Page 12 of Call It Home

“Bears?” I snuck a glance behind me and quickened my steps, causing me to run smack into him, bouncing back after the slight impact on what felt like a wall. Instinctively, my hands rose to grab on to the nearest thing available as I whipped my head forward.

I meant to only steady myself, but as soon as I felt the warm strength of the muscles that flexed beneath the softness of his shirt, my treacherous fingers splayed across their bulk. I felt the power that rippled beneath my fingers as they grazed his back.

He turned slightly and grasped my elbow. “Whoa. Easy now.”

I jerked my arms away.

“Sorry.”

“No problem.” He continued into the house. If he’d noticed anything odd about my reaction, he gave nothing away.

Typical.Mac was a closed book. I don’t think even Zach or Reid knew much about his background, but they didn’t seem to care.

I, on the other hand, was drawn to the mystery. Who was he visiting in Virginia? Was he from there? Did he still have family there? Why was he so quiet? Not just quiet in a shy way, but in a stay-out-of-my-business kind of way.

I knew a lot about the other guys who worked at the office—their families and when significant events happened, all things non-work-related. We shared family news, like when Will’s granddaughter was born and when Chuck’s son made the starting lineup on his college football team. I knew when someone had the flu or their in-laws came to town.

But I knew nothing important about Mac. Sure, he was relatively new to town. He came to some of the company picnics and to the Christmas dinner. He chatted easily with a few of the guys but rarely drank alcohol. He appeared to have a dry sense of humor and a strong work ethic. But those were all things visible to anyone. Nothing that hinted at what made him the guarded man he was.

Convincing him to be my partner might be the dumbest thing I could do, considering I didn’t really know him. But I knew his work, and it was the best I’d seen. If I could just get him to work with my visions, I was sure to come out on top in Colorado.

“Do you mind if I get a quick shower?” he called from across the room.

I shook my head.

“I’ll be quick.” He started to leave, then, as if an afterthought, he added, “Make yourself at home.”

Oh, I would. This would be a great time to learn more about him. Although based on the minimalist surroundings, I doubted I’d find anything helpful. Everything was super neat. There weren’t any dishes in the sink, no shoes left out, nor any mail lying on the counter. There weren’t any photos or much in the way of personal items at all, just the truck keys hanging on a key rack near the door, as well as the sweat-stained baseball cap he often wore.

But what did surprise me was the number of books that filled a small bookcase that fit perfectly between a fireplace and a sliding door that appeared to lead to a screened-in back deck. There were a couple more on the end table next to the couch, and one that had been left open and turned upside down on the coffee table.

I browsed the titles on the bookshelf and found everything from thrillers to sci-fi, autobiographies to nonfiction works on psychology and sociology, and even a few on travel. There were also several about woodcraft.

I picked up the one lying on the coffee table. I recognized the popular children’s novel from a few years ago. Given the pages weren’t as crisp as a new book, I wondered if it was a favorite he’d read more than once. I put it back in place and opened a cabinet in the kitchen. Nothing more than a few plates with matching bowls and some glassware. The next cabinet held some canned goods and a few spices. I frowned as I shut the door.

“Couldn’t find what you were looking for?”

Startled, I swung toward Mac. How a man that size moved so stealthily, I’d never be able to figure out. He had on a pair of faded black jeans and a navy sweatshirt. A glimpse of a white T-shirt showed at the neckline of a plain, navy sweatshirt. It was like the rest of his home—simple, clean, and understated. Well, except for how well it fit him. The denim was snug around his thighs and tapered as they reached his feet, which were only clad in a pair of dark socks.

“Wh-what do you mean?” I didn’t know if I stammered from being caught or because he looked so incredible with his hair a little messy, as if he’d just rubbed a towel over it.

He chuckled. “I figured you’d snoop as soon as my back was turned.”

I scowled. “I was just looking for a glass to get some water.”

His smile grew even bigger. His clothes might be simple, but that smile was the only adornment he’d ever need. It made his entire face light up, especially his eyes, which sparkled like emeralds catching the morning sun.

“I think you found them in the first cabinet.”

Damn it. How long had he been watching? My face flushed as I tried to come up with an excuse. “I thought maybe you had some disposable cups so nothing would have to be washed.”

His lips pressed together as he nodded slightly, making a little snort. “That’s not environmentally friendly. I don’t mind washing a glass.” He walked to the fridge and pulled out a pitcher. “Want water or iced tea?”

“Tea, please.”

A minute later, he handed me a glass. I took a sip. It was sweet with a hint of the lemon slice he’d dropped in it. “It’s perfect. How’d you know I like lemon?”

He shrugged as if it was something anyone should know. “You always request it anytime you place an order.”

---