned forward to pound nails into the plywood he was installing on the roof. Within a few days, they would be ready to begin shingling, he thought with satisfaction as he scooted back and stood, balancing himself easily. He slipped his hammer into the loop on his tool belt, then turned and walked the beam to the ladder he’d used to climb up. Before he descended, he stopped to admire the ocean view.

This was a perfect spot for a house, one of the few undeveloped sites along the coast. The owner, an actor from Los Angeles, had bought the lots on both sides in order to insure his privacy, and had paid a premium price for them. The house was premium, too, earthquake-proofed and built of the best materials, though Mac wasn’t sure he agreed with the design. If he’d been the architect on the job, he would have tried to convince the owner that he would like a deck overlooking the ocean, along with the huge windows that invited the outdoors in. However, Mac had heard, and found it highly ironic that the actor, famous for his daredevil action roles, was afraid of heights. No doubt he felt safer with a wall of windows between himself and the edge of the cliff.

But he wasn’t the architect, he reminded himself, continuing his descent down the ladder. He was only a carpenter on this job, thanks to his old friend Jeff Gallo, the contractor, who had put Mac in charge and was giving him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation. It was a strange twist of fate because, at one time, they’d been equals; architect and contractor working together. They would be again. In the meantime, Mac was grateful for the chance and for Jeff’s faith in him. The job was coming together beautifully and the men worked well together, spurred by Mac’s leadership and by the bonus the owner had promised if the job was finished on time.

Mac smiled grimly. Money spoke. He knew that better than anybody. This time, though, it was going to work to his benefit.

He flexed his shoulders and enjoyed the pleasant tiredness that the morning’s work had brought. He felt sorry for anyone who worked indoors on a day like this. In fact, he also felt sorry for anyone who wasn’t their own boss, himself included. That was going to change soon, though, and he would once again be sending business to Jeff rather than being hired by his old friend. He’d be out of debt and able to afford a few creature comforts, like furniture. That would please Paris.

Jolted, he stopped. When had he begun thinking in terms of pleasing Paris? He frowned. Oh yeah, he remembered. He’d begun wanting to please her right after he’d made a jackass of himself. It hadn’t been the kiss. That had been an error in judgment. He’d begun acting like a fool when he’d run and ducked and hid away from her.

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