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Sophie shook her head and a shadow passed across crossed her face. She looked away for a moment, remembering the reason she’d taken up this hobby before looking back and meeting his eyes. The dresser she had refinished for a nursery that was never used. “It’s just a hobby.” She held her coffee cup in front of her mouth for a minute, giving herself a moment to gain her composure. “That bar could be gorgeous if refinished, but I need to find a place where I can take it to work on.”
Keefe offered a slice of strudel to Sophie, then to Liam, before sitting down. “Dig in, guys. Soph, want me to make you a bagel?”
It wasn’t really a question. Keefe knew exactly how his sister liked hers. He went ahead, slathering an extra-thick layer of cream cheese on the bagel, then topping it with two delicate slices of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Sophie was nearly finished with a slice of strudel, but put down her fork when Keefe handed her the perfectly prepared bagel—one she didn’t wait to take a large bite of.
Liam took a bite of a bagel dressed simply with cream cheese. Unlike Sophie, he didn’t care for smoked salmon, but Keefe’s homemade bagels were the best. In between bites, he said, “I have a place you could use.” That got Sophie’s attention away from her bagel. “It’s at my house, well, it’s my studio actually, but you’re welcome to use it. It’s empty right now, and it’s big enough.”
Sophie finished chewing then spoke. “Liam, it will take me weeks to refinish it. You don’t want me taking up your studio for that long.”
“Sure, I do.” Liam took a bite of the delicious strudel before continuing. “I have another studio anyway, one that’s smaller that I’ve been using that’s inside the house. This one is a separate building. You wouldn’t be putting me out at all.”
Sophie had been on the phone with a half-dozen people inquiring about work space, but she’d come up empty-handed. She couldn’t say no. “Thanks. I’ll take you up on that if that’s a real offer.”
“It is.” Liam reached into his pocket and pulled out his keychain. He selected a key then wound it off the ring and placed it on the table. “Here. Take this. You can come and go whenever you like. You don’t need to clear it with me.”
“Thank you. Really.”
Liam thoughtfully nodded. He’d struck a nerve when he’d asked about restoring furniture. He could see it in her eyes and he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. “I’m sure it will turn out great.” Looking at his watch, he stood up from his chair. “Listen, I’ve got to get going but I mean it, my studio is yours if you want it. You can start whenever you like.”
Sophie and Keefe both got up to walk their guest to the door.
She had managed to avoid any physical contact with Liam—until now. But he wasn’t leaving without it.
She stood there, hands stuffed into her pockets. She never used to do that. But no matter how hard she tried, she would not avoid this. Liam leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
“It was great seeing you, Soph.”
“You too.”
“Keefe, thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome anytime.”
Liam held her gaze for a few lingering moments before turning and walking out the door. As soon as it clicked shut, Sophie pulled her hands free and ran them over her hair.
“See? Was that really so bad?” Keefe asked as he returned to the table.
No. No, it wasn’t so bad.
Chapter6
Darcie sighed,sinking deeper into the mound of pillows Connor had stacked behind her on their bed. “You’re spoiling me,” she murmured, her voice thick with exhaustion. Darcie sighed in pure bliss as Connor’s hands kneaded gentle circles into her aching, swollen feet. Beside her, Bootstrap lay stretched out, warm and protective, softly snoring.
Connor smiled and kept his touch firm but careful. “I’m taking care of my beautiful wife.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “They should be here soon. Are you sure you’re up for a visit, love?”
“Connor, all I’ve been doing is lying around sleeping, reading, and watching TV.” She peeked one eye open.
“Fair point,” he conceded, pressing a kiss to her ankle before continuing his slow, methodical work. “I just don’t want you getting worn out.”
“I’m not worn out. I’m starving and bored. Nobody could take better care of me than you do but—” Connor sensed a moody moment coming on so he increased the pressure on her ankle and she fell silent.
Before Darcie could melt entirely into the moment, the front door swung open, and Keefe’s voice carried down the hall.
“Fear not Darcie my love—for I have brought fried food and chocolate!”
She perked up instantly. “Keefe is that you? We’re in the bedroom.”
