Was it possible he didn’t realize the real damage being done by his neglect?
If the man took the time to walk upstairs once in a while, he’d notice the work that needed to be done. Some of the repairs were blatantly obvious. It was a little hard to miss the drip-drip-drip last night as the rain leaked through the ceiling of her bedroom. She’d used a waste basket to collect the water. Maybe she should say something...
No. Don’t go there. This house and Lucas are absolutely none of your business.
She paused outside the kitchen door and listened. No sounds came from within. She wasn’t so sure she was up to facing him in the light of day after getting caught last night in her nightshirt. Still she refused to just slip away without thanking him for his generosity.
She pushed the door open and tiptoed into the room, hoping not to disturb him since his bedroom was just off the kitchen. Now if only she knew where to find a pen and some paper to write a note.
“You’re up early.”
Kate jumped. It took a second for her heart to sink back into her chest. She turned to find Mr. Oh-So-Sexy sitting off to the side in the breakfast nook with the morning paper and a cup of coffee. Yep, he looked just as delicious in the morning. Now she’d never get him off her mind.
She moved to a bar stool and draped his robe across it. “I didn’t expect you to be up so early.”
“I’m a morning person.”
His intense stare followed her. What was up with him? She nervously fidgeted with the Lucky Ducky keychain she kept around as a good luck charm.
When she couldn’t stand to be the focal point of Lucas’s attention any longer, she faced him. “Why do you keep staring?”
“It’s just you don’t look like the same woman I met last night.”
“Is that your attempt at a compliment?”
“Actually it is. You see, my brain doesn’t work very well this early in the morning until I finish my first cup of coffee.” He held up a large blue mug. “But if you’d like me to spell it out, you look radiant.”
Had she heard him correctly? Had a man, a drop-dead gorgeous hunk, just said she was radiant? Radiant. The word sounded as sweet as honey and she was eating it all up. Heat swirled in her chest and rushed up to her cheeks, but for that one blissful moment she didn’t care.
“Umm, thanks.” Her hand tightened around the keychain. “I’m all packed up.”
“What’s that in your hand?”
She glanced down, realizing she was squeezing the rubber duck to the point of smashing it. “It’s just a keychain. No big deal.”
He nodded in understanding.
“Do you have any more coffee?”
“I’ll get you a cup.”
He moved at the same time she did and they nearly collided. Kate froze, but not before she caught a whiff of his intoxicating male scent. He had on a light blue button-up with the sleeves rolled up and the collar unbuttoned. His hair was combed but still slightly damp. And his face was clean-shaven. He looked like a man ready to conquer the world.
Her heart tripped in her chest as she pictured them chatting over a morning cup of coffee and bagel. He’d tell her what he had on tap for the day and she’d tell him about her plans.
Lucas cleared his throat and pointed. “The cups are in the cabinet behind you.”
She had to get a grip and quit acting like a high school student with a crush on the star quarterback. The best way to do that was to make a fast exit before she made a complete fool of herself. “On second thought, I don’t have time for coffee.”
“It’s awfully early to be in such a rush. Is something the matter?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” She crossed her fingers behind her back like she used to do when she was a kid and her father asked her if she’d cleaned her room before allowing her go outside to play with her friends.
Lucas nodded, but his eyes said that he didn’t believe her. She never had been good at telling fibs. That’s why her father had caught her every time.
A sense of loss settled over her. What had made her think about that man after all this time? She grew angry at herself. As far as she was concerned her father was dead to her. She certainly didn’t miss him.
Maybe being alone in a new city had gotten to her more than she thought. It didn’t help that she’d witnessed the supportive clusters of families at the hospital while having no one by her side. That must be it.
Stifling the rush of unwanted emotions, she made a point of checking her wristwatch. “If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”
“But you haven’t even eaten. Don’t let me scare you off.”
“You haven’t. I just have things I must do.” She walked over to the doorway and paused. “By the way, did you ever speak to your aunt?”
“No. I think it was too late last night and she had her phone switched off. I’m sure she’ll call soon.”
“I understand.” But Kate still wanted that little bit of vindication. The chance to flash him an I-told-you-so look. “Thank you for letting me spend the night. By the way, there’s some food in the fridge. Help yourself to it.”
And with that she started down the hallway headed for the front door. She had no idea where she’d find a cheap place to stay tonight. All but one of her credit cards was maxed out since she’d been forced to give up her job to travel with Molly to the long list of specialists. She dismissed the troubling thought. There were other matters that required her attention first.
“Hey, wait!”
Kate sighed and turned. She didn’t know what else they had to say to each other. And she didn’t have time to waste. “Surely you aren’t going to insist on searching my luggage, are you?”
“Are you always so feisty in the morning? Or are you just grumpy because you skipped your caffeine fix? I know that first cup does wonders for me. See, I’m smiling.” His lips bowed into a ridiculous grin.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. She honestly didn’t know what to make of the man. His personal hygiene was impressive, but other than the kitchen his house was a disgrace. And last night he was crankier than an old bear, yet this morning he was smiling. He was one walking contradiction.
Lucas held out his hand. “Let me have your keys and I’ll pull your car up to the door so you don’t get soaked.”
“I don’t have one.” She’d left her car in Pennsylvania, figuring city driving was not something she wanted to attempt.
“Did you call a taxi?”
“I don’t need one.” She pulled a red umbrella from her tote. “I’m armed and ready.”
“Have you looked outside? It’s still pouring. That umbrella isn’t
