Rent-A-Dad by Judy Christenberry

Author:Judy Christenberry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-10T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

AFTER MANDY WAS ASLEEP, the awkwardness was even worse than Russ had expected. What was he supposed to do with the rest of the evening? Melissa, too, seemed uneasy.

Finally, she ventured, “I really need to do some paperwork, if—if it won’t offend you.”

“Offend me?”

“You’re my guest. I should—”

“No. Do what you need to do. Are you going to work in your office?” He wanted to protest. He didn’t want her to shut herself away from him.

“Actually, I usually work at the kitchen table. My office has gotten too cluttered lately. Do you need anything to eat or drink before I start work?”

“Do you have a sketch pad, a ruler, pencil and eraser?” he asked, suddenly knowing how he wanted to spend his evening.

She supplied him with all he asked for and he sat down across from her at the table. For several hours, they worked together in silence, exchanging smiles occasionally.

When she closed the books she was working on, he laid down his pencil. “Tired?” he asked, wondering how she managed to keep going. Her day had begun with an emotional upset and she hadn’t stopped since then.

She smiled and shook her head no. “No more than normal.” As she stood, she glanced at the paper he’d been sketching on. “What’s that?”

He looked down at the drawing he’d made. “Plans for a house. I’ve been designing office buildings and work space for so long, I wasn’t sure I could still design a house that would be efficient.”

“May I see?”

When she bent over his work, he felt a strange tremor of nerves pass through him. He hadn’t felt that sensation in a number of years.

“What a lovely home!” she exclaimed, her face beaming. “It’s beautiful.”

He showed her the intricacies of the design he’d created with all the joy of a proud papa. She asked questions, drawing out his explanation. As they bent over the table, his shoulder brushed against hers and the longing to wrap his arms around her flooded him.

He stepped away, frowning.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you—I’m sure you’re tired,” she said, unconsciously repeating his earlier words.

“No more than normal,” he replied, smiling as he did the same.

“Well—” she drew in a deep breath “—I guess it’s time to call it a night. Are you going to build that house?”

“I design office buildings. This house doesn’t belong in Chicago. It belongs here, in Wyoming.”

“Yes, you’re right. I guess maybe someday you’ll find a buyer for it.”

He shrugged, rolling up the paper as he stood there, waiting for her to move. He was afraid if he moved before she did, he’d take her into his arms.

“I’ll say good-night if you don’t need anything else.” She backed out of the kitchen.

He remained where he was. “Good night.”

“Good night,” she returned, a soft smile on her lips. Then she ran down the hall.

He dreamed of her all night.

When Russ awoke the next morning, he immediately checked on Mandy. She hadn’t yet stirred, so he hurried and dressed for his morning jog, then went to the kitchen to prepare her bottle.

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