Page 21 of Loyally, Luke
Because she sure was distracting. He pulled his attention away from Ms.Distraction and back to Mr.Holton.
This project helped children. That alone was worth a yes from him.
Exactly. Focus on the children. And the experience.
“When do you want us to start?”
“Since you only arrived in Skymar two days ago and, according to Mr.Gray, you are completing another project for him, perhaps it would be beneficial to take the rest of the week to adjust to your new surroundings. Crieff is a charming village and one to explore.” Mr.Holton looked to Ms.St.Clare. “That would give us time to make the necessary plans to move forward.”
“Yes.” Ms.St.Clare smiled, a reserved smile, but better than the high-and-mighty look he’d come to expect... until yesterday when she showed off her nice side.
He inwardly winced at his own mental observation. Nope. No need to think about any of her nice sides.
“Would Monday suit?”
Four days. A good bit of time to sort out his designs for the cabin and revisit his plans for the castle. “That’d be fine.”
Of course it would be fine. Besides, a few days away from Cambric Hall and Ms.St.Clare would be just what he needed to clear his head.
In fact, distance sounded hunky-dory right now, but since Pete had the car and planned to come back for Luke in an hour or so, Luke was stuck.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take another look around the work area.”
“Of course.” Ms.St.Clare stood along with Mr.Holton, those blue eyes meeting his in that same powerful hold. “Mr.Holton and I will finish up with our paperwork here. Can you find the kitchen on your own?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He backed toward the door. Even if he couldn’t remember, spending less time around her seemed a good idea for his peace of mind.
***
A long row of cabinets and a commercial sink lined one wall of the kitchen with a window of the view just offset from the sink.
Shame. A kitchen sink should have a window if at all possible.
Since the plumbing wouldn’t have to be extended too far, sliding the sink over a few feet wouldn’t cost much and would add a valuable view for anyone having to wash dishes. A weight-bearing wall into the next room proved they’d best make an archway from one room to the next instead of removing the wall altogether, and one large closet and one small one would be perfect to open into each other to increase the size of the pantry.
He pulled his hammer from his ever-present backpack and nudged some of the baseboard loose. Time, some paint, and decades of dirt caused the board to stick, but he worked at it until he could carefully slide the baseboard from the wall opposite the cabinets. The wall seemed in good shape. Age-worn, but nothing significant. So he kept working, taking his time removing a few more pieces.
“It seems you’re doing much more than taking a look.”
Luke glanced up to find Ms.St.Clare inside the kitchen. She nudged a piece of discarded baseboard with her foot. “Do you always carry a hammer with you?”
He stood from his crouched position, measuring her statement. Was she attempting to joke with him? “Actually, I have two.”
Her smile flashed for the faintest second, as if she hadn’t meant for it to, and then her expression returned to neutral. “You’re not meant to work until Monday.”
“Just checking a few things. So far the walls are in good shape,except for a few spots where I’d already noticed some slight water damage.” He gestured toward the two closets with his hammer. “If we opened those two closets into each other, they’d make a good-sized pantry, which is one of the items on the list of improvements.”
He directed the conversation into safe territory. Work.
“It’s amazing how much you’ve already removed in such a small span of time.”
“It’s always easier and faster to break things.” He shrugged a shoulder. “Much harder and longer to rebuild them.”
Her gaze caught in his, her entire expression falling. Even her eyes seemed to go darker. A frown puckered her brow. “Painfully true words, Mr.Edgewood.”
His chest tightened as she stared at him, and he had the sudden urge to hug her. Though she didn’t seem the huggy sort. He cleared his throat and searched for words. “If you don’t mind, since we’ll be working together, I’d rather you call me Luke.”
Evidently the words worked, because her lips shifted a hair upward and out of that sad, “help me” sort of look. “Then you should call me Ellie.”
