McCudahy's Merger

Pamela Johnson

McCUDAHY’S MERGER By PAMELA JOHNSON www.TitanPress.net

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

McCUDAHY’S MERGER Copyright © 2006 by Pamela Johnson ISBN: 1-59836-331-X Cover art design © 2006 by DL Taylor Cover Photo © Mark Swain Photography Cover Model: Brooks Johnson All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. Printed and bound in the United States of America. For information, you can find us on the web at www.TitanPress.net

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Dedication:

For the love of families and the foundation they build in each of us. “Home is where you start from.” ~ M. Englebret Sincere thanks as always to the incredible photography of Mark Swain's and to the gracious and good-looking Brooks Johnson for my cover art.

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Prologue

Twenty-seven years ago~ Devin's eyes grew wide as saucers. He'd never before felt a baby kick. “Here, place your hand right here, Devin. You can feel a foot.” The woman smiled down at him as he sat beside her on the sagging olive couch. With cautious curiosity Devin slid his small hand, blistered and scarred by his constant whittling over the woman's belly, following her direction. Just as he did the woman's belly pitched and rolled as strange as an ocean tide, and a decisive thump thwacked against his palm. “Leave Lila alone now, Devin. Tis not polite to be bothering our guests.” His mother reprimanded from the kitchen doorway. He frowned in frustration, wanting to know more about how babies came from a woman's belly. His inquisitive nature made him an excellent student, but often the same curiosity got him into hot water. “Move on upstairs now and get your bath. You're covered from head to toe in sawdust as much time as you've spent today with your Da in the basement.” He pushed from the couch and grabbed a butterscotch disk from the candy dish as he headed for the stairs. “Aw now, Irene, he's done no harm. Besides won't be it something to tell then how they played together when they were young?” Devin paused, wiping the back of his hand over his nose. “Guess it better be a boy then.” His Ma stepped out from the kitchen and swatted his backside with her dishtowel. “Get on up there.” She issued her warning. Devin gave his Ma an ornery grin as he looked over her shoulder at the pretty lady with the baby in her stomach. The woman's husband carried a large glass of milk to his very large, pregnant wife. “Irene says it will help the baby to sleep.” “Promise me our children will have the chance to at least be friends someday.” He patted her hand. “Of course, I promise.” 5

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Chapter One

Building Glossary of Terms: Limit State; state at which performance criteria are just met Present Day~ “Would someone mind telling me where the hell these skylights came from? Seething inside, Devin McCudahy searched the faces of his crew, looking for someone who would explain the major change in his building design, without his knowledge. He knew his glare held a bold challenge. It was meant to. “Does anyone know anything about this?” His patience wore thin. He'd only been gone a couple of days. Two weeks into this once-in-a-lifetime job and already there were problems. Jeff, his assistant to his crew, stepped slowly over a cement block as he approached. A wary expression etched on his rugged face. He scratched the side of his neck in the way he did when he had something difficult to say. “Devin, it's kind of a complicated story—” “I'm not really interested in stories. Just…spit it out.” Devin's voice echoed in the silence. He tried to keep his voice under more control than he felt. First, an unplanned trip to check on an incorrect supply order, and now this. God in heaven, this was his first ever multi-million dollar project. Not that all he thought about was the money. At least, what it could do for him personally. He wanted to make sure his parent's future was secure. He’d learned from them, the art of design and crafting from only the best. As a small boy, the fragrant scent of cherry and oak shavings was as familiar to Devin, as were crayons to another child. His woodshop teacher in high school marveled at his creative ability to take a piece of wood and transform it into an object of superior craftsmanship. Plan carefully. His Da had taught him to approach obstacles in life in a similar fashion. Envision your goal and work hard to get it. Until today, his self-imposed plan had worked beautifully. No glitches. 6

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The part of him that was Irish hummed, nearing a boiling point. Devin took a deep breath, shifting his stance, at least to appear relaxed and under control. “Okay Jeff, just tell me what happened.” “Ah, Devin.” He whirled toward the voice, surprised to see Stephen Riggs, the silver-haired CEO of the building project. “Glad to see you back.” Riggs in his three-piece suit looked decidedly out of place amid the sawdust and power cords. Devin took another deep breath, forcing himself to temper his frustration at the sight of his boss. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Devin was still surprised Riggs's offered him the project. Though Devin lacked a degree, it made him all the more determined to show Riggs he had everything well under control. Or had, up until about fifteen minutes ago. “Mr. Riggs, I didn’t realize you were here. I was just—uh, questioning the men about these skylights.” He chuckled, though weak, trying to make light of his puzzling predicament. Devin rubbed his jaw in frustration. “I don’t remember these in the original blueprints. Did you authorize them, sir?” He cleared his throat as he shifted his stance, averting his gaze from the guarded expression on the older man's face. Godwilling Riggs was aware of the changes. The aging man's tan, wrinkled face cringed with a half smile. There was more to this than met the eye. Devin would bet his grandma on it. He took a deep breath, realizing his breathing had become noticeably shallow over the past few minutes. He steeled himself to what Riggs had to say. “Yes, McCudahy, as a matter of fact, I did. I should have consulted you of course, and would have, except, you were up north and with the deadline we have—” “Sir, if you authorized these, I don’t have a problem with it. It's just that—” Riggs waved his upturned palm, stopping Devin. The older man hesitated briefly, heaving a quiet sigh. “It's all right. You deserve an explanation.” Devin narrowed his gaze. His strong Irish intuition, a hereditary pain to his existence, prickled uncomfortably at the base of his neck. He had a feeling he might not like what he was about to hear. “There’s something I need to tell you, Devin, about the skylights.” “They were my suggestion, Mr. McCudahy.” A slow, distinctly feminine voice sounded from somewhere behind them. Devin’s brows raised to yet another surprise. His gaze followed the direction of the mysterious voice. He straightened, placing his fists on his hips, as he watched the 7

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shapely silhouette of a woman walk through the shadows of the unfinished, skeletal hallway. The patchy darkness shrouded the details of her face, but there was no mistaking the gender. He sensed a serious 'glitch' warning climb up his spine with her every step. His gaze tightly narrowed in on the figure and while the need to throttle someone for this change pulsed through him, the look of admiration on Riggs' face stilled his tongue. The distinguished CEO held out his arm to gather in the statuesque woman. She stepped from the shadows and into a bright column of sunlight provided by— “Hi Daddy.” Devin glanced up acutely aware of where the shaft of light originated. He sighed, shutting his eyes in frustration as he raked his thumb over his forehead. His gaze returned to the pair entwined in familial embrace. The pride emanating on the CEO's face spoke volumes. His intuition suggested— no, make that bellowed in a rich, Irish baritone—this beautiful creature was undoubtedly the key component to his current dilemma. “McCudahy, this is my daughter, Caroline.” The striking woman beamed at her father, slowly bringing her gaze to Devin's. Her amber eyes sparkled with a golden challenge as she boldly stuck out her hand in a friendly greeting. He held in the groan threatening to escape his throat. Devin had a bad feeling about this. “Caroline Riggs, Mr. McCudahy. My father has told me a little bit of your background. I’m impressed.” Her voice was sincere, but was there an edge of snobbishness to it? Hell, his nose was still out of joint about the damn skylights. He had to admit, she was a “looker” as his grandda used to say about women. He explained to Devin and to his brothers that women were like grand furniture. They needed gentle handling, given respect for their craftsmanship, and loved with a caring touch. Devin's mind flitted briefly to how Caroline Riggs might respond to his masterful touch. The skylights, McCudahy. Devin cleared his throat and accepted her hand. Her palm was smooth in contrast to the roughness of his, but as confident in its grip. Nodding his response, he did not allow his welcome to tarry. Devin pulled back his hand in haste.

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“I made the suggestion of the skylights in the lounge area. Given many recent designs include them, I felt they'd allow some of the outdoors to filter in, wouldn't you agree?” She smiled in complete confidence that he accepted her interfering in his project. “Daddy didn’t think you'd be the type to be offended by such a subtle change.” Devin sensed her challenge, maybe she was expecting him to buckle and give her his adoring praise. But he was still trying to figure out when he lost control of this project. She glanced at her father when he offered no response, before turning her attention back to Devin. Devin locked into her steady gaze, even as he addressed her father. “May I speak to you in private, Mr. Riggs?” She lowered her gaze lowered to the ground. Riggs cleared his throat. “Why don't you wait for me in the car?” Her father patted her back, seemingly unsure of how best to handle the situation. Devin observed by her expression the realization she'd been dismissed. She turned to him sporting a rather fiery stubbornness in her gaze. If he wasn't already so perturbed, the look might have been a turn on. “For what it's worth, Mr. McCudahy, my degree is in architectural design. I do happen to have a little knowledge where this issue is concerned.” He gave an involuntary flinch when her brow snapped into a perfect arch. She spun on her heel, leaving him, his crew, and her father with the flourish of a queen dismissing her court. A deafening silence followed in her wake. Yeah, well, woman, you're in my kingdom now. With amused admiration, Devin observed as she stepped over and around the stacks of wood and piles of concrete with the dexterity of a deer in the forest. Scolding himself mentally, he averted his brief, albeit lustful thoughts, of the agility of those long legs. He took a cleansing breath, glancing at the concerned look on her father's face. There was no question she possessed the same polished exterior of her father, except, of course, she was purely female. In her black sleeveless shell and form-fitting tan slacks with her dark hair twisted off her slim neck, she possessed a regal quality, set off by a beautiful oval face and mesmerizing honey-colored eyes. She has a lot of spunk. Devin watched her leave, perhaps it was her natural poise, or the way her shoulders squared in challenge. There no doubt in Devin’s mind she 9

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would certainly make an interesting opponent, if he was interested—which of course, he wasn't. The complications of this, or any other woman for that matter, were not a part of his well-constructed plan for success. His plan was simple. He had two goals—one to set a standard for his crew in this type of construction project, and second to proudly label it as a McCudahy product. There was no time or energy for glitches, no matter how beautiful the packaging. Devin blinked, turning his focus to his boss, who stood patiently waiting for him to emerge from his daydream. “Mr. Riggs—” Riggs rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. Obviously, they both had a sense of his daughter's frustration. Devin kept his mouth shut. “Listen, McCudahy, you’ve got to admit, they do look good.” Riggs glanced up at the new development in question. Devin's gaze followed. “Mr. Riggs, it's just—” Devin started, again interrupted by Riggs' upturned hand. “I admit it was a bit of a spur of the moment decision. Though, it was my choice to make, if I may be so candid.” He tipped his head as he arched a silvery brow. Devin held the man's gaze, trying to gauge whether he was about to be replaced. “It was more for my daughter, than anything. Caroline is new at this, though I think she shows a great deal of promise. I'd like to see her get a little dirt on her hands. Frankly, our relationship hasn't been very close these past few years. It was difficult to run a business and raise a daughter alone after her mother died. She's come home at my request, so she can get to know her old man and what he does for a living a little better. I didn't think you'd mind sharing with her your expertise. Not all the best of what we learn in this business comes from a book, wouldn't you agree?” Devin shifted his stance. It wasn't like he didn't understand family matters, it was just that this was business. He would prefer Riggs find another way to teach his daughter about his work. Devin had his own private burden to bear with women on the work site. Besides, the thoughts flitting through his mind as he held Caroline's hand left an uncomfortable aftertaste of guilt in his brain. All he wanted was to do his job and get paid. Why would his expertise matter to Riggs anyhow, particularly in light of his daughter? Still, if it would keep things cohesive between him and Riggs—

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Devin glanced up, considering the new skylights. With a quiet sigh, he averted Riggs' piercing gaze by focusing on his worn boots. He dipped his hands into his back pockets. “She's been out east in schools almost her entire life. I feel it's important that her education go beyond four walls and a piece of paper.” Devin chewed the inside of his lip, only half-listening to the man, wondering if he really had a choice at all in this matter. It was likely she was capable and intelligent in her field. She had a degree, after all. But his main concern was if he’d have to watch out for an inexperienced female on the site. It was dangerous enough for his experienced crew. “I guess it's been difficult for my girl to grow up without her mother. I've done what I thought was best and now, I have a daughter who’s interested in being a part of the future of my company.” The man chuckled softly as though in disbelief. “Who could have seen it coming?” Devin gave Riggs a weak smile, hoping the expression on his face was good enough to mask the uncertainty roiling inside. Anxiety formed in an uncomfortable knot in his belly. He knew what he was about to say might impede his future with this job, but his pride was also at stake. An entire crew was nearby watching this fiasco and they were waiting to see where the line was drawn. Devin cleared his throat again. “So am I to understand Ms. Riggs will be coming on board as a consultant to the project, sir?” Damn, it nearly killed him to get the words through his teeth, much less accept they might be true. Riggs frowned, peering at Devin as though he hadn't heard him clearly. There was a fatherly gleam in his eye. “I ran Caroline's suggestion past the planning committee for the project and they made the final decision on the skylights, Devin. Please understand, I am not trying to undermine your authority. You are still head of this project.” Riggs stared at Devin as though sizing him for a suit. His damn intuition prickled at the back of his neck, and for a moment Devin thought things could have been worse. “In fact, I have an idea. What would you say if—?” Riggs's brows pinched together as though deep in thought. Devin braced himself. It was going to get worse…much worse. “If I had Caroline shadowing you, to observe, maybe get a feel for the practical side of the business…” 11

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It was not really a question, not even really a request, but a thought out loud. In fact, there wasn't a helluva lot he could say. Devin clamped his jaw tight, so as not gape slack-jawed at the man's request. He swiped his palm across his mouth. Frustration teetered on his last nerve. At the moment, Devin wasn't sure which of the two of them wasn't clearly out of their mind. “Just to—hang out and observe, right?” It was definitely him. Riggs grinned with an enthusiastic nod. “I'd like her to experience all the nuances, Devin. The areas the books don't go into. You know, the glitches that can occur at a moments notice and you have to think on your feet. You know what I mean, don't you?” “I have a pretty good idea, sir,” Devin remarked “The nice thing about this arrangement is that I won't have to worry. I know she'll be in good hands.” Devin's gaze shot to Stephen Riggs. He saw a twinkle, very similar to what he remembered in his grandda's eye when he snuck around a subject to get his way. The look of hope on the older man’s face revealed to Devin he had the power to quell a possible confrontation between father and daughter. He shrugged, shifting the weight he felt on his shoulders. Visions of the future swirled in his brain, and his intuition warned him like a tornado siren that Caroline Riggs was anything but the quiet, observing type. You'll be sorry, McCudahy. “Sure, it's fine, sir.” “Excellent. You won't be sorry. I could tell you are a reasonable young man. My daughter is sure to learn a great deal from your work ethic, son.” Son? Devin gave Riggs a weak smile, hoping his expression didn’t give away his true thoughts. Two heartier slaps of approval and Riggs left, saying he’d have Caroline back, dressed more appropriately within the hour. The thought made Devin's stomach churn. Reasonable? “What the hell have I agreed to?” he muttered as he watched the father-daughter reunite at the waiting car. Caroline looked over her shoulder and gave him a jaunty finger wave before she slid behind the tinted windows of the black limousine. Devin closed his eyes with a sigh of inescapable frustration. Already he regretted the decision. He chose not to tell Stephen Riggs of the accident that nearly claimed the life of his father, all because of a woman on a construction site. 12

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Basically, he had one hour to reassess his game plan, adding Ms. Riggs into the blueprint. Hopefully, she would keep her well-manicured fingers out of his business and simply observe. Yeah, right. Devin spied his cell phone on the drafting table and considered whether to call his dad for advice. He'd had firsthand experience with this kind of thing, maybe he had some advice he could offer. Maybe he could convince her of a nice desk job in the trailer? Forcing a swoosh of air through his teeth, he contemplated the situation as he stared at the sleek Rolls winding its way from the construction site. A call to his dad might only create more concern and Devin didn't need his Da's health to be jeopardized. He'd find a way to handle the lovely Ms. Riggs. Toeing at a dirt clod, he wondered how two days of absence could upturn his entire game plan. Then again, maybe it wouldn't have made any difference if he'd been here. Just the same, he had little time for babysitting a woman who might choose to wave her degree in front of his nose. If by chance she had that in mind, she sure as hell had a rude awakening in store. He'd worked too long and hard to get this far and this Ivyleague grad, born with a silver spoon in her mouth, wasn't about to curtail his goals. Devin pitched his work gloves across a makeshift table, scattering the remnants of blueprints over the dusty ground. Suddenly aware that his crew waited in silent vigil for his reaction, he scanned their faces, not allowing his concern to show. No doubt some of them were as concerned about having a female on the premises. True, women in construction is fairly common, just not on his crew. He'd simply add the aspect of gawking to his list of potential hazards. Jeez, like he needed to add one more thing to his growing list of concerns. Devin slapped his thigh, a substitute for smacking away his irritating thoughts. “Back to work, gentlemen.” He pulled up his clipboard of orders and carefully scanned the list for the third time. With a quick glance around him, he hoped no one saw him turn his clipboard around.

****

It was mostly out of pure curiosity that Caroline asked her father about Devin McCudahy later, as they lunched at Pine Forest Country Club. It wasn't as though she couldn't handle herself in his almighty presence. Certainly she'd picked up on the fact Devin McCudahy was a tad possessive about the project. If she was going to survive this little request her father asked of her, she needed to find out McCudahy's background. More insight to the kind of man she'd be working along side. 13

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Caroline took a sip of her herbal tea, hoping to clarify her thoughts. “What type of education did you say Mr. McCudahy had?” Her father perused the menu, his forehead wrinkling the way it did when he was deep in thought. Why that would be familiar she couldn't say, in truth, she rarely saw him as a child. Caroline waited for—what had become for her—the customary ten counts before attempting to gain his attention a second time. She shifted in her chair, and straightened the salad fork next to her plate. “Father?” “Hum?” Her father blinked as though he'd been awakened from a daze. Episodes like this were becoming more frequent. Then again, perhaps she was simply overreacting. “I was asking about Mr. McCudahy? What did you tell me his educational background was?” She toyed with the gold watch too loose on her wrist as she kept a gaze on her father's face. “I don't recall telling you anything about his formal education.” “You indicated he came highly recommended and had a great deal of experience.” Her father glanced up, and then held the menu at arms length. “Why don't they make these letters bigger so you can read them without a magnifying glass?” “So, where did he get his degree?” “I believe high school.” He didn’t look up from his reading. “Good day, Mr. Riggs, Ms. Riggs.” The waiter, dressed in an immaculately pressed black and white uniform nodded to Caroline. “Our luncheon special today includes the ladies filet and our House Chicken Caesar salad.” Caroline waited for her father. “Go ahead, Caroline, I'm still thinking.” Something inside her state of perpetual decorum rattled at the clarification of Devin McCudahy's qualifications—or, in her opinion—the lack thereof. “Excuse me, did you say high school?” She straightened in her chair, leaning forward in case she hadn’t heard right. Her father handed the menu to the waiter with a friendly smile. “What are you having, Caroline?” “Uh, the salad is fine, thank you.” “I'll have the seafood salad.” He tapped his glass. “And could I have a refill on the tea, please.” 14

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He waited until the waiter left, pressing his palms together as he leaned on the table to focus on her. The intensity of his gaze threw her off. So often when she vied for his attention, she could barely get a glance. Over the years, she'd accepted this trait as part of her father's make-up. This direct look was new and she wasn't sure just how to respond. Caroline repositioned the cloth napkin in her lap. “Yes, high school and I suppose you're wondering why I would hire him for such a crucial position.” Caroline averted her eyes from her father's steely gaze. She suspected her question opened up the possibility her father might think she should have special precedence over McCudahy. “Caroline, he's a good man.” Her father shrugged. He smiled as the waiter replaced his tea glass with a fresh one. “He comes from good stock with a hard working, family-oriented business. He's got an exceptional eye for detail and layout. And thus far, has shown a remarkable skill with the crew. Most important, I trust him.” He tapped his finger twice to the table to make his point and lifted the glass to his lips. Caroline took a sip of her tea before she glanced at her father. There were a few times in her life when she'd seen his determined side, but most in regard to business, not people. She was curious at his insistence on placing McCudahy on a pedestal. “I wasn't questioning your authority or your judgment. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression.” He looked up with a somewhat startled expression and his smile softened the look in his eyes. “Still you're wondering why I didn't hire someone with a degree.” “Well, I—” She was suddenly caught in a web of her own making. Yes, she wanted to prove her abilities to her father. Yet she didn’t want it to look like she expected his approval due to the fact she was his only daughter. “I'm sure he has plenty of experience, or you wouldn’t have hired him.” Her father nodded his agreement. “Trained very well by some of the most successful builders I know.” The emphatic tone of his statement was her clue this conversation was closed. The waiter returned with their lunch and left with a quick, "enjoy." A moment or two clicked by as they stared at their meals. Finally her father broke the silence. “This won't hamper you working along side of McCudahy will it, Caroline?” He poked at the delicate pink shrimp atop the array of salad greens. She wanted desperately to explain she had the same capabilities, or at least the know-how of lay-out and design. In truth, she wanted to ask him for more responsibility 15

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with the project. “Not at all, I'm sure Mr. McCudahy and I have a great deal in common, actually.” Her father grinned as he stabbed a chunk of crabmeat. “I'm sure you may discover more than you think.” That—in essence—was what intrigued her about Devin McCudahy. Why did he appear so driven to maintain control of this project? Was it his background? And why would her father choose him over others that certainly had a foot up on McCudahy as far as education? “Fresh Parmesan?” A waitress appeared at the table with a bright smile. “Please.” Caroline stared at the quick flick of the woman's wrist as she cranked out the delicate slivers of pale white cheese. McCudahy's hands were rough, not overly large, but, in a way, comforting, and obviously strong. His handshake was much gentler than she'd expected, and he wasn't wearing a wedding ring. Not really terribly unusual at a construction site. “Caroline?” Her father's voice broke through her daydream. He nodded toward the perplexed looking young woman still churning cheese out at a good clip. “Oh lord, I'm sorry, that's plenty.” Caroline stared in mortified embarrassment at the small mound of cheese. “I'm new here. I wasn't sure if you just liked a lot of Parmesan on your salad.” The waitress caught her lower lip with her teeth and worried it as she glanced from Caroline to her father. “It's my fault. I was daydreaming.” Without further explanation, Caroline picked up her spoon and gingerly scooped a good portion of cheese to the side of her plate. Her concerns about McCudahy were of course, silly. All she had to do was follow him around for a few weeks. It wasn't like they needed to become life-long friends—or anything else for that matter. She could easily adjust to their differences, and she was quite sure there would be many. “Which shouldn't matter anyway,” she muttered as she glanced up and found her father staring at her with a puzzled look. “What shouldn't matter, Caroline? That you may discover you and Mr. McCudahy have more in common?” Just because her palms sweat at the thought of his handshake, was no measure of a man's influence on a woman. It was simply an old wife's tale. She smoothed her palms briskly over the napkin in her lap. “No, of course not, I meant, with or without parmesan, 16

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it would taste wonderful.” Caroline focused on her salad, hoping her father wouldn’t catch her blatant attempt at deception. She wondered if her mother's palms had sweat when she met the man seated across from her. There were moments, like this, in recent years, when Caroline wanted to ask about her mother, but the subject of her mother was well-guarded, and rarely broached. For now, she would have to set aside any emotional or personal aspects of working with McCudahy. Her father liked him—trusted him—and so, in the name of respecting her father's wishes, even though they seem farfetched at present, she would also. “Come on now, eat up. I promised my new foreman I'd have you back on the job in proper attire after lunch.” Part of her itched to ask him what he considered proper attire for a woman and she wondered if her mother had ever stepped onto any of his projects when she was alive. “I think if you give him a chance, Caro. You'll learn a lot from this young man.” “He's hardly a teenager, Father, not at what—almost thirty?” Her father shrugged. “He has a lot of experience under his belt.” An unmistakable heat crept into Caroline’s face as she pondered what other experience lay beneath McCudahy's belt. “Are you well, dear? You look a little warm.” She felt as childish as a schoolgirl in a lunchroom, pining over the most popular boy in school. “I'm fine, a little too much cheese.”

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Chapter Two

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms; Regulations; requirements laid down by the law, or which satisfy the law in some respect. “Now honestly, wouldn't it make more sense to have sliding glass doors?” Caroline stood elbow to elbow with Devin, her expression deep into envisioning her thoughts. He chewed the lining of his cheek. Hard to believe she'd only been back an hour. He wondered if Riggs remembered to inform his daughter she was only there to observe. “Your father said you were here to watch.” Devin cleared his throat and tried to keep his tone polite as possible. Maybe all she needed was a reminder. He plastered a fake smile on his face and held her gaze. “Of course he did.” Her shoulders stiffened. “I’m just curious if it might save room.” Her gaze narrowed on his. “Ms. Riggs.” He was trying hard to be reasonable, but the woman was pushing her parameters. It was imperative she understand the lay of the land right here and now. The fact of the matter was that he was the foreman and she the shadow. Caroline leveled her gaze, raising an impervious brow. He had no idea such a small gesture could be so damn condescending. Lord, if this woman had designs on turning this into her own little playground, she had another thing coming. He’d been down that road once before, letting his heart overrule his sense. His blindness then had gotten him in a world of trouble. A woman he'd met at the local bar where some of the men hung out had used him to get back at her boyfriend on the crew. That fight got him and the crew member ousted from the job and the woman ended up going back to the guy in a fit of pity and guilt. Hell, matters of the heart were too damn complicated, and he wasn’t about to take that chance again. Work was enough. “The layout is already designed. We’re supposed to follow the design.” His tone smacked of reprimand. 18

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In effort to ignore the frozen daggers in her gaze, he crossed his arms and shifted to his other leg, distancing himself from her. He shrugged as he gestured toward the opening. “Now look, reason will tell you, if we keep making changes to the design, we’ll end up throwing off the intended target date of completion. Then we end up having a pissed off board of directors wondering why the project is behind.” He flinched at his language. “Sorry—ticked off.” She rolled her gaze heavenward. “I'm familiar with the term.” Not wishing to take a turn into that conversation, he continued. “Each time we change something, the board has to approve those changes, new materials have to be ordered, and ultimately the entire project stops moving forward.” He bit his tongue. He wanted to add and then your father loses money in the process. She looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite define, he figured somewhere between incredulous and murderous. Devin cleared his throat. “Surely, that's understandable?” He could be a patient, but this woman had single-handedly found every one of his hot buttons in less than an hour's time. Something no one on the planet had ever accomplished. And it bothered the hell out of him. Silence hung heavy between them, except for the occasional whir of a drill or electric saw of the men at work around them. He waited for a nod, any kind of response. Granted this would be a whole lot easier if he could manage to get past the mesmerizing color of her autumn sunset-colored eyes. They too were a cross he'd have to bear for sake of his work ethic and duty to her father. He forced his thoughts away from her gaze and tried to find another explanation. “In addition, those supplies which have been ordered pertain to the approved blueprints.” "Which the board can change if they deem necessary." She looked at him reminding him of the two point touchdown she'd already managed. His agitation rose, as did his voice. It was easy to blame it on the sudden noise of the equipment. “Yes, as you know I was away when that change occurred." He could get down and dirty if she wanted to play rough. Her gaze widened. He sensed her frustration, but also a hesitancy that puzzled him. Good old Irish guilt assaulted him, perhaps he'd come off a little too harsh. She was, after all, pretty young and inexperienced. Devin glanced at her expression and determined post haste, he'd read her wrong. His intuition tapped him on the shoulder. You're in trouble now, boy'o. Caroline's chin lifted. “Well, Mr. McCudahy.” She released a patient sigh, of the condescending variety, but one that made her lips form a kissable pout. 19

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He forced his thoughts in check. Had he really just thought that? “I can see you are not the “discussing” type.” She slapped at a patch of sawdust on her slim fitting jeans. Devin's gaze followed her hand, taking quick notice of how nicely her hips curved in those jeans. He blinked giving her a frown in return. “Not the discussing type?” Why did this woman try to rattle his cage? She lifted her gaze in casual surprise, using the brow thing again. “It was merely an attempt to discuss the possibilities, Mr. McCudahy.” With precision control, she brushed a strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Had she been a man, her stance would have resembled a prizefighter. She held her shoulders pulled back and with the slight jut of her chin, oh yeah, she definitely had a “bring-it-on buddy” look in her eye. What's worse, he found the thought very tempting. It was who might win that shook him from his reverie. The woman was as stubborn as all get-out, although admittedly in an intelligent sort of way. Devin had dealt with stubborn women in his life. With four brothers and their wives—well, let’s just say he could handle himself just fine. He crossed his arms, relaxing his stance. Devin had no desire to get into a verbal rumble with this woman. Devin chuckled to himself as Caroline set her feet apart and crossed her arms. Damn, but if she didn’t remind him of someone he knew. He locked into her silent gaze and shifted his feet apart as he crossed his arms over his chest. A moment ticked by. Finally, he held his palms up in a truce and motioned her to follow. “Come to my office.”

****

“Said the spider to the fly,” Caroline muttered as he turned to--no doubt--lead the way. Caroline studied the austere man before her. Oh, he was one for the record books, all right. She'd never seen so much Irish ego stretched over one body before, albeit a finely tuned body she had to admit. She could see he was prime, uh…primed to explain to her in some long, tedious detailed dissertation, the entire set of his coveted blueprints. In reality, he wasn’t much different from her father, or from the men she’d met at school. Her experience had shown her men who were totally self-absorbed, threatened by a female presence in a traditionally all-male field. But the truth was, it was his dedication that stirred the same challenge in her blood to succeed. “It's over here.” Devin motioned to the tiny trailer sitting next to where they had stood moments before. “Ladies first.” Devin stepped back and held the door open. 20

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Caroline said nothing, only glancing at him as she walked up the metal stairs into his temporary office. Clasping her hands patiently behind her back, she waited while he skirted around her. With great drama, he slapped the blueprints on the desk, scattering pens and papers in his wake. She bent down to retrieve a telephone message at her feet. “Leave it.” He growled as he splayed his hands over the blueprints, smoothing them out in quick, rapid sweeps. Caroline straightened slowly, aware of the interesting view at her eye level. She met his dark gaze and her throat went dry. “These are my blueprints.” His expression was deadpan. It was becoming increasingly clear he was extremely possessive about this project for some reason and something about her presence created a squeaky glitch in his welloiled plans. Something in his attitude gave the distinct impression McCudahy had a particular wariness with women, or perhaps, just her. “And your point?” Caroline replied trying to stay calm. Devin shook his head, sighing loud as he rounded the desk, nudging her as he righted the view of the plans. He stood shoulder to shoulder with her, his hands braced on the desk as he glanced sideways at her. “Here’s where I have the doors.” The muscles in his forearm flexed as he jabbed the blueprint to make his point. “I have to tell you, I thought very carefully for my reason for placing a certain kind of door in this area. In fact, Ms. Riggs, it might interest you to know I took great care in studying this type of work in other designs. I took into account the dynamics of the region, the people who'll likely reside here, what they are used to…” Caroline listened for the most part, unable to keep her gaze from sliding down his side to how well his worn jeans clung to his muscular thighs. She had a particular affinity for a pair of well-defined legs, and though she suspected it had more to do with the absurd notion of what lay between those legs, she'd convinced herself it was really the legs that held the appeal. Other women saw six pack abs or a tight butt, she was a leg woman. Caroline mentally halted her lusty thoughts, trying to reel in her sexual frustration, heck, her frustration period with the man standing beside her. He hadn't made one move to make her feel welcome and in fact, she suspected he'd done a couple of things just to try and dissuade her from returning. Not that he wasn't interesting, in a Neanderthal sort of way. There was a glittering or primal male in those dark orbs.

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She'd not really learned much about McCudahy from her father, but judging from the last few minutes and the look of the chaotic disorganization of his cluttered office she began to wonder if understanding this man was a serious exercise in futility. Her father described him as hard-working, trustworthy, loyal, and probably brave and true. By her father's standards, Devin was the quintessential Boy Scout. Still, something about him intrigued her enough she could tolerate his chauvinistic tendencies. She suspected somewhere beneath the calm, always-in-control exterior, was an abyss, possibly dangerous, and deep down that excited her. There was no danger she could ever become involved with a man like Devin McCudahy, not in the long term, anyway. Nothing but trouble could come from it. Hard, cold experience taught her well. She’d spent a great deal of her life trying to connect somehow to her father. With her degree, perhaps they could finally find a place of common ground where they could relate. So much of her childhood centered on usually being alone. Unlike other children, she had no bedtime stories, no family vacations, no evening meals together. The only memory she had of them doing anything together was a weekly trip to the cemetery to visit her mother’s grave and even then, they discussed nothing of her mother's life, or her death. Eventually, even those trips dwindled as he became more absorbed into his work. Caroline was desperate to know more about her mother, having only the knowledge that she died during childbirth. As she grew older, her father would wave his hand and walk away when she broached the subject and Nana simply looked at her with great sorrow and say her father would talk when he was ready. From a very young age, her life became a series of boarding schools, with summers spent in the huge mansion with only Nana for company. The only friends she knew were with their families on the east coast. She never visited her father, though occasionally she would sneak into his office and read through his books and blueprints, trying to find what fascinated him so about his work. As a young woman, she chose to stay on the coast during the summers and work as she went to school. It was lonely at first, but she settled into the routine, learning to make choices. Her resilience developed over time, teaching her that the only one you could really rely on was yourself. Caroline was curious why her father hired McCudahy. She followed his hands as he explained the blueprints, not hearing his words past the memories playing in her mind. He was very expressive with his hands, indicating he was a creative person, she admitted. Clearly he was passionate about his work and somewhere in his long-winded 22

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speech, the two concepts melded together in Caroline's brain, giving her a torrid vision of him throwing her on top his coveted blueprints and ravaging her. She hated herself for thinking such things. “Mr. McCudahy.” He stopped abruptly and looked her with a quizzical expression. Oh heavens, now she'd interrupted his dissertation. Afraid her face would give away her previous thoughts; Caroline averted her gaze and focused on the blueprints. She searched for something to occupy her shaking hands and spotted a triangular ruler. Without thought, she picked up the ruler and tapped it against the paper-strewn desk emphasizing each word as she spoke. “I guess if you’d take a moment to explain why you would choose French doors over sliding doors then I might be better able to understand.” He stared at her in silence, but his eyes glittered with a knowledge she'd rather not see. Was the man deaf? Hadn't she explained herself well enough? “Well?” she spoke with just a hint of indignation in her voice. “I was explaining why I made that choice in this design, Ms. Riggs. Can you tell me just why you weren’t paying attention?” His attempt to suppress a smile infuriated her. How was it a man's eyes could sparkle with so much mischief? Now his Irish ego is blown clean out of control, and worse, he thinks I was ogling him. Even if it was the truth. Caroline looked away when his brow arched inquisitively. Goosebumps frolicked over her skin as she heard the subtle mock undertones in his voice. And, in truth, she knew darn well they weren't subtle at all. Caroline was no stranger to such prejudices. On the rare dates she'd had with men, mostly of the coffee shop variety with fellow students, she was often asked why she pursued a career of building design, instead of designing lace underwear. Or better yet, why hadn't she settled down and started a family? Was there something wrong with her? Of course, when she then explained her father was a well-known contractor, the male attention increased, but it wasn't interest in her as much as if she could line up an appointment with her father. Caroline cleared her throat, leaning over the blueprints, feigning to study them closer. “Are you sure this is the right set of prints?” It was, of course, an outright lie. 23

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Not a pleasant feeling, but better than letting him have the satisfaction of catching her not paying attention. He nodded slowly, and she knew he could see through her. Hopefully, he didn't guess why. And why didn't he just say something instead of letting her hang out there in midair? “Excuse me, is it stuffy in here? I need to step outside…just one sec—I’ll be—” Caroline spun on her heel and ducked out of the office with barely a remnant of grace left. She stepped from the trailer, breathing a sigh of relief when her feet touched solid ground. With one foot in front of the other, she didn’t bother to look back. Heat rose in her cheeks as she heard McCudahy's deep laughter erupt behind her. She found refuge in a half-finished bathroom, inside the building and closed her eyes, vowing to stay more in control of her emotions. Caroline stared at her pale reflection gazing back at her from the dingy mirror in the bathroom. After all this time, she still had moments when she felt like a lost little girl left alone to face the world. She squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and peered at her face in the mirror. Caroline, you can handle Devin McCudahy. This business is full of guys like him. Guys who make denim look like it’s a fashion statement, those who sport those smart-aleck grins work their way into a woman’s heart, and make them lose all sense of reality. Well, it won't work with me, McCudahy. Caroline straightened, pushing back the hair from her face as she leaned against the door. Thin wisps of hair clung to her neck, with heat and humidity of the afternoon. Heat. Sure, McCudahy was hot. She couldn't dispute that, but she would have to find a way around it, a way to rise above his earthy good looks and his irritating, meltyour-bones grin. Caroline brushed her fingers over the back of her neck, wiping off the small beads of perspiration. She would have to be strong around him. Fortify her feminine side against his body made for sin and his damnable grin. If she could find something to pinpoint, something she could detest with such passion it would quell any physical attraction there might be between them. Of course, the alternative was to explain she couldn’t go through with her father’s request, but to do so would make her look weak in his eyes—and hers. Caroline stomped a foot hard against the tile floor, shuddering the wobbly, temporary walls. She'd be damned before she would allow McCudahy to see any sort of weakness where he was concerned. So what if he flaunted his street-wise-seat-of-the-pants wisdom 24

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like some flag, claiming his victory in control of all aspects in the project. He'd get what he wanted most—her father's approval. Which, if she dug deep enough in her heart, she wanted too, but she would sooner eat lizard than to admit it to a man like McCudahy. Besides, this was only one job, McCudahy was only one man. All she had to do was get through this next few weeks, satisfy her father's request, and she and McCudahy could both continue on with their lives. Separately. All she needed was one little thing, one tiny aggravating notion about him she could cling to. With renewed determination, Caroline decided she would go back out there and find a valid reason to turn her completely off to Devin McCudahy. “Perhaps,” she muttered, “I could focus first on his smart-ass attitude.” Caroline was startled by a soft tap issuing from behind her. With one last glance in the mirror, she brushed back her hair, straightened, and opened the door. “Hey, are you okay? I noticed you've been in there a while and well, listen, I hope I didn’t offend you.” His voice was quiet, much too intimate. He rested his hand on the wall near her shoulder and looked at her with a grin showcasing the trace of the dimple on his cheek. Caroline felt all reserve drain from her as she stared deep into those coal-colored eyes. She blinked once, and then swallowed. Well, damn.

****

The run-in with Caroline Riggs today had thrown Devin off. He leaned back in his office chair at the end of the day, listening to the drone of his ancient desk fan as memories of his volatile past caught up to him. His track record with women was not stellar. He had a weak spot for the damselin–distress types. The last time, it had landed him smack in the middle of a trial in defense of his attempt to protect the woman in question. Her ex-boyfriend pressed charges and low and behold when all was said and done, Devin received a fine and the woman went back to her ex. He found out later they'd teamed up to make money on at least two other similar incidents, but by then, Devin had already moved on trying to make sense of his life. And that landed him back home for a time, uncertain about the future. While living with his parents in his childhood home, it was difficult to deal with his demons, particularly when his Ma reminded him of it on a daily basis. “What on earth were you thinking, Devin McCudahy?” 25

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His mother turned the bread dough on the table and kneaded it with determination. Six months he’d been back home. It seemed like ninety. “Ma, I told you I had no idea Bambi was this guys ex. Much less that she used me in their little ruse. Hell, I was defending her honor.” His mother offered him a stern glance. “Thank God those two were finally caught.” She flipped the dough scattering clouds of flour around her. “And what kind of name is it when you name your child Bambi?” She shook her head. “Who were her parents? Goofy and Clarabelle?” “Life isn’t like when you were young, Ma.” “And don’t think I'm not grateful.” She shook a white-dusted finger at him. “You ought to be more careful next time.” Her voice lilted in agitation. “There's nothing wrong with getting to know a girl before you get to know the woman well before you know—” She flipped the dough again, purposely leaving out the part that had gotten him into trouble in the first place. His mother stopped and held his gaze with grave concern. “You’re my youngest, Devin. A miracle to be sure for my having you so late in life. I’m only sorry we weren’t able to send you to college. But you know how much we love and appreciate all you've done.” “Aw, Ma, don’t—” Devin stood, heaving a sigh as he enveloped his short, stout mother in his arms. “It’ll work out, you’ll see. I’ll get my act together, and I promise you this—if—there ever is another woman in my life, I’ll make sure I get to know her real well first.” “I just want you to be happy, Devin. Find a nice girl, preferably Catholic—” She shrugged her shoulders. “Then again, perhaps you aren't like—” “Like my brothers? Got it, Ma, I hear you loud and clear.” He hugged her tight. One thing he knew. He needed to get out of Chicago and out on his own. If nothing else than to prove to himself he could be a success with the skills he possessed and make sure his mom and dad always had the security they’d given to him. It was Jeff who’d called him from Minnesota and told him about some construction work being done in a residential development with commercial possibilities. Jeff offered the use of his house until he could find his own place. Five years now had passed, Devin had managed to build his own house on a small patch of property near the tip of the lake and acquired a modest crew and a tidy nest egg to build the foundation of his own company. He was struggling after putting so much of his money into his house that it came as a complete surprise when Stephen Riggs contacted him personally to discuss his condominium project. 26

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Did he really need these kinds of complications right now? There was no denying the attraction he’d seen flash in Caroline’s eyes as they stood in the hallway. Devin folded his hands as he leaned his elbows on the desk. He propped his chin on his hands. If he was lucky she was at home right now, busy sending out resumes to design firms, hopefully on the other side of the country from Minnesota, but something in his gut warned him Ms. Riggs wasn't the type to give up quite so easily. Her father had requested that she return for the summer, and for whatever reasons he had, Devin had a feeling Caroline Riggs would comply with her father’s wishes. He stood and snapped off the small desk lamp, plunging the office into the twilight shadow of early evening. All he had to do was keep his wits about him for a few weeks and she’d move on with the rest of her life. “That shouldn't be too much of a problem,” he muttered. Devin stepped from the trailer and sucked in a deep breath of humid night air. He hoped the storms brewing in the west would hold off until they could get the roof complete.

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Chapter Three

Building Pathology Glossary of terms: Absorption; attachment of a substance to the surface of a solid by virtue of forces arising from molecular attraction. “Look, Caroline, can’t you just go with my explanation and leave it alone?” Devin shut his eyes in frustration due to yet another set of the woman's incessant questions. She had a knack for scraping his nerves quicker than sandpaper to wood. Five weeks of her questions and suggestions had caused him to question his own goals. He brushed the grimy sweat from his forehead and replaced his hard hat, sighing as he wiped his hands on his bandana. The Indian summer in Minnesota was oppressive this year. “I was envisioning it in esthetic terms. The beamed ceiling would give the room a certain rustic-north woods appeal.” She used her hands, waving them in the air to paint the picture above them. Mid-creation, her hat fell off and clattered across the cement floor. Devin waited as she ran after it, his patience pulled as tight as the backside of her jeans. He glanced up, averting his gaze, and noticed the men in the electrical lift were paused midway to their destination. The expression on their faces indicated puzzlement of why the machine was not allowing them to continue. Devin glanced down and found a stray clipboard wedged in the control panel at the base of the machine. Devin yanked his hat off and scratched his head. He’d seen the small pools of men over breaks and at lunch, waging bets with one another. His intuition leaned heavily it was him and Caroline they placed wagers on. Part of him pondered what his odds were. He grabbed the clipboard, not at all surprised to find her name at the top sheet of yet another list of written suggestions, likely she wasn't finished. She grabbed her hat and dusted it off with her sleeve, and then wiped her sleeve on her jeans. “It seems to me a vaulted ceiling would save both time and money spent on extra materials.” 28

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Her gaze turned to his and she stopped, staring at him. “Oh wait, no let me guess. It’s already in the plans.” Her tone clearly edged on mocking. Devin narrowed his gaze, as he handed her the clipboard. Overhead he heard the motor whir into action. He didn’t think it prudent to launch into a lecture on safety regulations with her in front of the crew. After all, he didn’t want to come off sounding like a bully. He managed a calm voice, oddly more than he felt. Devin held her gaze, speaking in a dangerously polite tone, “I believe they were also considering maintenance of the ceiling over the years as well as the preference of the older residents who'll be living here. It was the overall consensus of the board, for the ceilings remain at low level, in order to keep the wiring within a maintainable reach.” He raised his brow, thinking he’d most likely been about as blunt as a man could be. Apparently, not blunt enough. “Well, I believe if you look at my research, you will see it’s clearly a waste. There are various ways to install the wiring so as to achieve easy access.” Devin looked up, seeing the men pause yet again, in their ascension. He motioned them on. God willing, they might get the ceiling rafters up there before sunset. “Sounds like the lady is trying to take over your job, boss.” One of his crew walked by, giving Devin a smirk and a hefty once over of Caroline. He noted the flash of anger in her eyes, and tried to respond before her. Fat chance. “Not at all.” She lifted her chin, challenged the burly man who stood well over a foot taller than her. Devin cast his gaze to where the ceiling was to be—should it ever get built—and wondered if this woman was an idiot, or simply packed an enormous set of steel-“Mr. McCudahy, you surely believe I am neither interested in or am trying to imply I could do your job better than you.” Devin held her challenging gaze unsure why her statement didn’t settle right inside him. His welder stood stock still, just a few feet away. “Humph.” Ignoring the man, Devin saw him glance at him and then lumber away. Of all the people on his crew Caroline would choose to challenge, it would figure she’d pick Jonah. Already he’d had to give the man a cursory warning regarding his temper. He held up his hands in truce—again. “Ms. Riggs.” Devin motioned her closer and put a friendly companion-like arm around her shoulder. He'd just reason with her, 29

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not notice how sweet her skin smelled. “Perhaps, if you have suggestions from now on,” he whispered his words, choosing them carefully. “You could just direct them to me in private. How's that?” It seemed to him a perfect solution to their problem. She’d have her say, just not in front of his crew. He glanced at the damp curls near her temple, fighting the urge to brush them back. Blinking from his reverie, he stepped back and let his arm drop lifeless at his side. “I’m to ask to speak to you in private every time I have a question. Is that what I'm hearing?” She pinned him with an incredulous look. For some reason, when she phrased it that way, it didn’t sound as reasonable. “Now I’m not saying you aren’t entitled to your opinion.” He stepped back, his defenses springing into place. He sure as hell didn’t need her running to her father, telling him he was an unreasonable man. “Or is it, I'm entitled, but just don't express it in public. Is that a better definition?” The woman was direct. Devin frowned; his sound reason emitted static--persistent, aggravating static to be exact. He rubbed his temple with two fingers. “Not exactly, maybe just—” Devin’s eye twitched spontaneously and he pressed his lid to stop the spasm. “If you’d prefer, I can simply tell my father it’s not working out to shadow you.” She crossed her arms poised in her classic street-fighter challenge. He was getting familiar with the look. Devin sensed he was in deep trouble. “Look, I enjoy your observations, really. It’s just …um, well, it’s the men—” He pressed his hands together, hoping for the words of reason to tumble magically from his mouth—praying really, they would. “The men?” “The men see you as the boss’s daughter. You understand? When you argue with me in front of them, about how, or why we’re constructing something a certain way, then they get confused about who they should listen to.” He rubbed his jaw. “Does any of this make sense?” “That’s ridiculous. You’re the foreman, their supervisor. Of course, they are going to listen to you.” She glanced up at the men busy installing the rafters above. It all was so simple for her. Plainly, the woman had no idea how the male brain operated. “I think it would be better to keep the suggestions of changing things to a minimum, would that work? It works for me.” He smacked a palm to his chest as he 30

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wondered why he’d agreed to her shadowing him. Shadow was not something Caroline Riggs did very well. Devin waited as she decided how to react to his proverbial gauntlet. If looks could kill, he’d be a dead man—at the very least maimed for life. She took a deep breath and stepped aside, ushering him in an overly grand gesture to walk ahead of her. He stepped forward as he watched her from the corner of his eye just in case she chose to use a two-by-four over his head. Overall, given the fact she didn't, he figured their discussion went rather well.

****

Caroline's tongue was sore as a direct result of biting down on it every time she had wanted to make a suggestion in front of another crewmember. Her reprimand from Devin had scalded her pride and she tackled the rest of the day, dodging looks and interesting side glances from the crew. With super human effort, she kept her comments monosyllabic and clamped her mouth tight once or twice when Devin glanced her way, expecting comment. Smiling, he moved on and Caroline felt as though he’d thrown her a doggie treat. The man gave the word arrogance a new meaning. She pondered how best to remove herself from this delightful idea of her father's. Why he felt it was a better idea, to follow this stubborn excuse of a man around, rather than work at her father’s office still proved a mystery to her. She’d only agreed, because he believed it would provide a practical educational experience. If it didn’t mean she might lose her father’s belief in her flexibility and willingness to learn all aspects of his empire, she'd turn in her blasted hard hat and never subject herself to another day with the likes of Devin McCudahy. “Well another day, Ms. Riggs. What do you think so far? Is it everything you thought it would be, given how updated those textbooks are?” McCudahy removed his gloves, placed them in his hat, and gave her a brief glance over his shoulder. He stepped up into his small office trailer. Enough was enough. She followed doggedly behind him. They were alone now, the workday nearly over. “So, is that the problem, Mr. McCudahy? You have issues with my education?” She removed her hat and slammed it on his office desk. “I didn’t say that.” He glanced at her briefly, before pouring himself a cup of thick coffee. Caroline winced as she watched him drink, judging how many hours it'd sat on the hotplate.

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“What are you saying then?” She waited while he rounded his desk and sat down with a satisfied sigh. Dirt shadowed his tanned features, except for the line where his hat had been. She suppressed a smile and his eyes flashed. “I just wondered how different real life was in comparison to a textbook.” He reached in his back pocket, pulled out his bandana and swiped it over his face, bending to check his reflection in small mirror duct taped to the wall. “You look gorgeous.” She hoped he detected the sarcasm dripping from her voice. His wicked smile confirmed he had as he narrowed his dark gaze at her. “Care to know what I see?” His voice was low and even. If she didn’t dislike the man’s attitude so much, his words and his gaze would explain the chills running up her arms. Practically speaking, she blamed it on the rotating fan sitting on his file cabinet. Caroline crossed her arms over her chest. It occurred to her if his face looked filthy, chances were pretty good hers looked just as bad. Before she could react, he reached in his desk drawer and pulled out a neatly pressed navy-colored bandana. With a smile, he handed it to her. “Thank you.” She could be polite when she had to be and this man challenged every civil manner she'd been taught. Caroline wiped the cloth over her face and sighed, thinking how wonderful a tepid bath would feel. “Tired?” Fatigue drained her resilience and she closed her eyes, succumbing to her weariness. This idea of keeping in control of her emotions around him was a much harder task than she'd expected. “Work is hard out here. Not exactly the place for a woman, in my humble opinion. Dust and grime, the heat, not to mention things like cuts and bruises, tired muscles—” Her mind snapped to attention. “Broken fingernails?” she replied, not opening her eyes, though she could feel his gaze. One by one, the large machine sounds of the construction site dwindled to those of the crew vehicles driving past the trailer office. Caroline opened her eyes and locked into his intense gaze as he leaned back in his chair. “You think I’m pretty much a male chauvinist, don’t you?” His eyes glittered in the dimming afternoon light. “I didn’t say that.” She held his gaze, trying to be as cocky as he was. 32

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Devin smiled. “Touché.” He stared at her a moment more, then stood. “Well, Ms. Riggs, I’m going home. My only concern right now is a hot shower and something to eat. I suggest you do the same. We have some very early days ahead if we’re going to get this project walled in by fall.” She moved toward the door, placing her hand on the knob. “Bright and early, Mr. McCudahy, I’ll be here.” He smiled lazily or wearily, she couldn’t tell. “I never doubted it for a moment. But understand this, Riggs. You're now a part of the real world and there's no textbook for experience." “Do you think I live out of a textbook, Mr. McCudahy?” “Let’s just say there’s a whole lot more to be learned in life, than by a book.” “Oh, and lets just say hypothetically, I was as novice to the real world as you think I am. You think you're the guy to teach me all there is to know?” She snorted, but did not miss the narrowing of his intense gaze. The trailer office suddenly seemed three times too small. Caroline swallowed and opened the door, grateful for the fresh air, even as hot as it was. “Goodnight Caroline.” It infuriated her that the sound of his voice sent chills up her spine. She mumbled something close to “g’night.” and slammed the door behind her.

****

Her vivid amber eyes threw lightening bolts at Devin every time she disagreed with him or had a question. Yet, she’d held her tongue. The woman had the determination of a bull moose, along with her innate ability to drive him insane. It had been the same for over a week, with periodic communications from her otherwise conveniently absent father, asking how “things were going.” He could fill the man's ear for a week given permission. But the better part of valor had him answer politely, each time. “Fine, Mr. Riggs,” he'd dutifully reply with a determined smile. Though he knew damn well fine was far from the truth. In an attempt to again connect to her on some level, Devin poured on his charm, but to no avail. Total silence to his request was not what he'd expected, nor intended. She remained aggravatingly distant and aloof. Devin considered maybe she’d taken greater offense to his simple request to keep her suggestions private, though the idea seemed perfectly logical to him—at least originally. 33

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It appeared she was no more excited to shadow him then he was to have her doing so. Still it puzzled him why she couldn't see that having complied with his request things were running much smoother. Just the same, he didn't appreciate feeling like the last kid picked in gym class. She talked and joked with every other man on the site, except him. Why should he have the desire to appease her? Maybe some women just brought that out in a man. In quiet obedience, she followed him, offering neither opinions nor observations, yet he knew damn well she had them. He’d seen her talking with Jeff and some of the other men, without reservation. It had to be killing her to keep so closed mouthed around him and certainly she had the right to talk to whomever she wanted. Devin had already spent many a sleepless night pondering that point. It appeared Ms. Riggs spent a great deal of her time avoiding him and while in some respects it was a relief, he didn’t need her being disgruntled enough to mention it to her father. He could be patient. Likely she would tire of this charade and perhaps tell her father she preferred to work in his office instead of on location. In spite of a degree indicating her academic knowledge, it didn’t appear she had much experience with people. Though, he admitted begrudgingly, she appeared to be giving it her every effort with every one of his crew, except him. From time to time, he caught her shocked look at the raw language of the crew. More often than not, she wouldn't accept help from anyone with a task, even if it meant it was easier for her. But as confident as she appeared on the outside, Devin sensed an innocence he couldn't explain, any more than he could explain his niggling desire to teach her about the ways of the world. Those were dangerous thoughts and it was enough that he had to keep an eye on her safety on the job. Clearing his throat, he cast a quick side-glance at his feminine shadow, in hopes of finding a way to rekindle communication. This was a purely an experiment, one that would either prove genius or foolhardy. By testing her knowledge of simple technical skills, he figured he might be able to pull her from her silence.

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Chapter Four

Building Pathology Glossary; Deviation; divergence of the value of a quantity from a standard or reference value. Used generally to make a divergence from what was originally intended. “Have you ever actually used any carpentry tools, Ms. Riggs?” Devin glanced up, checking her expression as he rubbed his hand along the rough pine door. He watched as curiosity overcame apathy changing the look in her eyes. The bait was dropped and she'd snatched it up quicker than a small-mouthed bass. Devin drew his gaze from her tantalizing mouth, pulling his thoughts in check. He hid his smile, seeing the tiniest flicker of challenge in her eyes. With any hope, assuming his suspicions were correct, it was just a matter of time before her silence would be broken. Though he reminded himself, this was designed simply to get them back to normal conversation—whatever normal was. “Actually, yes I have.” She stared directly at him, her chin jutted in challenge. He held her gaze wondering if he dare contest her steely exterior, so well defined as being academically superior. The woman had followed him for weeks, not uttering a sound. He wondered what kept her on task. It wasn't the money, for all he knew, as she was there to observe, not to be a paid employee. Devin tilted his head, gesturing toward the wood door. “Here are the goggles, be my guest.” He held out the plastic work glasses to her. Seconds ticked by before she finally reached out and curled her fingers around the rubberized headpiece. “Obviously, you need proof?” she replied with a frosty tone in her voice. Devin’s grin widened, delighted his plan was unfolding so well. He doubted seriously if her delicate hands ever touched anything but a phone book when it came to repairs. “You want me to use this, is that the idea?” She held up the planer by its handle.

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Devin nodded. “Yeah, just sheer a little off the edges.” He rested against a sawhorse and smiled, as he folded his arms over his chest. This was bound to be the best entertainment of the week. “Just a little?” Her voice edged with uncertainty. Still, she squared her shoulders, staring down at the door as if ready to tackle it. Her courage was admirable, anyway. “Yep, just plane it, Ms. Riggs, you know so it will fit the opening? Surely, somewhere along the line, you've learned what a plane is?” He held in his laughter even when she cast him a look that should have sufficed as a warning. “You’re getting some perverse enjoyment from this, aren’t you?” She picked up the planer and poised herself at the door’s edge. Devin fought to stay focused on his intent to tease her, but he faltered at the sight of her body curled over the door. The tail of her flannel shirt gently cupped her backside, her mile-long legs encased in denim looked more provocative than rugged. Odd, he never realized flannel turned him on before. He frowned at his thoughts, scolding himself. Something he realized with frustration, he’d done a great deal of since her arrival. Perverse? He hadn't really thought about it until she mentioned it. “Along the side, there—” He pushed himself from the sawhorse, sauntered over and covered her hands with his. “Start right…here.” She shivered and he pretended not to notice. The sensation though puzzled him, briefly throwing his well-controlled charm off kilter. “Here are the lines, just run the plane—” “I know what to do, thank you.” Devin held his palms up as he backed away. He bumped into the sawhorse, catching his balance as he leaned against it for support. He tipped his head back and forth, working the tension from his neck as he folded his arms and waited. She took a breath, squared her shoulders, and made a dive for the door. Fortunately, there was no reason to save the door for anything of real value. Devin winced and jerked his head back. He could almost feel the sharp edge of the plane as she dug into the wood. Thank god the thing was inanimate and could feel no pain. “Do you need any—” He stepped forward and met her steely glare. “No!” She gritted her teeth and attacked the wooden sacrifice again. Her dark hair bounced with every jab. If they were lucky, there might be enough of the door left for a box of toothpicks. 36

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Dazed by her fierce determination, he watched fascinated by her tenacity. This soft, delicate woman possessed an almost animal-like instinct. His gaze focused on the way her pink tongue slipped between her parted lips as she put every ounce of strength into her arms. “Come on—” she panted breathlessly. Thrusting her chin in the air, she took a deep breath, resuming with greater ferocity, the rhythmic back and forth motion. Devin's throat went bone dry as he watched mesmerized, his mind sliding precariously into a dizzying, erotic fantasy. His gaze, attached to the stirrings below his belt, locked onto the rapid motion of her body. It finally dawned on him what he wanted most was to be the door beneath her hands. Crap. Devin ripped off his hardhat and he raked a hand through his hair. A cold sweat had popped out across his forehead. Where the hell was his brain? “Enough!” he choked through the desire clogging his throat, confused and even more disturbed of the path where his mind had gone. Devin held her surprised gaze, in a feeble attempt to regain his control. He glanced at the ground and wiped the sweat from his upper lip. “I’m not doing this how you want me to, right?” Stunned speechless, Devin blinked, wondering what her reaction would be if he held up a score card depicting a perfect ten in her performance. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. “So, why don't you show me how it’s supposed to be done?” The plane dangled from her outstretched hand, her challenge blatant. Another place, another time he might gladly take her up on her offer. “You mean how to plane the door?” His brows puckered as he refocused his thoughts. When had he lost control of this situation? “Well, what else am I doing here?” She planted a fist to her hip and looked at him like he was a crazy man. Perhaps he was. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and reached for the plane. She positioned herself over the door, plane in hand and waited. “You want me to—” His recent erotic thoughts snapped back into his head. Maybe it had been too long since his last date. “I think if I could feel the amount of pressure to the wood, I'd grasp the concept better.” 37

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Was she taunting him? Devin nodded, swallowing hard. This little experiment had backfired royally and now his pride was at stake. Not the first time this woman had challenged him. After a moment or two of an awkward tangle of arms and legs, he finally reached around her as though teaching her a golf swing. Gingerly, he placed his hands on top of hers, his chest pressed lightly against her back. “You need your goggles.” His lips barely brushed the top of her ear as he spoke. Despite working outside all day, she smelled of musky sweetness. Women are supposed to smell good, he rationalized, dismissing the pounding inside his chest. “You don't need any?” She glanced over her shoulder. His gaze locked within inches of hers. Desire punched his gut and he thought he saw the same flicker briefly in her eyes. She was baiting him, matching him wit for wit. Devin nodded. She held the goggles in front of his face. “It’s a safety requirement, right? For protection.” Her brows arched in question. Devin felt the soft warmth of her flannelled back to his chest. Her body spooned to his with alarming ease. She jiggled the goggles before his face. There was no doubt she had caught on and now challenged him at his own game. With a sigh, he realized he had to regain perspective here. This was Stephen Riggs daughter. The same out-of-his-league woman, who happened to fall into his life and in a scant few weeks, had become a proverbial thorn in his side. “Mr. McCudahy? Are we going to stand here like this all day?” The thorn taunted him. For a brief moment, he considered suggesting an alternative to releasing the obvious tension between them; instead, he snapped the goggles over his eyes. “Let me show you an easier way.” “My hero.” He really admired her dry wit. Carefully he reached out and lowered her goggles, suppressing the adolescent urge to snap them to her face. Pure safety-minded reaction caused him to brush back her hair. He wished fervently it didn't feel like spun silk between his fingers. A knot formed in his stomach and he willed his hands to stay on task. His upper arms brushed gently against hers as he guided their combined grasp along the door's edge. Caught in the will to stay detached, he fought the emotions that tore at him every 38

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time his chest pressed against her gentle curves. He only hoped she couldn't detect the thundering of his heart. “See how much easier it is when you take it slower?” He couldn't believe to what lengths he was taking this scenario. She nodded and the velvety softness of her hair tickled his cheek. He repressed the desire to lift her dark mane and kiss the warmth of her neck beneath. “Mr. McCudahy?” Devin jerked from his reverie, acutely aware of the compromising position he held her in. “Thanks, I think I got your point.” “You’re sure?” He slid the plane across the wood once more, foolishly to appease himself. “Quite.” Her voice turned frigid. Not one woman in his list of failed relationships ever conjured images in his brain of Sunday mornings in bed, or long walks around the lake. Without comment, she straightened from his hold, laid the goggles on the door, and drew her gaze to his. “Well, it’s been a long day.” She ran her fingers through her wavy black hair. Something he had a sudden urge to do himself. His fingers twitched. “Yep.” He kept his gaze on hers, looking for something, any sort of realization of the heated attraction between them. If she felt anything, she covered it well. “I’ll see you Monday, then.” She tossed him the goggles and pivoted on her heel. The plastic glasses bounced off his chest, in response to his non-functioning limbs. She had no idea of the emotional carnage she left behind—or maybe she did. Devin stared after her, perplexed. Challenges were a part of his life—ingrained in his blood. He'd never walked away from one that interested him. She gathered her thick tresses into a giant hairclip, as she slid into the front seat of her red convertible. Caroline Riggs single-handedly stirred a new and powerful challenge in his blood. “You teach her a thing or two, boss?” Jonah stood a few feet away. Devin glanced at Jonah, uncomfortable with the idea of what he might have seen. He scooped up the goggles and faced the giant of a man. “No, Jonah. Have a good weekend.” Devin straightened to his full height, not liking the look in the man’s eye. “Sure thing. You too, boss.” Jonah hesitated. “She’s a pretty little thing, ain't she?” 39

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Something in his tone caught Devin's attention. “I really hadn’t given it much thought.” The bulk of a man spit a wad of chew to the ground, followed by a tarnished grin. “Right.” Devin kept his gaze on Jonah's departing form, taking his behavior with a grain of salt. He had his own issues to deal with.

****

The fibers of Caroline’s flannel shirt trapped Devin's outdoorsy scent. She closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh air as she pulled onto the winding lake road. It was odd she and Devin found themselves in the same boat trying to please her father. As much as she wished McCudahy success with his work, she had deeper goals. Goals she'd spent a lifetime creating and now was the time to put them into action. Caroline’s stomach knotted as she thought of Devin cupped to her back. A shiver rippled through her as she pressed down on the accelerator. The wind plucked spiral tendrils of her hair, teasing her face as she sped around the narrow lake road. It was vital she keep focused on her purpose. Her father had given her this opportunity. It was, she knew, his way of saying 'show-me-what-you-can-do, Caroline'. She had no intention now of being dissuaded by chauvinistic ideas that only saw women as calendar material for their office walls. Her father was a no-nonsense business, she'd been privy to it all of her life. Her hands gripped the wheel, her eyes narrowing as she remembered the smartaleck grin on his handsome face. It was clear the infuriating man thought to use her as a joke. The trouble of course, being she sensed the attraction as much as she suspected he did. And that was a major problem, particularly in light of the fact it seemed they were on opposite ends of the spectrum in almost everything. Frustrated at the unexpected response to her memory, Caroline's insides quivered and she slammed the heel of her hand against the wheel. As real as if it were happening, she sensed the warmth against her back and his voice with the barest hint of his smoothas-whiskey brogue. He could turn it on and off when the mood suited him. The shrill blast of a semi's air horn yanked her from her reverie and she clipped the wheel sharply, veering back into her own lane. Enough of this Caroline Elizabeth Riggs! Her brows pinched together in exasperation, she brought her car to rest at the side of the road. Caroline pressed her forehead against the warm leather steering wheel. Out of nowhere, she thought of her mother and her lip quivered. 40

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Why wasn't she here? What would she tell her to do? Did her father understand all she wanted was to be a part of his life? Her unfair loss swirled against a myriad of questions. Floating to the top like sweet, heavy cream was only one. Could she keep her goals in place despite Devin McCudahy? The muted sounds of tires crunching on gravel caused her to swipe her eyes and straighten in her seat. “Having some trouble, darlin'?” Caroline frowned, unable to recognize until she turned around. At the site of Jonah sauntering toward her, it dawned her that she sat miles from anywhere—anyone. Carefully she reached beside her and slipped the cell phone into the palm of her hand. “No trouble, thanks. I'm just admiring the view of the lake.” She glanced up at Jonah and a chill ran through her. Three times her size he sidled up beside her car and leaned a beefy elbow over the side. He stuck his scraggly face close to hers. The glint in his eye meant to intimidate, she noted first thing. “Yep, a right pretty view it is, too.” His breath stunk from the chew squished between his jaw teeth, and his grin mottled with garish brown stain. Caroline stiffened and felt for her keys. “I really need to be going.” She repositioned herself, and started the car. “Well now, what's your hurry?” He reached a meaty arm across her wheel and shut off the ignition. “We could have us a nice little visit—unless, of course, you don't associate with no one 'cept the boss.” “My father is expecting—” Caroline stared at the wheel, gathering her wits, planning her strategy. Her insides quickened to the potential danger. She wasn't clearly aware of another person's presence until she heard another man's voice. “Jonah, is Ms. Riggs having car trouble?” Caroline closed her eyes in relief at the sound of Devin’s voice. The gargantuan man straightened slowly and peered at Devin. “I'm just checking on that very thing, sir.” His smile was filthy, unfriendly. He stared at Devin, his somber gaze unwavering. “Well, I'm sure Ms. Riggs is grateful for your concern. I'm here now and I'll see to it she gets home safe. You go on home now. It's been a long week.” Devin gave the man a good-natured slap on the shoulder, acting as though Caroline wasn't there. Jonah mumbled something under his breath and lumbered back to his rusty, green pick-up. He turned, yelling from his open door. “You have a nice weekend, Ms. Riggs.” His tone was icy. “Boss.” He nodded. 41

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She glanced up to see Devin’s expression cloud. “You have a good one, Jonah.” Devin kept the smile on his face, though it did not reach his eyes. Caroline lowered her gaze, averting it from Jonah's chilly stare as he passed by. He drove slow, eyeing them both before gunning his truck around the curve. It wasn’t until he disappeared from sight Caroline released her breath. “Are you all right?” Devin's hand rested lightly on the side of her car. Caroline nodded, attempting to quell the waves of nausea to what might have happened if Devin hadn't passed by. Devin kneeled beside the car, resting his arms over the side. He clasped his hands and bent his head to look directly into her eyes. “You're sure?” At that moment, she saw his masculinity, but also a sincere compassion she hadn't been privy to. She answered again with a nod. Thoughts of climbing into the protective warmth of his embrace caused tingles to skitter along her spine. Fighting the sensation, she hoped her face could mask her thoughts. She chanced a side glance and met his dark gaze. “I'm very sure.” “You don't appear to be sure, Ms. Riggs.” Her gaze locked in on the tiny scar above his left eyebrow, wondering where it came from. She looked away from his penetrating stare and swallowed in response to the dryness in her throat. “I’m glad you came along when you did.” She nervously bit her lip. Caroline kept her gaze lowered hoping to dismiss the knight in shining armor attraction she had for him. She forced her gaze to his. He stood and crossed his arms. “Well, are you now? Would you say then even the independent Ms. Riggs is not immune from being rescued?” His brogue was back. “I can handle myself just fine, thank you.” The corner of his mouth tilted and mischief glinted in his eyes. “Be cautious, Ms. Riggs. Some men aren’t used to seeing a woman at a construction site. Especially one they realize could be their boss one day.” He slid his hands all too casually into his back pockets. She wanted to ask if he felt the same way, but wisdom held her tongue. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mr. McCudahy.” Her eyes strayed to the form-fitting gray t-shirt beneath the flannel, tucked neatly into the trim waist of his worn jeans. The color served only to make his dark eyes all the more penetrating. 42

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Damn it. He held her gaze, cocking his head to the side with an authoritative tip. “Just the same, I think I ought to follow you on home, just to be on the safe side.” He turned without waiting for her answer. Caroline considered whether to pursue the conversation, but Devin was already halfway to his truck. Instead her gaze was drawn to the view as he walked away. His natural gait held a certain sensual authority, conjuring images of a tightly chiseled body under all that denim. Her body twisted to gain a better view. It was the most puzzling thing she'd ever experienced. How could this man unravel her with a single look? Despite his charm and granted—gallant timing, she needed to keep things in perspective. Her gaze followed him to his truck, watching with interest as he slid into the front seat of cab. He perched a pair of neon-blue mirrored sunglasses on his nose, gliding them into place with one finger and a “did you like what you saw?” grin. Caroline shut her eyes tight. Pure heat slammed into her limbs, sending a primal shudder through her. Lord, have mercy, he was hot. Or maybe it was the fact she could count on one hand the dates she’d had in the past three years. Either way she needed to reign in her lonely hormones. She turned quickly and fumbled for the keys, realizing her hands trembled. By the time they reached the turn-off for her home, the distance between them had served to calm her nerves. She waved him on in thanks, surprised to see his turn signal blinking. She glanced in her rearview mirror, and wondered if all Irish carpenters were as pushy, or if it applied only to Devin McCudahy. Devin pulled his truck up beside her as she climbed from her car. He leaned through the passenger window. A smile spread over his face as he surveyed the exterior of the house. “Nice little place. Awfully quaint.” Both his smile and tone were teasing. She wouldn't have expected anything less from his self-sure attitude. Caroline laughed openly. “Well thanks, McCudahy—I think.” She reached into the front seat, pulled out her canvas tote, and turned to face him. He stared at her through the dark cover of his sunglasses. She raised her brows as she leaned her backside against the car. “I don’t suppose you’d like to go get something to eat? There’s this little place down the road—” He slid his glasses down the bridge of his nose and peered over the rim, his dark eyes glittered. 43

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She had to smile at his blatant ego. God help him--or her, she wasn't sure which-he had to be fairly successful with that charm of his in getting whatever he wanted— whenever he wanted. The thought sent shivers where there should be none. She straightened, boldly facing his powerful gaze, her traitorous body heating under his smoldering look. “I'd say after this recent incident, that isn't a good idea, Mr. McCudahy.” Drawn to his gaze, she waited for his response. Devin offered her a 'slow-as-molasses' grin causing her heart to tumble twice in her chest. The deep dimpled crevices caressed his mouth like two big parenthesis. How many women had he practiced that smile on? “Well then, Ms. Riggs.” He shrugged, waited a split second, and put his truck in gear. “We'll see you on Monday, then.” He slid his glasses back into place. Caroline grinned as she turned toward the few steps to the house. “Ms. Riggs?” “Yes?” she glanced over her shoulder. “Monday we'll practice with a drill.” She stumbled up the steps, looking back over her shoulder in shock. Pleased apparently to have caught her off guard, he threw back his head in unbridled laughter. He waved, circled once around the fountain and roared off down the road. The lake in the distance glittered in the rays of the late afternoon sun. Something foreign teased at her heart, warming her thoughts. Caroline suspected that with those smart-aleck Irish dimples, came a world of trouble, and it sparked a challenge in her. Maybe she had a thing for the rough-and tumble types. At least with them, you knew what to expect. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Maybe she ought to check out the diner after all. Besides, getting to know the crew might work to her advantage. If nothing else, she could show McCudahy she could gain their confidence on and off the job.

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Chapter Five

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Planning office; Critical Path Method; a management technique for losing your shirt under perfect control. Devin’s thoughts drifted as his thumbs tapped out the old Eagles tune blaring from his radio. A smile curled at the corner of his mouth. Yeah, he’d been able to jangle pert little Caroline Riggs, if only for a moment. Why in God’s name it should be so important to do so was one of those mysteries better left alone. Still, there was no mistake that it made him feel pretty damn good. He hummed along with the tune blasting on his car stereo, picking up at the familiar words of the chorus. “Take it eeaasyy,” Devin sang as his gaze roamed lazily over the road. The subtle curves in the lake road mirrored his mind as his thoughts swerved gently back to Caroline. If only life could be as easy as the song implied. He gave a snort of laughter. Caroline Riggs was anything but simple and that was a no-brainer. He’d be wise to let any musings, no matter how tempting, fly right out the window where the two of them was concerned. It didn’t take a mathematical genius that the two of them together would only add up to disaster. Caroline the lady from wealth, with her degree, and her East coast upbringing and him with his sketches, his charm, and Chicago Irish street smarts. She was purebred material and he, the garden-variety mutt, albeit a good-looking mutt. Devin grinned. He glanced in the review mirror, and then looked away with a sigh. Damn, maybe his Ma was right. Maybe it just wasn’t in him to settle down with one woman like his brothers. And if he ever did, chances were it wouldn’t be with someone like Caroline Riggs. Yep, he’d do well to keep things professional and distant, besides, she’d be gone in a few weeks anyway. And in a couple of years she'd probably land herself a young and upcoming professional to keep her in the lifestyle to which she was accustomed. Anything more with her would no doubt prove to be messy.

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Devin glanced up seeing the sputtering green glow of the neon ‘Wet-YourWhistle’ sign above the bar and grill. He took quick note of the bevy of familiar trucks lined up in odd angles to the lakeside eatery and cranked his wheel into the lot. After a day like today, a cold brew, along side one of Dusty’s quarter-pound specials' sounded like the perfect beginning to a relaxing weekend at home. Maybe he’d appease his ma and work on designing the sunroom he’d promised her last spring. Devin pocketed his keys, slipped off his dirty flannel shirt, and flung it over the seat of his cab. A flock of snow geese flew overhead causing him to follow their flight to the lake. He stretched his arms overhead pulling out the stiffness in his spine and the image of Caroline’s warm back against his chest popped into his mind. Dammit. He needed food and loud music. With any luck Betty would be working tonight. Gravel crunched under his boots as he strode with greater purpose across the lot. As the bars oldest and most experienced waitress, Betty had the ability to talk through your troubles until they didn't seem like trouble at all. He welcomed the smoke and noise that hammered his senses as he stepped through the wooden door of the crowded bar. He tucked his t-shirt in as he scanned the bar, letting his eyes adjust to the dim light. At the opposite end of the long room, three of his crew leaned on pool cues, waiting their turn at the bars' one and only prize pool table. Devin raised his chin, greeting the bartender, who waved hello in response, with a mug in his hand. The dark polished bar ran the length of the main room and four private booths lined the opposite wall. The neon Jukebox radiated from its corner spot near the tiny postage stamp dance floor. Between the bar and the booths, sat less than a dozen mismatched tables and chairs, most of them already occupied with guys he knew from work. Old-fashioned Christmas lights, a 'Wet-Your-Whistle' trademark, hung brightly around the ceiling of the main room, providing a festive illumination to its otherwise dark interior. “Hey, Devin!” His friend Jeff raised his pool cue in a friendly salute. Devin gave a short wave in return. On another night, he probably would join them, but tonight he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. And he wasn't exactly comfortable with having to explain why. Besides, his protesting stomach had gotten his attention first. Devin spotted an empty corner booth and snaked through the tables offering greetings to crew members as he made his way across the room. He slid into one side, where he'd have a good view of the pool game and dance floor. With a heavy sigh, he 46

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perched his chin on his fist and stared instead at the empty seat across from him. Was this to be his lot in life, then? To eat alone night after night, or with other bachelors who'd already been down the road of broken relationships? Though he knew it was a fruitless notion, he still wondered what a night with Caroline would be like. He gave a short laugh and looked at his surroundings. Yeah sure, she'd love this place. “What can I get you, Hon?” Devin looked up at Betty and gave her a broad grin. She was the neighborhood sweetheart, a fine-looking woman. A construction site accident had taken her husband's life, and she'd elected to adopt anyone in construction as one of her own. Betty tweaked the dimple on his cheek. “You’ve got the sweetest doggone smile.” “Hey Betty, how’s it going?” Devin stretched his legs out under the table, crossing his ankles. He clasped his hands behind his head, finally starting to unwind. “You look like you’ve been run over by one of your own haulers, Hon.” The woman was psychic. Devin raised a weary brow. “Thanks Betty. Now, we've covered my day, how about a cheeseburger and a bottle of dark ale?” “You bet, cowboy, coming right up.” He had to admit he loved it when she babied him, and she was the best listener. “You relax. I’ll get your order in, bring you a brew, and then you can tell Betty all about your awful day.” She tapped her pencil softly against his chest. Devin watched her walk away. Betty was still a damn fine looking woman even though she was a few years older, but she was friendly to all the guys. It's what endeared her to the regulars. “Is this spot taken?” Absorbed in the gentle sway of Betty's hips in her pink uniform, Devin hadn't noticed Caroline standing at his side. “What are you doing here? Hey, is Jonah bothering you again?” Stunned, in a pleasant way, he was relieved when she smiled as she slid into the seat across from him. He straightened, hoping like crazy it wasn't the reason she'd come. “No, he's not.” With that gratefully not the reason for her presence, his attention diverted to how her yellow cotton t-shirt gently hugged her slender form. Dressed like a summery sunrise she was—fresh, innocent—virginal. “Have a seat.” His thoughts traipsed along the borderline possibility he was the reason she changed her mind. 47

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The epitome of innocence, she tucked her snow-white sweater next to her in the booth and smiled at him from across the table. By pure coincidence he happened to notice the shimmer of pink gloss on her lips. “Nice place. Awfully quaint.” Or was it peach? His gaze rested on her mouth as she surveyed the bar's rather rustic ambiance. Devin swallowed, breaking from his concentrated assessment of her mouth. He realized she'd repeated his words. He grinned, at least she had a good sense of humor. “So how’d you know I was here?” Unconcerned or playing her cards close to her chest--Devin didn’t want to think about it--she continued to scan the room giving his presence only a brief glance. “First of all, there are only two bars on this road and besides, I saw your little black truck.” He glanced down at the table and smiled. Rubbing a finger over where someone had carved their initials into the soft wood. “That “little black truck” is a Ford HarleyDavidson F series Super Duty extended cab. Just off the lot two weeks ago.” “Yeah, the big shiny black one with huge tires, right?” Devin frowned, tempted to launch into a full-blown explanation of the difference in trucks, sizes, and the power under the hood. He scratched his neck deciding to leave well enough alone. A question of more importance needled him. “So, what changed your mind about dinner?” He leisurely folded his hands showing his patience in hearing her story. Caroline continued to take a visual inspection, raising her hand to greet Jeff across the bar. If indeed, he was the reason for her change in plans, she was not going to let him know it. Devin's attempt at trying to keep from seeing her as a woman dwindled as his gaze wandered to how the lights played with the deep mahogany hue of her shiny hair and how wispy the layers feathered her alabaster throat. In a brief moment of whimsy, he entertained thoughts of trailing kisses along the slope of her slender neck. Devin snapped from the daydream, admonishing himself to keep his thoughts platonic when it came to Caroline Riggs. “You okay?” She tipped her head with a quizzical look. “Fine.” He cleared his throat, wanting to dismiss the notions in his head. “Ms. Riggs?” “Yes, Mr. McCudahy?” She straightened in her seat. 48

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He felt like a schoolteacher quizzing a student. “Uh…I asked you what exactly changed your mind?” He fought to keep his focus on her response. Hard to do when his mind was sketching every detail of her face. “Well, I got to thinking about it on a business level.” Devin's brow quirked. Caroline continued on as though ignoring the gesture. “I decided it might be a good idea to, you know, to hang out.” She crooked her fingers for emphasis. “Mingle, with the guys. Maybe it will help them to accept me better. They get to know me, I get to know them. It could be a good thing, don't you think?” She finished her explanation, crinkling her pert nose for…hell, whatever reason. Devin’s gaze hung on how incredibly white and even her teeth were when she smiled. Carefully placing her palms on the table, she tipped her head to meet his gaze. “Well, what do you think?” Your eyes are the most unbelievably gorgeous color I've ever seen. He stared openly at her gaze shimmering in the dim light. Like the hue of sunshine on honey, rimmed with soft, black lashes. Mesmerized by their tiger-like appearance, Devin sensed he tread on serious ground. The idea of “getting to know his crew” wasn't settling too well in the pit of his stomach either for some reason. Hell if he'd let her grab that knowledge. “Hey, if it’s what you think, that works for me.” This conversation needed to steer away from prolonged gazes. He tapped his fingers on the table and purposefully looked around the room. Had they turned up the thermostat? “Seven-fifty, Hon.” Betty placed his dinner on the table and rested her hand on her hip. She smiled down at Caroline. “Well, who do we have here?” “Betty, I’d like you to meet Ms. Caroline Riggs.” Betty glanced at him, her brows forming twin peaks above her china blue eyes. “The Stephen Riggs? You're his daughter? I didn't know he had a daughter.” “Ms. Riggs has been—with us over at the new condo site since she graduated.” Caroline took Betty's hand as she slid a side-glance to Devin. “Nice to meet you, Betty. May I have one of these?” Her fingers plucked the neck of his bottle of ale. “And I think I'll try the hamburger special also.” Betty passed a sly smile to Devin. “Another quarter-pounder? Well, sure sweetheart, you stay right here and keep my Devin company.” Caroline glanced at him, curiosity flickered in her gaze. “She babies me.” He smiled partially embarrassed at Betty's attention. Was that jealousy he saw flicker in her gaze? 49

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Silence stretched between them and Devin pondered what they could talk about. How was your day--seemed a bit redundant, considering they'd just spent it together. Better to keep the conversation easy—light. Even better, he should go clean up. Dust from the day still clung to his forearms. He cleared his throat. “Can you excuse me? I'll be right back.” He slid from the booth aware his food would get likely get cold, but at least he'd smell decent. Devin closed the men's room door and locked it behind him. He peeled off his shirt and pounded out a handful of green anti-bacterial soap from the chrome dispenser. Working a lather between his hands, he slathered it over his arms, torso and neck. Hesitant as to whether to include a quick shampoo, he shrugged and raked his fingers through his short hair, scrubbing away the grime of the day. He stared down at the miniscule sink trying to figure out how best to rinse off the soap when he caught his reflection in the hazy cracked mirror. Where had this sudden case of the jitters come from? He bent over the small circular sink and splashed frigid water over his head and body, making note to ask Betty if they needed someone to check the thermostat on their hot water furnace. Water pooled in several spots on the countertop and across the floor. With his teeth chattering, Devin cranked the small lever in furious determination, ripping off partial sheets of brown paper toweling to wipe the floor and counter. Once they were dry, he realized he hadn't dried himself off and worse, he'd used up the roll in the dispenser. With a frustrated sigh, he searched around the room for extra toweling discovering his only hope was the automatic hand dryer attached to the wall. With a prayer that it worked and relief when it did, he turned the nozzle upward, drying what body parts he could maneuver over the machine. A knock sounded on the door. “You all right in there?” “Occupied,” he bellowed over the noise of the dryer. He shook out his shirt tossed over the stall, and tugged it back over his chest. With a quick scent check of his armpits, he tucked in his shirt and combed his fingers through his still damp hair. It occurred to him as he took one last check in the mirror he'd never gone to so much trouble for a hamburger before. Devin slid into the booth with a content sigh, responding to her puzzled look. “I needed to wash my hands.” He smiled and she smiled in return. That was that. Dark spots created from water stained his gray t-shirt. Devin plucked the material away from his chest, nervous about what she might be thinking, so he steered the conversation away from himself. “You didn't mention what Jonah said to you. I need to 50

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know if he harassed you out there.” He hoped her answer was no, truthfully, he didn’t need there to be any more trouble on the site than her presence had already created--for him anyway. “No.” She glanced away and he got the feeling she was avoiding the issue. “If you’re concerned Ms. Riggs, Jonah's not here. You sure he didn’t say anything to upset you?” Her roaming gaze returned to his, humbled by the open trust reflected in her gaze. “Thanks, but no, he didn’t. You know, he's probably glad it's Friday night. Maybe he's testing me. Men who are intimidated by a woman sometimes do that, you know.” Devin licked his lips as he nodded. “Really? Well, let me know if he bothers you again, okay? Or anyone for that matter, all right?” Devin peered at her as she took a deep swallow of her ale. She nodded, but said nothing more on the subject. Clearly it was an uncomfortable subject, time to move on. “So, where’d you get your degree?” Something in her gaze caught his attention, vulnerability, perhaps. He had an unexplained desire for her to be comfortable, especially with him. “East coast.” She chewed softly on her bottom lip. An image of him doing something similar leapt into his mind. Again he cleared his throat as he shifted in his seat. Keep it business. Yeah, right his conscience mocked. “Which one?” She kept her gaze to the table. “Harvard.” Devin’s breathing stopped. If they could be any further apart in life experience, he didn’t know what it would be. “I’m…uh, from Chicago.” His fry caught in his throat. There was no cause why he should feel inferior. He had the job, experience— “Yes. Father told me.” Her gaze dropped to his plate of French fries, as he mentally dissected her response. “Oh, sorry.” He pushed the plate across the table. “Here, help yourself. They take their own sweet time around here, you must be hungry.” Devin squirted a mountain of ketchup to the side of his plate. “Are you sure?” She smiled. “I'm starving. Guess my boss works me too hard.” For some reason, he found the statement provocative, erotic—though it didn't seem to take much to achieve this evening. A short, nervous laugh emitted from him, sounding absolutely absurd. 51

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“Hey, I’m fourth in a line of older brothers, you never just reach out and grab off of a plate without the offer. You might lose a finger.” It turned him on to see her smile. She chuckled reaching for a French fry and in jest, he grabbed her wrist. Her body stiffened, he gently pulled his hand away. “Relax, I’m just kidding.” Betty appeared with Caroline's order. “Here ya are hon, that’s seven-fifty. You gonna leave this poor girl alone and let her eat, McCudahy?” Betty smacked him playfully on the shoulder as she placed Caroline’s plate in front of her. “Yeah.” Devin swallowed as he smiled at Betty and then he glanced at Caroline. He wondered if the knot in his stomach would allow him to digest his food. Something about Caroline drew him to her. The realization alone should have thrown red flags all over the playing field of his mind. She was a wealthy woman—make that an attractive, possibly lonely, wealthy woman—and a danger to the goals of his happy bachelorhood. Especially one with a focus, narrowed to the eye of a needle. He was happy, wasn’t he? “Here, let me get it.” Glad for the diversion, he scrambled for his wallet and handed Betty a twenty. “Keep the change, Betty.” He tried to ignore the amused look on Betty’s face, glancing up at her only briefly. She gave him a knowing smile. “You call if you need anything, Daddy Warbucks.” He caught the humor in her eye as she sauntered from their table. “She’s always kidding me.” He grinned dismissing Betty's comment. “Tell me about Devin McCudahy.” Caroline twirled her French fry in a pool of ketchup, her gaze barely making contact with his. A half hour before he'd determined it was best they not get socially involved, but as he watched her lick the ketchup from her fingers, he reassessed that idea. Never let it be said he wasn’t flexible. He swallowed a mouthful of cheeseburger, and then forced his gaze from hers to the aging cedar wall with replica tin ads tacked on them for ambiance. “My Da and Ma still live in the same house, in the same neighborhood where I grew up. My grandparents came from Ireland, settling not far from the same house. My folks met while still in High school. They married right out of high school. Da worked construction and Ma stayed home, busy with three sons, and then to their surprise, I came along. As a kid I remember 52

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how she used to fix meals for our church priests. Good Catholic woman, my Ma. When they’d scraped enough together, my Grandda, and Da started a furniture building company. They designed and built all their own stock. As each of us grew older, we stepped in and learned the Old World methods they’d used. It's an art, that type of workmanship, certainly not like some of the shoddy craftsmanship you see today.” He paused, hoping he wasn't boring her. His natural tendency to revert to a slight Irish brogue happened spontaneously when he rambled. His Grandda had spent many hours teaching Devin the ancient Gaelic language, but it put some people off. She stared at him, tipping the bottle to her lips. When she gave him a smile, he could not mistake the gleam in her eyes. “Agreed.” He wanted to ask her what she was thinking; instead he cleared his throat and continued. “My brothers are still in the woodworking business.” He paused, chewing a fry and glanced at her trying to determine the look on her face. Boredom—apathy? She simply stared at him. Her eyes seemed wistful, bordering on sad. It puzzled him how a woman of her stature could look so alone. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bore you.” He took another bite of his sandwich and watched as she nibbled at hers. No wonder she was so thin, she ate next to nothing. Two days with his Ma would change that in a hurry. He took another swallow of his ale and cautioned himself once again to keep things between them business. As though she'd been far away in her thoughts, she blinked raising her brow, raised a brow. “So, why aren't you in the furniture business?” He shrugged, took another bite, smaller this time, and chewed thoughtfully, before he spoke, “I went right to work for my Da and my brothers the minute I graduated from High school. But my love is building and design. I started working with building crews and basically worked my way here. I appreciate your dad giving me this opportunity. I intend to give him my best on this project.” He shifted in his seat, hoping she didn’t take that as a challenge. “It’s as much for my family though, as for your father.” Admitting something this close to his heart was unusual for him, yet to do so, served to reconfirm his long range goals. It did puzzle him that Riggs accepted his bid above the others despite his lack of formal education. Not one however, to spit in fate's eye, he welcomed the challenge and set out to make the project his own. “So what you do is sort of your way of keeping your family name associated with building fine things?” 53

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He raised an eyebrow, impressed she'd been able to read him so well. “I s'pose you could say that.” She studied him. “It must be wonderful to come from such a big family.” While his thoughts were consumed with how far apart they were in education, he was surprised by her remark. “What about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?” He suspected there were none, but until recent months, he hadn’t known about Caroline. It was as though she’d been a phantom in Stephen Riggs’s life. He couldn’t even remember seeing her photograph in the business office the day he interviewed with Riggs. She shook her head, popping a morsel of bread into her mouth. He had the distinct impression she didn't want to talk about herself. Silence, although not uncomfortable as when she first arrived settled amiably between them. He smiled when one of his crew started up the jukebox. The sultry sound of Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” filled the two-room cabin, its sensual conga rhythm thrummed in Devin's chest. He raised his voice. “I guess having a large family has its moments. Maybe you’ll get to meet them someday.” He shouted over the music, giving her a smile. He figured it was a safe off-hand remark. He pointed at the dance floor, laughing openly as one of his crew grabbed Betty around the waist, and practiced his dance moves. Soon a handful of patrons gyrated to the heart pounding rhythm. Still grinning, he turned his gaze and found her quietly staring at him. “What about you? When do I get to hear about Caroline Riggs?” He braced his hand under his chin, as he leaned on the table. “Not now.” She smiled, waving his question away. “The music is too loud.” “Well then, do you dance?” He grinned.

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Chapter Six

Building Glossary of Terms; Adhesion; the force that resists the separation of two bodies in contact. Her shy smile came as a soft blow to Devin's stomach. In retrospect, she’d had the same affect on him from the first moment they met. In the week's following, she’d created all manner of confusion to his nights and to most of his waking moments as well. Somehow, he had a feeling if she knew it; it would make his life even more complicated, a direction it was already surfing toward with no assistance from him at all. Just the same, this wasn't how he thought their working relationship would pan out. He prided himself in his ability to maintain--up to now--control to his life. This woman barely opened her mouth in the past few weeks and it made him yearn to lose all control. “Come on, show me what you got.” He stood, gave her a friendly smile, and held out his hand. “I promise I won’t bite.” She saw right through his attempt to impress her with his charm. “Are you used to getting what you want with that smile, McCudahy?” She slid from the booth and faced him with a wry, challenging look. Devin pondered his answer, aware somehow her hand had found its way into his. “Sometimes, I just get by using me teeny grin.” He leaned close purposely thickening his brogue to tease her. Much to his surprise it was him, taken aback by the subtle, enchanting scent of her skin. Tempted, he wanted to linger near her neck, preferably in a more private atmosphere. She smelled of mist and flowers, and Devin decided if he could get her on the dance floor, holding her close might serve to appease his immediate need. Devin turned her toward the floor, guiding her forward, attempting to clear his otherwise muddled thoughts. Not until this precise moment did Devin believe those stories his Grandda told of the bewitching spells certain women had on men. When they reached the dance floor, he grabbed her hand more firmly, taking charge, more for his own sake, as he snaked through to a clearing at the edge of the large crowd. His fingers had itched to touch her most of the night and he wasted no time in 55

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sliding them around her waist. Offering his palm to her other hand, she squeezed his bicep as they faced each other. He fought the overwhelming urge to kiss her. “Okay, just move your feet opposite of mine.” Devin leaned forward, his mouth nuzzled near her ear. Distance, he mentally reprimanded himself. He stepped back as if burnt and focused instead on their feet. Her hips swayed clumsily, trying to keep pace with the steady rhythm. “There you go. You're almost doing a rumba.” He nodded, giving her a confident smile, hoping to ease some of the tension between them. But the more they danced, the more he concentrated on her body moving in time with his and the more the tension built. Her delicate fingers slid under his shirtsleeve searing his flesh as she struggled to keep up with him. She threw her head back and laughed as their feet tangled. At that moment, Devin's resistance crumbled. He leaned in close to whisper to her the idea of going someplace to talk when she was yanked away from him. His friend Jeff grinned as he whirled Caroline under his arm. From Jeff, she passed to Clint, to Wade and finally breathlessly back into his embrace. “Your crew likes to dance, McCudahy.” Before he could respond, he felt a slight tug and she was gone again, spun across the floor, one-by-one, with half his crew. It appeared they liked to dance. And further, it appeared her plan to “get to know” his crew had also been a success—maybe too much of one. Devin backed up as he kept his eye on her every partner. As though an invisible man, he found his gaze narrowing to her face, trying to detect whether she enjoyed dancing with other men. Where had that come from? He frowned, chewing the corner of his lip, puzzled by his reaction as he fought the tension roiling in his belly. He sure as hell didn’t need her getting the idea he cared for her on another level beyond business, then again he couldn't deny that he didn’t like to watch her dance with his crew. Damn, the whole thing was too complicated to sort out in the span of a few minutes. All he knew was he wanted her in his arms again. Devin pushed from the chair and strode to the man readying to twirl her again. His hand caught her waist mid-twirl and she wavered before him, catching her breath. “Hi.” When she smiled, her eyes sparkled. Thoughts of the sunrise over the lake popped into his head. “Hi. I seem to remember, it was me who asked you to dance.” 56

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Someone hit the top of the jukebox and it sputtered into “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” Surprised at his possessive behavior, Devin slid his hand around her waist, grasped her other hand and twirled her once, drawing her flat against his chest. Damn, he wanted to make that perfect lip-gloss a mess, to know firsthand what flavor it was. But was the wrong place, the wrong time, and in all probability —the wrong woman. Still, he had her just where he wanted for now. “Appropriate song for this place,” she spoke, her gaze glued to his shirtfront. “Yeah, they'll end up banning the smoking here one day.” Devin held Jeff's gaze over the top of her head. What the hell was he thinking letting his emotions run rampant like this? Her fingers slid over his shoulder, cupping the back of his neck, searing the flesh she touched. “I don't smoke,” she spoke quietly, not looking up at him. Devin's hand followed the gentle slope of her back, pressing her close, his fingertips resting lightly against the waistband of her jeans. He closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head, defying anyone to snatch her from him. She snuggled into his embrace, her body soft and warm pressed against him as they swayed in slow rhythm. God she felt like a miracle in his arms. Visions of molding his palms over her denim clad bottom and urging her against him danced in his head. As if reading his thoughts, she leaned back, gazing softly up at him. The need to touch her, brand her as his rushed him with unexpected intensity. He reached up, brushing an errant wisp of hair from her cheek. “Watch it, McCudahy.” A voice shouted from the dark interior, teasing him with slurred glee. Devin reined in his emotions—for now—vowing to explore them later if the opportunity presented itself. “Looks like we're being watched.” With careful control, he closed down the fevered part of him wanted to do more than dance with Caroline Riggs. “I should probably follow you on home.” “Oh? Am I ready to go home?” She grinned with an ornery twinkle in her eye His heart slammed against his chest. Damn it all, if she wasn’t flirting with him. “Unless you plan to stay her alone, Ms. Riggs.” He counter-challenged, hoping she would be wise in her decision. 57

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Caroline stared at him a moment. “Jerald dropped me by. I’m going to need to call him for a ride home.” She took a step back, accidentally bumping into the couple behind her. “Sorry.” Pulling her back, Devin stared down at her. “Who's Jerald?” He realized seconds later how jealous the question sounded. He loosened his grip on her arm, admonishing himself mentally. “My father’s driver.” She challenged him with a glint in her eye. Turning on her heel she headed for the booth. Devin wasted no time rushing to her side. “No problem. I can get you home.” His smile was chivalrous, though he hoped she wouldn’t detect the less-than-chivalrous lust that lay beneath its surface. She scooped up her sweater, straightening to face him. “You sure it’s no trouble?” He nodded; absolutely convinced he was out of his ever-lovin’ mind. Caroline tried her best to ignore the whistles and remarks from the crew as they left the tiny bar. She risked a glance to Devin's face, seeing he was none too pleased with the behavior of his crew. “Hey, if this is going to create more problems, I can always call my driver.” Devin faced her in the darkening shadows of the parking lot. She absentmindedly reached out to touch him, withdrawing her hand as an afterthought. In the waning light, his dark shirt and jeans accentuated the broadness of his shoulders. She'd not been able to ignore overbearing scent of antibacterial soap when he returned from the bathroom. He'd been gone long enough that Betty had sent someone to check if he was all right. The effort and his charm had not gone unnoticed and she had to admit the contrast of his rugged exterior and gentle ways was enticing combination. “I’m just taking you up the road. It's on my way home. No big deal.” His voice was quiet and level as he fished the keys from his pocket. She could hear the supervisory control reverberating in his tone. He reached out and opened the passenger door, offering his hand for her to climb into the cab. “Well now, ain’t that cozy.” Jonah lumbered from beyond the shadows, almost as though he'd been waiting. Her eyes snapped to Devin's face, seeing his expression somber. “Get in the truck.” His voice was quiet, but firm as he waited until she settled not the seat. He carefully closed the door behind her. 58

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“Evening, Jonah. I figured you’d be home sawing logs by now.” Devin’s voice sounded amiable as he rounded the nose of the truck to the driver's side. He pulled open his door. “See you might get a little action yerself, boss.” The air charged just as sure as an impending summer storm. “Jonah. I’m taking Ms. Riggs home.” The tone in his voice was matter-of-fact.— cold as a wintry breeze, blowing over the lake. “I’m going to ignore your rude comment—this time. I can see you’ve had too much to drink. Go on home. Sleep it off.” A chorus of laughter broke from a group of men coming out of the bar. “Jeff. See to it Jonah gets home all right. Don’t want one of our best welders running off the road.” Devin yelled over the window as he stood on the running board. “Sure thing, Mac. Come on Jonah, let me give you a lift.” Caroline looked across the dashboard and caught Jonah’s narrowed gaze on Devin. For what seemed an eternity, the two, supervisor and employee, stared at each other in a silent display of will. “Go with Jeff.” Devin's voice though soft, held a serious warning. She marveled how he could sound like a big brother and get what he wanted from these men. Jonah scowled, looked at Caroline, and toward Jeff waiting by his truck. “Sorry you had to hear that.” Devin settled in next to her giving her a long look that made her blood sizzle. She could see the concern in his eyes. “Really, it’s okay.” She turned toward the window to escape his gaze, trying hard not to hear Jonah’s words echoing in her mind. Devin started the pick-up, glancing her way, as a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “He had a few too many tonight.” “Sure.” Caroline glanced at him. “You think a toothbrush might help his disposition? I'd spring for one.” He chuckled as he pulled up to the road. His gaze and his smile rested on her for a moment before he spun gravel gunning onto the highway. Caroline stared into the darkness as they rounded the lake. The fresh air blowing through the truck, felt wonderful after the tension with Jonah. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the seat. Through the open window, she noticed the tiny lights dotting the distant shore. “Any of those lights your place?” She pointed her thumb in the direction of the twinkling lights the other side of the lake. 59

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Devin pursed his lips with a provocative frown as his eyes darted from the road ahead to the lights across the lake. He leaned over next to her shoulder, pointing with his finger as his gaze darted back and forth to the road. “Over there, see the red lights on the tower? My place is at the base of that.” Caroline pressed flat against the seat allowing him what room she could. She glanced at him and locked into his steady gaze inches from hers. “Shouldn’t you watch where you're going?” Her body had gone full alert, aware of the myriad of scents surrounding his closeness. He said nothing, but took a quick glance to the road before settling back to his side of the seat. Caroline stared at the road ahead fully aware of the attraction between them. Perhaps it was curiosity on his part. Still to mix business with pleasure was not a wise choice. But the sad truth was that she couldn't stop thinking about the pleasure part. He tapped his finger to the wheel in time to the music, seemingly unaware of what was going on inside her. Maybe he knew, but chose not to deal with the attraction. After all, he'd already given her the impression she was not his type at all. Still, it was pleasant enough to ride next to him, listening to him hum along with the radio. “So, what brought you back here?” He glanced at her as he leaned forward to switch the radio station. The wind blew his dark curls around his ear. “Well, I guess I'd like to join my father's firm, maybe take over the business one day.” He nodded his head, not taking his eyes from the road. “That's some pretty big shoes you have to fill.” “You have some pearls of wisdom to share?” She realized her statement issued a challenge. Derogatory comments about it being a “man’s world “out there and she’d likely be “eaten alive “by the sharks, were comments she'd heard before. She’d learned to steel herself against them. “Sounds like you’ve already had plenty.” He shrugged. Caroline nodded, thrown off by his lack of comment. He slowed, pulling into the long private drive to the house. The spotless white rail fence flanking the road shone bright against the reflection of the truck’s headlights. At the end of the lane, dozens of tiny lights shone from the Riggs estate. “Looks like somebody’s having a party up there.” 60

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Devin peered over the wheel giving her an inquisitive side-glance. “No, Nana just likes light.” “Nana?” Perhaps it was her nerves that made his voice sound incredulous. He pulled into the circle drive, stopped the truck, and turned off the ignition. Caroline reached for her seat belt, anxious to be within the confines of the massive brick sanctuary. Her lack of family in comparison to the impression she had of his, left her feeling alone, and more than vulnerable. “Hey.” He placed his hand on her forearm. “Is she your grandma, then?” “No. Nana is our housekeeper. She’s always been here. Ever since my mother—” Caroline stopped, uncomfortable she'd so easily opened up to him. Devin's hand squeezed her arm gently. “Since your mother—?” With his hand clamped over her forearm, he used his other hand, unbuckled his seatbelt, and shifted to face her. “Are you always so pushy, McCudahy?” A soft breeze, cooled by the lake, blew through the window chasing a shiver up her arm. The night was still, its velvety darkness, surrounding them. Caroline's heart beat unsteady against her chest. No one had ever been interested in the details of her life before—no one. “Only when something interests me, “he said quietly. Caroline slid her arm gently from his grip, and stared out the window. She knew precious little about her mother, how could she explain her to anyone else? “Caroline?” Her name rode elegantly on his tongue. The effect on her was more powerful than she’d expected. “I need to go.” She reached for the doorknob and felt the warmth of his hand cover hers. “Thanks for the evening.” “Do you want to talk about it?” “No. I don’t think it’s a good idea.” She plucked at a thread on her jeans. “Then chances are you won’t think this is either.” “What’s that—?” She looked up just before Devin covered her mouth with his. His lips tasted of ale and lake mist. For a moment, her brain ceased to function, giving over to the pure blissful sensation. Fisting her hand to his shoulder, she pushed against it. Her senses warred with reason, feeling as though she'd been run over by a bulldozer.

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Devin drew back, his eyes glittering in the reflection from the porch lights. “Very bad idea.” He licked his lips, looking at her like she was dessert. He released a sigh as he glanced away. “Y—yes.” Caroline sought to regain her composure. Her brain reeling somewhere between delight and shock, she ran her tongue over her lips, his taste lingering there. “Yep.” He stared out the front window, his hand resting loosely over the steering wheel. His sigh was audible as his jaw clenched once, as if in contemplation. He searched her gaze. “Tell me again, it’s a bad idea.” “It’s—” Her words stopped abruptly when he leaned toward her, barely touching his lips to hers. “I-don't—” Cautious and gentle this time, he cupped her neck, the heat of his palm warming her skin. The slow pace of his seduction burned her alive. She gravitated to him, curling her fingers into the smooth cotton of his t-shirt. “Really—” She wanted more. A gentle moan escaped her lips as his mouth slid over hers, his tongue coaxing, deepening the kiss. Surrendering to him, she slid her arms around his neck and allowed him to press her back against the seat. Taking what he offered, she explored what she'd convinced herself she could not feel for him. She was lost. Devin braced on his elbows above her, supplying an additional kiss or two to her mouth. “God, I’ve wanted to do that for weeks.” The weight of his hard stomach muscles expanded and contracted intimately against hers. The sensation set a fire coursing through her blood. “McCudahy. What are you doing?” Her head reeled in delicious delirium and she licked her lips, his taste still all too evident on her tongue. “You mean, what are we doing?” He grinned. “It seems pretty clear to me.” His dimpled smile caused a surge of heat in her belly. Caroline knew she was in over her head. “And for what its worth, Ms. Riggs, it appears you enjoyed it.” Fearful of succumbing to his charm, she scooted out from under his Cheshire-cat smile and his gloriously wicked body. “Well, it can never happen again.” Caroline straightened, backing against the door as she reached for the knob. “This—” She nodded, her brain searching to make her tongue function. “--is a working relationship, nothing more.” Mustering her courage, 62

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she nervously pushed her hair back with trembling hands as she held his smoky gaze. Be strong, Caroline. The corner of his sumptuous mouth lifted as he rested his arm leisurely on the back of the seat. “I have a saying Ms. Riggs—Never say never.” He twisted a strand of her hair in his fingers, his gaze like a heat-seeking missile to hers. “You’re very smooth.” She barely heard her voice. Caroline’s hand found the doorknob and jerking it, she freed herself from the truck. She slammed the door before he could follow her. “I can do better.” His smile, sinful as she felt, shone white as he scooted across the front seat. He propped his arm on the passenger window. “Nope, I am quite certain I don't need to see that.” She took another step back, catching herself before she stumbled. “You keep telling yourself that, Ms. Riggs. And maybe, just maybe you’ll be able to erase that kiss from your mind, but I can tell you this. It’s going to linger a good long while in mine.” Caroline took another step back afraid he possessed some sort of magical, magnetic pull. His husky laugh did little to quell the nerves already on edge. “Goodnight, McCudahy.” She pulled together every bit of intestinal fortitude she had, adding a fist to her hip for good measure. His slow smile challenged her calm exterior. “Did I tell you, Ms. Riggs feisty women turn me on?” He slid back into the driver’s seat and glanced at her with an evil grin. “I am not feisty, Mr. McCudahy.” She glanced at her fist propped defiantly to her hip and dropped it swiftly. With determination—very hard to do on jelly-like legs—she stiffened her spine “Was I talking about you, then? It must've been a different Caroline.” He started the truck. “It’s been a true pleasure, Ms. Riggs. Maybe you can try to convince me you’re not feisty another time?” He gunned his truck down the drive and she watched his taillights disappear around the curve. The distant roar of his truck caused a deep thrill of excitement to quake inside her.

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Chapter Seven

Building Glossary of Terms: Fault: any defect, which impairs normal operation. “Did you wear Ms. Riggs out this weekend, boss?” The question came from Jonah as he passed by in a dump truck. His smile teetered close to a sneer. Devin bit his lip, refusing to comment. It wasn’t the first crack he’d heard this morning and the jokes escalated all the more when Caroline didn’t show up for work. Damn. Where was that woman anyway? If she’d come to work like always, maybe no one would have noticed. He squinted, searching the angle of the skeletal framework of the roof. It was a futile attempt to accomplish some productivity. “Hey Mac.” Devin turned with a leveled look of warning to his friend, Jeff. “Not a word.” Jeff raised a brow with a smirk, glanced to the ground. He raised a steady gaze to Devin's. “Giving you a hard time, are they?” He snorted sarcastically and removed his hardhat. “Was Friday night a stupid move?” He shook his head in dismay. Already the heat of the sun caused the air to shimmer near the ground. It was going to be a scorcher. Devin felt the heat pressing in on him as much as his frustration. “You mean the part about where you got possessive of Riggs’s daughter in front of the crew, and then walked out with her at one in the morning?” Jeff looked at Devin as he lazily scratched his jaw. “Yeah...that.” Devin sat down on a pile of lumber stacked near his office trailer and eyed his seasoned friend. He shook his head again as he stared at the caked-on dust clinging to his boot, feeling an odd kinship to it. “I think you already know the answer. You got something going with her?” Jeff went straight to the point on most things. Devin guessed that attribute was one of the things he liked about him—except when the subject was Devin. “What? Get real. Caroline Riggs? Oh, brother, waaaay out of my league.” Devin avoided Jeff’s gaze, hoping his lie went unnoticed. He toed the dirt beneath his 64

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boot, contemplating whether he could dig a hole large enough to crawl into. Could he tell Jeff how she'd affected him? Not like it mattered, she'd been pretty damn clear about any possible future relationship. But while her words said, “no,” her lips most definitely said, “yes.” He glanced at his friend, certain the lie was written all over his face. “Uh huh.” Jeff stepped out a few feet and motioned a truck loaded with brick on past them. “I need your help, Jeff.” Devin's body warmed at the thought of hers beneath him. “You kiss her?” His friend shifted his stance, crossing his arms. The sun ricocheted brightly off Jeff’s yellow hat. Devin squinted against the sun's sharp yellow glare, nearly as sharp as Jeff’s question. “Is that any of your business?” “You want my help?” Jeff countered. “Yeah.” There was less enthusiasm in Devin’s voice. The heat and humidity settled in his chest. Silence stretched lazily in the heat. “So? Did you?” “I fail to see how—” “That’s a yes” Jeff pointed a finger at him. “First mistake.” “Fine. What if I did? It was one of those 'spur of the moment' things.” Skepticism etched Jeff's face. “Yeah and I bet you haven't stopped thinking about one second since it happened, have you?” “What? Don't look at me like you're my ma. I’m telling you, she scooted out of the truck like—” Devin frowned, glancing up at the clear blue sky. The tension building throughout the morning had finally affected his muscles. His body tightened remembering how she tasted. “Damn, that good, huh?” Devin studied the ground a moment before answering. “You've heard the term flash fire?” He raked his teeth across his bottom lip, lifting his gaze to the smirk on his friend’s face. “Not a good idea, buddy.” Jeff's expression turned sympathetic. Devin placed his hand over his eyes, his fingers massaging the throbbing in his temples. “Yeah, pretty stupid move.” He dropped his hand as he concentrated on the bulldozer over Jeff’s shoulder. “Hey, you know, maybe she won’t be back. Maybe she’s had her fill and is off to New York to find a cushy administrative job, or maybe find her a Harvard grad.” 65

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“Yeah, it's possible, or maybe she’s come here to look for you?” Jeff tipped his head toward the unfinished end of the condominium building. “Did you give her the day off?” Immediately, the whistles and catcalls began from his crew. His attention snapped to where Caroline stood, shading her eyes, a yellow hard hat perched on her head. She walked gingerly over the rough terrain, her soft, chestnut hair bouncing over her shoulders as she tried to hold the hardhat in place. From afar, Devin could see her scanning the premises for something—or someone. His intuition prickled at his neck. Devin picked up his clipboard for what protection it could offer and stared in rapt fascination with the other men at her lithe frame poured into the slinky black sundress. Those damn things ought to be banned from construction sites. At the same time, agitation warred with his lustful thoughts, and he had to wonder what kind of woman would be gutsy enough to show up at a construction site in an outfit like that? Was it her intent to turn every head on the site? He had to admit, she had guts. First, she danced with his crew, and now—parading in this dress. He glanced at the gawking men atop the roof who were supposed to be hammering shingles. One lost his footing, gratefully caught by two men, just as he careened toward the edge. Devin sighed in relief; double-checking his memory to be sure the workman's comp insurance was current. This was the kind of thing he wanted to avoid. Frustrated yet again about a woman, or maybe her in particular, on his construction site, Devin sighed and grabbed the megaphone. “Get back to work.” She heard his voice and turned toward him with a friendly smile and wave. Obviously she was unaware of the torment he’d suffered during the course of the morning. Devin closed his eyes, reminding himself again, he should not get involved. Forcing his hungry gaze from devouring her, he turned and met Jeff's smug expression on his weathered face. Caroline reached Devin just as he opened his mouth to tell Jeff to back off. “These things certainly are not made for construction sites.” She wobbled on one spiked shoe in front of him, one hand on her hardhat, the other tugging at her foot. Devin could have told her that, if he hadn't been so sidetracked with watching her struggle with her shoe. “Hi Jeff.” She gave him a pleasant grin. 66

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“Ms. Riggs.” Jeff nodded before glancing at Devin. Devin's gaze sought every possible avenue to try to avoid the generous gap in her dress, as she leaned over. He swallowed, clutching the clipboard tight to his side, as he kept his focus intent on the space above her head. From the corner of his eye, he saw Jeff settle comfortably onto a pile of lumber and cross his arms. The idiot had a grin like a wolf. “Would you mind holding this?” She pulled off the hat. “It keeps falling off and these darn shoes have rocks in them.” He lowered his gaze, receiving a jolt. There was no mistaking Caroline Riggs was, as they say, stacked. Devin felt the heat in rise in his face, unsure if it was the view or the weather as he glanced at his watchful friend. Jeff's smile pretty much answered that. She waved the hardhat in the air trying to gain his attention as she struggled with her shoes. Did she have a clue how riveted his attention already was? “Sure.” His reply came out more casual than he felt. He took the hat and stepped back just as a precaution. With her shoes clean and Devin's mind completely turned to jelly, she stood, raking her fingers through her dark tresses. Her smile was as inviting. “I came by to ask you to lunch with daddy and me. I thought it might give us a chance to discuss the project.” Caroline grinned, glancing at Jeff with a smile. She knew she was putting Devin on the spot. Devin considered how lunch with the boss’s daughter, might look to the men on his crew so close on the heels of the Saturday night episode. He didn't want them getting the idea he was getting any special favors. He glanced at Jeff who looked at the ground, uncommitted. With thoughts he would surely regret if acted upon, he stared at the way the sun glistened off her soft tan shoulders. Which was a bad move since it only reminded him of the rest of her anatomy. Nope. He really didn’t need the complications right now. Too much else was on his plate. “I think I’ll have to pass today Ms. Riggs, we’re behind schedule as it is.” He intended to show her his seriousness about this job. Perhaps he should make things very clear from now on. She certainly had. “It seems there's been a mix-up with the materials slated from Northwood’s windows.” He waited, curious if his reminder of the unauthorized window treatments would sink in. “You see they had this crazy idea we exchanged some of the window orders in lieu of skylight treatments.” 67

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He handed the hat back as he watched her expression. “So we’ve just today received our re-ordered windows, and they need to be inspected and distributed, which should have been done—” He waved his clipboard in the air for emphasis. “Probably three weeks ago.” She showed no reaction. Devin frowned. “You have to eat, don’t you? Or do you allow your crew lunch these days?” Her honey-brown eyes glittered with blatant sarcasm. Devin glanced at his watch and waved his megaphone in the air as he held her challenging gaze. Seconds ticked by as they locked in a defiant gaze. Then a loud siren bellowed across the sprawling site. The machinery stopped and Caroline’s attention focused on crewmembers as they scrambled from the scaffolding. She turned to face him. “Okay?” he asked, his tone purposely bland. There was no sense in letting her think that anything should change just because of a little kiss. Her face gave away what she was thinking about him. She lifted her chin, not to be outdone. “Fine, perhaps another time.” Her voice was quiet, steady—too calm. He felt a shiver snake up his spine. A thin smile crossed his lips. “Perhaps.” Bowing his head, he fixed his gaze to his clipboard. “Oh and by the way, Riggs, call ahead next time you decide to take a day off.” “Hard ass,” she muttered, turning away from him. “What?” He noticed her shoulders stiffen like she'd been slapped between the shoulder blades. She stopped, turned slowly and tapped her hat deliberately. “Hard hat...don’t want to be without it.” With a brief, but meaningless smile, she continued her exit, waving at the appreciative whistles. Devin stared at her departing form, frustrated that she'd put him on the spot in front of Jeff and even more that she seemed to be lapping up the attention of his men. He glanced briefly at the red corvette as it spun out of the makeshift dirt road. Tossing his clipboard and hat to a stack of lumber, he ran a hand through his hair. “Hard ass.” Damn. He closed his eyes, fearing the worst; Jeff had heard her as well. Devin stole a glance at his seasoned friend. “Did she really call me that?” He grimaced. Jeff shrugged as he pulled a large paper sack from the office trailer. He reached inside and held a sandwich up. “A man can be called worse things. Want one? Betty made 'em.” 68

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Devin shook his head no. His appetite had left with the dust of Caroline's tires. “Yeah, I believe the term she used was hard ass.” Jeff took a bite of sandwich. Looking like an ornery chipmunk, he smiled at Devin. “I think she may fancy you, Devin McCudahy.” Jeff wiggled his sandwich at Devin. Devin frowned and nearly choked on the water he'd just swallowed from the giant thermos jug. He wiped his hand over his mouth and gave his friend a sarcastic laugh. “The sun is frying your brain.” Jeff shrugged. “Maybe so, but I've been around the block a time or two. I know the signs.” Devin knew Jeff was divorced once, a dating legend, and still free. Everyone believed Jeff’s expertise with matters concerning women. Devin noticed the sage-like smile accentuate the tanned lines carved in Jeff's face. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to here.” Devin eyebrows cinched together in doubt. He tugged the bandana from his pants pocket, saturated it with water and rubbed it over the back of his neck. “I think you are wrong this time, my friend. Whatever happened was a fluke. Not intended to happen again. Not with that woman anyway.” Satisfied he'd managed to set the record straight, Devin grabbed his clipboard and made quick strides toward his trailer office. He could hear Jeff's reply trailing doggedly behind him. “Yeah,” Jeff mumbled out loud through his sandwich. “You got it pretty bad too buddy, you just don’t know it yet.”

****

Her hair whipped around her face, as Caroline sped from the construction site. She was trying to make things easier for everyone. A casual lunch, some light talk about the project...yadda yadda. So what was his problem? Was he slighted that she'd not given him more the other night? Or maybe he'd decided that what happened was a mistake? Her foot pressed on the accelerator in her frustration, lurching the car forward. She'd been up half the night pouring over the condo blueprints, and had wrestled with heated thoughts about the architect who designed them. It was her hope by doing so that she and McCudahy could come up with an easy-going solution to working together. By three in the morning, she'd almost convinced herself her efforts were entirely for the benefit of the project, yet she failed to see the major flaw in her plan. Simply put, 69

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men like McCudahy wanted their women at home. It was obvious she’d allowed her emotions to be reeled in by his charm and his ruggedly handsome exterior. She shut her eyes to the image of his mouth on hers. Of the men she’d known, heard of, or read about, his type seemed the deadliest of combinations. Very smooth, all male, and extraordinarily confident in everything. She decided she would have to take better precautions to watch herself around him. Caroline pulled her car into the drive. She loved the lush green of the land in the summer, with the willow trees bending toward the entrance in gentle welcome. Her gaze rested on the massive Tudor structure ahead and though she tried, she could not remember ordinary childhood memories. There was never a swing set or sandbox. No friends running about the yard at night playing hide and seek, or catching fireflies. Jerking the gearshift into park, she ripped the keys from the ignition, and tossed them haphazardly into her purse. Those days were long gone and irretrievable, so there was little reason to dwell on them now. The sharp staccato click of her heels scraped across the cement, in the deathly quiet of the midday sun. It was always deathly quiet here, she mused, yet something was different. She paused scanning the drive. Neither the limo, nor her father’s car was there. Caroline checked her watch and irritation scraped her patience. “Now where is my father? Too busy to remember his own date with his daughter, I’ll bet.” Two men had stood her up in one day. Could this day get any worse? She pushed open the door. “Nana?” Caroline called from the circular foyer. The elderly Spanish women appeared from the kitchen, wringing her hands, a look of worry etched on her face. Tundra, Caroline's dog since she was young, stood dutifully beside her. “We have been looking everywhere for you, Caro. Your papa was taken to East Bay General. He had a spell as he was leaving work today.” Caroline heard only the distant high-pitch of Nana’s explanation as she tore out the front door. It slammed with a great force against the wall in her wake. She could hear Tundra’s fretful barking as she slammed the gearshift to reverse. Her thoughts scattered as she veered the car around the narrow curves of the lakeshore road. Pressing the heel of her hand on the horn, she startled a young boy riding his bike and caused him to swerve onto the gravel. A worried sigh escaped her throat when she saw his hand gesture in her rearview mirror. “Sorry, “she muttered. Caroline took a deep breath and picked up her cell phone, wincing when she saw the blinking icon indicating she had a message, most likely from Nana. And probably at the same time she was talking to McCudahy. 70

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McCudahy. She pressed the buttons with one hand and steered with the other. Don’t let anything happen to my father. She prayed silently as the phone continued to ring. It took three before he answered. “Hello? Devin McCudahy.” “McCudahy?” She swerved around a pair of fisherman crossing the road to the lake. “Ms. Riggs, I told you I couldn’t make it—-” “Listen to me, please. I’m on my way to East Bay General. My father has—” Caroline stopped mid-sentence unsure of what to say. She hadn’t heard anything beyond Nana’s first words. “I’m not sure what happened, but he’s been taken to the hospital—” “I’ll meet you over there.” His words interrupted her hazy thoughts. What was it that Nana said? Was it something about passing out, or a heart attack? Fear gripped her heart, hoping it was not the latter. “Thank you.” Caroline hadn't asked him to come, but she was glad for his offer. She had no one else to turn to. What if he died? Not now, please it wasn't fair. There hadn't been enough time yet. Tossing her phone to the seat, she kept her speed steady. In silent defiance, she dared anyone to try to stop her.

****

“I’m Caroline Riggs. They just brought my father in.” Her hand grasped for her keys as they clattered across the Formica countertop of the admissions desk. The placid nurse rolled her unhurried gaze to Caroline. “Do you know why they brought him in?” Her voice was controlled and quiet. Caroline’s eyes widened. She stared in stunned surprise at the nurse. “If I did I wouldn’t be standing around here, would I?” The woman gave her a tight smile, stood and turned her back as she shuffled through some papers. Caroline closed her eyes trying to quell the panic rising in her brain. The admissions clerk had procedures she was required to follow. “Stephen Riggs?” The clerk called out over her shoulder. “That’s my father, yes.” Caroline restrained herself from leaping over the counter to grab the papers. “He’s gone to an exam room in ER, but it looks like they've ordered a CAT scan.” The nurse read through the file as though she were checking a Girl Scout cookie order. 71

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“Could you point me to the exam room please?” Caroline’s jaw twitched under clenched teeth. Her resolve to remain calm began to dissipate. “I’m sorry. You’ll have to wait here. It's restricted to authorized personnel only.” The clerk eyed her with suspicion. “We need to calm down. Let me go see what I can find out for you.” We? She looked calm enough for the both of them. Caroline took a deep breath. “Fine. Would it be possible to see the physician as soon as they know my father's condition?” “Certainly. Please have a seat in the waiting room. It’s around the corner.” Caroline’s gaze followed to where the woman pointed. “Is there a coffee machine somewhere?” “There is one in the room. Help yourself.” The nurse rounded the desk and headed down the hall, disappearing beyond the swoosh of a pair of green swinging doors. Caroline stared, hearing the methodic thump of the doors in the nurse’s wake. With a sense of complete helplessness, she turned and headed down the quiet corridor to the waiting room. Grateful to find the room empty, she found herself a spot at the end of the couch and dropped her purse. A small TV offered distraction, but Caroline reached over and snapped off the program with a flick of her wrist. Her gaze lifted as Devin stepped into the room. His presence alone emitted strength and she could not understand why she was relieved. Maybe it was his physical strength, maybe it was his strong family background, either way, she wished she could tuck herself into his arms as she’d done when they'd danced. “Thank you for coming.” Her mind closed down as she pressed her thoughts for something more to say. She searched his face, looking for some compassion. Some recognition of the familiarity they’d shared two nights before. Some way to signal to him despite their differences, that, she desperately needed his comfort. “How is he?” She received a quick glance, far from what she’d hoped for. Pushing away the sting of embarrassment, eradicating elusions of a valiant knight on a white steed, she stiffened her backbone. “They’ve taken him to an exam room to be evaluated. It looks like they’ve ordered a CAT scan. I don’t know why yet. I’m waiting to speak to the doctor.” Caroline pulled a Styrofoam cup from the stack, causing the rest to tumble across the tiny counter. With shaking hands, she tried to stack them. “Coffee?” “No thanks.” She felt his presence as he moved in beside her. “How are you doing?” 72

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There it was. Familiarity. He reached over her shoulder and righted the cups. She closed her eyes, forcing herself not to turn into his arms. He stepped away and walked to the doorway, glancing down the hall. “I’ll feel better after I’ve spoken to the doctor.” She stepped around the table laden with magazines and perched on the edge of the couch. Her hands trembled as much as the rest of her. He scanned the room, then quietly moved to the couch and sat beside her, clasping his hands tightly over his knees. “Well, I guess we’ll just wait it out together then.” She knew if she looked at him, he would see the open affection in her eyes. His kiss burned into her memory and it wouldn't be difficult to express her gratitude for coming today with a similar action. Her heart picked up a few beats with the thought. “Do you have any idea what might have happened?” He played with his thumbs, clicking his nails to one another. Her amorous fantasy vanished as she cleared her throat to reorganize her thoughts. It occurred to her that perhaps he had an aversion to hospitals. “Look, McCudahy. You don’t have to stay. I appreciate the offer, but really—” Her stomach muscles quivered when he lifted his gaze, holding it steady to hers. “It’s no trouble.” “It seems you’re not very comfortable being here.” Why was her heart still racing? “Do you have a problem with hospitals?” “It’s not the hospital, Caroline.” Mesmerized, she stared at how he rubbed his hands slowly together. She blinked from her reverie. “What’s making you uncomfortable, then?” Still not certain she wanted to know. “Look, I need to apologize for Friday night. I took advantage of a situation and I shouldn’t have. You’re right. We work together. Your father trusts me. I don’t want to breech that trust.” She stared at him, speechless. He was apologizing for kissing her? It took a moment to adjust her thoughts. Yet, wasn’t this exactly what she wanted? Why should his cold dismissal of their kiss bother her? Maybe it was better this way. Alleviate the possible complications. So, why did gravity suck the air from her lungs? Had she only used him to fill a void in her life? And had he just come to help her through a tough time? He certainly made it clear that she was mistaken. “Isn’t that what you implied, Caroline?” 73

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Her eyes rose to his and she wondered if she’d ever quell the sensation of freefalling every time she thought of the intimate moment in his truck. “Caroline?” His voice was insistent. “Yes, I suppose I did.” She hated the words the minute they left her mouth. Caroline knew he was the type of man to obey her wishes, and she wasn’t sure she wanted him to. Caught between reality and desire, she shifted her gaze to her coffee cup. Perhaps the kiss had happened in the heat of the moment. It was a simple mistake. He obviously felt the same. She straightened her shoulders and gave him resolved look. “You’re right, McCudahy. It was a silly mistake.” She hoped the nausea caused by the sense that she was sidestepping something precious would eventually subside. Perhaps if she forced herself to look at him long enough to detect his detachment, then she too, could put her own feelings aside for good. He broke from her gaze, walked to the window, and spread the blinds to look outside. “I didn't say it was a mistake, but you know this is best. You and I, Caroline…we come from different places.” Caroline watched as he fidgeted with the blinds, wondering if he meant half of what he said. In that moment, she wished she not been born into wealth. She wanted to be ordinary, from an ordinary upbringing filled with a chaotic large family and parents that visited school on parent weekends and sent cookies. She wanted to be someone who understood and who might stand the chance of capturing this man’s heart. Yet, he was resigned. So why shouldn't she be? She squeezed her eyes tight, forcing herself to consider her priorities. Right now, that was her father's health. “You’re right, McCudahy.” She glanced up and met his dark gaze. As though she’d been slapped on the back, her eyes widened at the intensity shining in his eyes. “Ms. Riggs?” The deep voice jarred her from her Devin’s gaze and she jolted. Her coffee sloshed over the rim and spilled to the floor. Devin calmly walked over, bent down and wiped up the spill with a bandana. “Please. I—can get—” her words tumbled out, nervously. The heat from his body; smell the scent of the earth on his skin, made her realize these newfound sensations were something she'd not have opportunity to explore. “Excuse me? Are you Ms. Riggs?” 74

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The young physician stood at the door, impatiently tapping his pen against his clipboard “Go ahead, Caroline. I’ll get this,” Devin spoke quietly. Her gaze moved from his to the physician staring at her. “I’m Caroline Riggs.” She edged her way around the table, attempting to avoid both the spill and Devin. “Judging from our preliminary evaluation, we've determined your father has suffered a mild heart attack.” She grabbed the arm of the nearest chair, lowering herself into it as she stared at the young physician’s concerned face. “Are you okay, can I get you some water?” The physician knelt at her feet. Devin appeared at her side, holding a glass of water. She waved off his offering and the doctors concern. “How is he?” Caroline clasped her hands in her lap. Nausea churned in the pit of her stomach. “The worst of it is the nasty gash to his head. He apparently blacked out, hitting the car door as he fell. Luckily, someone found him not long afterwards." He stood, turning his attention to the stack of papers on his clipboard. One by one, he listed the other areas of concern. “We’ll do a CAT-scan to make sure there’s been no trauma to the head, and then do an EKG to determine the extent of injury to the heart. It will be necessary to keep him here for a few days.” Caroline sifted through the information, trying to keep it separate from her emotions. She gazed at the doctor’s face, having forgotten momentarily anyone else was in the room. “Are you related to Mr. Riggs?” The physician directed the question to Devin, reminding her of his presence. Devin shook his head. Without asking details, the doctor returned his focus to her. “I can take you to see him, but only a few minutes. We'll be moving him to Intensive Care.” The physician ushered her to the door. "Whenever you're ready." “I'm ready.” She pushed herself from the chair. Intellectually, she'd had time to assess her feelings and knew her father would need her. She stopped short of the doorway. “Thank you, Mr. McCudahy, for coming. I can handle this now. I’m very grateful you came.” Her stomach muscles cramped with the iciness of her words. Still, she felt it best he should leave. She didn’t know how she would feel after seeing her father, and it would be far easier to deal with it alone, as she’d always done, rather than to rely on something didn’t exist. 75

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“Are you sure?” Devin glanced at the doctor as he turned his gaze to her. Of course, I want you to stay. I need your strength right now. Her mind screamed as she held his gaze. “I know you need to get back to work. Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time from your schedule.” She picked up her purse, and kept her gaze averted from his as she walked briskly into the hallway. Taking a deep breath, she glanced at the physician, and placed a hand on her stomach. “Are you going to be okay, Ms. Riggs?” She and the doctor continued their trek down the corridor toward where her father lay. For a fleeting moment, her mind considered of the irony of his question. I’m told my father has suffered a heart attack, I’m confused by a man who kisses me one minute and apologizes for it as he sends out more mixed signals than a blind traffic cop, and I’m looking at the possibility of caring for my aging father. “If I could trouble you for an antacid?” She gave him a weak smile, wishing the tiny tablet would be a miracle cure for all her problems.

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Chapter Eight

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms: Absolute Pressure; gage pressure plus atmospheric pressure. Devin stared at the empty doorway, his heart chilled by her cold dismissal. She was right, of course. They were waiting for him at work. Riggs was her father, not his. He strode down the corridor, making a mental note to call his own father. The automatic doors swooshed open, and a warm late summer wind rushed his senses. She was right. He was a very busy man, with a great many things to accomplish. Right off, he would start with abolishing from his memory the scent of her warm skin as he held her close. Then he would erase the pounding of his heart when he heard her quiet moan during their one and only mind-blowing kiss. After that, he'd deal with the image of her in that slinky black sundress. Damn, a man could only handle so much in one day. His tormented mind wandered aimlessly as he drove back to the construction site. If Ms. Riggs wanted platonic, then he was more than willing to oblige. It was better in the long haul that he stayed away from the woman as much as his job would allow. Devin rubbed his fingers over the beginning of a whopper headache throbbing above his brow. Time and distance would be his allies. She was just a woman, granted one that stirred him on a deeper level than previous female interests, but still a serious complication nonetheless. He'd simply make the condo project priority again. It was his future he needed to concentrate on. By the time he arrived at the site, his feelings about Caroline Riggs were tucked with great organizational ability to the farthest corner of his mind. “How’s Riggs?” Devin turned, realizing that Jeff followed him. The lid of his well-placed thoughts on the back burner of his mind lifted, but only for a moment. “Infuriating as hell, but she’ll be fine.” He grabbed the door handle and swung the door open, sending it against the trailer in a loud crash. Feeling the hairs prickle on 77

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the back of his neck, he whirled giving Jeff a scowl. “Is there something else you needed?” Devin narrowed his gaze at his friend. Jeff removed his hat, looked away, and scratched his head. Devin knew he wasn’t the type to back down. “I meant Stephen—Riggs.” Devin blinked, realizing where his mind was. “Oh, yeah.” He sighed, pressing his thumb to his brow. “Suffered a mild heart attack. They'll have to keep him a few days.” Jeff nodded, the look of grave concern etched plainly on his weathered face. “So, who'll be taking his place?” Jeff squinted as if unsure he wanted to know. The implication hung heavy as the dust in the summer air. Would Caroline Riggs take the reins for her father in the interim? Devin hoped the CEO had a better contingency plan. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure these companies are prepared for all kinds of situations— even this. Meantime, I'm here and we move along with the plan as is.” Devin reached for the handle, curling his fingers around the doorknob. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some things to do and I presume you do, too.” He knew his emotions were out of whack, and he really didn't care. He blamed Caroline Riggs for that. “Yeah, I do.” Jeff walked away and Devin stared after him wondering himself what this might mean for the project. Riggs had placed things in his hands; there was no reason to believe that until Riggs was up and about that things should be any different—unless Caroline stuck her nose in the mix. He closed the door and moved around his tiny desk, smacking his knee on the sharp corner's edge. “Jesus, Mary and Jo—” He rubbed his hand across his knee, blaming that on Caroline, too. Five o’clock came and went. Several of the guys had already headed home, or to the bar. Going out night after night, no longer held the glamour it once did, when Devin was younger. He tried at first, to keep up with some of his younger crewmembers, but after awhile the glitter of youth faded with the same bars, the same women, and the same come-on lines from them. In fact, stopping the other night was a fluke, something he hadn't done in a long while, and look how that turned out. Besides, after his roller-coaster experiences with Caroline lately, his thoughts on relationships—period—had taken a serious nosedive. Tonight, his only interest was a tepid shower, a cold beer, and his Adirondack chair with a spectacular lake view. Devin shuffled through the papers on his desk and stuffed a few in his leather satchel. Swinging it over his shoulder, he flicked the switch of his desk lamp and jangled his keys. Grabbing the one for the trailer, he locked the door and headed for his pickup. 78

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“I thought you might still be here.” Caroline's voice floated from the other side of his truck. Stepping around the hood, he realized she'd pulled her red corvette into the shade beside him. “Well, you know me, always working. Hard ass—that’s me.” He stated flatly, as he approached the driver’s side of her car. He wanted her to know under certain terms that he'd heard her remark. He pushed up his sunglasses waiting for her reaction to his knowledge. Caroline shifted her sunglasses on her face, tipping her head to the side as though she had no regrets that he'd heard. “Sorry—about that.” Her apology, he felt, lacked certain sincerity. “Sorry you said it, or sorry I happened to hear it?” He braced his hands on her car door, realizing that it was only his pride bruised by her remark. She'd been through a hell of a lot more today and it probably wouldn’t kill him to be civil. “How's your father?” She tugged at the hem of her short dress as she spoke. “They don’t feel the damage is extensive. With medication and rest, he'll be around yet for a good number of years.” She glanced up. “I wanted to thank you again for coming to the hospital.” “No problem. I’m glad to hear he’s doing better.” He straightened, protectively folding his arms across his chest. “You know, you have a very unfair picture painted in your head about me, McCudahy.” “Oh, and what's that?” He lowered his voice quite certain she had no idea of the thoughts that had flitted through his mind in the past forty-eight hours. And doubly sure he didn't want her to know them, as he was doing his best to forget them. “For starters, I'm sure you think I'm some poor little rich girl, trying to get by on her daddy's coattails. Or maybe you think that I just snap my fingers and I get whatever I want?” Devin glanced away, not really in the mood to discuss what he thought of her. “I'm sure you think that I want nothing more than a rich husband, a high-paying, cushy job with power lunches, and a high-rise penthouse in the city, so I can travel when and where I want and attend the opera every weekend.” He dropped his arms limp to his sides and looked down at her, wondering if the surprise showed on his face. Had she been talking to Jeff? “Yeah so, what city?” She gave him a wry smile. “I was that close, huh?” Devin rested his hand on the edge of her windshield. Sighing he tried to find a way to explain that she'd pretty much pegged every one of his thoughts about her. He 79

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just wasn't sure which was more disturbing—the fact that she'd pegged his thoughts, or the fact he'd been so judgmental in the first place. And was he wrong? “You know McCudahy, as long as we're doling out judgments; you're not so hard to read yourself.” That got his attention. He stepped back from the car and leaned against his truck waiting. Hit me with your best shot. “You’re one of those macho guys who think that all women are on the prowl hunting you down to take away your precious freedom. You like to play with fire, but the minute it gets a little uncomfortable, you turn and hightail it in the other direction.” She reached for the ignition. “Now wait a damn—” His voice was lost in the roar of the engine. Caroline glanced up at him. “Well, don't worry, you can bet I want a whole lot more than some good-looking trophy for my bedroom, and rest assured I will find the man who is my equal. You don't have anything to worry about with me, McCudahy.” She pressed on the accelerator, gunning the motor on purpose, just to piss him off, no doubt. He noticed the taut whiteness of her knuckles as she gripped the steering wheel. Her nails dug unmercifully into the leather steering cover. Devin frowned staring at those nails, a strange foreboding niggling at the back of his neck. Caroline held her gaze firm on the horizon. Without warning she ripped off her sunglasses and pinned him with a steely glare. He adjusted his glasses to prepare for the explosion. “You know, maybe I am a daddy’s girl. I don’t know, but I do know there is a hell of a lot more I want out of life than to be his little girl, or some man’s choice of a plaything.” And you know what else, I’ve discovered? It doesn’t take wealth to make one a spoiled brat, does it McCudahy?” He jumped back as her car bolted in reverse, leaving him in a cloud of dust. It was not until her car was a spec on the horizon that her words hit him. “I am not spoiled,” he growled. Just the same, it frustrated him that she thought as much.

****

God bless the man who invented showers and beer. Devin closed his eyes and leaned back against his Adirondack chair. What was that hoopla about a trophy for her bedroom? Caroline sure as hell had an unusual outlook on relationships, and boy, could she exaggerate. Life didn't need to be so complicated. Women shouldn't be so complicated. 80

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Devin sipped his beer, narrowing his gaze to the land the other side of the lake. Everything in his life up to the day she arrived was an exercise in perfect synchronicity. There's point A and point B, you make a plan, and follow the steps. Just like when he'd built these lounge chairs. He envisioned them first in this very spot even before he split one piece of lumber. And look—they were perfect in this exact location. He gazed across his backyard and sighed. Yes, this was his sanctuary. Two apple trees and a single white birch, served as priestly columns, his view between them—the lake—his private alter. Massive empty lots still sprawled on either side of his property, so his backyard stayed blessedly remote from the rest of the world. Devin followed a small flock of geese flying low over the lake. He took another swallow and pondered whether geese had a specific social structure, or if they mated with whomever they seemed to fancy at the moment. They were meandering thoughts, not meant for deep thinking. Still, it made him curious and he made a metal note to check the Internet later. He settled back in his chair, commending himself for snagging up the property when the land prices were at a premium. There again, he'd made the purchase with the idea of building this exact house on this property. The markets were higher now and motels and condominiums clamored to eat up the lakefront property. He knew if he chose to go back to Chicago, he'd have no trouble selling this property. It was perfect. He balanced the ale on the arm of the chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. Content to be a thousand miles from the complicated stress of life, he wiggled his toes in his freshly cut grass, and folded his hands over his chest. The heat of the day kept the temperatures of early evening warm and tropical. Tugging off his Hawaiian shirt, he dropped it to the ground beside him and leaned back, closing his eyes. With a yawn he willed the heat to soak into his body, allowing it to melt the troubles of his day away. The gentle, slap of water against his simple fishing dock kept a rhythmic syncopation with the call of a distant loon. Devin's thoughts drifted… Something cold and wet nuzzled Devin's cheek. Waking in a fuzzy haze, he brushed away the unknown nuisance, and heard a low woof. He squinted through one eye and bolted upright. The shock of the massive great white Pyrenees caused his heart to stop beating. He sat frozen in place, trying to recall if he'd ever seen the animal in this area. 81

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“He doesn’t bite—often. Sorry, my hand slipped carrying these. His leash got away from me.” Devin's head dropped back against the chair. “How’d you find me?” He kept his gaze focused warily on the dog sitting inches from his hand. Caroline set the four-pack of Irish ale on the grass between the two chairs. She noted with pleasure that it was the same as he drank. “Hey, good guess.” She smiled, nudging her chin toward his drink. “You pointed it out to me the other night, remember?” Clearly aware that she'd not been invited, she perched on the edge of the matching chair beside him. The tension between them was thick as Minnesota fog in autumn. “I can only stay a moment.” She dismissed the fact he hadn’t invited her to stay. Devin lifted his liquid brown gaze to hers, snorted quietly, and turned his attention to the lake view. It wasn't as though Caroline hadn't anticipated his reaction, not after their earlier conversation. Still, if they were to continue to work together, it was best they try to get along. Besides, it bothered her for some reason that he had the wrong impression of her. Maybe she wanted to dispel that notion? She ran her hand over the dog's head for lack of anything better to do. “Listen, I did feel really bad about today. I guess so much has happened all at once— and now with my father in the hospital, I wonder if he'll have me be project liaison for him—” “Whoa, now wait a minute, I think the project will proceed on schedule and be just fine, Ms. Riggs. I seriously doubt your father has anything to worry about in that department.” He raised the bottle to his lips, and took a long swallow. She watched his Adams apple work on the muscles in his neck. He turned his head and met her gaze, wiping his lip with the pad of his thumb. Dropping her gaze from his, she concentrated on her dog. “I think you have some misguided prejudices about me, McCudahy.” “Really? Call me Devin, and did you come all the way out here to explain part two of your theory on males, or just how it is that you feel I’m spoiled?” “I didn’t come to start a fight.” “What a relief. Frankly, I’m not much in the mood. Listen, I’m really sorry about your father. Maybe we should try not to talk about each other’s faults right now. What do you think?” He glanced at her, his gaze lingering. “Even better, could we just not talk at all?" 82

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It occurred to her she shouldn't have taken Nana's advice to come over and try straightening things out between them for the sake of the project. Whenever they were within five feet of each other it seemed as if they wound up fighting or battling an unspoken attraction. Maybe the first was as a result of the latter, she didn't know these days. Caroline shut her eyes to the sudden memory of that night in his truck, and wondered if it had affected him remotely the same. He sighed and it broke her from her reverie. “So, what’s his name?” He pointed to the dog. “Pina Colada.” “You’re not serious.” He gave her a dubious look. “No, that was a joke.” He chuckled, a rich baritone softness, as he glanced at the serene lake. Caroline loved the sound of his laugh, though she hadn't heard it often, it captured her heart with its warmth. “Really, what's his name? It is a him, right?” He leaned over checking for himself. She could steel herself to those things she found appealing about him if she had to. After all she was a pro at walling in her emotions. “Tundra.” “Tundra?” Devin nodded. “As in, the vast frozen variety?” “He reminded me of a baby polar bear.” She offered him a friendly smile. Tundra sat dutifully between the chairs, looking from one to the other. Caroline reached down to adjust the large red bandana tied around the dog's neck. “I guess that works.” Devin reached down and stroked the fur under the great dog’s mouth. Their fingers touched briefly and Caroline jerked her hand away. “Now, why did you really come here?” His voice was gentle as he concentrated on the passive giant sitting between them. If he detected her nervousness, he chose to ignore it. “I guess as sort of a peace offering.” She reached down and tapped the metal bottle cap with her fingernail. His brows arched as he leaned back and closed his eyes. She had a feeling he wasn’t going to make this easy. “I guess maybe I got pretty nasty today.” The call of a loon in the distance punctuated the silence. 83

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“Yeah, I'd have to agree on that one,” he said releasing a sigh. She sat back a moment and stared at the lake. How could one man be so stubborn and pompous? Caroline gazed at the deepening shadows of the sky. Caught in a tangled web of emotions, part of her wanted to throttle him for his cocky attitude, while the other part wanted to settle on his lap and run her fingers over the broad shoulders. She gripped the arm of the chair and gritted her teeth. “I don't suppose anyone has ever told you that you can be really stubborn.” She glanced at his profile in the waning sunset. He rolled his gaze lazily toward her. “And I suppose no one has ever told you that you're a pain in the butt.” “Are you always this cordial, McCudahy?” She stood, realizing what a mistake she'd made in coming. Their kiss, that too, was a mistake and she'd be better off to get rid of the notion that there was anything more attached to it. “You want the truth, Riggs?” He held up a finger. “First, you spend seven weeks second-guessing my decisions in front of my crew.” He held up a second finger. “Second, you call me hard ass in front of a crewmember.” Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but was stopped by his upturned palm. “And third—” He held up a third finger. “You all but called me a spoiled brat. Now maybe this is your way of keeping that pent-up sexual tension at bay, but I'm not having nearly as much fun with it on my end.” “You egotistical—” He sprung from his chair. “My ego doesn't hold a candle to yours.” “I do not have an ego, Mr. McCudahy.” “Yeah? Then prove me wrong.” “This is ridiculous how can I refute something that isn't true?” “Kiss me, Caroline.” Her brows pressed together. “What—who do you think you are? Do other women just come unglued in your presence, McCudahy, because believe me, I don't.” It was an out-and-out lie. “May I remind you of the night in my truck?” Caroline raked her hand through her hair. “We'd both been drinking—a lot as I recall. I think that should explain the situation.” He nodded, taking another step closer. The breadth of his shoulders blocked out the view of the sun setting across the lake. 84

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“Neither one of us has had much to drink right now.” Caroline took a step back, her legs bumping against the chair behind her. “And your point?” She folded her arms protectively, wishing she'd worn more than a thin cotton tshirt. Caroline shifted pinning him with a look of warning. “Guys like you McCudahy, think you are all that and a bag of chips, that's your problem. Well, I'm not starving, McCudahy.” A brief look of confusion flitted across his face. He raised a brow. “I'm not interested in chips, Caroline.” She swallowed watching the color of his eyes turn smoky “Prove me wrong.” He reached up and brushed an errant wisp of hair from her face. Caroline fought her heart urging to give into him. “I don’t have to prove anything to you. I need to go, this was a mistake. Not the first one I've made in recent days, by the way.” He spread his arms wide. “No one's stopping you” His heated gaze held hers immobilizing her feet. “It's not pent-up tension, McCudahy.” “Fine, then this will be easy.” “What if I don't want to kiss you?” He grinned, his dimple caressing his cheek. Caroline closed her eyes hoping to block his charm and regain some semblance of her perspective. Why had she come over in the first place? Had she secretly hoped for this? An evening breeze danced across her face and she sighed, ready to tell him they should talk later. His lips pressed gently against hers, barely contacting her mouth, soft as a butterfly. Caroline stood paralyzed in a swirl of emotion. Not intruding on her in any way, other than his kiss, he waited unmoving, challenging her to respond. Desire shot through Caroline as she grabbed his face, taking liberty of the challenge. He wasted no time in response, his mouth seeking claim to hers as he dropped the bottle from his hands, and grabbed her shoulders. A thud followed and in her mind, she suspected the target was Tundra’s head. Her suspicions proved correct. 85

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The canine bolted upright, wailing in complaint and in Caroline's euphoric state, the next few moments panned out in slow motion. Tundra's leash snaked around Devin's ankle jerking his body awkwardly against hers. A gasp of surprise jarred from his mouth as his arms flailed out beside him, attempting to retain his balance. Hoping Tundra would listen to her command, Caroline shouted to the dog, “Tundra, heel.” Her scream filled the air as the dog slipped between their tangled legs in an attempt to gain his freedom. A brief glimpse of blue sky and the shocked expression on Devin's face whirred past Caroline's vision as her body careened forward. With a heavy 'oompf' from Devin, she landed on the ground atop him. Dazed and humiliated, she laid cheek-to-cheek with him as she caught her breath. The leash wrapped around their legs snapped and Tundra hightailed for the protective shelter under Devin's deck. “Are you all right?” She pushed herself off his chest, pressing her palms against him as she tried to sit upright. “I don’t think that’s going to work, your ankles are tied to mine.” “How did this happen—” Caroline twisted to view the entanglement. She felt like a rodeo calf. “Are you hurt?” She shifted clumsily trying to get off of him and the more she tried, the more intimately she felt his body and his reaction to her. “Oh—” he groaned, “Don't move there.” Her gaze darted to his face. “Sorry, it's my legs. I can’t move them. Did I hurt you?” She continued to cautiously struggle, her mind becoming a flurry of unguarded emotions, foremost panic. “Shit—” Devin's laughter reverberated against her chest. “I can't believe I heard you swear. Woman, will you just hold still? My ma is looking forward to grandchildren someday.” Caroline's body stiffened. The blasted man was enjoying every moment. Mischief played in his grin, accented by the deep dimple of his shadowed cheek. “There, is that so bad?” “You're impossible.” Her thighs pressed hard against the tops of his. “Remind me to buy your dog a big steak.” “Devin.” “Yeah, yeah. Okay, here we go—” 86

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His expression sobered as he struggled to sit up. He scooted her sideways on his lap. “Listen, we need to talk.” Caroline's goal was to gain her freedom as she concentrated on freeing the leash from her legs. Her heart tried to ignore how secure his hand felt on her lower back, and how the gentle persuasive tone in his voice affected the butterflies in her belly. She was afraid if she didn’t stay focused she would lose herself again in his arms The idea of what might follow out here all alone in the seclusion of his cabin brought her a renewed sense of determination. “I'm so sorry. I can be such a klutz.” She tugged at the leather strap coiled secure around her ankles, binding them together with Devin's. “You know, you are in fact, a lot of things Caroline, but a klutz isn’t one of them.” She ignored his kindness. “Are you hurt?” He braced his arms on the grass and watched her struggling with the leash. “Only my pride, but you could offer to kiss it and make it better.” Caroline glanced at him, hoping the warning in her gaze was stern enough. He chuckled, reached over her lap, tucked one end under a loop and proceeded to unwind their legs from their leather confinement. Her brows fused together in frustration wondering why she hadn’t seen the simple solution. “Thanks.” She gingerly touched the angry red patches, where the leather had rubbed her skin raw. “I can get you some salve.” He leaned forward as he studied her injury. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Devin shifted out from under her, kneeling beside her as he inspected the markings on her fair skin. She watched in fascination as he lifted her ankle to his lips, she tipped back in a semi-reclined position her ankle poised a t his mouth. “What are you doing?” “Making it better.” His gentle smile fanned the smoldering flame inside her. Caroline raked her hand through her hair and clenched her teeth as she turned her gaze heavenward. “Don't, Devin,” she whispered as he lowered her leg and crawled above her, caging her between his arms. “Where were we?” His eyes glittered like onyx; his voice sent a shudder through her weakening her resolve. 87

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Devin's gaze glanced from her eyes to her mouth and back again. “Oh yeah, now I remember.” His lips crushed hers, squelching her protest, turning it into a pleasured moan. The fierce desire to kiss him again had been building since she arrived. Maybe he was right. Maybe she'd suppressed her attraction for too long. She fought to keep pace with the ferocity of his mouth moving over hers. His hands slid over her rib cage, creating a new and heady awareness of pleasure. Unable to breathe, yet unwilling to break free, she inhaled deep, as she dug her fingers into the sinewy flesh of his shoulders. Strong as a raging current, desire was moving Caroline toward the edge of oblivion, poised on the edge of a place where there would be no turning back. Without warning, Devin ended the kiss as fast as he'd started it. “I get crazy when you’re around, but you know that, don't you?” His sexy grin bordered precariously on dangerous. He licked his lower lip. Caroline squeezed her eyes shut tight. She knew she was but a single look from a whole lot of trouble. It was no secret he was aroused as much as she was. Chewing her lip, her mind grappled for some sense of reason where none seem to exist. She knew if this continued, she would wake up tomorrow in his bed. How awkward would that be with her having to shadow him? She placed a hand to his chest and made a quick decision. “My father is coming home in a day or two.” His narrowed gaze burrowed under her skin. “I won’t be back to work for awhile. I’m going to stay home with him.” His expression clouded and she knew his guard was back up. “I think it might be for the best, anyway. T--this thing is moving awfully fast.” She stammered, unsure she really believed a word she said. “This thing is moving too fast?” Devin pushed himself off of her, plopping down on the edge of the chair. His gaze scanned her from head to foot. He raked a hand through his hair as he shook his head and averted his attention to the lake. Caroline stood before she could change her mind. “Do you really believe that?” Devin pinned her where she stood with a serious look. “You want the truth?” She swallowed. “Not really.” Devin bolted from the chair, and she stepped behind the other chair placing a solid barrier between them. “What I am—is not sure. What I feel is confused, Devin.” “Jesus, I see it in your eyes, Caroline. You want me, as much as I want you.” 88

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It was true no one had ever captured her heart like him. She found it to be strange, both exhilarating and frightening. But her heart held her back. The only measurement she had was growing up alone or in failed relationships. She'd carefully constructed a moat a mile deep around her heart to keep out trespassers. He challenged her to deny him and she knew it would take a single nod and he would sweep her to heights she would never forget—but would she end up regretting it? There was so much yet to learn about him, before she willingly gave her heart. “Maybe you're right, but the point is, I'm not ready.” His stormy gaze held hers in the aftermath of her declaration. He said nothing as he cast his gaze to the ground, his hands resting heavy on his hips. Caroline reached down, and picked up the broken leash. “I'll be in touch. Maybe I can take a rain check on dinner?” she spoke lightly attempting to dispel the tension. His face was grim. “Sure.” Fighting thoughts tempting her to throw caution to the wind, she gripped the back of the chair. “Okay.” There was no easy way around what she knew she had to do. What her heart told her to do—until she was sure. “Goodnight, Devin.” She patted her leg and Tundra obediently followed. Devin’s voice called to her. “One day we will finish what we started here, Caroline.” She continued trudging up the grassy hill, turning before she rounded the house. He stood staring at her from where she'd left him. The wind lifted tufts of his dark hair in the breeze and his gaze pierced her core. In her heart, what she feared most was to hope he was right.

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Chapter Nine

Indiana University at Pennsylvania Planning Office: Liquidated Damages; a penalty for failing to achieve the impossible. The following two weeks melted into one after another of tormented, sleepless nights and this weekend was beginning with the same. Devin finally collapsed from exhaustion in the predawn hours and slept like the dead, until late afternoon. Ever since the night when Caroline left him in a sexual daze, she'd not given him so much as the time of day. Devin staggered blind through the hallway, feeling his way to the kitchen. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a plain white envelope lying on the polished hardwood floor just inside the foyer, as though it had been c shoved under the door. Curious, his brows puckered as he stooped down and grabbed the envelope. Eyeing it, he flipped it over, as he yawned, scratching the stubble of whiskers on his jaw. Blinking several times to focus, he ripped the paper back unceremoniously, and squinted at the handwriting. In appreciation; Stephen and Caroline Riggs invite the crew of the Riggs-Regency Condos to a backyard BBQ at their home, 732 Harbor Dr. Sunday afternoon-3 PM RSVP 555-1176 His brows arched as he stared at the piece of paper in his hand, considering his options. The crew, of course, would expect him to attend and if he didn’t, he'd never hear the end of it. He supposed, Stephen Riggs would also expect him there, though the idea of facing Caroline in another sparring match made him want to go back to bed and cover his head. Devin's bare feet shuffled across the smooth, cool wood floor. It was too early for a beer, and too late for coffee. He glanced up, snagged the phone of the wall, and punched in the number for the Riggs residence. She answered. 90

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“Yeah, uh…Caroline? I mean—Ms. Riggs?” He squeezed his eyes tight and rubbed his forehead, already questioning his decision. “Mr. McCudahy.” Her tone, soft but business like, brought him back to his senses. “I haven't heard from you, how's it going?” he asked, bracing his palm against the upper cabinet. “I thought it best we refrain from seeing each other, under the circumstances.” “Well, yeah...maybe you’re right.” He frowned as confused now, as the last time he’d seen her. “Will you be coming tomorrow to the BBQ?” she asked lightly. “Several of the crew has called in. Father and I just wanted to show our appreciation. He’s feeling so much better.” Turning to the kitchen window, Devin stared across the lake. Dark clouds hung low over the gray water, dark and ominous, much like his mood. He chalked it up to lack of sleep. “That’s great. I’m glad to hear he’s doing well. What happens if it rains?” He challenged. “Have you looked outside?” The question was stupid a diversionary tact he knew, and he tried to cover it. Truth was, he wanted to talk with her about her visit, but he didn't know where to start. “If it rains?” There was a curious tone to her voice. “I guess we’ll move indoors, there’s plenty room. We’ve encouraged the crew to bring their spouses and children.” “How about a significant other?” He knew he baited her; a part of him wanted to test her reaction. His eyes narrowed, waiting for her response. “Sure,” she hesitated, “significant others are welcome.” He glanced at the floor, rubbing the ball of his foot across his toes. “So, is there?” she asked casually. “Is there what?” He taunted her with a yawn, staring at the pattern in the kitchen tile. She cleared her throat. “A significant other?” “Did you see one when you were here?” He scratched an eyebrow. At least she was still curious, it was a good sign. “No, but that doesn’t mean—” “Do you think I’m the type to kiss another woman while involved with someone else?” He straightened as he realized what he'd said, sort of hoping she hadn't. “I guess I don't really know much about you.” 91

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The chill of a challenge in her voice brought up his dander and unfortunately other things as well. Chewing his lip, Devin weighed his options. “You've apparently kept company with some very strange men, Ms. Riggs. You can be sure I'm not like them. Until tomorrow. Good-bye.” A strange smile played on his lips as he turned to hang up the receiver. What was going on between them? All week he'd thought of no one else but her, and yet the minute he heard her voice; it was like an alarm went off in his head. Half the time, make that all the time, he didn't know which way was up when he was around her. Worse, he had the sneaking suspicion she knew it. He'd never been very good at the games women played and this woman was a champion. He placed his forearms against the cabinet and rested his head against the cool wood. Rational thinking cautioned him that to get involved with this elusive woman would be to invite a whole set of problems into his life. Devin uttered a weary groan. The woman ran hot and cold more than his kitchen faucet. He frowned as the thought hit him--maybe she was simply tolerating him for the sake of her father. He added it to his list of top ten depressing thoughts. Or maybe he was frustrated that she didn’t seem as frustrated with thoughts of him as he'd been of her? Devin released a loud sigh as he glanced at the kitchen clock. It was almost five o'clock. He had just enough time to run through the shower before his parent’s weekly Saturday night 'catch up' call. The phone rang just as Devin slathered his body with soap. Frowning, he haphazardly swiped his hands through his hair and stepped from the shower. With residual suds stinging his eyes, he stepped gingerly across the tile, wiped his feet on a towel, snatched the same towel around his waist, and tiptoed across his precious hardwood bedroom floor. His brows knit as he read the time on his bedside clock. For twenty years he could set the alarm to his father's calls. This was way too early. He wondered if something was wrong at home. Devin snatched up the phone not masking the concern in his voice. “Da?” “No, um, it’s Caroline.” The tension in his chest released with an audible sigh. “I’m sorry. If this is a bad time—” “No, I was just in the shower.” Devin stood half-naked and dripping on his bedroom floor. A vision of her peering at him through a telescope caused him to step back on the area rug near his bed. 92

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“Oh. You have plans. Listen, it's nothing really. I can talk to you later.” “No, it's okay—” his voice faltered realizing he didn’t want this to be misconstrued. It wouldn’t do for her to know she was the sole woman on his mind these days. “I decided to stay in tonight. I’ve not slept well this week.” He chuckled nervously, unsure if he wanted to let it pass or address the issue of his sleeplessness. Instead, he left it hanging. “Yeah, me either.” Caroline's voice floated in his ear like a summer breeze. He shivered with a sudden chill and his fingers gripped the receiver. “I guess I'm always on alert because of my father.” Logically he knew she was right, that aside however, he wanted her sleeplessness to be for thinking of him. Devin counted the drops of water falling at his feet. “Yeah, guess it would do us both good to turn in early tonight.” His mind flirted dangerously with images of what else they could do with the evening. “Did you...need something?” Devin was cautious, his confused and weary libido titillated by her feathery voice. He heard her soft sigh and swallowed preparing himself. Tiny goose bumps scooted up his arms and his body gave an involuntary shudder. “I’m attempting to set up some games for tomorrow’s picnic and frankly, being an only child, I haven’t got a lot of expertise in this area. You mentioned you come from a large family and I was hoping maybe you might take a look at my ideas? I'd really like this picnic to be a success.” Before he had time to answer, she rushed on. “None of them are really complicated—two or three games. I—I didn’t have time to ask earlier. You hung up so fast.” “I’m sorry, Caroline, I was—I don’t know why I said what I did.” Maybe he'd been too quick to judge her? Maybe the encounter in his backyard was too much, too fast? “It’s okay. It’s really none of my business to pry into your personal life.” If she only had a clue how much she'd already pried into his dreams. “Listen, I was joking with you.” He smoothed back the damp hair from his forehead and stared out the window. “It's hard for me to tell the difference at times.” Her voice was cool. “Ouch,” he winced. “Okay, I deserved that.” He rubbed a finger over his eye. So, did this mean they were they back on amiable terms? Goosebumps of another kind formed across his flesh. 93

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“Caroline? I’d love to chat, but I’m drip-drying here.” Another long silence followed and he sat down on the edge of the bed. “How about I come by around seven? Have you got everything set up?” “I’m almost finished. That would be really nice, if it’s not too much trouble.” The sound of her voice sent more than air-dried chills skittering across his body. Trouble? Likely. “No problem, I'll be over around seven.” “Great, McCudahy. I appreciate it, thanks.” Well, so she'd not been sleeping well either. He raised his brow and replaced the receiver in its cradle. Better not to let his imagination get the best of him.

****

His dad lingered on the phone, updating Devin on all the grandchildren’s antics and successes. He stared at the kitchen clock, feeling each second tick by with aggravating clarity. “Da?” Devin took a deep breath, hoping what he was about to say, wouldn’t launch another thirty minute discussion. He loved the routine his parents had stuck rigidly to all of their adult children’s lives. The Saturday night rounds were always welcome—most of the time. “Listen, I’ve got to go.” He paced the kitchen floor, glancing at the clock on the stove, comparing it to the one on the wall, and back to his wristwatch. “Hum, a big date?” Devin closed his eyes, searching how to tactfully remove himself from the question. “My boss is having a company picnic tomorrow. His daughter, you know the one whose been shadowing me, she asked if I’d come over quick and take a look at the children’s games.” He finished the sentence hurriedly, hoping to stave off further interrogation. He might as well believe heaven would open up and pour down gold coins. “I see.” His dad's voice held a plethora of innuendo. “It’s a family thing, Da. She has some kids games and since she has no family, she asked if I’d come check them out…probably safety factors and such.” He dismissed the entire situation so eloquently, he nearly convinced himself. The roiling in his stomach, however contradicted his words. “Well, I best not keep you then. You shouldn’t keep the boss's daughter waiting.” He heard his father chuckle. “Did I ever tell you the story about this old friend of mine who—?” “Da. I’m going to be late. Can we save it ’til next time?” 94

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“Oh sure, say, what’s her name, son? Your ma, she wants to know.” Devin cast a weary glance to the ceiling. “Caroline.” The tone in his voice was flat, but his libido was anything but. “Hum. Nice Irish name, Caroline.” “Yeah, okay Da, got to go.” His patience was beginning to unravel as he checked the time. Seven-fifteen. “Wait, Devin? Your ma would like—-” “Da? I can’t take the marriage dissertation right now. No disrespect, but I’m already late.” He heard the muffled voices of his parents in the background, some scuffling of the receiver, then his father again. “Have a nice time at the picnic, son.” “Thanks dad, my love to my brothers when you talk to them. Tell Ma to be patient.” “Aye son, I’ll pass the message on, we love you, now.” “Love you too, Da.”

****

Caroline's attention snapped from the wading pool when she heard the roar of Devin's truck coming up the drive. Shutting off the nozzle, she stepped gingerly through the thick grass, watching as he stepped from the truck. Her breath caught in her throat “Over here—” She waved from beneath the shadow of the ancient willow tree at the side of the house. “Get a grip girl,” Caroline muttered as the goose bumps charged up her arms. She thought the sculling crew back at college looked good in their polo garb. Devin McCudahy gave new meaning to the term looking good. “Hi,” he smiled casually as he strode across the lawn. Hi stride was purposeful, his long legs tan and muscular. The navy polo he wore was neat, showcasing his perfect, athletic body. For a moment, she held the wishful thought he would simply scoop her into his arms and kiss her. The notion left her weak in the knees. She blinked, searching for a conversation topic. “You look nice…in that color.” Devin chuckled as he glanced at the ground. He rubbed his fingers across his chin as if in deep thought as his gaze looked up at her. And then there was his ego. “You look—” His dark gaze lingered on her for a long time. She averted hers and focused on the grass at her feet. 95

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“Don't go there.” Her courage, perhaps fueled by the need to defend herself jumped ahead of him. Besides, she didn’t think she could stand there and listen to him make cracks about how she looked. She interrupted his assessment, with a smile, flailing the garden hose, causing him to step back amid the water droplets arcing through the air. “Let me help you.” Devin tucked his hands in his pockets and tipped his head, waiting with a look of patient tolerance. “Granted my hairs a mess, but it is clean. My eclectic ensemble today includes cut-off shorts, way too old and a bit tight as they are from my freshman year—” The corner of Devin's mouth lifted slightly. “This thing—” She plucked the paint-splattered denim work shirt from her body as she spoke. “Is one of my father's old work shirts, and this—” Caroline peeled back the denim to reveal a faded pink cotton camisole. “This used to be white, not pink, which gives testament to my laundry skills.” She glanced down at her feet with a sigh. The pink polish that once delicately graced her toes now clung half-peeled and faded. They peeked up through the grass at her in their shabby glory. “I think that about covers it.” She pasted on a superficial smile. “Are you done?” His voice, quiet and thick with his brogue, ladled like warm water over her chilly defenses. Caroline accentuated her point with a shrug. “I was about to say you look as natural as the wildflowers growing outside my cabin.” That was not anticipated. She swiped at a fly, smudging paint on her cheek as she locked into his ebony gaze. How could his eyes alone obliterate all rational thought? “Are you going to show me your games?” His voice broke her reverie. She was grateful he hadn't dwelled on her appearance. “Oh.” She dropped the hose. “Sure, they're this way.” She pivoted on her heel, relieved to lead him to the backyard. He whistled low as he scanned the massive backyard. “This is impressive.” Caroline walked down the grassy knoll to a small, blue, plastic wading pool. She picked up her marking pen, her hands trembling still from his compliment. What did he want from her? Were his pleasantries to appease her so as to keep favor with her father? Or was he looking for a summer fling? “This is where I live.” Caroline shrugged as she gave him a weak smile. “It must have been something to grow up here.” 96

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He sat next to her and picked up the tiny trinket prizes one by one, eyeing them suspiciously. “It was really pretty quiet.” She didn’t want to get into her lonely childhood. With his large family, chances are he wouldn't understand anyway. “Do you want to number the ducks? Or do you want to separate all those prizes into those baskets?” Caroline held up a marker pen and a duck. “Number ducks? What is this?” He grinned as he dropped a plastic duck into the shallow water of the pool, watching as it bobbed placidly. “I found it in a magazine, you mark the ducks underneath, the child pick's a duck, and the number corresponds to their prize. You haven't played this?” She searched his face, hoping her panic wasn't noticeable. “Have you even heard about it?” He shook his head. “Sorry, not in my family. Sounds a little too easy.” “You do realize many of your men have younger children?” She wondered if he thought about family much. Though he came from a large family, being single seemed to suit him just as easily. It was difficult to imagine Devin McCudahy as anything but a supervisor, though she had to admit, she'd dreamed of him lately as much as more. “Point taken. “What do you have for the older kids?” He twirled a plastic necklace around his finger, his gaze holding more than his question. Taking a deep breath, she shoved her recent dreams to the backburner of her mind. “Pie-throwing, but instead you use sponges.” “Tell me you're kidding.” Caroline scrambled to her feet, hoping to lighten the mood. Snatching his hand she yanked him up and tugged him to the booth she painted earlier in the day. “See, all we need is a volunteer to put his face through the hole.” “A volunteer.” He placed his hands on his hips as he gave her a skeptical look. Caroline counted out ten paces and turned toward Devin. “Go on. Stick your head in. I need to see if the hole is big enough.” “Why not you?” He countered. “I figure if your head fits, we’re fine.” She saw the unmistakable warning glitter in his eyes as he slowly knelt to the ground. He peered at her from behind the board. “Careful the paint might still be wet.” “I’m not doing this.” He stood and crossed his arms in defiance. “Afraid your head’s too big?” She raised an impervious brow. He narrowed his gaze. “This is that pain-in-the-butt side of you, Caroline.” 97

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“Thank you.” She saw the reluctance in his face as he dropped to his knees. Skepticism etched on his face, Devin ran his fingers around the opening checking the paint before he positioned his face through the hole. “The idea is that you get three tries, or sponges—” She plucked up the dripping sponges. Water slithered down her arms as she poised for her toss. “Caroline.” His tone issued a flat warning. She ignored it. “The one with the closest hit to the target wins the prize.” The sponge splattered as it made its mark, before he could free himself from the hole. “Oh brother, you are in trouble.” “Wait. I have two more turns.” She giggled as he scrambled to his feet. Kicking the bucket with her foot, she managed to spill its contents out before he could reach it. Devin approached her, sporting a deadly, wet smile and in one swift movement, she found herself over his shoulder, heading away from the house. “What are you doing?” Caroline kicked her legs as she pounded against the hard muscle of his back. “Teaching you not to mess with the big boys.” “Devin McCudahy, whatever you’re thinking, don’t!” He ignored her as he continued his purposeful stride. She tried a softer, more reasoning approach. “Please, Devin.” She smoothed her palms down his back, hoping to stop him long enough to at least enjoy the moment. Her fantasy dissipated with the realization they drew near the lake's edge. Caroline realized his intent when his hand slid over her back and he pushed her away from his shoulder. Determined she was not going into the water alone, she locked her arms around his neck and stiffened in his grasp. Caroline barely had the chance to notice, much less enjoy, his face pressed flat between her breasts. He stumbled and her scream pierced the evening air. They hit the calm surface together causing a wall of water to surround them. “Are you out of your mind?” She emerged from the lake, sputtering, drenched from head to foot. Hands fisted on her hips, she glared at him. Doubled over, Devin was still on his knees, coughing, and laughing. A moment passed, before he looked up at her, still coughing. “You—” He pointed his finger at her as he turned his head to cough. “You started this.” His grin was pure evil. “A sponge is one thing. The lake--” Caroline sloshed past him, struggling toward the bank. “Look at me! I’m soaked.” His hand locked on her forearm. 98

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“I am looking. Don't dish it out, Caroline, if you can't take it.” His intense gaze scanned her sodden clothing and she was surprised steam didn’t rise from the heat that flooded her body. “By the way, I like what I see.” She pushed back the hair from her face and stared down at him wishing she didn't find him so quite attractive. Water matted his long dark eyelashes and his skin glistened bronze in the sun’s setting rays. Her gaze traveled to the beads of moisture dewing his lips. More importantly, she was acutely aware of his hands gliding up the back of her thighs. His fingers touched feather light beneath the fringe of her shorts as he drew her body toward his. "Come here," he whispered. “McCudahy.” Her tone was feeble at best. He looked at her like she was an angel. Far from where her thoughts were, to be sure. “I’m going to kiss you.” Caroline took a deep breath, searching the purpled-streaked sky above her. “I—I don’t—” He gently peeled back one shoulder of her denim shirt and left a sizzling kiss on her exposed flesh. A shiver ran the length of her, settling warm between her thighs. “Where’s Tundra?” A dimple caressed his grin as he drew her down to meet his face. “In his pen.” She swallowed hard, her body tightening under his gaze. Devin gently touched his forehead to hers. He leaned forward and gently touched his lips to hers. “You’re intoxicating, Caroline.” She laced her fingers into his hair, his wet curls sensuous against her skin. “I can’t sleep for thinking of you,” he whispered against her mouth, his breath warm and sweet. “McCudahy,” she responded, her legs buckling to kneel against his thighs. Though her brain offered repeated warnings, her body shot them down with every wet kiss. She angled her head, absorbing the hot kisses he trailed down her throat. “Devin,” he reprimanded softly, his voice raspy with desire. “We're not at work.” His hands, rough, yet caressing slipped beneath her camisole, offering worship to her flesh as his mouth devoured hers. “I forgot your weekend rule—” she gasped, as his thumbs grazed over her breasts. “Mc…Cudahy?” Fire raged deep within her as she fought to maintain control. “Devin.” His breath was hot against her neck, as between thumb and forefinger he teased her pebbled tips. 99

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Caroline abandoned herself to the blissful sensation, her fingers clinging to his shoulders. Her mind relaxed, her body slowly abandoning to him. He pushed the fabric over her breasts and Caroline watched in a sensual haze, as he satisfied himself and her. “So sweet—” His tongue lathed over each nipple leaving her tight and wanting. Need shot straight to her lower belly. Caroline knew they were spiraling to a place they might regret after, but she'd missed his touch, the strength, and the desire she felt wrapped in his arms. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she dug her fingers into his hair, holding his face pressed against her body. In the distance she heard the haunting mating call of a loon. “McCudahy?” That was no loon. She yanked down her top, tugging the denim shirt up from where it pooled at her elbows trailing in the water. Caroline turned toward the source of the sound, narrowing her gaze into the dusky evening and at the top of the hill saw her father peering down at them from his wheelchair. Thank god it was too dark for him to see in great detail what had happened. “Is that you too, Caro?” Her father's voice penetrated the stillness of the evening. Caroline pushed away from Devin, her heart erratic as she gauged his expression. She’d done it again, fallen without thinking, for his charm. “Is that McCudahy? Thought I saw his truck out front. I won’t bother asking what you’re doing there, son. But, it better be with the best of intentions.” Caroline groaned and covered her face. “Let’s face the music.” Devin smiled as he held his hand to her and stood in the thigh-high water. He called out to her father. “Your daughter was showing me the games planned for tomorrow’s picnic, sir.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “Thanks, I can manage.” Caroline busied herself with wringing the water from the edges of her shirt, avoiding his gaze. Her breasts still tingled from his sensuous lips. “I see, and you have some water activities planned?” Her father's tone had a mocking ring to Caroline's guilty mind. What in the world was she doing? Hadn't it become her goal to prove to her father she could handle what it took to run this business? She couldn't allow herself to soften, even if her body craved Devin McCudahy like water. She'd gone through too much to wind up throwing it all away on simple emotions. What could she say now to 100

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prove to her father she could separate her feelings from business? She didn’t know, but she had to try and she had to make it clear to McCudahy she couldn't be his summer fling. “You two better dry off before you catch cold. There are towels in the bath downstairs. Caroline, you might offer this young man a nice brandy. It’ll help take the chill off.” She heard his faint chuckle as he retreated into the house.

****

“Thanks.” Devin grabbed the towel as she tossed it to him unceremoniously. “Did I say something wrong?” He pulled off his shirt, draping it over a chair as he dried his chest and mopped the towel over his hair. Caroline turned to him and for a moment, a glimmer of the hunger he'd seen earlier returned, but it was fleeting as her demeanor. “I’ll get you another shirt.” She turned away and he reached out gently grabbing her arm. “Caroline? What is it? What’s bugging you?” His thoughts and emotions warred within him, burning to finish what they'd started. There was something about her that made him lose his mind when he was around her. He couldn’t deny it He wanted to believe it was more than lust for both of them, but so far he'd not been able to get her to open up to him. It seemed she'd allow him to get so close and then she ran like a scared rabbit. What was she afraid of? Wasn't he good enough? Devin blinked, trying to balance his confused thoughts. In the shadows, he could see her profile staring at the doorframe. “Look, I’m afraid, Devin. There it is. I'm afraid I lose myself every time I'm near you. I don't know where I start and you end.” Her admission fanned the embers glowing within him. Damn, this was a good thing, wasn't it? She held her hand up to stave off his advance and her touch singed his flesh. “I’m reduced to this brainless shell.” “Caroline.” Wanting to sooth her concerns, he turned her to face him, her sweet face illuminated by the back porch light. He kneaded her shoulders, raising her chin to meet his gaze. “I don't understand. Isn't that the way it happens?” “What are we talking about here?” She whirled, facing him. “What about my life, Devin? My dreams? I have to stay focused. I can't let passion ruin everything.” Her face pleaded for him to understand, and he did—sort of. But he wasn't asking her to give up her life or her dreams. He wasn't asking her to give up anything. If where 101

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they were headed meant they wanted to share more with each other, then it would happen, and he would see it stayed discreet and responsible. “So, who’s asking you to give up anything?” His brows knit in confusion. Her eyes glazed over, widening in an icy stare. “Oh, I see. So, this is just about having a good time, isn’t it? Is it the chase you enjoy? Do you really care at all about the women involved?” She jerked free, and pointed toward the backdoor. “Been there, done that, McCudahy. Thanks for your expert help in life lessons, but I’ve no intention of winding up a notch on your cabin wall.” Devin's mouth dropped open as he stared at her. Moments clicked by in painful succession, but he didn't know what to say. He didn’t know how to tell her he'd never felt like this about anyone before. Did she really think he was that shallow? Hell, maybe she was right and he was making up the whole damn thing in his head. Wading up the towel, he threw it on the table and grabbed his shirt to leave. He paused to make a remark about her misjudgment, but chances were she wouldn't believe him anyway. Dammit, he should've listened to Jeff. The woman was as stubborn as she was puzzling. Devin shoved open the sliding glass door, and stepped out into the light of the full moon glistening bright against the velvet sky. He was angry with himself, angry too that there may have been some element of truth in what she said. He glanced sullenly at the door just as Caroline flipped the lock. He trudged down the steps to the patio below, the lock resounding in his heart.

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Chapter Ten

Building Glossary of Terms: Incompatibility; descriptive of two or more materials that are not suitable to be used together. Caroline smiled as she watched the young boy splash happily in the wading poolturned-duck-pond. It made little difference to her that the small child was not playing the game properly. Truth was, very little made much difference to her today. The least of which, was the apparent absence of Devin McCudahy. “I got a ring!” The tiny squeal of delight broke Caroline from her thoughts. She fished out a plastic ring and slipped it on the small boy's stubby little finger. The towheaded child giggled and clamped his tiny arms around her neck, hugging her enthusiastically. “I go show my mommy and daddy!” He pulled back, surveying his treasured prize. Screaming for his parents at the top of his lungs, he turned and skirted away in the crowd. “Isn’t that robbing the cradle a might, Ms. Riggs?” The familiar voice caused her blood to chill and then to heat when she glanced up at his smirking face. Why did she think Jonah wouldn’t come? “He’s a child, Jonah.” She stood facing him, not about to allow him to intimidate her—certainly not on her own property. He held his hands up with a deep chuckle. “Idle down, missy.” She took a deep breath, squaring him with a looking of warning. Caroline had taken about as much of Jonah as she could handle. “Okay, boss lady, I’m just funning with you, now.” He moved off in silence, glancing back at her. Caroline watched him lumber towards a keg that crewmembers had just tapped. It was not her wish to have beer at the picnic, but the crew insisted and her father agreed. She wished Devin was there. Not that she couldn't handle it if things got out of control, but he had a better association with his crew. 103

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Caroline searched the backyard littered with clusters of families. Small children dodged in and around the circles, their carefree giggling permeating the air as they chased each other. How like children adults were at times. She thought of her and Devin. What was this game of dodging their feelings they played? He made no qualms about wanting to take her to his bed, but beyond that what did she know about him? Her gaze came to rest on her father seated comfortably in a chaise lounge at the crest of the hill. Beside him, Devin McCudahy, was busily engaged in conversation with him. Surprised, yet pleased to see him there and talking with her father, her heart ached for the possibility of a future with Devin, but questioned the reality of it. As if sensing her gaze, Devin turned to her. She wondered what they'd been discussing. He gave her a friendly nod attached to a smile and turned away. Aware suddenly of an insistent tugging on her dress, she turned her attention to the few children begging her to play with the ducks. Putting her problems with Devin aside, perhaps it was best to leave well enough alone. The afternoon passed with relative ease, though now and again, Caroline would glance at the patio, where she would catch Devin's gaze pass fleetingly over her. It gave her a secure, yet unsettled feeling that he watched her. Fortunately, between monitoring the children’s games and keeping the food tables stocked, she really had little time to think of Devin or his heart-stopping kisses. Jubilant for the success of the company picnic, Caroline was still glad to see with the setting sun, many of the guests started to trickle toward their cars. Several thanked her as they left and she watched them, arms interlocked with one another, while others toted sleeping children on their shoulders. The wistful thought of what it would be like to have children of her own passed through her mind. Deep in her thoughts, her gaze wandered to where Devin sat all afternoon with her father. There'd been a moment or two when she thought all of her dreams of home and family would come true. His name was Robert Evanston, and they met in her sophomore year. She thought she'd found her “Mr. Right,” but learned the hard way illusions of love can blind you to reality. It only took one weekend at home to meet her father to discover Robert had more on his mind for his future than to love Caroline. He'd used her to gain an impromptu interview with her father as well. Deeply in love with Robert, she couldn’t believe he would stoop so low, so she blamed her father for his inability to see Roberts finer attributes. She would eventually find out what those were. 104

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Her thoughts roamed back to Devin. Was he the same kind of man? True, it was he'd already found favor with her father. But what better way to secure his future than to befriend the daughter of the man you're trying to impress? Besides, she was quite certain his practiced charm and dimpled smiles were not used for the first time with her. As if hearing her thoughts, he turned and gave her one of his blue ribbon smiles. Caroline's eyes widened and she pivoted on her heel, running smack into Jonah’s massive chest. “Need any help cleaning up, Ms. Riggs?” It was obvious by his slurred speech; he’d had too much to drink already. The thought made her angry, but she was determined to keep a civil tongue. His hands grabbed her upper arms. To anyone else it would no doubt appear a gentleman’s gesture to prevent her from stumbling. Yet, to her, it was like being trapped by a wild animal, dangerous and unpredictable. “No thank you, Jonah. It's fine, we’ll clean up ourselves, thank you.” She took a step back, moving out of his reach and made an attempt to walk around him He stepped in front of her, blocking the way. “Jonah.” Caroline kept her voice steady as she rested her gaze to his chest. “I said we’d handle this, thank you.” “My help’s not good enough for you, lil' Miss Caroline?” His punctuated southern drawl dangled close to a threat. “Or maybe, you had plans with the boss to clean up together? You know, Ms. Riggs—” his voice lowered as he leaned close whispering in her ear. Caroline grimaced at his breath wafting near her nose. “The men are talking. They say you got some kinda control over the boss. Something to do with favors.” Horrified, Caroline stepped back; her fists clenched at her sides, though she wanted like hell connect one of them to the drunken smirk on his face. She’d do him one better and in the process, perhaps do McCudahy a favor. “You’re fired! Get off my property and don’t come back.” Her raised voice set nearby crewmembers running to Jonah’s side. “He’s had too much to drink is all, Ms. Riggs. Things are bad right now. Come on, give him a break. He needs this job.” The excuses pelted her from all sides and she felt surrounded, not only by the crew, but by the males in general. “You all heard me. He’s fired.” A familiar voice issued a decree from over her shoulder. 105

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“No one does any firing, except me.”

****

Devin strode across the lawn, tossing a cup into the trashcan with more force than necessary. He sighed, assessing the situation as he approached the semi-circle of crew turned against the lone woman, her chin jutted out in authority, facing them off. He held in a smile. Admittedly she was a force to be reckoned with, taking on a handful of construction workers who’d had a bit too much to drink. If it wasn’t for the fact the men she held the standoff with were his crew. “He was being disrespectful to both—” He cut her off with a sharp look of warning. Turning to Jonah, he poked a finger to the big man’s broad chest. “You’re on probation as of right now.” The clamor of the men caused Devin to hold his hands up requesting silence. She spoke from behind him. “I just fired him.” He whirled toward her and spoke between clenched teeth. What did this woman want from him? “You do not have authority, Caroline.” The cheers rose in Jonah’s behalf and fell as quickly at the scowl Devin turned to give them. He set his focus on Jonah. “Until I investigate this incident further, you’re on leave. Now get on home.” Jonah and a handful of men dropped their cups into the trashcan, glaring as they passed Caroline. Their complaints were evident even as they rounded the side of the house. Devin shook his head, staring at her with mixed emotions rolling around inside of him. All day he'd watched her, afraid to get near her for fear he would have to face the attraction he had towards her. Now the one chance he has to be near her, it was under these circumstances. Not exactly romantic. “Don’t ever do that again, Caroline.” “Do what? He’s insulted you and me, and may I remind you, this wasn’t the first time.” She stooped down picking up the wet sponges from one of the games. “He's got some trouble at home.” “No great surprise, do you think?” She tossed the sponges in the bucket. His eyes followed her gaze to the patio, where Nana was pushing her father inside the house. The older Riggs waved and she returned it with one of her own. “He just needs a break, you know?” He tried to reason with her. “I’d like to give him a break.” she muttered, tossing an armful of plates into the trash. 106

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“Do you always go about things like you’re beating a snake? Is everything so black and white in your world, Caroline?” He crossed his arms in challenge. Maybe this was where their real differences were. Perhaps she had little tolerance for people outside of her social structure? “Mr. McCudahy, when you grown up alone and spend your whole life determined to make a difference. To be recognized by someone. To be—” “Loved?” She swallowed and he wasn't sure her lip didn't quiver. “Maybe that’s part of it, but it’s enough to bring out the determination in just about anyone.” She turned and headed toward the house. “Determination can be blind, Caroline.” She stopped cold and turned to face his gaze. “Now that’s interesting statement coming from you, McCudahy.”

****

Later as Caroline sat in the family room, trying to put the episode out of her mind, the phone rang. She hesitated, thinking Nana would likely pick it up, but when it continued its trill; Caroline finally reached over and picked up the receiver. “This is the Riggs residence.” She paused, giving the caller the benefit of perhaps having not heard her. “May I ask whose calling?” “This is M-Maggie Harris. Jonah’s w-wife.” Caroline straightened in the chair. She was unaware Jonah was even married. Curiosity and intuition combined held Caroline’s firm attention to the sound of the woman's wavering voice. “We missed you today at the picnic, I’m sorry you weren’t able to be here. What can I do for you, Mrs. Harris?” “I don’t get out much. Jonah prefers m--me at home.” An eerie tingling ran the length of Caroline’s spine. “Mrs. Harris? Is there something I can do for you? Are you all right?” Caroline sat forward in the chair, grasping the receiver in both hands. She wondered if McCudahy was aware of Jonah’s life outside of work. “Jonah mentioned your name this evening; he said you’d tried to fire him. I’m just asking if you'd please give him another chance. He’s a good man. It’s just alcohol changes him. When he’s not drinking, he’s really wonderful.” She paused and there was a drawn out silence on the phone.

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“Does he have a problem with his drinking? Has he sought help?” Caroline searched her mind for the various agencies she’d heard about; maybe she could offer the woman some names. “Um, we don’t talk about it anymore. It’s, well…it’s hard to explain. I’d just appreciate it so much if you could see your way clear to talk to Mr. McCudahy? Jonah says you two are…well, close. I’d be so grateful to you, Miss Riggs.” Caroline frowned into the phone, wondering what kinds of stories Jonah told his wife, and if his wife, who else might he tell them to? “I don’t have much clout with Mr. McCudahy.” She pushed the hair back from her face, of that, she was certain. “But, I’ll see what I can do.” “I have to go now, I hear his truck.” She heard the instant change in the woman's breathing. “Good-bye, Miss Riggs.” A click and the phone went dead. Caroline replaced the receiver, staring at it a long time, wondering to whom she could turn.

****

Devin bolted upright in bed, rubbing his hands over his face. By all descriptions, his sleep was both fretful and tormented. Images of Jonah and Caroline had plagued his dreams and just for spice, his mother entered now and again to give him her candid views on marriage. His face felt numb as he squinted at the sunlight pouring through his bedroom window. He blinked to focus on the clock on the nightstand. “Six-thirty?” He let out a groan knowing he had less than a half hour to get to work. His body, physically and mentally, felt as though he’d only slept about as long. This Riggs woman was going to drive him nuts. Tossing aside the covers, he padded to the shower. The scalding water felt like heaven on his skin, slowly awakening his weary body from fitful slumber. But it did little to appease the war raging within him. Splashing the water against his face, he stroked his hands over his hair and closed his eyes, hoping the heat would magically re-energize his system. Caroline emerged in his mind again, like a taunting, dark-haired Irish faerie that appeared spontaneously, just to turn his well-organized world on its heel. Forcing his eyes open, he stared at the tile in front of him and leaned his hands against it. Her smile, scent, even her irritating stubbornness, had already begun to weave her way into his heart and mind. The torment alone was beyond the initial physical desire. And God, wasn’t that enough? 108

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He couldn’t determine if she needed, or even wanted him. Lately, he’d tried every means possible to put their relationship in perspective and keep it on a business level. What did this woman want? And the question he dared not face just yet was what did he want? Wrenching at the shower knobs with undue force, one of them snapped off in his hand. He stared at the broken fixture unable to understand what was happening to him. Stepping from the tub, he yanked a towel from the shelf and his mind illuminated in a flashback of the incident in the lake. Desire snaked up his spine thinking of how soft she felt, the scent of her wet skin like morning mist. His body ached from lack of sleep and frustration, and he rolled his shoulders trying to ease the knots from his back muscles. Securing the towel to his hips, he shuffled to his bed and sat down on its edge, like a man who'd aged overnight. He raked a weary hand through his hair. Devin flopped back to the mattress, letting the early morning breeze attempt to cool his body and his mind. As he stared at the ceiling, he contemplated the intimate moments he’d shared with Caroline recently. Confused as they were, he knew without a doubt, those moments were powerful. What he experienced inside when he was with Caroline, he'd never had with any other woman. Whether he was wasting his time and energy on someone who maybe did not feel the same in return is what plagued him. He rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands hoping to dispel her image from his mind. What he needed right now, was a cup of very strong, very black, coffee.

****

Devin pulled into his spot near the trailer an hour later, and noticed a familiar pickup parked in the space next to his. He grabbed his travel mug off the dash, the clipboard from the seat, and tore open the office trailer’s door. “Is everything okay?” He stepped up into the trailer, tossing his clipboard to his desk. Surprised, Jeff looked up and moved toward the door. “How nice you could join us today, sir.” Jeff lowered his voice as he squeezed past Devin. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. McCudahy.” Jeff turned back to the man occupying Devin’s office chair. “Same to you, Jeff, and thanks for the company.” The older man replied. Devin waited until Jeff closed the door behind him, and turned with a frown of concern on his face. “Is mom okay? What brought you all the way down here?” He sat down his gaze intent on the man before him—his mentor and father. 109

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“You’re Ma is fine, Devin. I just wanted to come visit you on this project, see how it’s going for you.” The sound of his father’s voice somehow pacified all the emotions wrestling within him. He focused in on the reason his father had come—the project. “It’s going well, Da. Did you get some coffee?” He stood refilling his travel mug. Glad that Jeff had had the foresight and friendship to make it this morning. “Thanks. I’ve had plenty. Jeff tells me the investor has run into bad health?” Sitting down across from his father, he sipped his coffee, grimacing at its bitter taste. Mental note; teach Jeff how to make coffee. “Yeah, he had a slight heart attack a few weeks back. I understand he’s doing well. Just had a picnic out to his place this weekend, you remember I told you about it.” His intuition needled the base of his neck, wondering how much Jeff had told his father about Caroline Riggs. “Understand he has a daughter who happens to be a designer.” Devin's gaze rose to the curious expression on his father's face. Apparently Jeff had said more than expected. There was no mistaking the look. He’d seen it a million times growing up. It was that 'tell-me-the full-story' look. “Yeah.” He lowered his gaze to the papers strewn across his desk. “Devin?” Busted from his attempt to avoid the topic, he glanced up, giving his dad a questioning look. “I bet you'd probably like a tour, huh?” He stood, sitting his coffee on the desk and glanced at his father, hoping he'd let the topic slide by. No chance. “So is...um, she the reason you’re late this morning?” His father leaned an arm to the desk, appearing to wait for an answer. Devin held his father's challenging gaze. “No. Come on Da, give me some credit for having a brain.” It was almost the truth. Devin tossed his father a hard hat. “Let me show you around. I think you’ll be impressed.” Ignoring the smirk on his father’s face, he opened the door and ushered him ahead.

****

Pushing back the heavy master bedroom's curtains, Caroline turned to see her father resting soundly in his bed. The bright path of sunshine fell across his face and his eyelids fluttered. “Caroline?” His voice though groggy, still held his gruff authority to her ears. 110

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“Yes, Father. It’s me.” She stepped to his bedside and reached for his fraillooking hand. “I’m glad you’re here, Caro.” Her eyes stung at the sound of her childhood name. It had been a long time since anyone referred to her as Caro. “Is there anything I can get you?” Her nose stung from fighting back the tears and she pressed her lips together to keep them at bay. One squeezed past, leaving its trail at the corner of her eye, sliding down her cheek. Her father's gaze turned to hers before she could wipe it away. “Perhaps now, we can make up for a lot of lost time.” His smile was weak. She stared at him, her eyes welling. “Don’t be silly.” She glanced away from his gaze, quickly brushing the tear from her face. “We’ve always had each other.” “Silly, eh? Then why are you crying?” His hand squeezed hers and her eyelids responded similarly. “I didn’t take the opportunity of just spending time with you when you were young, did I?” “You shouldn’t be thinking of such things. I’m here now, and that’s what matters.” She forced herself to look at his face, which seemed to have aged twenty years in just a few days. “It must have been difficult for you.” Why was he bringing all this up now? She'd found the way to his heart, or thought she had. Work. It was the way families survived, wasn’t it? Hard work? “I learned a great deal from watching you.” A sad smile crept across his still handsome face. She noticed how much gray actually covered his once coal-black hair. “I think perhaps I didn’t teach you the right things.” She took a deep breath, wanting to put aside this conversation. Her emotions weren't prepared for more than she'd already been through these past few weeks. “Caroline?” She blinked, pulling from her reverie and smiled at her father. “I’ll get Nana to bring you a tray. And the doctor said you should get up and walk a bit today.” She patted his hand and turned to the door. “We’ll go for a walk later then, Caro?” His voice sounded so much smaller than she remembered.

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She looked back at him, so frail looking. “Of course.” Caroline stepped into the hallway, pulling the door shut quietly. A wave of emotion swept over her as she closed her eyes. Now, he needed her. Wasn’t it ironic? Of course, she'd always loved her father—in a respectful, detached sort of way. That’s all that was ever required of her. But now—now he wanted a father-daughter relationship. Her mind flitted to Devin and the kind of family he'd grown up with. Pushing away a tinge of jealousy, her heart ached to have someone to talk to and share this difficult time in her life. She pushed from the door, squaring her shoulders. Managing things on her own came easy and it got her this far. She would simply continue with the same plan, and it would no doubt eventually resolve everything.

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Chapter Eleven

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms: Durability; the quality of maintaining satisfactory aesthetic, economic, and functional performance for the useful life of the structure. “So, Caro? What do you think of young Mr. McCudahy?” Her father glanced up at her as he adjusted the lap blanket spread across his legs. They sat on the patio soaking up the sun's healing warmth. “Are we speaking personally, or professionally?” She gave her father a smile and returned to dotting a plum polish on her toenails. “Oh? Is there a personal side to this relationship?” Caroline lifted her gaze to his profile as he stared out across the lake. “What if there was?” She tipped her head, keeping her curious gaze on his reaction. He shrugged. “You could do worse.” “That’s not speaking very highly of the man, is it?” She checked the paint on her toenails. “I think Dev--um--McCudahy, is a hardworking young man. He has a good head on his shoulders.” He pointed a finger at her. “And he's a solid businessman.” “Now that’s a definite plus for you.” She didn’t need to look up to know he watched her carefully. “It pays the bills, Caroline.” His voice though soft held a hint of reprimand. Caroline raised her eyes and met his somber expression. “And what about love?” She knew she challenged him. “Who are we talking about here?” Her father raised his brow. “I don't think I need to explain to you, Father.” He sighed and turned his gaze back to the lake. “It’s the foundation, Caro. It’s what makes it all worthwhile.” His expression reflected he was in deep thought. “Did you love her?” “Your mother?” His chuckle was low. “I loved her with every fiber of my being. Do you think we always had all of this?” 113

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He gestured toward the house as he looked at her and his eyes softened. “Have I told you how I met your mother?” His gaze held hers; she couldn’t recall ever seeing such compassion reflected in them. She shook her head. “I don’t remember that you have.” Replacing the lid to her polish, she curled her arms around her knees, beckoning him to continue with her silent gaze. “The first time I saw your mother was at a company picnic.” His smile was pleasant as he recalled the time. “She was an employee?” She tipped her head in surprise, wondering if her mother had worked prior to her marriage with her father. He turned to her with a playful smile. “Not quite.” Caroline raised her eyebrows as she held her hands out. “Well?” It seemed as though he was assessing how he wanted to tell her the rest of the story. “Your mother was my boss’s daughter.” She stared at him in silence, letting the full brunt of his words soak fully into the shocked part of her brain. “Caro?” His lips moved, but her ears did not hear him. Her mind was catapulted to the intimate moments she’d experienced with Devin McCudahy. She was the boss’s daughter? “Caro? Are you all right?” She jumped startled when his hand touched her forearm. “I'm fine, it's nothing.” “I just want you to know where your roots are.” She regarded him carefully, wariness battling with her burning desire to have a better connection with the mother she never knew. “What was she like, my mother?” His expression changed even as she watched him. A look of serenity panned across his face. “The first time I saw her, she was just graduated from college. I'd signed on with a group that was building a high rise in Chicago.” “My mother lived in Chicago?” “At that time, she did. Fresh out of college she was, pursuing a journalism career.” “Why haven't I heard about this? Didn’t anyone think it might matter to me?” She stared in rapt fascination at her father. Knowing her eyes had to reflect the myriad of questions hiding behind them. 114

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“That was my fault, Caro. I wouldn’t allow it. After she died, I immersed myself in my work to cover the pain. I suppose talking about her was simply too difficult for me then.” “But you had a daughter. She had a daughter.” Searching his face, her heart pleaded with him to understand the loneliness she'd lived with for so long. “I thought if I didn’t talk about her, you wouldn’t miss her.” He averted his gaze, his eyes brimming with tears. She stared at him in morbid fascination. “I want to know everything. I want to know how she looked, and what music she liked. You had no right to keep her memory from me.” His eyes glistened as he turned his gaze to hers. “I know and I'm deeply sorry. It wasn't a malicious choice, you must believe me. You look, even sound so much like her.” His withered fingers batted away the tears on his cheeks. Nana appeared behind her father, and seeing his condition turned a sorrowful look to Caroline as she spoke. “It's time for you to go inside Mr. Riggs. You've had enough for one day.” The older woman helped him into his wheelchair and headed into the house. Caroline sat with her back pressed firm against the chair. Tears of wanting to belong to a family she'd never known slid down her cheeks, while in her mind; she wondered what other similarities she had in common with her mother.

****

Devin’s father had been there for the better part of the week. Not that he minded really. It’s just his Da kept bringing up the fact that he remembered a man by the name of Steve Riggs from his earlier days when he worked construction. “It can’t possibly be the same man.” He told his father as they sat at the breakfast table. “This guy doesn’t look like he’s ever been out of a suit and tie.” Devin’s father rubbed his chin and stared at his son. “Well, listen, why don’t we go over and find out?” “You mean just waltz over there and say we just happened to be in the neighborhood.” Devin gave his father a skeptical look. “Well, you could check in on his daughter. Didn’t you say you'd dated her?” “It wasn’t a date.” Devin slid a look to the backyard and returned a bored gaze to his father. “It was dinner, right?” “Hamburgers, Da. Not exactly wine and roses.” His father waved a hand in dismissal of his words. “It was dinner, right?” 115

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“Yeah, whatever.” A silence stretched, leaving only the lonely call of the loons on the lake. Devin sipped his coffee trying to avert his father's gaze and the conversation. “And dancing?” His father raised an eyebrow. “Da, please. Give it a rest.” Devin sat the cup to the table with a little more force than intended. His father smiled in response. He hated when his father did that. The smug grin usually meant he felt he was right. Devin shook his head and turned to leave the table. Glancing at the self-assured look on his father’s face, he sighed. “Fine, we’ll run over there before you leave.” The smack on the table by his father’s hand was like a master’s seal of approval. Devin turned at the door and narrowed his gaze. “Know this. If Caroline Riggs were to have an interest in me, which I’m almost sure she doesn’t at this point, then it will be of her own accord, not by any rosary mumbo-jumbo that Ma does.” His father‘s eyes widened briefly before he shrugged. “What your Ma believes works for her children is none of my business. I wouldn't come between your Ma and her relationship with the Almighty, and I advise you not to either.” Devin peered closer, trying to retrieve something in the lines of his dad’s face. All he saw was aged innocence. A most powerful emotional weapon used by parents only in extreme cases. “Your mother, Devin. You know how she worries about you.” Then there was the ploy of blaming it on the other parent. Devin smiled at his predictable father. “How is Ma?” Devin knew his mother was the rudder of the family. “She’s well, Devin. Loves to have the grandkids at the house. You know the whole lot of them at once. It’s her greatest joy.” Devin nodded. “I know, Da.” “You‘re the only one left who hasn't married, Devin.” “I haven’t found the woman for me yet, Da.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the kitchen doorframe. “Well, perhaps you’re looking too hard.” The niggling began in the back of his neck and instinctively he reached up and rubbed it. “We were talking about Ma.” “Oh right. She’s fine Devin. Did I mention how much she adores the grandkids, then?” “A number of times in the past fifteen minutes, yes.” He stared at his father, keeping his smile at bay. 116

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“Did I tell you Kathryn and Patrick are expecting?” “More? What is that—six, or seven?” Devin hoped his stunned expression wasn’t too obvious. “Six and they’re doing just fine, should you ask.” His father pointed a finger to him and wiggled it soundly. “I wouldn't think there'd be any worry about keeping our family line going, Patrick seems to have it under control.” “Oh, Jenny and Stephen just came for a visit with their four and you knew—” “Yep, talked to Stephen a couple weeks ago. Baby’s due any moment.” Devin chuckled and shifted his body against the doorframe. “James and Gabrielle? Have they set a wedding date, yet?” “I think they are waiting for Maggie and Kathryn to deliver,” his father replied good-naturedly. “So? All-in-all—” Devin frowned calculated in his head. “Ten grandkids. And, the possibilities for James and Gabby are endless. Why in blazes is it so vital I get married?” His father grinned. “Now, Devin. You’re the youngest, already thirty.” “Not exactly ready for the retirement home and chasing young girls with my cane, Da.” “Well, we’re not getting anything done standing around here counting out grandchildren, are we?” “Right. I’m going to get changed, and then we’ll head over. Is that okay with you?” His father gave him a broad smile. “Fine, son. And while you’re at it, you could use a shave.” Devin rubbed a hand over the rough stubble on his chin and caught the gleam in his father’s eye. “I’ll leave it, thanks. It’s Saturday, and I don’t shave on Saturday. And by the way, wasn’t Saturday when you said something about needing to get back?” “I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor, Devin.” His father chuckled as he carried his coffee cup to the kitchen sink. “God knows I need it in this family.” Devin could hear his father’s laughter down the hallway to his bedroom. Devin pulled his pickup around the circle drive pulling under the awning where his father wouldn’t have to walk as far. As he pulled off his seat belt he glanced up to see a well-dressed man, hair styled, shoes polished even though he wore casual slacks and a pull over sweater. His looks radiated superiority and Devin knew Caroline had no 117

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brothers. Chances are this guy was making a social call. It was who he was calling on that made him curious. The man climbed into a sleek black two-seater BMW and didn’t bother with a seat belt as he revved out of the driveway. “Hmm. Whoever he is, he’s done well for himself.” His father slid him a look, with a raised brow. “What a guy drives is not a true indication of his worth, Da.” Devin remarked as he stared at the car winding its way around the lake. “I meant Mr. Riggs, son.” His father glanced at him. “Someone you know?” Devin blinked from his scrutiny of the stranger. “Nope, don’t have a clue. You think we should have called first?” He placed his sunglasses in the visor and flipped it up, his gaze on the departing car. His stomach knotted in anticipation of seeing Caroline again. They’d not spoken since the incident at the picnic. Images of her tempting drenched body that night in the lake clung to his mind like fly paper. Nothing he tried had enabled him to clear his head of the image, or his heart for that matter. Still, there were many differences between them, or perhaps what frustrated him more was that were too much alike. Regardless, he was curious as to how this strange visitor fit into the picture—and part of him hoped he didn’t. “Let’s get this over with then.” He tugged at the door handle and hopped out, swiping a hand over his scruffy chin, he wished like hell he’d followed his dad’s advice.

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Caroline let the gauzy curtain fall from her hand as she turned from the window. She couldn't believe he'd shown up unannounced. Robert Evanston was known for his ego, though she'd chosen to see it as his distinguished exterior. So whirlwind was their romance that Caroline, who thought she'd found her Mr. Right, wanted to take things slower, but Robert was persistent using his charm and his looks to ransack her better senses. It was not until he had her in his bed that she began to realize he might have other motives and it was quite by accident those suspicions were affirmed. It was her roommate Lydia who tried to ease the shock of finding out the truth. “He told me it was over between you, and you'd parted as friends.” Caroline picked off bits of the paper napkin under her coffee cup. They sat in the coffee shop. One time a safe place where they'd shared their dreams. “And you believed him, going so far as to sleep with him, without checking with me?”

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Lydia, tried to hide the shocked look on her face. “The three of us have been friends for a long time, Caroline. I hadn’t heard from you for in ages. I had no reason not to believe him.” Caroline swallowed the bile in her throat. “You have to believe I would never do anything to hurt you.” “He screwed us both, Lydia—literally.” The horrid glare of reality forced Caroline's eyes wide open. He'd pressed for marriage though he'd never said, “I love you.” Robert claimed that should be a given. In retrospect, he'd been the most attentive when speaking of them both working in her father's firm. Caroline was so in naive and in love, she saw his persistence as another facet of their unspoken love. “He's sure as hell is right about one thing though. It's over between us.” In the span of a few moments, her life had changed. A white picket fence and a happily ever after were things she'd never seen anyway, so why should she waste her heart on wanting them. Lydia stared at the table. “Maybe we both found out what a rat he is before it was too late, huh?” Caroline mustered a deep breath, finding her voice through the shattered pieces of her broken heart. “Right, aren't we lucky?” Her grin was as false as Robert. Now he has the gall to show up more than a year later to try to make amends and tell her what a fool he was, how he's matured, and how he'd like to give it another try, if she can forgive the poor choices of his youth. It was all she could do to look at him and not remember what emotions once wrapped around her heart. Caroline stopped in front of the antique oval mirror and stared at her reflection. The time spent outdoors on the project had left her skin with a healthy glow, but it was inside where she knew she'd changed. With the knowledge about her mother, for the first time, felt like she belonged. It was an odd feeling and one she wanted to explore. She'd allowed her emotions to be decided once before by a man of charm and she couldn't let that happen again—not when she'd come so far on her own. Caroline pulled the combs from her hair and let it fall around her shoulders as she glanced at the photo given to her recently of her mother and father on their wedding day. Was this her fate to live alone, absorbed in the family business and not trust anyone but herself? This attraction or kinship—whatever it was she had with McCudahy was dangerous. And she reminded herself to tread carefully where it concerned her heart. 119

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As she descended the curved staircase, Caroline heard Nana speaking to someone in the circle foyer. “I’ll have to check with Caroline to see if her father is up to having more visitors.” “I’ll see to this Nana, thank you.” Caroline held Devin’s gaze as she walked toward them. Not waiting for introductions, she stuck her hand out to the older man. “I’m Caroline Riggs.” She held his hand a moment, glancing at Devin. The older man stared at Caroline long enough that Devin cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, you remind me of someone. I apologize. I’m Frank McCudahy.” He pulled his hand from hers slowly, blatantly staring at Caroline’s face. “Da, are you all right?” Devin touched his father’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, the resemblance to your mother is uncanny. We actually came to visit your father.” The man smiled at her and she saw immediately where Devin’s dimples had originated. Yet, on him they seemed completely harmless. Devin’s sigh caught her attention. “My Da thinks he may know your father.” There was hint of discomfort his voice. She turned her focus to the older man whose gaze studied her. “How could you know my father, Mr. McCudahy?” She offered him a brave smile, though she wanted more than anything to run up the stairs to the safety of her room. Her gut cautioned she was about to find out more than she was ready to hear. From the corner of her eye, she noted Devin's steady gaze. A chill ran up her bare arms. She kept her focus on the older McCudahy. “When I was first came to Chicago I worked part time for construction crew with a young man by the name of Steve Riggs. When Devin mentioned his name, I confess I was more than a little curious.” The distinguished older man smiled, his eyes glittering black, much like his son’s. Caroline refocused her thoughts. “My father told me he was in Chicago at one time.” She studied him a moment. “Come with me, Mr. McCudahy. He's in the sunroom. It's this way.” She led them through the formal sitting room and through an arched brick opening to a small screened-in porch overlooking the spacious side yard. Sunshine reflected bright off the red flagstone floor. Hanging pots filled with red geraniums and lush green trailing vines brightened the room. Stephen Riggs glanced up from his book. 120

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Caroline folded her hands in front of her. “Father, I'm sorry to interrupt your reading, but you have a visitor who believes he may have worked with you in Chicago.” She stepped aside and ushered Frank McCudahy into the room Nana, who'd followed silently, waited patiently at the sunroom entrance. The two aging gentlemen gazed at one another in silence as if trying to peel away the layers of time. It was Frank who finally held out his hands and grasped Stephen Riggs outstretched hand, pressing them between his own. “It is you. You old devil, how are you? What is it twenty some years, Riggs? Where’s that blinding beauty of a wife of yours?” Caroline felt the color drain from her face and she reached out to steady herself on the back of her father’s chair. “Frank. It’s damn good to see you. It’s been too long.” Her father’s voice was quiet, gentled with friendship. Devin glanced from one man to the other with a puzzled look. Frank McCudahy glanced at his son. “I couldn't believe it when Devin told me who he was working for.” Caroline stared at the man feeling as though she was being pulled through a time warp. “You knew my mother?” It came out of her mouth before she realized she'd said it. Frank McCudahy glanced up with blank expression. “Knew?” His gaze settled on Caroline's father. Her father let out a small sigh as he closed the book and placed it on the table. “Steve, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” He leaned forward, his hands clasped over his knees. “What happened? Why did you leave and not tell us?” Dumbfounded, Caroline stared in fascination waiting for her father's answer. He could only offer a weak smile. “We’ve got a lot to catch up on, would you like to stay for dinner—Devin too, of course.” Caroline glanced at Devin standing silently in the sunroom entry, his arms crossed protectively across his chest. She couldn't read whether he was angry or simply like her, astounded by this sudden turn of events. Frank’s voice jolted her thoughts and she turned her attention back to the apparent reunion of aging friends. “I'm afraid I’ve got to head back today. Are you rested enough now for a short visit?” He reached out and slapped her father's knee. 121

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She wondered about the friendship they once had. Frank McCudahy acted as though it'd been only yesterday. Her father nodded. “Nana, could we please have some lemonade please, here on the porch.” She nodded and left quickly, glancing briefly at Caroline. Her father addressed her. “Caroline, perhaps Devin would like to see the rest of the house. I don't think he saw much of the inside when he was here for the picnic. Frank and I have a lot to catch up on. You don't mind keeping Devin company, do you?” She wanted to tell him that she'd rather stay and learn more about what this man knew of her mother, never mind the thought of being alone with Devin did nothing to steady her nerves. “Let’s leave these two to their stories of the glory days, Caroline. I want to discuss some ideas about the project with you anyway.” She stared at Devin, unable to hide her disbelief at his reasoning. Caroline walked past him, giving him a wry look to let him know she was following, but not agreeing with his plan. He brushed his hand over his shadowed chin in a gesture of nervousness and for some reason, it pleased her. “Well, where would you like to begin?” She paused in the foyer; facing Devin with her arms crossed over her chest. He shrugged, his gaze taking in the round vaulted ceiling above them. Caroline waited a moment in the awkward silence and then spoke, “How about some lemonade?” “Great, if it’s not too much trouble.” “No trouble, Nana just made some.” She headed for the kitchen and felt his burning gaze on the open back of her dress

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Chapter Twelve

Completion Date; The point at which liquidated damages begin. Devin was keenly aware of the physical distance between them. Caroline made sure of that. After retrieving two glasses from the cupboard, she walked to the opposite side of the kitchen table to pour. The perfect host, she offered ice cubes and plopped them noisily into his glass. Had the taste of her mouth not clung to his brain, he'd have sworn they were complete strangers. “You said you wanted to discuss the project, is here all right?” Her hand rested on the top rung of the old kitchen chair. “This is okay. It reminds me of my Ma’s kitchen.” He pulled out a chair and waited for her to do the same. “Great.” She dragged out the chair across from him and sat with her back straight, her hands holding the glass in front of her in a death grip. “Am I making you nervous, Caroline?” “No, why would you think that?” “Maybe it’s the way you’re knuckles are turning white from holding your glass so tight.” She released the glass and shifted in her chair. “You said you had something you wanted to discuss about the project.” “That was mostly to get you away so I could talk to you alone.” He wondered how she would react. “And it appears our fathers have a lot to catch up on.” “So it does.” An uncomfortable silence followed as they sipped their drinks. It drove Devin crazy. “The thing is, Caroline I can’t stop thinking about you.” He blurted out his feelings as he focused on his glass, twirling it as watched the ice cubes play along the sides. Clearing her throat, she took a deep breath. “How is the project coming?” “We agreed to keep things strictly business.” 123

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“Right, we did.” Devin chewed at the corner of his lip in frustration. “Who was the guy I saw leaving earlier?” “I asked about the project.” “It’s coming along fine. The guys miss you being around.” He smiled, wondering if it might occur to her that he was included on the list. “Yes, I’m sure, especially Jonah.” She gave him a smirk before taking a sip of her lemonade. “Speaking of, I had a call from his wife.” Devin looked at the table with no comment. “Have you heard from her before? Is she in some kind of trouble?” He'd suspected there was more going on beyond the workplace. Still, her questions bordered on confidentiality guidelines. “My turn, what about the guy?” “What about him?” He took a long swallow of lemonade. If her intent was to get him to beg, she was sorely mistaken. If on the other hand, she was looking to drive him crazy, she'd passed with flying colors. Devin sighed. “What about Mrs. Harris? I'm concerned for her.” He tapped the side of his glass, debating his answer. “I had to suspend Jonah another week. He came to work drunk twice. I can’t endanger his life, or the lives of other men. I had no other choice.” He shrugged, but the burden remained heavy on his shoulders. “No, of course you didn't. How’d he take it?” Her expression turned softly sincere. It almost made him forget she hadn't answered his question. “Not too well. He blew off some steam, promised he wouldn’t let it happen again. But I hope once he cools down, he'll see reason and get some help. Why, what’d his wife say?” “She wanted me to convince you to give him another chance. That he was really wonderful when he wasn’t drinking.” “He’s been very reliable, until recently. Not sure, guys sometimes just go through phases, like they get restless or something.” He shook his head realizing he'd come pretty close to going nuts a time or two himself these days. Devin sat the glass down; curiosity eating at him. “Are you going to tell me who that guy was?” “Do you feel its any of your business?” Devin's brow twitched. “No, but I'd like to know just the same.” She ran her finger down the condensation on her glass. “He's a man I knew in college.” 124

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“A friend?” He was probably pushing his parameters, he knew. “I thought so.” He nodded, wanting to know more, but for now satisfied that at least he didn't seem to be part of the picture right now. That resolved, he decided to change the subject. “So how long have you known our fathers worked together?” She glanced up in surprise. Maybe she'd expected more questions about the guy. “Just a day or two. I never even knew my father worked construction. How long have you known?” She countered his statement as she stood, gingerly picking up the crystal pitcher from the cabinet. Her focus remained on the glasses as she poured. The tone in her voice edged with curiosity. “Just this morning,” he replied. Maybe his nerves were on end, but he had a feeling she was thinking more than what she was saying. Caroline glanced at him and frowned. “Why are you looking at me?” He shrugged. “You don't sound like you believe me.” She sat the pitcher down and rested her palms on the table. Devin hesitated, studying her face. “Why would I lie to you about something like that?” “I didn't say you did.” Frustration began to build causing a knot at the back of his neck. He rubbed it as he walked to the sink. The ice cubes tumbled from the glass echoing against the steel sink. Something had bothered him from the first day, and since they were clearing the air—professionally speaking—maybe now was a good time to ask. “Do you suppose your father had business in mind when he asked you to shadow me?” “What do you mean?” Devin shrugged. If in fact, Riggs and his father worked together, then Riggs knew how successful his father was. Why wouldn't he consider the advantages of what a convenient marriage could mean for both companies? Then again, it could be that simply Stephen Riggs was looking for the right candidate for her daughter's future. Parents did that sort of thing. He'd watched his own set up at least two of the three of his brother’s marriages. “Don't you find it a little odd your father wants you to follow me around?” “Frankly yes, but he wants me to experience all aspects of his business.” He gave her a charming you-are-so-naive smile. “Sure.” He guessed by the look on her face that he risked life and limb at this point; particularly since she was within hand's reach of the crystal pitcher. “Wait a minute. What are you insinuating? That my father planned for me to shadow you for some other reason?” 125

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Okay, maybe his watertight theory had a few leaks. “Your ego is overly inflated, McCudahy.” “I didn't say you knew anything about it.” He held up his finger, hoping his futile attempt at stopping the impending World War III would help. She held her hands to her cheeks as she stared at him. “Oh my god, you think he was having me shadow you to--to…oh, lord.” Caroline turned away from him, her hands on her hips she had the feeling she was counting to ten—or plotting how to do him in. She whirled back, her eyes spitting fire. “And I suppose, let's just say for arguments sake, maybe you saw an opportunity to win points with my father in order to gain backing for your future.” Her gaze narrowed. “And what better way than to seduce his daughter.” Now that was absurd. Devin stared in disbelief. When had sensible logic turned ridiculous? “Now just a minute. If I wanted to seduce you, Caroline Riggs, for any reason, I'd do so without your father's consent.” He winced as what he uttered jelled in his mind. “I don't mean that—” “Then you admit that’s what you were doing?” She crossed her arms, her face dark with an accusing glare. “No.” He stepped briskly toward her, wondering why the hell he wanted only to grab her and kiss the look from her face. She raised her chin, defying him to take another step. “Then make it clear for me, McCudahy.” He stared at her in silence, wanting to take back what he'd said and tell her that she was driving him crazy, that seeing the guy in his BMW earlier turned his stomach inside out. He wanted to know in the most desperate way if he was just entertainment for the summer interim, or was the feeling she put into those kisses real? He held her gaze, waiting to see if she wanted to kiss him as badly as he wanted to kiss her. She stared at him as though he was crazy. And she might be right. “You’re sorely misguided if you think I have any desire—” “You know what they say about fighting….that it’s a mask for desire.” “In your dreams.” She shook her head and turned to leave. Devin grabbed her arm, pulling her against him, and banded his arms around her. It occurred to him he this was one of those times he questioned his sanity. Her body felt 126

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soft and warm and he fervently wished she would surrender to his embrace, and slip her arms around his neck. Either way, he knew his next breath depended on her kiss. He captured her mouth like a man thirsting for water. True, it wasn’t the most satisfying, but it still felt damn good. For a scant second, her body relaxed before she let out a moan and shoved against him. He dropped his hands to his sides as she wrenched free of his grasp. “No, you will not—pull that with me Devin McCudahy. Not now, not ever.” “Afraid you've gotten into something out of your control, Riggs?” He stepped back attempting to stay cool though his insides had all but fused together from the heat burning inside him. “I think you better leave.” “We were just getting started.” He stepped toward her and she fielded his approach with her outstretched hand. “Not if you were the last man on earth.” “Fine, I can handle that. But don't think that because your father and mine once worked together automatically means I need you as a partner.” “How dare you—” They stood toe-to-toe, their faces inches from each other. She was one fiery little five-foot-five challenge. Under other circumstances, he would find that sexy and exciting. They held each other’s gaze as if daring the other to speak. There was no doubt in Devin's mind he needed some space from this woman in order to straighten out the tangle of emotions in his head. Thankfully the holidays were coming up and he could retreat to his parents home in Chicago far from here for a few days and far from seeing or having to even think about Caroline Riggs. “Devin? Caroline?” Devin glanced up as his father and Stephen Riggs rounded the corner of the kitchen. Both came to an abrupt halt as they surveyed the electrified scene. “Devin. I’ve just invited Stephen and Caroline to our house for Thanksgiving. Your Ma will be ecstatic.” Frank held his hand to Riggs’s shoulder, his gaze bouncing from Devin to Caroline in curiosity. “What do you think?” Both older men waited for a response, their faces reflecting a hesitancy to order the turkey just yet. “No!” Devin replied the same time as Caroline. Her gaze narrowed and Devin's intuition crackled. 127

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He steeled his gaze against her deadly glare, his brow lowering as he anticipated that something not so flattering was about to emerge from her luscious mouth. Devin forced his gaze to her eyes. “If you’ll excuse me, I've got to clean the lint from under my bed. It has more personality.” A winter's chill washed over Devin as she breezed past him. Devin closed his eyes. Score one for her wicked tongue. He groaned inside even as he thought of it. “Fine,” he called after her though she'd already disappeared from view. He turned to the surprised expressions of both men. “Thanks for the hospitality, Mr. Riggs. I’ll be waiting in the truck, Da.” He stomped through the house, not caring that he slammed the door behind him.

****

Caroline's heart jolted at the sound of the front door slamming in Devin's wake. From behind the curtain, she watched as he climbed into his truck, all but tearing off the door in the process. Desire, anger, and confusion made it difficult for her to breathe. She turned, picking up her hairbrush and slung it in frustration across the room. The wood-handled missile skimmed past Nana as she came through the bedroom door. The elderly woman ducked the incoming brush with the ease of a skilled professional. “Your Father would like to speak to you, Caro.” “I’m really not up to it, Nana.” “No matter, you get your self down those stairs. The pair of you acted like preschool children, Caro. Really.” Nana scolded. Caroline knew Nana was right. Still, she couldn’t understand why the man was so frustrating. He’d accused her father of matchmaking? Of all the unmitigated gall, she cast a stern gaze at the ceiling. “He drives me nuts, Nana. I swear the man has such an ego, I don’t see how he shares his reflection with a mirror.” She tossed her hands in the air as she flopped back on her bed. Did it matter one iota that her bones turned to jelly around him? Or that his laughter and persuasive smile caused a thundering stampede in her heart? Caroline took a deep cleansing breath and faced the window. “I’ll be down in a minute, Nana. I need to calm down and think.” She turned her gaze to the small woman waiting patiently at the end of her bed. Nana nodded in agreement and started to leave. She hesitated, turning back to face Caroline.

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“I think it would be a good thing for you and your father to be around a big family at Thanksgiving. I’m going to my sister’s for a week. Enjoy this family, Caro, perhaps you’ll find what you’re searching for.” Caroline stared at the small, gray-haired woman, remembering when her hair was black and hung to her waist. So many years passed too quickly. It made her think once again of her father. He and Nana were all she had left to call family. She pushed herself from the bed and tucked herself into Nana’s arms. She stepped back as she held the woman at arm's length. “Where is my father?” “In the library.” Nana tucked her hand through Caroline’s arm, escorting her to the door. “You and he can have a nice chat about your holiday plans.” “You like him too, don’t you, Nana?” She gave the smiling woman a side-glance. Nana blinked in response. “Oh, don’t give me that innocent look, I know you too well. You think that stubborn excuse for a man is adorable, don’t you?” Nana said nothing as they approached the stairs. “Why do you care what I think, Caro?” Caroline grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Because you are the only mother I've ever known. What you think means a lot to me.” The elderly woman placed a gentle hand to her cheek. “Then like a good mother, Caro, I can only tell you to follow what is in your heart.” “No other advice?” She gazed into the tenderness of Nana’s sparkling brown eyes and realized how lucky she was to have had her all of these years. Nana shook her head. “No. I’m afraid you must follow your heart on this. But I’m here if you need to talk.” Nana gave her an angelic smile as Caroline stepped past her. “Caro?” She paused, her hand still holding the rail as she looked back at the tiny Mexican woman smiling down at her. “Yes Nana?” “He is awfully cute, and very strong.” She waved her hand like a fan in front of her face. Caroline nodded with a smile. “Follow my heart, huh?” She turned, shaking her head and smiled, wondering how capable she was of listening to her heart.

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“Caroline, I have to say, I was not impressed with your display today. Are you and Devin having some trouble?” She watched her father’s profile in the glow of the fireplace. “You mean, other than the fact he’s stubborn and full of himself?” She curled into the leather chair opposite of her father. He glanced at her and chuckled softly. “Oh, he’s young. He’ll mellow nicely, like his father. What do you think of him?” Her father turned, raising a brow in question. “His father? Seems like a wonderful man.” She shrugged and pulled an afghan over her lap, tucking around her legs. “Young McCudahy is just like his father was when he was young.” Her father chuckled again and she could see the memories etched on his face. “Yes. Frank McCudahy was quite the spitfire. Your mother was quite taken with him.” Her father hesitated, staring into the flames of the fireplace. “There's so much that I need to share with you, Caroline. Frank was a bit taken aback with how much you look like her.” Caroline stared in disbelief at her father. “You've known Frank McCudahy for how long?” “Frank and I go back a long time, Caroline.” He hesitated before continuing. “I think it would be easier for me to share with you the past if we could go back to Chicago where it all started.” She shifted uneasily in her seat and propped her chin to a hand. Staring into the fire, she asked, “Is it really that important that we go back? Can't you just tell me here?” “I’m not getting any younger, Caroline. I left without a word and now I feel I've been given a chance to make things right. I don't expect you to understand an old man's regrets—” “Father—” He held up his hand. Caroline sighed. “I want to go for you too, Caroline. Frank’s wife, Irene and your mother were close friends. I want you to hear what your mother was like from one of the women who knew her best.” Caroline mulled over his words as she stared into the fire. For her father, she’d make the effort. For herself, she'd lock the door on Devin to learn more about her mother. “Maybe Devin will get a better offer for Thanksgiving and won't make it home this year.” She smiled at her father fully aware of the sarcasm in her voice. 130

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The warning look on her father’s face caused an even wider grin to appear on hers. “Oh very well, I can handle dodging him for a day or two.” She stood and leaned to kiss her father’s forehead. “Only for you, though.” “Oh, I need you to do one more thing for me.” He averted his eyes from hers and she lowered a brow, waiting. “I have a brief from a phone meeting we had regarding some questions Devin asked about with the project. I wonder if you'd deliver them first thing Monday morning.” Caroline narrowed her gaze at her father's innocent expression. Did he have a clue what he was asking her to suffer at the hands of this man? She sighed. “What are you trying to do to me?” Her father chuckled as he patted her hand. “It will be all right, Caro. You’ll see.”

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Chapter Thirteen

Indiana University at Pennsylvania (Building Terms) Bid opening: a poker game in which the losing hand wins. Devin stared at the lake through the deck screen door. The autumn wind brought with it a steely gray silence. An aspect he would normally find serene in his quest for solitude. Yet, today he felt anything but normal. His usual contentment for life, marred by recent events left an unsatisfied gap inside of him. He picked up the morning paper, flipped through to the sports page without reading it and tossed it back on the dining room table. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Devin sauntered in to the kitchen and stood looking around, unable to remember why he'd gone there. He leaned against the countertop, staring out the window at the motionless gray lake. The skin on his arms rushed with chill bumps as another brisk gust of wind blew through the screen. It was the single greatest sensation he’d had in hours. Devin braced his hands on the counters edge dropping his gaze to the floor. His mind was torn between guilt and something much greater, but for the life of him, he couldn’t pinpoint the problem. The phone rang, jarring him from his contemplative mood. He snatched up the receiver, hoping it might be her. “Caroline?” “Would that be 'from-the-picnic', Caroline?” His mother’s nasal Irish twang jarred his reverie. “Mom?” Devin coughed in an attempt to cover his mistake. He should have known this was going to happen, his intuition had needled him all afternoon. “So, is this the same Caroline? And just when did you plan on bringing her home, Mr. Big Shot contractor?” He detected the gentle chiding, mixed with motherly love in her voice. “Mom, it’s complicated.”

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“People have doing this for years. How complicated can it be, Devin? You find a nice girl, you marry her, you bring her home to meet your parents and then you have my grandchildren.” Life was so simple for his mother. Part of him wished fervently that it was so easy. “Mom.” He pressed his fingers to his forehead, hoping the tone in his voice would warn her she was crossing a line. “God forbid I have an opinion.” Her voice softened. “I worry about you, Devin. I worry you’ll have no one to care for you when you’re old.” “Ma. I don’t exactly have one foot in the grave.” “Don’t you mock me, Devin McCudahy. You’ll break your mother’s heart.” He leaned against the refrigerator and closed his eyes. Truth was, he'd found the woman he wanted more than anything, but she didn’t need him, and at the moment, in fact, couldn’t stand the sight of him. It was difficult to pick out a honeymoon site with those odds. “I’m sorry, Ma. Hey, you care for me,” he spoke softly, using a tone that edged on the voice of the once little boy, tucked at her side. His ma was smarter than that. “Saints preserve us, Devin. I’ll not be around forever. You know as well as I do, that you need a wife.” “Yeah, ma,” he replied dutifully. It was much easier to agree than to argue. Devin closed his eyes and waited. It was a bit of a stretch to picture Caroline--hell anyone--as his wife at the moment. “When did your father leave?” Her voice turned to that no-nonsense tone he was used to hearing in his teen years. Primarily used in setting curfews and giving orders. “He left around two. That should put him home around five or so, unless he stops at the riverfront casino on the way home.” He heard her sigh. “He dreams of winning the lottery to give to the church.” Devin smiled, suspecting otherwise. “Right.” “Has he met this Caroline?” “Well, yes, but that’s something you’ll to have to discuss with him.” “Well, you can be sure I’ll be doing that, now. When will you be home for the holiday, then?” He searched the kitchen ceiling, hoping for an excuse to fall from the sky. 133

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“I’m not sure, Ma. I may need to stay here.” Need…want…there was a fine line this year. The silence that followed was like standing in an underground subway tunnel waiting for the train. Only he was standing on the track. “Excuse me? This is a family tradition. Your brothers and their precious, selfless wives, one heavy with child I'll remind you, are willing to make the trip.” Devin glanced up at the ceiling and sighed. “All your wee nieces and nephews have waited so long to see their Uncle Devin.” He wondered briefly if even super glue had the staying power of a mother's guilt. “Oh, Devin, you know the year hasn’t been easy on your Da and me. We don’t travel as much anymore. The one joy of our simple lives is our children and our grandchildren.” Make that a mother’s guilt, mixed with an Irish melancholy. “I’ll be in late Wednesday.” He gave a short laugh into the phone. “You’ll be missin' Wednesday mass then?” “Ma.” The warning in his voice was more pronounced. “Thank you, Devin. Your father will be pleased.” “You may want to ask him about that one.” Devin sighed, recalling the words his father used before he left, regarding his behavior at the Riggs home that afternoon. “I’ll see you in a few weeks then, Ma. Love you.” “Take care, and won't ya try to hang on to this girl for more than a week.” “Ma.” “I love you son, good-bye, and peace be to ya now.” “And the same the rest of the day to you, Ma.” He sighed as he placed the receiver in its cradle. Hang on to her for more than a week? He frowned to himself. Is my track record that bad?

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“Jonah. This is one too many times. I cannot jeopardize the lives of my men any more. It’s over. You’re out of here. Leave your security ID on the file cabinet.” Devin returned his focus to the papers on his desk. He hoped the man would make this simple and leave. The intuition riding the back of his neck, implied differently. “This is about her, ain’t it?” Jonah’s voice growled low, menacing. “About who? What the hell are you talking about?” Devin continued to stack papers and ignore what he felt was coming. 134

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“The men are taking bets on the odds she’s bangin' the boss. Some say, you’re doing her to get in good with her daddy.” Devin’s anger rumbled inside his chest, radiating to his fingers. He stood, and the chair slammed against the wall behind him. “Get out now, while you still have your teeth in your mouth.” His fists clenched at his sides, until his arms shook with the force behind it. Jonah smirked and threw the plastic badge to the cabinet; it missed and clattered to the floor. He turned and narrowed his gaze at Devin as if to say this isn’t over. He kicked opened the trailer door and tromped heavily down the two steps. Devin stood frozen behind his desk, his rage trembling inside. Afraid if he moved, he'd be arrested for homicide. A woman's scream split the air, and as if struck by lightening, Devin rocketed around the desk, catching himself before he fell out of the trailer door. The sight he encountered caused a blinding explosion in his brain. His body moved automatically to the target directly in front of him. Jonah had Caroline backed against the side of her car. The bastard was yelling something in her face that Devin wasn’t able to discern for the roar in his ears. He grabbed the great man by his shoulders, whirling him to face him. “I gave you enough chances.” Without waiting for a response, Devin slammed his fist into the huge man’s nose, sending him stumbling backward over his feet. He tripped and fell to the ground holding his bloodied face. “You'll pay for this, McCudahy.” His threat was muffled through his hand. “Get out and don’t let me catch you around here, Caroline, or her family again.” His voice echoed through the construction site and Devin was marginally aware several men, including Jeff, had rushed to the scene. At the moment, he didn’t give a rat’s ass if what Jonah had said was a rumor or not. He turned to Caroline. “Are you hurt?” She rubbed her upper arms where Jonah’s hands had gripped her. “You can press assault charges, it’s your right.” He turned and glared at Jonah as he scrambled to stand. Jonah wiped a rivulet of blood from his chin. Caroline shook her head. Her eyes, large and tearing, held more than fear in their depths. She handed Devin a file. “This is from my father.” Her voice was quiet, obviously still shaken and he wanted to take a baseball bat to Jonah. 135

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“Come inside and sit a minute, Caroline. Calm down.” Devin touched her elbow. She jerked it away, shaking her head. “I need to go.” She straightened her shoulders, holding the car for support as she made her way to the driver's side. “Are you okay? About those charges. Caroline, I just fired him.” Devin leaned down and spoke quietly through the open driver's side window. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Jonah trudging toward his truck, wondering what caused a man to be that angry. He returned his gaze to her face, confusion clamoring his rational. He wanted to comfort her, but what about the men? What would they think? How might it look for Caroline's reputation? “I'm okay. I heard what Jonah said. I heard what the men think.” The expression on her face was one of anger, regret, and defeat. It nearly tore his heart in two. She put her car in reverse and left, without another word.

****

The aroma of roasted turkey and baked bread filled the old three-story home. Caroline and her father arrived just as Devin’s mother was popping the pies into the oven. Frank McCudahy showed them to their rooms, and proceeded to sweep her father to the family room to catch the football game on the television. Tired from the long drive, she asked to rest before coming down to help with evening meal preparations. Devin’s mother laughed and shooed her up the stairs. “You don’t worry about that now. You’ve had a long drive. There’s a quilt at the end of the bed. I’ll come get you a while later, then.” Devin’s mother held a hand to her cheek and smiled. “Ah, now if you aren’t the image of your dear mother. A beauty she was Caroline, inside and out.” “I’d like to hear what you remember of her while I’m here, if you wouldn’t mind.” The feeling of family and the weariness from traveling pulled at her energy reserve. “Plenty of time for that, Caroline. You go lie down now. We’ll see to it that your Da is resting as well.” She turned toward the family room, where the shouts of the two men sounded like excited schoolboys yelling for their team. Irene glanced back at her, shooing her with her hands, and Caroline obeyed. She sat on the full-size bed, in the glow of the tiny bedside lamp and surveyed the room. It looked as though this room was left, just as it was when one of the boys moved out. A school desk with shelves attached above it on the wall and a bookcase of books beside it took up one short section of the room. 136

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She shifted, scanning the darkened corners behind her. Propped in the shadows of one, was an easel. Curious, she glanced toward the hallway and walked over to the easel. There were sketches upon sketches of buildings of every shape and size, some traditional, others unique and visionary. She stared at them for a long time, and it dawned on her, she must be in Devin’s old room. The quiet realization suddenly made her insatiably curious about her surroundings. Caroline surveyed the room with renewed interest. She tried to picture Devin as a small boy, sleeping beneath the blue and green black-watch quilt. How he studied at his desk. Peeking out the window, she gazed down to the backyard, and imagined Devin checking for playmates or wondering when the rain would let up so he could play. Scanning the room, she noted a trophy placed high on the top shelf, with a football lying beside it. A ball glove and mitt rest atop another shelf. She kneeled in front of the tiny bookcase, and read the bindings. To her surprise and pleasure she discovered, Shakespeare, Browning, and Frost. Was there more to Devin McCudahy than met the eye? Caroline selected a book, and returned to the bed, pausing to pick up a bottle of cologne clouded with dust as it sat on the dresser. She glanced at herself in his mirror as she sniffed its contents. Its scent conjured images of him in high school. Was he cute, or a bookworm? What kind of girls did he date? Did he wear this cologne, or was this left from another visit? What lucky young girl was the object of his undying devotion? Carefully, and with a measure of guilt for being nosy, she placed the bottle exactly as it was. She picked up the book of poetry and crawled on to the bed, sinking deep into the feathered mattress. A delighted giggle bubbled inside her, as if she were a child in a magical cottage. The feather mattress was like being on a cloud. Caroline grabbed the blanket at the foot of the bed, shook it open, and covered herself with its flannelled warmth. Her heels dug into the plush, downy softness as she pushed herself against the pillows. She lifted the blanket between her fingers, noting with humor the pattern of rodeo cowboys scattered across it. Yawning, she closed her eyes and sighed. Sleepily she thought with mild curiosity how comfortable and relaxed she felt in a strange house. It was the last thing she remembered before she dozed off. The book lay propped to her chest, unopened. A gentle hand rested on her shoulder, shaking it gently. Caroline struggled to wake from out of a deep refreshing sleep. “Caroline?” The firm, but gentle voice called to her from deep in her dreams. 137

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She blinked, expecting to see Nana and gasped, startled to Devin’s mother sitting beside her. “Oh you poor dear, you must’ve been exhausted. Your Da and Frank have already had supper. I thought maybe you should eat a bite as well. Would you like me to bring it here instead?” The plump-faced woman brushed the hair over Caroline’s brow and tipped her head with a smile. Caroline felt her caring touch, even though she’d only known her a short time. The family's unified history somehow bonded her and Devin, but she questioned whether their relationship would ever go beyond the history. “No I’ll be down in a moment. I must’ve dozed right off.” She sat up in bed, lifting the blanket off her legs. “No hurry then, you and I can eat in the kitchen.” She moved slowly, lumbering down the stairs, the weight of her girth, caused them to creak and groan.

****

“This is delicious, Mrs. McCudahy. What is it?” Caroline shoveled another mouthful of the stew in her mouth. Her appetite ravenous. “Just a simple beef stew, child. Haven't you tasted a stew before?” She broke apart the still warm loaf of bread and hand a soft wedge to her. Caroline picked up the knife and slathered butter to its heated surface. “Not like this. I don't usually eat much meat, but this is wonderful. I keep eating like this I’ll be the size of a barn.” Her fork stopped mid-air and she closed her eyes in embarrassment. A delighted laugh erupted from Devin’s mother. “Let’s get this straight, my lovely girl. It pleases me to no end that you find my cooking so well suited to your tastes. And you can’t hurt my feelings about my size. I’ve earned every one of these pounds mind you, and what would my grandkids snuggle into if I was nothing but skin stretched over bones?” Irene smiled and broke off another hunk of the bread, offering it to her. “I’ve never felt this much at home anywhere, “Caroline spoke the words in earnest and she saw pity flit through the older woman's eyes. “You’re a breath of spring around here, Caroline. A challenge, I suspect to my Devin as well.” She gave Caroline wicked smile and pointed a stubby finger at her. “We don’t always see eye-to-eye, I’m afraid.” She glanced to the table and avoided his mother’s gaze. “Well, you know…he can be stubborn, that one. But he’s got a loving heart, Caroline. Deep down, he’s a gentle, loving soul.” 138

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Listening to her, she recalled the way he’d spoken to her, how he handled Jonah, and how he came so fast to the hospital when she called. “I’m sure you’re right.” She hesitated. “I think he needs someone more domesticated than me.” His mother raised an eyebrow and with a shrug, smiled back at her. “My Devin is the youngest of my four boys, Caroline. He’s always had challenges around him. Devin had to push a little himself to make his presence known over his brothers. I doubt he’ll settle for anything less in the woman he chooses to make a life with.” Caroline choked on a piece of stew, placing her hand on her throat as she stared wide-eyed at the woman seated across from her. “That he chooses?” She managed to choke out in gasps. “Aye.” Irene winked. “Would you like some hot tea to wash that down with?” Having made her point apparent, the woman pushed herself from the table, made the tea without incident and placed it in front of Caroline. Irene began the task of washing a few remnant dishes in a pan of sudsy water. Unsure what to say, Caroline searched for a change in the subject. “Is there anything I can do to help with dinner tomorrow?” She brought her bowl to the sink and handed it to the Irene. What she wouldn’t give to have half this woman's abilities in her little pinky. Irene regarded her carefully. “How are you at pies?” “Willing to learn?” Caroline gave her weak smile. “It only takes a willing heart, and as you'll soon discover, this troop loves a good pie. We’ll start with a peach and another apple, I think.” She reached into a wooden bin, pulling out a bag of apples and placed them on the worktable at the end of the kitchen of the large family-style kitchen. Caroline assessed the room, noting the crayon pictures donning the refrigerator along with grocery lists and wallet photos of various grandchildren. A large Amish style table graced the dining area of the kitchen, large enough to seat twelve or more comfortably. A massive red brick fireplace covered the wall separating the formal living room and eating area. She imagined Devin gobbling down his mother's cookies and gallons of milk. What massive quantities of food must have gone through a house of four boys? Suddenly her heart ached for things in her childhood that she missed—the simple warmth of a kitchen with its aromatic scents wafting through the house at the holidays. A 139

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home where you could hear what was happening in the next room, and where a family laughed and shared their lives together. She slid her fingers along the worn wood of the worktable, seeing the nicks and scratches, considering all the memories it held. Huffing and puffing, Irene busied herself bending to see in cabinets as she searched for what she needed. Caroline noticed the pie tins she'd placed on the table were worn. Clearly they'd seen a fair share of duty over the years. “Did Frank make this table?” Caroline asked as she studied the worktable. It was made of a sturdy honey-colored maple, with massive round legs. Intricate clawed feet braced its sleek legs. Irene didn't stop her search, but spoke as she rummaged through the cabinets. “The boys gave it to me one year as a mother's day present. They tired of my complaining that I had no place to bake. When I stopped the pie making out of protest, that’s when I got my worktable. There.” She smacked the last pie tin to the table with a pleased grin. Caroline joined with Irene's hearty laughter, but inside, she admired the love of family displayed with such a gift. “Caroline. I’m going to teach you how to make my Grandma McIntire's best apple pie. It’s an old family recipe and it happens to be Devin’s favorite.” Unsure she should refuse for any reason; she nodded and placed the apron handed to her, over her head. “Is he coming home then, Mrs. McCudahy?” “Call me Irene if you like, Caroline” The woman smiled, handing Caroline a large ceramic mixing bowl. “Okay, Irene.” “He said it would be late, maybe not until morning. I swear that boy. He needs a good woman to set him straight, he does.” Caroline kept her focus on the bowl, plastering a timid smile on her lips. She measured the ingredients handed to her and dumped them into the bowl. “I don't suppose you have any one in particular in mind, do you, Irene?” She glanced up to find Irene McCudahy's silent gaze upon her. There was softness in her expression. “He’s a special man, Caroline. Only a very special woman will satisfy him.” They stared at one another for a brief moment. Caroline lowered her gaze to the bowl. Turning out the dough, Caroline attacked it with the wooden rolling pin. By nine that evening, three apple and two peach pies sent a tempting aroma through the house. Flour covered every surface of the kitchen, as well as the two exhausted women. 140

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“Well, my dear. I think we’re ready for the clan. I’ll put in the second turkey tomorrow morning, and the rest is downhill.” Devin’s mother pushed a wisp of gray hair from her forehead. “What was my mother like, Irene?” She studied the woman seated in front of her and wondered if her mother had lived, if her life growing up, might have been more like this home. A sigh escaped the woman and she saw her expression change to a faraway reflection. “I met her the night Frank brought them home for dinner. She and your father were just married. Ah, and a beautiful thing she was, your ma. You have her same dark hair and golden eyes. Her heart was tender and she so loved your father so much, but she was so afraid she wouldn’t be good enough for him.” She gave a small chuckle as she snapped the lid to a can of shortening. “I remember she and I talked the night your father proposed to her. She told me she was sure her family wouldn’t approve of him. He was only a construction worker. Still, she believed in him and in herself as well. I suspicion that it was a great deal of her tenacity that helped your father to be as successful as he is today.” Caroline hung to every word, sensing the spirit of her mother in the room. “What about her career?” She wondered if her mother returned to her journalism career. “Well, she did a little freelance work as I recall, but she used a lot of her skills to set up your father’s business in the beginning. She did the advertising, the appointments, and interviews. She organized the foundation of the entire company, Caroline. Why do you think your father cares so much for this company?” Her smile was warm. This new knowledge seeped into Caroline’s mind. Her father hadn't told her this and she wondered why. “I thought he just loved his work.” She stared off into a pocket of space in the room. “I never knew my mother helped to build the company.” Her focus turned to Irene’s gentle gaze. “He’s worked hard to keep it going because she believed in him?” The older woman shrugged. The expression of love was evident on her face. “Perhaps he felt he owed her something, Caroline. Maybe that’s how he stayed close to her after she died.” Her eyes stung and tears threatened to spill over. “Oh my dear, sweet child, come here and let it all out. You'll feel a world of relief.” Irene held her arms out and Caroline walked into them, enveloped in their warmth and security. She felt Irene's warm hand stroke her hair and the hushed murmurings of a 141

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mother quieting a wounded child. The wall she'd so carefully constructed for years fell apart, and her heart poured out the tears of grief for a mother she never knew, yet longed now to be.

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Chapter Fourteen

Sensible Heat; heat that results in a temperature change. The snow had increased in intensity during the early hours of evening, as he crossed over the state line into Illinois. Devin sipped the scalding coffee from his stainless travel mug, whistling through his teeth as the heat slid down his throat. Aerosmith’s, Sweet Emotion belted out on his oldies station and he sang along at the chorus, trying his best to keep awake. This part of the trip was the most familiar and he found himself pushing the parameters of the speed limit as he edged toward the exit of his childhood home. Devin's mind wandered how to handle having Caroline in his parents house for three days. He flirted with the possibilities, and promptly helped himself to a solid dose of steaming reality from his coffee mug. Would she even care that he'd come home? They hadn't spoken since the incident at the site with Jonah. He'd tried to call, but she refused his messages. In retrospect, what would he have said? She heard the accusation from Jonah and so did half the crew standing outside the trailer that afternoon. Naturally, it wasn't true. He knew that and so did she, but how could he ease her mind about the inquisitive looks on the faces of his crew? He and Caroline had been on some kind of loony emotional roller coaster from day one anyway. It was no wonder the crew questioned the relationship, even though they knew of Jonahs drinking problem. Devin stared at what seemed an eternal strip of dark deserted road ahead and wished that things were different. He wanted to go back to the beginning and start over. His problem stemmed from the fact that Caroline challenged him on all levels, and the truth was; it made him feel alive. He'd never met a woman that possessed such a mesmerizing combination of beauty, wit, brains, and sensuality. God, but she could be a pain in his side as well, but a welcome one that caused him to see the side of things he normally wouldn’t consider. The past few weeks had given him plenty of time to weigh his options and he'd come to the conclusion that a lifetime spent with Caroline Riggs, no matter how challenging, looked a helluva lot better than a lifetime without her. 143

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Devin rubbed the stubble on his jaw, squinting through tired eyes as the image of her in that black sundress and her amazing legs flitted through his mind. His eye caught the familiar road signs leading him home and he smiled. It seemed forever since he'd seen his family. Releasing a weary sigh, he decided that maybe it was time he swallowed his pride and admitted just how deep his feelings were for Caroline. Perhaps, in nothing short of a miracle, she might confess the same to him. Devin blinked from his reverie just in time as he eased into the right lane, following the off-ramp to Arlington Heights. He passed the horse track and smiled, remembering the Sunday afternoons when his Grandda would take him there, much to the dismay of his mother. Like a horse who knows his way home, Devin paused at the corner, and without thinking, made a beeline through the back residential streets to the old, three-story, modest Victorian clapboard he called home. He pulled into the drive next to the house and the snow crunching under his tires echoed in the silent street. Devin glanced at his radio clock and flicked off the ignition, pocketing his keys to his shirt. One o'clock. Not too bad. He could sleep in late. As quiet as his heavy work boots could afford, he tip-toed up the sagging front porch steps. He paused a moment in the frozen quiet of the early morning and took a deep breath. Here in the city, the snow had stopped and the moon shone clear and bright, giving an illusion of a dusky winter evening. It was serene here—safe. When he was young, the world outside seemed too large, too cold and distant, while his world inside, was small, with just him and his brothers. Helping his Da in the basement on a piece of furniture, sitting in his room drawing his designs, or reading were happy memories of a content childhood. A dog barked in the next block over, starting a symphony of yelps and howls from surrounding yards. He turned and unlocked the door and for reasons unknown, it seemed right that Riggs and his daughter were here. Slipping his boots off, he paused to let his eyes to adjust to the dark. Then he smiled at his unnecessary concern. In the twenty-some years he lived here, the furniture got moved only to clean. Otherwise, it sat in the exact same arrangement as when he was a boy. He padded expertly around the sofa and stumbled over an ottoman. Righting himself, he peered at the shadowy object, with brief insecurity, wondering how long he'd been away from home. Rubbing his hand to his shin, he stepped cautiously toward the kitchen. Pleased that some things didn't change, he grinned, catching a whiff of his mother’s fresh baked pies. 144

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Stealing a peek under the towel-covered objects on the counter, he was pleased to find his favorite dessert—his grandmother's apple pie. Sneaking a fork from the dish drainer, he dove into its flaky crust and popped in mouthful, closing his eyes, savoring the pure bliss of home cooking. For that, he could almost forget the little matter of the ottoman not being where it had always been. He pulled open the refrigerator and guzzled from a milk carton, a practice he'd developed while being single, but knew his mother would skin him alive for. Returning it to the shelf, he sighed with weary contentment. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he headed for the stairs, and flipped off the kitchen light automatically. He paused, a smile playing on his lips as he remembered his folks leaving the light on over the sink when he was a teen. He headed for the stairway; reaching down into the semi-darkness and grinned when his hand touched the candy dish. He grabbed one of the hard candies and popped it in his mouth. Butterscotch Disks. Glad that some things remained the same and he looked forward to crashing onto the full size thick feather mattress that fit him perfectly. Bone-weary from the long drive, he tipped his head side-to-side, working out the stiffness in his neck as he unbuttoned his shirt. He kept quiet not wanting to wake anyone in the house, yet a small part of him idiotically wondered if Caroline had stayed awake to greet him. On the other hand, the way things were between them as of late, he wasn't sure she might not greet him with a baseball bat. He was curious which room his mother had put her in. At some point, he hoped they could find some privacy and talk things out. He reached the top of the stairs, relishing the familiar sights and smells as he scanned the familiar hallway. The rooms arranged around the parameter of the 'Ushaped' railing hadn't changed since he left home. To his right, his parent's door stood ajar as always. He could hear the deep rumble of his Da's snoring. The bathroom was next, with another bedroom turned guestroom on the other side. He guessed that’s where Caroline was. Tempted to peek in the guest room, he hesitated with his hand on the knob, when he noticed a dim light coming from beneath his bedroom door. Curious, he tipped his head with a quick glance toward the other spare bedroom seeing its dark interior. He debated whether to go bunk there for the night. But his curious nature won out as he inched his way toward his door, his intuition tapping a rapid cadence over the back of his neck. His stomach tightened as he eased the door open. The vision that met his eyes slammed against his chest and other parts of him he thought halfasleep 145

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Caroline lay on her back, her arm in soft abandon above her head. Dark and silky, her hair fanned around her face, curling down to touch the gentle rise and fall beneath her gown. Beneath her other hand, one of the books from his shelf. He found himself standing next to the bed watching her sleep, his shirt wadded between his hands. In that mesmerizing moment, nothing that had transpired between them, none of his sleepless nights, mattered. It was all he could do to keep from touching her. He gently turned off the light and had his hand on the doorknob when he heard her soft voice. “Who is it?” Fear edged in her voice, still groggy from sleep. He swallowed, unsure of how she would react when she discovered it was him. “Hi. I just got in—I didn’t realize that you were—I mean anyone was in here.” He chose not to go into how it aroused him to see her in his bed. Even with the spurs and horseshoes burned into the headboard above her. Determining that he'd be unable to sleep anyway with the image of her dancing in his head and as long as she was awake, Devin decided now was maybe a good time to clear the air. “Hey, listen, I think that maybe since we've got to be under the same roof for a few days, maybe we should talk.” He sighed as he stepped from the shadows into the bright path of moonlight that cut across the bed. She lay still, watching him and offered no response one way or another. Devin raked a hand through his hair and turned to his dresser to get a fresh shirt. His Ma always kept a few of his old ones folded neatly there. “Okay, I'll go first.” He searched the top drawer, frowning when all he found was some heirloom lace doilies wrapped in tissue paper. He straightened, realizing that he stood half-naked in Caroline's presence. He grabbed wadded up his flannel shirt and shrugged it over his arms, making a mental note to ask about his shirts. He looked over his shoulder seeing Caroline shifting to sit up in bed. “Go ahead,” she offered quietly. “I'm listening.” Devin ran his hand over his chest, stalling for time. “I guess maybe I've said some pretty stupid things lately. It's possible I've been a little judgmental about some things.” “And?” She crossed her arms and stared at him. This was not going as he hoped. “Look, I don’t know what kind of guys you've been around, but I'm not trying to jump your bones.” 146

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A silence stretched as Devin sat on the foot of the bed. “At least not for any business reason.” There, he'd made it obvious he had feelings for her. “So, what happened to the ridiculous idea that my father was trying to set us up as some sort of venture to take over your father’s company?” She leaned back in defiance, arms folded tight across her chest. Apparently she'd missed the part about how he felt about her. Perhaps he'd not been too clear. Either that or she knew she had him right where she wanted him—by the b—. Fine, he could grovel as good as the next guy. “I admit what I said was childish. Maybe it was because of that guy I saw coming out of your house the other day.” “Robert?” Her tone incredulous. Devin stepped to the window and gazed at the moon reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. “Caroline, I don't know what's happening here, but I know that I haven’t slept in weeks.” How much clearer could a guy be than that? A bird unexpectedly took flight from the roof to the gnarled oak tree outside his window, and Devin followed its path remembering when he'd tried to do the same. Taking that risk had landed him with a broken arm. He wondered what the risk to his heart of the leap he now took. “It isn't as though I haven't reacted childish myself, McCudahy.” Devin turned from the window at her admission. She went on as she toyed with a fold in the sheet. “Like me telling you that I don't have feelings for you.” He moved to the end of the bed and stretched out across it, keeping his distance on purpose. “I'm listening.” “You need to hear more?” She smiled. “It's helping me look a little better.” He grinned. “Really, I'm more interested in hearing about these feelings of yours. Are they good or bad?” She pressed her lips together and sighed. He suspected that something or someone had hurt this woman in a big way at one time—maybe this Robert character. At any rate, it was clear that opening up was not easy. “I lied when I told you I didn’t ever want you to kiss me again.” Devin exhaled quietly, realizing they'd both erected barriers of a different kind trying to wall out each other and protect themselves from getting hurt. “Listen, what I said about your father, I apologize.” Devin shook his head, realizing that he'd overreacted to a lot of things. “I guess maybe I got too possessive 147

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about this project, thinking your dad gave me the responsibility, I guess I freaked when my design was changed.” “Devin, if I've learned anything these past few weeks with my father, it’s that he wouldn’t trust his work to just anyone. I think he was being kind to me, allowing me to express my design thoughts and following through with them. But, you do think though that they make a nice addition, right?” She puffed up the pillows behind her. Devin relaxed; at least it appeared she wasn't going to throw something at him. “Yes.” He conceded. “I guess they do.” He shifted as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Caroline, you have to understand that you're different than most women I've known. I don't know, maybe I was jealous of your degree, at first. See when I was younger, getting close for college, my dad was getting worse from an accident caused a long time before. I was the one who stayed home instead of going to college and maybe I've got issues with that that I need to deal with.” He held up his hand and smiled. “I got where I wanted to be, just a little late, and not in the conventional way. So, when your father gave me this chance, I was amazed. I probably went a little crazy.” “You're a brilliant designer, Mac, degree or not. You have to know that, don't you? I saw your designs over there in the corner. And the condo project is outstanding. I'm sure that's why my father hired you.” He glanced toward the easel. “I haven't made things very easy for you. And I admit about some things, I was—” “Wrong?” The stubborn expression she wore was as much of an allure as her gauzy poets gown. “Yeah, maybe.” He leaned forward and took her hand, gently rubbing his thumb across her smooth skin. They stared at one another in companionable silence. “I'm not trying to prove you wrong. But, I do admire a man who can admit truthfully when he is.” With things settled between them, now was the appropriate to leave. Oddly, her hand was still in his. He lifted it to his lips and placed a chaste kiss on her fingers. The spring rain scent of her skin quickened his senses, igniting an already smoldering fire inside him. “I'm sorry, Caroline. If there is any way I can make it up to you, just name it.” She grinned, gently pulling her hand from his. “I'll think about that, McCudahy.” Caroline patted the mattress. “Meantime, you must be exhausted from that drive. Why not lay here and we can talk some more?” 148

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Her gentle invitation washed over him, offering absolution for all the stupidity and fear that had prevented them from reaching this moment much sooner. Devin lay down, careful to keep the cowboy blanket barrier between them. He picked up the book she'd been reading. “You like poetry?” “I do, but I had no idea that you did.” “Not much call for it on a construction site.” He chuckled as he flipped through the pages. She stared at the ceiling. “Speaking of, what do you think your crew would think of this situation?” He reached over and placed the book on the nightstand, rolled to his back and tucked his hands under his head. “If you're referring to what you heard Jonah say, he's wrong. I asked Jeff, and most of the men have a healthy respect for you and besides….” He glanced at her profile. “I think they've missed you on Friday nights at the bar. Betty even asked about you.” “Really?” She turned toward him and in doing so her gown tugged taunt revealing the gentle slope of her breasts. Devin cleared his throat, averting his focus back to the ceiling. “Yeah, um…you know I used to sit up here and recite poetry. I think I was a frustrated thespian.” “You mother mentioned that you were a dramatic child.” Her smile shone bright in the shadows. Devin searched the corner of his mind until his favorite poem emerged. “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings, there midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, and evening full of linnet's wing's.” A silence followed before Caroline spoke, “Yeats, I'm impressed.” There were other things he wanted to impress her with, but he could wait. Caroline's past had made her wary of men and he knew he would have to give her plenty of room to explore her feelings. “I need to apologize, too. I've been afraid, I guess, of a lot of things.” Devin shifted to his side, bracing his head in his hand. He waited patiently, realizing how much he really cared about what she thought—particularly about him. “I'm not afraid anymore.” She smiled as she held up a corner of the blanket. “I mean, who could be afraid of a guy who sleeps under a cowboy blanket?” “I don't ever want you to be afraid of me.” Devin tucked a strand of hair over her delicate ear and rested his palm against her cheek. What he was about to say would 149

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either set her running into his arms, or fast as hell the other way. “What would you say if I told you I loved you? That I think I've been falling for you since the first day we met.” Caroline's brushed her fingers along his jaw as she studied his face. Yet she said nothing. Maybe he'd spoken too soon? “Are we done apologizing?” Her gentle fingers, feather soft, traced a line down his neck, to the center of his chest. He closed his eyes at what it did to him. “For the moment anyway.” His gaze dropped to her full bottom lip. “Obviously, you have something else in mind?” Devin toyed with the white ribbon tie holding her gown together. “May I ask you something?” She snuggled close, the scent of her skin playing havoc with his libido, and not for the first time, by the way. Devin held her palm to his chest, hoping his gaze revealed that she was sending a clear and present warning to his groin. “It might be a good idea to keep talking.” He had no intent on making love to her right here in his bedroom with his parents, and her father sleeping right next door. That thought did little, however, to quell the rise in his jeans. “Were you angry when my father suggested I shadow you?” Devin fought to remember that fateful day. He chuckled, remembering how his emotions slid out of control. “I think I was more concerned how I was going to keep my mind on work.” He brushed his lips lightly to hers and smiled. “Kind of like now.” “What are you thinking?” she asked, deftly touching her fingertips to his lips. “You don't want to know what I want to do to you—with you,” he whispered. “God, I need to touch you.” “Don't you think we should close the door?” “Right, the door.” Devin rolled off of the bed, tip-toed to the door, and shut it quietly.

****

Flashback images of Robert crackled intermittently in her mind as Devin lay down beside her. She fought to cast those concerns aside. Devin was nothing like Robert. He was down-to-earth, loving and giving. Hadn't his mother affirmed that? A glimmer of concern lingered in her heart, but she wanted to believe that Devin would erase her concerns. Kneeling back on the bed, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing lightly across her lips. “Caroline, relax. I'm not going to force myself on you.” 150

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“I know.” She believed it with every beat of her heart; still her emotions whirled, spinning deliciously in the foggy desire of her brain. “Do you want me to leave?” “No, please.” She touched his face, her fingers lingering near his exquisite mouth. “It's…just…been a while.” “Do you want to talk about it?” Devin took her hand, and pressed it softly against his lips. He lay down beside her, shifting to his back as he tucked her beneath his arm. Caroline laid her cheek against his muscular chest, closing here eyes at the steady thrum of his heartbeat. His flannel shirt lay open revealing his firm muscular strength. Tentative, Caroline slid her palm over his flesh, delighted when his brief intake of air made it clear her exploration was reaching a sensitive area. Devin kept his dark gaze on her, allowing her the unrestricted exploration of his body. This freedom was new to her, as was the heated look he offered, inviting her to do what she wished. She leaned over him, placing a kiss on his warm, firm flesh. His body shuddered beneath her touch and Caroline smiled. She'd never had this affect on Robert, nor had he excited her as Devin did. “Ms. Riggs,” he spoke in a soft, lazy tone, his smile sinful. “Are you, seducing me?” Caroline trailed kisses over his chest, her tongue flicking one pert nipple. His body stiffened and he looked as though he might eat her alive. “Is it working?” she whispered. Devin's hands bolted from his sides, grasping her face, brushing her gown past her hips in their wake; her bare flesh exposed to the delicious contrast of his denim jeans and muscular abs. He sat up and drew her onto his lap, his mouth fused to hers with such passion Caroline could barely breathe. “I need to feel all of you, Caroline,” he whispered, tugging her gown over her head. “Judas Priest, you're beautiful.” He cupped her, caressing each breast, drawing her twin peaks expertly through his fingers until she ached for more. Unhurried, he pleasured her with his kisses, worshipping her body in a way that Caroline never thought possible. She sensed his need like hers, building like an 151

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oncoming freight train. “Mac,” she gasped as his hand slid between her thighs, his fingers slipping beneath the lace edging. “I can hardly breathe.” His mouth closed over her sensitive tips, and her fingers dug in to his shoulders as she arched her back to press closer. “I need you.” she breathed out a sigh “Trust me,” he whispered, raking his teeth gently over her hardened nub. Compelled by her natural desire, she leaned toward him, opening her hips wider, offering him greater access. She wanted to feel him buried inside her, to feel his heart beating as fierce against hers. His fingers teased and already wet, Caroline gave into the gentle coaxing of her intimate folds. “I've never—oh my god, I don't know if I can—” Her mind swirled in a dizzying state of euphoria, her body on the verge of enormous pleasure as her heart was on the verge of falling hard for Devin McCudahy. “Look at me.” Devin whispered, coaxing her with gentle kisses on her chin until finally she met his dark gaze. The scent of sex permeated the air. Holding onto his shoulders, she held his fiery gaze as her hips moved in rhythm with his magic hand. Caroline's breath caught as her world began to unravel. “You're beautiful Caroline, so sweet—.” He whispered between fierce kisses. “Tonight is for you.” The brief massage of his fingers gave way to a blinding explosion inside of her. Her mind screamed as he covered her mouth with his, muffling her joyous moan. His fingers squeezed her thighs as though seeking his own control. Wave after wave of pure bliss washed over her until she could finally breathe again. Caroline relaxed, straddled on his lap, her breathing ragged. She rested her head against his shoulder. “Never, say never, "he whispered in her ear.

****

She smiled as she rubbed her palm over the rise in his jeans. Devin grabbed her hand, a strained smile pasted on his lips. Grimacing, he gently removed her hand, wishing like hell he didn't have to. “Don't you want me?” Her voice issued soft as she pressed her forehead to his. Good lord, the springs on his bed would threaten to collapse with what he wanted to do. Devin swallowed, the tightness constricted in his jeans threatening his reserve. “You've no idea how bad, Caroline.” He paused, brushing a strand of hair from her neck as he spoke. “But I won't risk not having you protected.” “Protected? Have you got some communicable disease I should know about?” 152

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“No, not that, sweetheart. I don't want to risk our relationship to start out with a child.” Caroline stilled as if assessing his words and retreated from his lap, wiping her eyes. “Caroline, are you okay? Honey, you have to know how this is killing me.” She sat up, pulling the gown over her head, adjusting the fluttering sleeves. The simple act of her dressing in front of him struck a cord that he realized suddenly that he wanted to hold on to—for a lifetime. “So, since you brought up the subject, where would you say that this relationship is?” Her tone was business-like and he was pretty certain she was thinking along the lines that he'd used her for his pleasure. A dead wrong concept. “I suppose you could marry me. That would settle that question.” Her hands paused tying the delicate ribbon on the front of her gown, which was fine with him. “You want to marry me?” Her eyes widened and her thoroughly kissed mouth gapped. Devin's brain registered what he'd suggested and for a moment the oxygen didn't get to his brain. Attempting to align his whirling thoughts, he realized that he'd just proposed marriage after rounding third base with a woman under his childhood cowboy blanket. Not exactly a fairytale story saved for the grandchildren. He blinked and returned to her puzzled gaze, but before he could speak, she did. “Well, I do agree that would resolve the question.” He blinked again “You do?” He was in shock that they finally agreed on something. Caroline nodded, leaning down to place a tender kiss on his lips. “Yes, I think I will marry you.” Sweet Jesus, he’d really proposed. He released a sigh of relief as reality solidified in his mind. “You're sure?” Was he sure? “Yes—yes…are you sure about this, Mac?” She leaned over him, her hair tickling his chest. “Or have you already changed your mind?” Her gown slipped flirtatiously off one shoulder and he grinned. Devin realized that his life previously made up of choices based on logic and finely tuned plans had taken a decided turn to a place where there was no blueprint, no floor plan no mathematical design for success. It was like jumping from the roof to the tree again, only this time, he had someone to jump with. Passionate, intelligent, trusting, and giving, Caroline was everything he sought in a life mate. 153

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“I haven't, Caroline.” He grinned as the idea already firmly rooted in his heart, settled into his brain. “When and where?” She propped herself up on her arm and stared down at him. He smiled. “Can we get through Thanksgiving?” Her teeth raked across her lovely bottom lip. “Too soon?” Devin grinned as he tugged at one of the ribbons dangling from her gown. “We can wait until morning to call the caterer. I need some time alone with my fiancé.” He pulled at the ribbon tugging her to his lips. More than anything he wanted to take her up and satisfy her again—and himself this time. Maybe they should talk about their plans instead. “Here lie down and tell me what kind of wedding you want.” “Me? What about you, don't you have any thoughts about this?” “Now she asks me for my thoughts.” He chuckled as she playfully slapped him on the chest. She snuggled close under his arm, draping her arm over his chest. “I've always liked simple. Simple, but elegant, I guess.” For all intents and purposes, she had made him a content man—as much as he could be at present. Something in his gut felt complete. She traced her fingertip over his chest and he tried to concentrate on anything else. “So how big of a wedding? Five or six-hundred of our closest friends?” He rubbed his hand over his tired eyes and chuckled. “That about covers my family.” She propped on her elbow and gave him a dubious look. “You didn’t catch the part that I come from a large Irish-Catholic family?” He envisioned the neon marquee his mother would no doubt place above the house. Devin is getting married! He also thought of what she would say to find him in bed with his fiancé’ before marriage. His mother was no saint—she'd after all married his Da, but she was very set in the traditional ways of the church. Indeed, she’d no idea of his previous relationships, not like there was a parade, but to save questions and concerns he'd go along with her rules. Besides, Caroline was not like other women, she was going to be his wife. He wanted their first lovemaking experience to have no concerns attached to it. The thought caused greater discomfort and he knew he had to leave soon, or he'd embarrass himself.

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“No doubt my lovely Irish-bred ma won’t take kindly to us, in her house, together in bed—my bed in particular, at least not until after the wedding. After that, I warn you, she’ll want us to do whatever it takes to mass produce a herd of grandchildren.” Devin kissed her forehead, not lingering too close for very long. He hoped that after a cold shower, he might catch a few hours of sleep. Driving through a snowstorm, some serious making out with Caroline, and getting engaged, all in the span of a few hours was enough to make any red-blooded guy tired. He wobbled to the door in discomfort, glad for the darkness that hid the grimace on his face. Pausing, he turned to say good night and his heart hitched to a stop. Poised on her knees in the middle of his bed was Caroline, her gown dipping off one shoulder, holding his cowboy blanket to her chest. Devin swiped his palm over his mouth, wondering what Vegas was like this time of year. If they left now, took the red eye, they could be married and back for dinner by late evening. The moonlight shimmered off of her creamy soft shoulder. He winced slightly at the tightened aggravation below his waist. “I’ll sleep under the covers.” Her voice floated through the quiet, tempting him. Her hair tangled and wild, teased him with a preview of the nights to come. Who in his right mind could argue such logic? He shrugged with a grin, though he briefly wondered how his poor mother would take it. At present, however, his libido won out over that concern. He'd deal with it later. The idea of sleeping next to Caroline, snuggled against her, breathing in her scent was simply too enticing. “I’ll take the cowboy blanket, then. Be right back.” He excused himself and after a brief shower that lasted only thirty minutes he was able to make his way with greater control back to his room—where his new fiancé slept. Relieved, but not satisfied, he crawled into bed and molded his body to hers. Tugging the blanket over his shoulder, his feet were exposed to the chill in the air, but Devin didn't care. He snuggled close and gave her a tender kiss, careful to leave it at that and not touch her again, knowing already from sensations below, where it would lead. Content for now, he buried his face in the warmth of her neck. “Hum, I like this already.” “Night, Mac, I love you.” He smiled as his thoughts drifted into a luxurious bliss. Did she say I love you? “Mac?” “Yeah?” His weary mind drifted to a remote island, where the scent of the sand and sea, warmed him. From his sailboat rocking gently on the waves he saw a dark155

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haired woman waving to him from shore, beckoning to him. She happened to be wearing the same nightgown Caroline wore. “Are you—okay?” The dream vanished as he opened his eyes and met her concerned gaze. “I’m fine, Caroline. Just don't get me to thinking about it again, or you'll drive me crazy.” He smiled at the future, cradling her face in his hand. “There's plenty of time.” He kissed her gently on the forehead, careful not to linger on her full mouth inches from his. Closing his eyes, he sighed, relaxing from fatigue. “You do want kids though, right Caroline?” He mumbled as he slipped back into his exotic dream. Vaguely, he remembered his hand sliding down the softness of her cheek, landing near the gentle slope of her shoulder. “Two, maybe three.” She shifted closer and in hazy joy, he felt her delicate hands glide over his chest. Drawing her close, he rested his chin to the top of her head. The floral scent of her hair quickened his imagined tropical paradise. “We have plenty of time. Did I tell you how much I love you?” She placed a tender kiss on his chest and he smiled. Already he was far from Chicago, feeding juicy bits of pineapple to Caroline.

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Chapter Fifteen

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms: Performance-a quantitative expression of behavior related to use. The insistent knock on the bedroom door jarred Caroline from a deep sleep. She stretched her arms luxuriously above her head grinning as she remembered their middle of the night tryst. For the first time, she was at peace with herself, where she was going, and about her future with Devin. It was some thing she'd never anticipated in a thousand years happening to her and she wanted to pinch herself to be sure it was real. A sharp knock sounded once again on the door. She turned to face Devin meeting his smoldering gaze and dimpled smile. “Shall I get that? Or would you like to?” Caroline pushed off the covers and swung her legs to the floor, only to be tugged back into bed. “You are a gutsy woman, I'll give you that. Better let me handle this.” He paused holding her gaze before kissing her. It was a kiss that held promise of sweeter things. “I’ve got a lot to be thankful for today.” He kissed her again, ignoring the persistent knocking. “Caroline? Day’s a wastin', my girl. Devin and his brothers will soon be here.” Her eyes widened at the voice that issued from beyond the door. What would Devin's mother think if she knew they'd slept together? Devin pushed from the bed, sauntering to the tall-boy dresser. She was curious to know what he meant by “handling this,” but those same thoughts were detoured at the view of his well-defined muscles as he scrounged for a shirt. He smiled as he yanked out a sweatshirt from the bottom drawer, tugging it over his well-defined torso. All-in-all, Devin appeared undaunted by the fact he was about to face his staunch Irish mother. Barefoot and in his jeans from last night, she wondered how he was going to explain himself. 157

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Devin glanced at her with an ornery smile and every bone in her body turned molten. He opened the door part way, purposely obstructing her view inside. “Morning Ma,” he spoke as if she'd expect to find him in his room. Caroline held her breath. “Devin, you're home?” He leaned forward and Caroline heard the loud smack of a kiss. “Hi, Ma.” “When did you get in?” She didn't waste any time. “Just a bit ago. I, uh…came to get a change of clothes, and by accident woke Caroline.” Caroline’s brows peaked as he quickly-checked over his shoulder for her reaction. “You best be getting your things out of there and leave Caroline alone so she can get ready for breakfast. We have a lot to do today. I suppose you'll want to take a nap from the long drive?” “I'm feeling pretty good at the moment, Ma, maybe later.” He glanced back at Caroline and grinned. “Besides, I don't think that I've disturbed Ms. Riggs too much, have I?” She nodded as she rose to her knees in the middle of the bed, with precision slowness untying the ribbon closures of her gown as she held his gaze. Devin swallowed, his brow quirked high on his forehead before he blinked and returned his attention to the woman on the other side of the door. “Are you a breakfast person, my dear?” Irene called from the other side of the door. “I'm starving.” Caroline removed her hands, allowing the gown to gap to her navel. She wanted to leave nothing to Devin's imagination about what she hungered for. “Well, don't let this one bully you, Caroline. He's used to gettin' his way.” “He won't around me, Irene, not unless I give him my consent.” She fisted her hands to her hips and gave him a grin. “Good girl.” Devin kept his body securely wedged in the opening, his gaze bouncing from his mother in the hall to Caroline on the bed. “I'll go start us a nice breakfast, then.” His mother's voice trailed off as she moved toward the stairs. “That sounds heavenly, Irene. Do I have time for a quick shower before I help?” “You take your time; towels are in the cupboard to the left. Come along then, Devin. I doubt she needs you underfoot.” 158

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He looked over his shoulder with a look that sent shivers racing over her body “I just have to get some socks. I’ll be right down.” He swiped his hand over his mouth and shut the door. “You don’t think she suspected anything?” Caroline's gaze followed him as he rounded the end of the bed eyeing her like fresh prey. “You realize you shut the door on your mother. She's a very smart woman.” Hands on his hips, he gave her a wicked grin. Caroline held his gaze. “I could have told your mother how much you disturb me, McCudahy.” She smiled. “By the way, when do you plan to tell your family how you had your way with me and now must marry me?” “Had my way? Honey, I was just getting started.” His slow burning grin, polished by his signature dimple caused her body to sizzle. Maybe that was the sound of bacon downstairs. “As a matter of fact—” He placed a knee on the bed. “I was going to talk to your father today. It's kind of old-fashioned, but it's tradition in our family. I remember my three brothers. They agonized over when they proposed to their wives. My Da is very emphatic about some traditions.” He paused, his gaze skimming over her body with a look of hunger she guessed had nothing to do with pancakes. “However, it’s not his permission I need to have his way with his daughter, now is it?” With simmering slowness, he eased her gown off one shoulder, softly kissing her exposed skin. Caroline's equilibrium challenged, she clutched his arms, allowing him to ease her back to the bed. “Do you think she suspected anything?” Caroline’s mind turned hazy as Devin nuzzled her neck. “You're right, she's a smart lady.” He grinned as he studied her face. “Besides, I'm beginning to wonder if she didn’t plant you in my room on purpose, hoping that I'd find you here. The woman's been saying novenas for me to find the right woman for years.” He chuckled as he caged her between his arms. “What’s a novena?” She sighed as his finger traced the hollow of her neck to the valley between her breasts. “It’s a specific prayer, said consecutively for a number of days.” His fingertip brushed lightly over one nipple. She swallowed from the sheer pleasure of the sensation. He lifted his gaze to hers, his expression softening. 159

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“Maybe those novenas finally paid off.” Caroline slid her arms around his neck as he kissed her, slow and thorough. It was a perfect way to start the morning. Devin leaned back with a sigh. “I'm going to like being married to you, Ms. Riggs.” “Are you really going to ask for my hand, Mac?” Caroline studied his face, his jaw shadowed where he'd yet to shave. She ran her finger over the tiny scar on his brow. “Are you okay with that? Not too chauvinistic, do you think?” “Yes, but I think it’s sweet.” She traced the curve of his chin, seeing the sentimental look in his eyes. “That’s me. Just your run-of-the-mill, sweet and devastatingly handsome, Irish guy.” His dark gaze held hers captive in the silence that followed. “You forgot humble.” She touched a finger to his bottom lip. He kissed her softly. “Right, I’m that all over.” “Sweet, huh? I should check.” She curled her hand around his neck and pulled his face to hers in a slow searing kiss that quickly accelerated to dizzying heights. “Do you have any idea what I'd like to do, right now?” “I’ve got a pretty good guess.” She shifted beneath him, keeping her gaze to his. He kissed her softly, sighed, and quickly pushed himself away from her. “Then may it torture you as much, as it’s doing to me.” He smiled as he lifted her from the bed into his arms. Caroline clung to his neck, her eyes focused on his face. “Is that an Irish blessing or a curse, then? Because it is torture for me.” She cupped his face in her hands. A flash of desire flitted through his gaze and he kissed her softly. “I can live with the torture of knowing how it will be. We Catholics have martyrdom down to a science.” He grinned, placing her gently on the floor. “How about we announce our news at dinner? I’ve got to warn you though, with all of my brothers, Caroline, you'll have no mercy.” He cast his gaze to the ceiling and smiled. “I’ve been a bachelor for so long it’s become something of a mystery to my family.” He looked at her, brushing a wisp of hair from her forehead. Caroline had never experienced the sense of being cherished before; she swallowed the tears clogging her throat. “Can you handle that?” 160

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“If I can handle you, Mac, I can surely handle them.” She sidestepped him, picked up her robe, and stopped at the door. “Two questions—do you have an extra sweatshirt, and do you plan to be in this room when I get back?” “Yes, to the first—” He sauntered past her to his dresser, pulling out his socks and another sweatshirt. As for the second, I can be, but I don't think it's wise. On the other hand, if you'd like my help in the shower, it would be my obligation as host to see to it you are made uncomfortable.” “Thanks.” She grinned as she shrugged on her robe. “I think I can wing it today.” Caroline twisted her hair atop her head, securing it with a clip. He gave her a wicked grin, lifting his shoulder slightly. “I had to offer.” Caroline caught the sweatshirt he tossed it to her. “Ask me again, sometime.” She delighted in watching his mouth open, but with no quick-witted response. Devin nodded. “Okay, then.” He raked a hand through his hair and jerked his thumb toward the door. “I’m going downstairs now.” He hesitated at the door tracing his fingers along the collar of her robe. “Have I ever told you how incredibly sexy you are?” He looked at her like he wanted her for breakfast. Caroline cleared her throat in an attempt not to change her mind about the shower. Her heart beat a fierce cadence against her chest. “That’s not going to get you into my shower.” Devin shrugged. “You can't blame a guy for trying.” He fell in behind her as her father appeared from his room. Caroline glanced at Devin. “Good morning Father, did you sleep well?” “Like a baby, my dear. Though I swore I heard voices sometime during the night. Ah, Devin, you got in, that's wonderful. Hope you didn’t have to drive far in that storm.” Stephen Riggs barely glanced at them as he shuffled along the railing. Devin brushed past Caroline. “Here Mr. Riggs, let me help you down those stairs. Your equilibrium might be a tad unsteady on these dark stairs.” Devin glanced at Caroline, nudging her with his gaze to hurry.

****

Devin held the older man's elbow, taking the steps one at a time, keeping slow pace. “Have you enjoyed your stay, sir?” “I've never slept on a feather mattress, they're quite comfortable.” Riggs stopped, his breathing pronounced as they reached the first landing of the old stairs. “So, when did you get in, Devin?” 161

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There it was. Maybe it was sheer nerves, but something in the old man's tone indicated he knew more than he let on. Devin scratched his head. Maybe it was best to ask him now, get it out into the open and enjoy the holiday. “Earlier this morning.” The old man slid his gaze to him, with a wry smile. “I see.” “I had to get some clothes, and—” “My daughter just happened to be in that room.” Devin concentrated on his feet. There was no way that he was going to be able sidestep this topic until later, at least not having his boss thinking that he'd been messing around with his daughter. Which he had, but— Devin sighed. “There’s something I’d like to ask you, and I hadn’t really planned to ask you this way.” Riggs stopped and grasped the railing, turning briefly to face Devin. Devin took a deep breath, his grip tightening on the rail to steady his sudden rush of nerves. “Sir, with your permission, I’d like to marry your daughter.” The silence was deafening as he gazed into the steel gray eyes of his boss—andif-all-went-well-in-the-next-thirty-seconds—future father-in-law. Devin sensed the processing going on in Riggs’s head. He also thought he would pass out from holding his breath, before he could get her father's response. The thought occurred to him that Riggs might have faith in him in business, but perhaps held a very different view of him as a prospective son-in-law. Moments—what seemed like days—ticked by before Riggs held out his hand. “It’s about damn time. I couldn’t ask for anyone better for my Caroline.” Devin released an audible sigh, grinning as he gripped the man’s hand with firm resolve. They two embraced awkwardly, patting one another on the back. “Thank you sir, I want you to know that I love her, and I’ll do everything possible to give her a wonderful life.” An overwhelming sense of purpose rushed over him as he held the man’s watery gaze. Riggs chuckled. “Hell son, I could tell you loved her the first day you met.” “Really? And you did nothing at all to encourage it?” The niggling thought sprung from nowhere and was out before Devin realized he'd said it. “If you’re asking son, did I ask her to shadow you for this purpose, no. But, I’d be lying, if I said I didn’t hope it would work out like this.” He held his hand up in defense of his confession. “I admire your work ethic son. I wanted Caroline to see and learn to admire it. Perhaps then she would see what had driven me all these years to build this business.” 162

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“I do admire it, Father, in both of you, as well as in myself.” Devin and her father turned to Caroline's voice issuing from the top of the stairs. Riggs turned back to Devin with a smile. “She’s quite a challenge, always has been, you sure you're ready for that?” Devin looked from the older Riggs to his spirited daughter. “I like the challenge, Mr. Riggs.” He had to smile at Caroline's defiant expression, a contrast to the flannel robe and turban style towel wrapped around her head. Devin considered how lucky he was to have found someone who would be his true partner. The idea of eloping entered his mind again, but he wanted more for Caroline and for her father. Caroline smiled, as though she could read his thoughts. “I'm going to get dressed.” He blinked from his blatant staring when the door to his room shut behind her. “Ma's got breakfast going downstairs, Mr. Riggs. I'd appreciate it though if you'd keep this between us for now, at least until Caroline and I can announce it together. “Wait just a moment, I've got something here that you're going to need.” Devin frowned as the old man pulled out his wallet. Everything from money to condoms raced through Devin's mind, nothing prepared him for what appeared. Wrapped in a soft, gray cloth, Riggs unwrapped a delicate silver ring, with a substantial marquis shaped diamond. Gravity took Devin's blood to his toes. “Holy Mother.” Riggs cleared his throat. “This was her mother's wedding ring. My wife made me promise that when the time was right, I would give it to Caroline. I can't think of a better time, but I want you to give it to her Devin.” He pressed it into Devin's palm. “She wanted her baby girl to have it so she would remember how much she loved her,” he choked out the words past his emotion. A single tear rolled quietly down the old man's cheek. Devin's eyes stung as he stared at the ring. “Sir—I don’t know what to say.” He wanted to show his gratitude, but feared they both might start crying and he wasn't ready yet to explain why to his family. “She's going to go crazy over it, but I feel you should be the one to give this to her, sir.” “I’ve carried it around now for the better part of twenty-eight years.” Riggs stared at the ring. “You give it to her, explain for me, son.” 163

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Devin blinked to clear his emotions and looked at the man who'd entrusted him with so much in the last few minutes. He pocketed the ring as he took the old man's elbow. “I'll give it to her, but I know she'll want to hear the whole story from you.” Riggs nodded. “I will, Devin. I will.”

****

Devin quietly observed his mother as she introduced Caroline and her father to each of his brothers and their families that morning. He wasn’t prepared for how it affected him to see his family welcoming her with such warmth. The families scattered through the house, setting up playpens and high chairs. As always, Devin loved the organized chaos of the day. “How’s it going, little brother?” The oldest, Patrick, slapped him on the back, grabbing him in a fierce hug. “Ma introduced me to Caroline. Looks like your work has its perks.” He smiled wickedly and glanced at Caroline who was offering to take a squirming baby from its mother. “Work is going fine. Thanks for asking.” His brother gave him a grin as he bent down to unfasten his young son’s jacket. “This is Stephen Riggs and his daughter, Caroline. Caroline has been shadowing Devin on his condominium project.” He listened to his mother proudly explain. Devin grinned, thinking how excited she would be to hear of their engagement. “What are you grinning at?” Caroline walked toward him, balancing a toddler with dark curly hair on her hip. It dawned on him he'd always been the observer at the holidays. He couldn't wait to bring his own kids home. The joy on the faces of both of his parents clogged Devin's throat with emotion. Would he be able to convince Caroline to start a family right away? “I need a cup of coffee, how about you?” Devin took the child and aimed her in the direction of her family. “Go find daddy.” He tugged Caroline into the kitchen. “Are the cups in this cabinet?” She reached for the handle, glancing over her shoulder. He grasped her hand, pulled her to the tiny bathroom off of the back porch, and closed the door sealing them in the small, dark room. “I thought you wanted coffee.” Devin cracked the door, peering outside before he closed it again, plunging them into blackness. “I want to have children.” 164

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A brief silence followed before Caroline spoke. “And you had to tell me this now?” Devin found her in the pitch black and pulled her against him. “Seeing my parents with their grandkids did it. You know I'm not getting any younger, Caroline.” She slid her arms around his middle hugging him. “And this from the man who had no interest in wedding details, interesting.” Visions of starting a family that instant crept into his mind. “Guess it sounds weird, huh?” “Hey, you’re the one who shoved me into a dark bathroom.” Devin sighed nuzzling against the soft scent of her neck. “I won't be able to keep my hands off of you until dinner.” He cupped his hands over her bottom, squeezing once as he drew her against him. “Maybe we should just tell everyone now.” “So you can take me right here against the linen closet?” she whispered in his ear. “It's a tempting thought.” He pressed her back to the wall. “Maybe we should tell them first.” He found her mouth savoring her taste, lost in her scent. “What if someone needs to use the bathroom?” Her words whispered over his flesh like wildfire. Devin pressed his body to hers. “They can wait.” The pounding on the door stilled his passion. “Devin? Is that you? Where’s Caroline? We were going to start a game of cards.” The deep voice reverberated in the tiny hallway. “That would be my brother, Stephen,” he whispered in Caroline’s ear, his lips finding the shortest route to her mouth. “I think we've been found out.” “Devin? For God’s sakes man, I’ve been in the car for three hours. Come on, let me in.” There was a muffled tittering of laughter. “Use the one upstairs,” Devin growled the strained humor evident in his voice. “The kids are up there, Dev, come on, hurry up.” “Maybe he really needs to use it,” Caroline softly admonished. Devin kissed her again. “You ready for this? He searched for the doorknob and turned the handle. The bright light of a video camera invaded the darkness. Scrunched in the narrow hallway and packed in the small mudroom porch waited every member of Devin's family, his brothers grinning from ear-to-ear, reminiscent of when they used to set him up in their childhood. “Something you care to share here, little brother?” James folded his arms, narrowing his gaze at Devin. 165

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Devin pulled Caroline into the light circling her shoulder as he made eye contact with Stephen Riggs. The old man ratted on them, but this fell right into the way he wanted things to be today. He wanted no questions about how he felt about Caroline and how she felt about him. “As if you guys haven't already figured this out. There is something very special happening between Ms. Riggs and me.” The whistles came in multiples. Devin held up his hand. Caroline buried her face in his shoulder. “We were going to wait until dinner, but its looks like you all may already—” “Make it official already!” The shout came from Patrick. “Caroline has agreed to do me the honor of marrying me.” He kissed her temple softly grinning as the cheers roared from the crowd. He heard his mother's unmistakable whispers of thanks above the din. Hugging Caroline close it became crystal clear what part of life his mother had prayed he wouldn’t miss. He turned Caroline's face to his and sealed the announcement with a kiss drawing another round of applause from the group. “Give us a turn to welcome her to the family, Devin.” His mother held out her arms scooping Caroline into her warm embrace. “Sent from the angels above for my Devin, “she whispered, reaching up with a tea towel to wipe her eyes. More hugs followed, with advice about Devin’s behavior. There was no mistake of the pride emanating from his Da's face. “Now all of you scoot, I have a dinner to prepare. We’ve much to celebrate on this glorious day.” His mother shooed the chattering brood down the hallway and through the kitchen. She held fast to Devin's arm until they were alone. “I’m so happy for you, Devin.” “I know Ma, I understand.” He squeezed her tight. “Now when do we eat?” “When do you tell me the truth about when you got in?” She eyed him over her shoulder as she removed a turkey from the oven.

****

“Wait until you taste Irene's giblet gravy Riggs, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.” Frank McCudahy pointed a finger at his friend settled comfortably in front of the television. “I remember she was always a good cook. Do you remember her trying to teach Lila how to bake a pie?” Riggs laughter erupted into a brief coughing spell. 166

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Frank joined in his laughter. “I remember you made me help you eat that sour cherry pie with no sugar in it in one sitting so you wouldn’t have to take it home.” The laughter between them trickled to mutual sighs. “You think those kids of ours will see the advantage of a business merger?” Frank asked as he sipped his non-alcoholic beer. Stephen shrugged with a heavy sigh. “I hope so. Caroline had a bit of a run in with a young fellow her first year in school. Bad apple, that one, not trustworthy from what I've been able to tell. She hasn't talked to me much about it, but I found out some things from Nana. He hurt her pretty badly, but it seems that she and Devin have all the beginnings of a solid relationship. Maybe you could talk to Devin and see how he feels, and I'll talk to Caroline and see how she feels, then perhaps they won't get the idea that we're trying to push them into something neither of them wants. Still, neither of us is getting any younger.” Frank nodded. “Maybe you're right. Talking to them separately might be the way to go. Maybe they'd be more open with their thoughts that way.” “It would be wise to start this venture out on the right foot. We don't want anyone getting the wrong idea.”

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Chapter Sixteen

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms: Appreciation; an increase in property value, sometimes reflecting inflation, or a business appraisal. Snow fell on and off throughout the day, but the warmth of family radiated inside the McCudahy home. “You cheated. You’re not supposed to jump backwards until you’re ‘kinged’.” Caroline looked at the face of the young, defiant redhead and back to the face of her dark-haired cousin. She thought refereeing a checker game would be a fairly easy task. They both looked at her, expectation etched on their furrowed brow as they awaited her judicious ruling. “Well.” She dropped her gaze to the board, surveying the situation. “Lindsey's right on this one, I’m afraid, Andy.” Caroline demonstrated the only options of movement available to the boy, much to his dismay. “I’m sorry, but those are the rules.” She tousled his hair and glanced up to see Devin leaning against the doorframe, amused warmth radiating from his dark eyes. He crooked his finger, beckoning her to follow him. “You guys excuse me, okay?” It was absurd a quirk of his brow or a glimpse of his smile could send her heart racing. “But if I play by the rules, then she’ll win,” Andy whined. Caroline stood, holding a hand to her stomach. She glanced toward the empty doorway. “If you play by the rules, Andy, eventually, you both win.” His face clouded and he gave her a frown, clearly indicating what he thought of her reasoning. Caroline stepped over the checkerboard, and wound her way through the bodies lounging in front of the television and fireplace after the sumptuous dinner. She smiled at how wonderful it felt to be part of a large family. With a quick glance, she checked on her father. He was more relaxed than she'd ever seen him. Stretched out asleep in a recliner, his face was peaceful, his breathing steady and calm. 168

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A hand gently touched her shoulder, and seconds later, she was pulled into Devin's warm embrace. The scent of his flannel shirt held the combination of his skin and the woody smoke smell of the fireplace. “You realize of course, you’ve just dashed the poor kid's hope of ever winning against Red.” Devin hugged her close, nuzzling her temple. “You don’t play by the rules, Mac?” He began to take advantage of their momentary privacy. “What’s the fun in playing by the rules?” The tone in his voice reverberated in her chest, causing her skin to tingle. “You think you can tempt me to break the rules, Mac?” she whispered. “Let's not have a long engagement, okay?” His whispers tickled the curve of her neck, running delicious shivers up her spine. The man had a valid point. “Did you call me out here for another reason?” Not that she minded the seductive spell he cast over her senses. “I had a good reason when I called you out here.” She placed her hands to his arms, gently pushing away with an inquisitive look. Devin blinked. “I thought maybe you'd like to go for a walk. I have something to show you.” He snagged her coat from the abundant array. “We're going for a walk,” he called out to no one in particular, as he opened the door and ushered her to the front porch. Large, billowy snowflakes floated leisurely from the gray afternoon sky. Caroline pulled her coat around her as she glanced back at Devin. He carried his coat over his shoulder. “Aren't you cold?” He met her admonishment with a dimpled grin. “I’m a little overheated; I’ll put it on in a minute.” “Ah.” Caroline chose to wisely ignore the remark. In silence, they walked together down the wooden steps to the front sidewalk. A gentle wind swirled the giant flakes in front of them as they trudged over the fluffy snow. The residential neighborhood was still except for the occasional car passing by. One man bundled in a sheepskin coat walked his dog on the opposite side of the street. “Devin McCudahy?” The man called out with a wave. “Happy Thanksgiving, how are your folks?” Devin slipped his hand in Caroline's as they continued on. “Fine, Mr. McNarry, same to you.” 169

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“Who was that?” Caroline glanced over her shoulder. “My high school history teacher.” “He remembers you from that far back?” Devin gave her a wary side-glance. “It's not that long ago, but I guess it's because we live in such a close neighborhood. Most of these folks have lived here for generations. I used to deliver his morning paper when I was little.” Caroline quietly pondered what it must have been like to grow up surrounded by such a community. With her hand in his, she felt a mystic connection to a side of life she'd never known. Caroline tried to imagine a young Devin running through these streets. “So did you and your brothers terrorize this neighborhood as kids?” She glanced at him and saw a myriad of memories reflected in his expression. “That would be Patrick. I spent a lot of time with Da, learning the trade, reading, and designing anything and everything.” He looked down at her, the snowflakes sticking to his long lashes. She stopped turning him toward her as she gently brushed the icy crystals free from his face. “It's not fair guys have such gorgeous eyelashes” She searched his dark, sparkling gaze. “There's a reason God made McCudahy men with long lashes, you know.” “Really and why would that be?” She grinned at his self-assured smile. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and leaned down, lightly brushing his lashes over her cheek. Caroline squirmed in his grasp, laughing. “What are you doing, that tickles.” “You’ve never had a butterfly kiss?” She laughed as she shook her head. How much had she missed in her life? There'd been moments they'd shared in the past few hours so wonderful she feared she might awaken and find them all a dream. “Well, Ms. Riggs,” he drawled, “In my book, they happen to be just a step down from these.” Devin cupped her face as his mouth slid over hers, slow and passionate. His fingers, curled under her coat collar, as he drew her close. She had to grip his sleeves to keep her equilibrium. He pulled back, not masking his thoughts. Or were her thoughts the same? “Want to see where I went to school?” Okay, maybe they weren't on the same wavelength. 170

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Caroline swallowed before she could find her voice. “Sure, is it far?” She held fast to his coat, pulling her senses back from his sensual bliss. “Just a block or so.” That was good since she wasn’t sure her legs would hold her much further. He draped his arm over her shoulder. With the onset of a holiday break, the school looked dark and quiet, the play yard deserted. “Come on, there's a place to sit.” He motioned to a stone bench set among a cluster off trees. She imagined them in summer, full and lush shading young students trading lunches beneath its shade. Devin brushed the snow from the seat, sat down, and stretched his long legs out in front of him. He rested his arm, over the back of the bench. “Come on over here, and I'll keep you warm.” His grin held the cozy heat of a fireplace. Caroline sat gingerly next to him, scanning the play yard, noting the swings and other equipment. A dismal contrast to the rigid school she'd attended. “What was your school like?” He tapped her shoulder, springing her from her private thoughts of her childhood. “It was a girl’s finishing school, out in Virginia.” She turned and found a silly smile plastered to his face. “What? Is that weird?” “I'm imagining an all girl school. Probably like a Catholic school, I suppose. Did you have those little prissy uniforms?” Caroline grinned as she brushed at the snow with her boot. “Navy blue with pleated skirts.” Devin whistled his sound of approval. “I bet you made havoc of the dreams the poor guys in the boy’s school.” She shook her head, thinking how many dances she passed up in lieu of her studies just to be sure she would make it on her own into a prestigious university. There would be enough time to talk of her past, but while here she wanted to know more about Devin's life. In a comparison, it seemed so much more rewarding. “Is this a Catholic school?” Caroline peered at the four-story brick building that surrounded the courtyard. “No. This is my public school, we couldn't afford Catholic school. It about killed my mom." “I really hated private school when I was young. I didn’t think about the advantages, you don't when you're young, I guess. I used to think it was where my father 171

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sent me so he wouldn’t have to deal with me.” She shivered inside her coat and felt Devin's arms slide around her, pulling her back against him as he rested his chin to the top of her head. “And now?” She sighed, wrapped content in his arms, knowing what she knew about her mother, and how her father had dealt with his loss. “I think I understand why I was sent away. It was all my father could do to keep the business going after my mother died. I feel so sorry for him now; they didn’t have much time together.” “Did she work with him?” “Actually, your mother told me she was the one who instigated my father's business, helping him to get it started. I always thought she gave up her career for his.” “And you don’t, or didn't think, that was a wise choice?” Caroline shrugged. “I don’t know if I could make the same choice.” “Not the stay-at-home mom type, huh?” “I think I worked for more than to be a stay-at home mom.” Caroline realized her future mother-in-law fit squarely into 'stay-at-home' category. “I don’t mean that disrespectfully.” His body shifted with his shrug. “That’s okay. I’m considering myself lucky I had Ma at home.” “You’re extremely lucky, your mom is amazing.” She turned to face Devin. “I've learned so much about my mother and what she was like from your mother. She says I remind her of my mother. Do you suppose that my business sense comes from her? Here all this time I attributed everything to my father. That changes how I look at my future.” “I'm sure it will, but is a career all you want?” “Why? You don’t think I should have a career?” “I didn’t say that.” “Well, I know, but you must be asking me for some reason. Do you expect me to be at home like your mother?” He shrugged. “I guess, I thought given your age, you’d want to start a family.” “Does that mean giving up my work?” “Well, I suppose it could.” “Well, Mac. This may be our first disagreement.” “Our first?” he replied, glancing over her shoulder. “Okay, since we’ve been engaged.” She stood, stuffed her hands deep into her pockets. 172

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He held her gaze a moment and stood facing her. “Look, it’s nothing that can’t be worked out, is it, Caroline?” He scratched his neck, his expression showing concern. She thought carefully before answering. “I do want children Devin, maybe in a year or two. Does that fit into your blueprint?” There was no doubt she wanted his children, but her work was important to her as well. He had to understand and accept that as part of who she was. “Caroline, we have a whole new start here. This is our life, our family. All I know is I want to have kids with you and love them together. And I'm telling you, they will be great kids.” He draped his arm around her shoulder, pressing his face close to hers. Whatever defensiveness she felt dissolved with the love she saw in his eyes. “When we have them, they will be great kids.” She gave him a smile. “Naturally they will have my eyelashes.” He batted his in her face. “As well as your humility, I’m sure.” Her response was dry, grabbing his chin in her hand. “One of my most appealing traits, admit it.” He grinned, mischief sparkling in his dark eyes. “Must I?” “Allow me to remind you.” He kissed her tenderly and pulled her close. “I have a great idea. Why don’t you and I leave tonight, and we can spend the rest of this weekend alone at my place,” he whispered against her forehead. “What about your family?” Caroline stepped back, giving him a puzzled expression. She was just beginning to enjoy his large, chaotic family. “You're right.” His gaze narrowed as he studied her. “I got carried away thinking of you all to myself for a couple of days.” Caroline loved the idea, and while it heated her blood, she wanted to stay and get to know his family. She kissed his chin. “We can leave if you really want to. I thought since we're here, we'd take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time with your family.” Devin sighed. “I know you want to torture me.” He brushed the hair from her face, kissing her forehead. “How can I do that?” She searched his eyes, her insides quaking at the depth she saw in them. “I'm about to end up on the family room couch.” Her laughter brought the same from him. “Yeah, laugh it up. I have to sleep thinking of you under my cowboy blanket.” 173

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Before images of the two of them could take over her brain, she tugged his arm pulling him toward home. “Let’s head back. Hey, did I tell you I made an apple pie? That's your favorite, right?” “You made those? How'd you know apple was my favorite?” She glanced at him with a smile. “Women talk, Mac, don't you know.” His brow arched. “So what else did my ma have to say about me?” He walked backwards holding her gaze. “Things.” She stuffed her hands in her coat pockets and gave him a teasing smile. “Things. That covers a lot of territory.” “Not to worry. I won't use any of it against you.” “Anyone ever tell you how feisty you are?” He stopped and grabbed her shoulders. “We were talking about pie.” “Yeah, I'm thinking about it, too. The idea of you in the kitchen gets me excited.” She shook her head. “It would.” “I like versatility.” Her eyebrows rose and she felt her cheeks warm, even in the late afternoon chill. “Dare I ask if this is cooking we’re talking about?” His devilish grin was her answer. “Never mind.” She tugged at his sleeve, hoping he wouldn’t kiss her again before they got home for fear they wouldn't make it past the front porch.

****

Devin couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt so sure his life was headed in the right direction. He also realized he’d forgotten to give her the ring. There would be plenty of time later though, after everyone was asleep. A throng of small arms, legs and squeals assaulted Devin as he came through the front door. “Hey! Let me get out of this wet coat, you little turkeys!” He shook his coat, purposely scattering the residual snow over his nieces and nephews. As soon as he hung his coat, they attacked his legs again. “How many kids did you say you wanted?” Caroline gave him a wry smile. He lifted his amused gaze to hers, proceeding with his task of prying toddlers from his legs. After moments of bribes to play a game later, he narrowed the clan to one—two-year old Cody. He straightened with a sigh and smiled at Caroline. 174

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Hands on his waist, his exaggerated stride to the kitchen with Cody clinging like a monkey to his leg brought giggles from the young boy. “Where’s this pie?” He ignored the small child plastered to his leg, as he watched Caroline double over in laughter. “Does your friend there want pie, too?” She pointed to Cody. Devin stared at her with a blank expression. “I don’t know, let me ask.” He bent down, peering into the toddler's smiling face. “You want some of Caroline’s apple pie?” He glanced up. “It is apple, right?” She nodded with a quiet smile on her face. Her expression stirred something deep inside and it took a moment to tear his gaze from her. “You want a piece of Caroline's apple pie, buddy?” The little boys' dark curly head bobbed up and down in agreement to the request. Devin glanced at Caroline with a grin as they followed her into the kitchen. “I think Cody and I can manage one of those pies on our own.” Caroline uncovered the pies and discovered a large hole in one. “It looks like someone found the pie already.” Devin limped to the counter, small child in tow. He placed his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. The scent of her skin drove him crazy. “We’ll just take care of the damaged one; you can’t serve that.” He looked down at his nephew. “Cody, go find daddy. See if he wants some pie, okay?” With a broad smile, the tiny toddler unwrapped himself and ran toward the family room. “It wasn’t a ploy to get the pie for yourself, was it?” Caroline sliced into the crust, lifting the sweet flaky portions onto plates. Devin reached over her shoulder and snagged a small apple slice that had fallen to the counter. He popped it into her mouth, and turned her face toward his. “No, it was a ploy to get you for myself.” She swallowed the apple bit, her gaze locked to his. His gaze lowered to her mouth. “You have some—” His lips touched the sweet bit of apple at the corner of her mouth. “Mmm…this could become habit-forming.” Caroline picked up another piece of apple and placed it slowly in her mouth, her tongue darting out to lick the rim of her lips. Desire smacked him and he blinked, her gesture affecting him every bit as titillating as if she’d slowly stripped in front of him. Trapping her against the counter, he captured her mouth, taking advantage of her offer and her cinnamon sweet taste. 175

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“I trust you two are coming up for air periodically?” Stephen Riggs stood in the kitchen doorway, his hand resting on the curly mop top of Cody's head. Devin’s future father-in-law offered a pleasant grin, a twinkle sparkling in his eye. Devin stepped back and glanced at the floor before smiling at Caroline. It was true he couldn't seem to get enough of kissing her, he couldn't deny it. Caroline turned a soft shade of crimson. “Sorry sir, I didn’t realize we had an audience.” Riggs patted young Cody’s shoulder and looked down at him with a smile. “Did it bother you, Cody?” The boy gave the older man a sneer, nodding his head vigorously. Riggs laughed, patting the boy again. “No harm done. Though, if you're doling out pie Caroline, this young man and I would gladly take some. Riggs grinned. “Providing you two are finished?” Devin glanced at his future father-in-law seeing the humor dance in his eyes. Offering no comment, Caroline dished up the pie and handed one to her father, the next to Cody. “Do I hear pie being cut?” Devin’s brother, Patrick, appeared from the living room. “Uncle Devin was kissin' pie goo off his gilfend.” Cody collapsed into a fit of giggles, his chubby fingers clamped over his mouth. Patrick turned to Devin with a raised brow and concealed grin. “Is that right?” He tousled the boy's hair and gave Devin a grin. “People who love each other sometimes do that, son.” “You and mommy love each udder.” Devin could hear the gears working in the small boys head. “Do you do that to mommy?” Cody's bright eyes widened in a horror as he stared at his father. “See what you started?” Patrick glanced at Devin, with an amused expression. “Yes son, mommy and I kiss, too. Generally, food is not involved, however.” Cody frowned at his father in disgust. “Ucky.” Devin pulled a humiliated and red-faced Caroline into a hug. “I’m so embarrassed,” she whispered in his ear. “Don’t be, I told you, they're just getting started. Its payback time for me. I’m afraid I may have been less then exemplary, when they brought girlfriends home,” he spoke quietly in her ear, as he lifted his gaze to the smirk on his brother's face. “How bad were you?” Caroline eased from him, searching his face. 176

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“Shall I tell her?” Patrick leaned to the doorframe and crossed his arms. “Or are you going to?” Caroline tipped her head, curiosity etched on her face. Devin's gaze bounced from Caroline's to his brothers. “Geez, some people should learn how to forgive.” He stepped around Caroline, grabbed a plate of pie, and shoved it with a smile into his brother’s outstretched hand. “You put the snake in the backseat of the car, Devin.” Patrick's calm voice challenged. “Well, you shouldn’t have been back there anyway, you were too young.” Devin leaned against the counter, pointing his fork at his brother. He handed a plate to Caroline, and then took one for himself. “A snake?” Caroline’s eyes widened. “You put a snake in their car?” She nearly missed catching the plate as it tipped sideways. Devin veered and held it upright until he was sure she her hands were steady. He chuckled at the memory of the night in question. “It scared the bloody—” Patrick shook his fork at Devin in mock anger. “Oh, stop the whining, you got Kathryn.” Devin smiled at Caroline, then back at his brother. “And given your brood, it hasn’t slowed you two down any.” “All right. That does it.” Patrick stepped forward with a grin as he placed his plate on the cabinet. Devin followed suit with a bring-it-on smile. Caroline jumped back and Stephen Riggs pulled young Cody to the other side of the table. They tousled like young boys on the kitchen floor, teasing each other with jabs and comments. A gasp came from the kitchen doorway. “By all that is holy—what are you two doing, behaving like you’re no more than twelve.” Irene McCudahy stood at the kitchen entryway, scolding her sons. “Where's my broom?” “Devin started it, Ma.” Patrick’s deep voice rang out in defense. “Yeah, right.” Devin responded, gently pushing his brother from his chest. The two grown men stood side-by-side, holding in laughter, as they dutifully awaited their mother's wrath, all five-foot-two of it. “Saints alive, if you two aren’t a spectacle.” She shook her head in weariness and looked to her grandson, Cody. “What are you teaching your boy, Patrick?” “You’re right, Ma. I should never have let Devin get up.” Patrick took off past his mother to the living room, Devin close on his heels. 177

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Irene looked at Caroline and sighed. “Boys will be boys, I'm sorry you had to see this, Caroline.” She cupped her hand near her mouth and spoke above the din. “Frank, your sons are out of control again,”

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Chapter Seventeen

Architectural Definitions: Component Design- pushing the limits of generality within the envelope of the micro-architectural commitments that have been made. Bent down on her knees, Caroline helped to spread out blankets, making sleeping palettes for the smaller children to sleep. Vaguely, she wondered how anyone was going to get the floor of squirming little people quiet enough to sleep. Patrick and Kathryn had taken their brood home after pie, declaring they’d return tomorrow. And James and Gabrielle left to go to dinner again, at her parent's home. The entire room seemed alive with just Stephen and Maggie’s children. All the while, Maggie sat on the couch, looking as though she was about ready to deliver. Caroline turned seeing the adult denim leg appear at her side. “I don’t suppose you have any of those left for me?” Her gaze followed the leg up to the origin of the voice and she smiled with an evil grin. She reached beside her and tossed a blanket into Devin’s arms, her insides quaking at his knowing gaze. He uttered thanks, but his eyes told her where he’d rather be sleeping. Irene McCudahy appeared at the family room entrance, holding an unusual looking wooden harp-like instrument. “Go on to bed Maggie, darlin'. Grandma will get this brood to sleep.” The weary woman smiled, giving Irene a kiss on the cheek as she waddled from the room. Irene's gaze followed her, turning to Devin with a smile. “Please stoke the fire, Devin.” Caroline tiptoed over the tiny bodies and sat on the couch to listen. Irene eased into the rocker beside the fire and placed the instrument on her lap, waiting with the patience of a saint as the children, one-by-one quieted. It was as though they knew what magic was about to occur. Caroline marveled how without a word, each child turned their full attention to their grandma. 179

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“Is this seat occupied?” Devin smiled down at her and she nodded. “Great.” He flipped off his shoes and stretched out, sighing as he laid his head in her lap. Caroline leaned down and whispered, “Shall I rub your feet?” “If the spirit moves you, my love.” His dark eyes twinkled in the glow of the firelight. She offered him a smile and patted his chest. He grabbed her hand and held it over his heart, smiling as he closed his eyes. Irene softly strummed the instrument on her lap. Its tune was both soothing and haunting, somewhere between a harp and a dulcimer. “What is the instrument she’s playing?” Caroline whispered to Devin. He peeked open an eye. “It’s called a music maker. My Da made it years ago. It's how I remember going to sleep when I was little. She’d sit in her room and play, until we all drifted off to sleep.” Caroline listened to the melodies being played and could imagine how easily the music could calm a person to sleep. “Will I have to learn to play one of these?” she whispered again. “Maybe you'd like to learn for our kids. In the meantime, I have other methods for ensuring you rest well.” He patted her hand, not opening his eyes, but his smile was broad, revealing his exquisite dimple. She felt delicious warmth curl in her stomach at the mention of his phrase “our kids” The thought of starting a family both excited and challenged her. The idea came so easy for Devin, but it held a great deal more uncertainty for her. “Egotist.” She smiled as she glanced down at his ornery grin “Yeah, but you love me anyway.” He kissed her palm, his mouth lingering against her flesh as he raised his gaze to hers. Caroline swore she heard the sizzle and snap jumping from her reverie when she realized it was a log in the fireplace. Irene cleared her throat, casting a look of warning to them as the children began to yawn. She sang in a strange Gaelic language, accompanied by a mesmerizing tune. Caroline rested her head against the couch, letting the music run over her like warm water. Devin picked up the harmony, singing softly with his mother's voice. A tear escaped from Caroline's eye. Emotions she didn’t know existed welled within her. If she did nothing else right in her life, she decided at this moment, her children would not go a day without being told they were loved. 180

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“Hey,” Devin spoke softly. His thumb gently brushed the wetness from her cheek. “Is my singing that bad?” He sat up and wrapped his arms protectively around her. He had a magical way of taking her emotions from one level to the next. She laughed quietly, burying herself in the shoulder of his shirt. The power he had over her frightened as much as thrilled her. “Devin, may I see you a minute?” Frank McCudahy peeked around the corner and motioned for his son to follow him to the kitchen. “Are you all right?” Devin touched her cheek, and Caroline nodded. “I’m just going to sit here a few more minutes and then head up to bed.” He held his palm to his heart as though in pain. “I'll be up later to tuck you in.” He grinned, placing a kiss on her cheek. Caroline glanced at Irene McCudahy’s guarded expression as she continued to sing her lullaby. The rules set forth were clear in her steady gaze. “Maybe we should say goodnight here.” He followed her gaze to his mother’s, who returned it with a happy smile. “You’re good,” he leaned in with a whisper. He gazed at her a moment before leaning forward to give her a chaste kiss. “You’re sure you’re okay?” “I’m fine. It was just your voice with your mom’s, it was so wonderful.” “I’ll teach them all to you, so we can sing our children to sleep someday.” Devin gave her a hug and kissed her temple, lingering as if not wanting to leave. With a reluctant sigh, he pushed him self from the couch. “See you in the morning.” Stopping at the doorway, he glanced at her again, giving her a smile, before disappearing into the dark hallway. Caroline stared at all the little bodies asleep on the floor, thinking of the future and wondering if her children would have the benefit of being sung to by Grandma McCudahy. Irene McCudahy stopped playing and held Caroline's gaze. “My Devin is a lucky man.” Caroline smiled, though they'd not set a date, she already sensed a closeness to Irene. “I think I’m the lucky one to have found him…and all of you.” Caroline wiped her face, offering a wobbly smile as she unfolded Devin's blanket. Without thought, she fluffed his pillow, and pressed her cheek against it before she placed it to the couch. “You come here to Irene, darlin' girl.” 181

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Irene opened her arms and embraced Caroline. “You fit in just perfect.” Irene paused at the door turning to Caroline. “Do you have everything you need for tonight?” Her mind flirted with the security of falling asleep in Devin's arms. “Everything I need for now, thank you.” “Good night then, Caroline. Sweet dreams.” Caroline gazed into the dying embers of the fireplace; grateful she’d decided to travel here with her father. Nana was right, she'd found all she ever dreamed of and in the most unlikely of places. Family is what had been missing in her life and her father's. She sensed a turning point in their lives. A hope that life was finally offering her the happiness of love and family she'd prayed for all her life. She stepped gingerly over a sleeping child, pausing at the bottom of the stairs, noticing the lit still shone bright in the kitchen. Caroline smiled at the connection Devin had with his parents, feeling as though she finally had the tools to begin to get to really know her father for the first time. She smiled, wondering if she dare peek in and say goodnight. Deciding against the idea, she continued up the steps, deciding not to interrupt their conversation. “Da, promise me you'll not mention anything about merging businesses. I've only just asked her to marry me.” Caroline's brain froze, her blood turning cold with a sickening jolt. What was this about? Hadn't they already discussed their relationship would have nothing to do with business? “Is there any reason it can't wait until after the wedding?” It was Devin speaking, there was no mistake. Her fingers gripped the banister, her nails biting into the wood. “Let her get used to the engagement first, Da, before we spring any of this on her.” He chuckled. She took a step forward, feeling the bile rise in her throat. Would it be wise to confront him now? In truth, it would only cause a scene, ruining the holiday for everyone. And what about her father's heart? No, not tonight and not here. After all, it was her world falling apart. How could she have been so blind? She squeezed her eyes tight, struggling with the pain in her heart. With fierce determination, she quietly climbed the stairs heading straight to where her father slept. Caroline walked into the dark room and sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress shifted as Riggs rose on his elbows. The dim shadow of her father's face was visible in the green glow of the clock radio. 182

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“Father, I'm going to go home. I need some time to think through this engagement. It's happened too fast and there are a lot of things I don't know about Devin.” “Caro, I can see you're upset about something. Talk to Devin. It can be worked out.” Her father tried to reason. “There's no rush to marry.” She stood, holding her palm up in defense of her decision. Confused, hurt and unsure, she only knew she needed to get away from Devin, and think through everything. In all likelihood, her father may not have known about the idea of a merger, but what if he did? Her mind swirled with the possibilities, none of them making much sense. Perhaps later, things would straighten out. For now, she needed time alone, far away from the influence of Devin and his family. Already they'd found a way in to her heart. “You can ride home with Devin, Father. Please, just let me do this.” “All right, Caro. Why don’t you go to a motel and we can talk about this in the morn—” Caroline paced the floor, wringing her hands. “Because I need to face him when I'm ready and that's not going to be in the morning. Please, I don't want to spoil your or his family's Thanksgiving plans. This is something I have to do on my own. You understand, don’t you? I’m just not ready to talk to him yet.” “All right. All right. I understand you want time and space to think. If you feel sure you want to go home, make sure your cellular phone is on. Are you awake enough? Her father’s voice edged with concern. “Stop, if you tire. Please, promise me this.” “I'm sorry, I don't mean to concern you, but I can't stay. I'll call you later.” “And then you'll tell me what this is all about?” he asked wearily. “I promise. I just need to think some things through.” She kissed his forehead. “Thank you for understanding.” Caroline gathered her few unpacked things, stuffed them in her suitcase and shut the lid. Her gaze scanned the room, resting briefly on the cowboy blanket. Memories scalded her heart as she turned to leave. She closed her eyes to the pain in her heart. He'd certainly convinced her that he cared. Silently, she moved down the stairs, glancing back over her shoulder as she heard the laughter coming from within the kitchen. Tears stung the back of her eyes, threatening to break loose as she lifted her coat from the peg, and slipped silently into the bone-chilling night, easing the door shut behind her.

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Devin turned out the kitchen light, sending the last small child back to the family room. He considered the offer his father had earlier given him and wondered how 183

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Caroline would respond. His head reeled with the idea that Riggs and his father had discussed a possible merger between the two companies. He wondered how Caroline would react. He thought how much had changed between him and Caroline and was grateful that at least now she would listen openly as he would. The truth was out in the open and it mattered little to their relationship anyway. He smiled. Mrs. Caroline McCudahy, or Riggs-McCudahy, either way, it sounded wonderful to him. Devin's mind held the image of another type of merger at the moment, one involving lips. Now would be the perfect time to give her the ring. He grabbed the stairway railing; a smile plastered to his face in anticipation of her certain excitement. He saw the soft light from the slit under his bedroom door and touched his breast pocket to confirm the ring was still there. His heart thudded to his chest as he pushed open the door. “Caroline?” He paused as his eyes surveyed the empty room. “What the hell?” “Mr. Riggs, sir, wake up.” Devin pushed gently against the old man’s shoulder urging him awake. “Sir.” He kept his voice at an insistent whisper. No need, yet, to wake the entire house. Riggs rolled over and flipped on the bedside light. “You know, then? Can you tell me why she would do this?” Riggs struggled to sit up as he spoke. Devin stared in disbelief at the old man, wanting a great many answers and all of them now. “I can’t find Caroline. All her things are gone, what the hell is going on?” His voice rose in agitation. Devin crossed his arms trying to wait patiently for an explanation. “You know about this? Where‘d she go? My god, it’s the middle of the night. Why—?” He clasped his hands behind his head in frustration, casting his gaze to the ceiling, his mind ready to explode from helpless frustration. “Caroline is a big girl Devin and she has a cell phone. She's quite responsible.” Riggs’s voice was flat. He picked up the clock and looked up at Devin. “She left around eleven-thirty, son. Came in and told me she needed time to think about this marriage proposal. Asked me not to go after her, she wanted some time to think—alone.” “She what?” He stared at the old man like he’d gone out of his mind. Riggs sat up, swinging his legs over the bed. He frowned at Devin. “What happened anyway, between the two of you? I thought everything was going so well.” Devin threw his arms into the air, letting them fall lifeless at his sides. He tried to backtrack over the events of the evening as he paced the floor. “I kissed her goodnight. 184

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She was in the family room when Da called me in to talk to me about your plans for a merger. I didn’t see her again.” His gaze turned to Stephen Riggs; a horrid thought dawned like a nightmare over his heart. His neck felt like someone held an electrical wire to it. “What is it, son?” Riggs peered at him, his hand searched for his robe. He kept his gaze locked to Devin’s. “She might have heard us talking, my Da and me, about a merger.” He placed a hand over his eyebrows in thought. “Why would that bother her, Devin?” Devin searched the room, looking for an answer to the dilemma that life had just dealt him. His head hurt and his heart suffered even worse. “Devin? Please, tell me what’s going on.” Riggs stood, blocking Devin’s pacing. “She has a phone?” Riggs nodded. “Yes. Now tell me what’s going on.” “Yes, Devin. Tell us all what’s going on here.” Devin turned to see his mother and father standing in the doorway of the bedroom. “Caroline has gone home.” His stomach felt hollow. “At three in the morning?” Frank McCudahy peered across the room, squinting at the bedside clock. “What would possess her to leave at this hour?” Devin looked from one father to the other. “She thought--we thought, that you two were trying to get us together to help your businesses. I was stupid enough to accuse her of knowing this and leading me along, while she basically accused me of doing the same thing. In reality, neither of us wanted to let down our egos enough to see what we really meant to each other.” Devin turned away, feeling like a fool as stared out the window. Until now, he hadn’t really thought how utterly ridiculous it sounded. “It was stupid, childish. But I thought we'd worked all that out, I thought she trusted what I felt for her. I’ve got to find her and explain.” Devin spoke to his reflection in the windowpane, his expression, haunted and empty. He tore his gaze from the window and stalked past his parents. “I’ll let you know when I’ve found her. She left at eleven?” “Eleven–thirty according to the clock, but she would have stopped for gas and coffee.” He paused, calculating the time. Barring complications she should almost be in Minnesota. He had to find her and make her listen. Grabbing the rail, he started down the stairs. 185

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“Devin.” He stopped at the sound of his father’s voice. Looking over his shoulder, he caught his father’s concerned expression. “Be careful, son.” Devin nodded. “The weather forecast is calling for more snow up your way.” Devin bolted down the rest of the stairs taking them two at a time. He grabbed his coat and the door handle at the same time.

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Chapter Eighteen

Building Glossary of Terms: Void; a cavity formed either intentionally or unintentionally. Caroline’s tears had long since dried, leaving her skin taunt and dry. The same was true for her heart. She blinked, trying to regain some of the depleted moisture and took a long swallow of cold coffee she'd purchased hours ago at a Handy-Mart. She'd run into snow about halfway and it had increased in the last hour, causing her to kick up the wipers to full capacity just to make out the mile markers at the roadside. Her heart aching, she'd allowed the tears to flow freely from Chicago to the Minnesota border. Now her emotions and mind were numb, leaving only a dull ache in her heart. Caroline squinted as she focused through the sheer curtain of blowing snow, her main goal to get home safely. Somewhere between Palestine and Dubuque, she made plans to move far away from Minnesota and from the man who'd blatantly deceived her. It was her own future ahead of her now, one that did not include Devin McCudahy, or the help of her father. She could make it on her own, she had no doubt. Her résumé and degree would open many a business opportunity somewhere in a larger city. Someplace where she could blend in with the rest of the world and forget this time ever existed in her life. It was true time was a great healer. Time would heal the hurt, the betrayal, but how was she to forget the warmth of his breath on her skin, the kisses that brought her to the edge of oblivion? It was her treacherous heart that wavered. Her heart would remember his touch for an eternity. The safety of his arms, his charming dimple was given to her alone, and butterfly kisses. There was no university in the world offering a degree in how to forget. No, she’d learned this lesson in the greatest classroom of all—life. And it was one lesson she would be very careful not to repeat.

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Caroline saw the green exit sign signaling she was close to home. Part of her sighed with relief, the other with utter exhaustion both mental and physical. Yet, as she reduced her speed to make the off-ramp, something close to fear knotted her stomach. She eased her car to a stop, checking both ways, making a mental note not to travel desolate country roads at all hours of the night anymore. Cautiously, she turned where she could see the road ahead in the pitch black and drifting snow. The glare of her headlights bounced off the snow pelting at her windshield. In a few more minutes, she’d be safe in her own bed. Alone and broken-hearted, but safe. Caroline rubbed her neck, generating some circulation back into her system. She leaned over the wheel, slowing the car to a crawl. Her eyes searched for the marker leading her to the lakeside road. In the dense veil of white, she made out a portion of the welcome sign, the words concealed by patchy, wet snow. She lifted her foot off the pedal and let the car coast to where she remembered the road was, praying her memory was good. A slight drop of her right front tire caused her to clutch the steering wheel and hold her breath. For a fleeting moment, she envisioned the car rolling to its side down the steep embankment. Caroline released a sigh as the car righted and continued silently through the thick bed of snow. An eternity seemed to pass before she came to the familiar T-section of road. Her headlights illuminated the sign. One arrow pointed toward town, the other to the road leading through the lakeside residential district. She pressed lightly on the accelerator, and the cars backend fishtailed precariously. With determination fueled by anxiety, she righted the car bent on showing Devin and all the men in her life she was resilient. Caroline glanced at the speedometer, realizing she was up to twenty-five miles an hour, though in the snow, it still felt too fast. Familiar landmarks came into view, boosting her confidence of the stability of the car. Her thoughts, pressing toward home affected her foot on the accelerator. Reaching beside her for the cellular phone, she questioned whether to call her father, or wait until later when the McCudahy household was awake. Her heart squeezed tight, sorry her chance at being a part of his family seemed nothing more than an idle wish. Caroline frowned, considering her options; yet, just the same, she didn’t want to worry her father, not with his health concerns. Any undue stress might not be good for his heart. She glanced at the road darkened further with the thick woods on either side and considered her concern about his stress might well be a moot point by now. 188

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The shrill ring of the cellular phone startled her thoughts and instinctively her foot touched the brakes. Sure she was under control, Caroline pressed the receive button at the same time she realized something was terribly wrong. “Caro? It’s dad. Are you all right? How far from home are you?” His voice seemed a million miles away, in a world that did not exist for her at the moment. The sudden skid of the car left her grasping the wheel, watching in stunned horror as the nose of the car tipped into a steep embankment. Leaning flat against the seat, arms locked and her hands gripping the wheel, she willed the car to remain steady. Through the frosty windshield ahead she could see her headlights reflecting off the dark, still water of the lake not yet completely frozen. In her mind, she scrambled with what to do if the car headed toward the water. Paralyzed with fear, she noticed the bright light of the phone in the seat next to her. Caroline held her breath, her fingers aching in frantic search for the phone. The tip of her right hand barely touched it, causing it to tumble to the floor as gravity pulled the nose of her car forward. In horror her mind reasoned, it was like being at the top of a rollercoaster, about to make the first drop. “Daddy?” Her voice stuck in her throat, while her body braced for the inevitable. Without warning, the earth came rushing at her with lightening speed. Snow, tree limbs, and brush whizzed by, scraping against the car in a high-pitched screech of metal. The beam of the car's headlights bounced across the snow-covered embankment and ahead she saw the one thing that would be her end, or her salvation. With no way of knowing, she threw her arms in front of her face, throwing her body to the side as her car hit the snapped off dead tree, sticking out of the water. Somewhere in the back of her mind, her scream matched her father’s.

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The flesh inside Devin’s lip was raw from his gnawing, self-inflicted worry. He stared at the bleak, deserted road, his eyes darting from left to right each time an object on the roadside caught his eye. What would cause her to believe he wasn't being truthful in how he felt about her? Couldn’t she see he wasn't capable of pulling off such a great theatrical stunt as what had happened between them? God, if anything happened to her— Devin tried not to entertain such scenarios. He’d find her, explain the whole ridiculous mess, and hold her in his arms again. It was all he could bear to believe. Except for the occasional trucker, the world still slept at this hour. He wondered if she’d had trouble, if she was back home safe. He glanced at his cellular phone, and checked to make sure it was still on. Surely, if she’d called, Riggs would let him know. 189

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The fact he hadn’t was more of a concern. “Be all right, Caroline,” he muttered as he wiped his fingers across his eyes. The phone rang, yanking Devin from his thoughts. He snatched it up, the pounding of his heart roaring in his ears. “Yes? Caroline?” He hoped against hope it would be her. Something told him it wasn’t. “It’s Riggs, Devin.” The old man's voice cracked. The blood rushed to Devin's fingertips. In an attempt to keep focused and not lose it he coaxed Riggs to continue. “Have you heard from her?” His voice was ten times calmer than he felt inside. “Son, I’m not sure what happened. I was just talking to her, then I heard—” “What? What did you hear?” His resolve gave way to urgency and his intuition burned like fire, shooting sparks up his spine. “She was yelling into the phone, I think her signal was breaking up with the storm.” Devin waited, trying to be patient, knowing this man was undergoing a strain that could leave him with worse than a mild heart attack. “Go on sir.” A snowplow passed Devin, his swirling yellow light casting an eerie glow to the darkened highway. Seeing patches of road appear in its wake, Devin pressed his foot to the gas pedal as he waited for Riggs to continue, praying Caroline was all right. “It was after, I—I heard her scream. The phone went dead. I tried to call her back, but it wouldn’t connect, like she’d not—” Been able to hang up. Devin finished Riggs’s sentence, feeling a helpless pain pierce his heart. He forced his attention to the road, his breathing slow and deliberate. He squeezed his eyes shut, and opened them again, focusing his thoughts. “Did she have a chance to say where she was?” He glanced at his watch, trying to calculate where she might be if she’d not stopped. “No, son.” His weary voice sounded much older than Devin remembered. “Okay, listen carefully. I want you to stay near the phone in case she calls. I’m going to call the police just as soon as I get off the Interstate.” He looked at the mile marker coming up illuminated by his headlights. “I'm about an hour from the exit. I’ll call you the minute I’ve found her.” He didn’t realize how tight he’d been holding the phone; the tips of his fingers were like ice against his cheek. “Okay, be careful—and Devin?” There was a short pause. 190

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“Thank you.” “Save your thanks sir, if not for my stupidity, she’d be safe back there right now.” Devin felt his throat constrict, the image of her smiling as she teased him earlier that morning. “Find her, Devin. Make her understand. Don’t blame yourself with this.” There was the authoritative voice of the man he first heard in his initial job interview. “Right.” His mind closed down in fear. “Find my girl, Devin.” He closed his eyes and nodded, pledging to do exactly that, hoping when he did, she would be safe. “I will, sir.” He clicked the button disconnecting them. The man had already lost his wife sooner than he should have and Devin hoped with all his might he wouldn’t have to face losing his daughter. It set his jaw firm. He spoke in the silent cab of the truck. “Caroline, you can feel however you want about me, but please be safe. Wherever you are, please hang on. I’m on my way.” Devin checked the illuminated clock on the dash. The orange dots indicating the minutes seemed to come to pinpoint focus in his mind. Forty-five minutes. Exhausted from tension and weary from driving, Devin’s mind tortured him with thoughts of how her hair smelled, the satin texture of her skin, the warmth of her mouth on his. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs wishing she'd just marched into the kitchen and faced him with her fiery challenging glare. That—he could handle. Then maybe this nightmare wouldn’t be happening. He touched the ring, buried deep in the breast pocket of his flannel shirt. It lay quiet, next to his heart and for a moment his mind skipped to the possibility he might have to give it back to Riggs. The thought made his stomach queasy and he said a small prayer he would find Caroline safe and they could straighten out this mess. Devin turned the windshield wipers up a notch as the snow increased near the lake. He rubbed his knuckles across his eyes, blinking to stay focused on the road ahead. With a sigh of relief, he saw the exit sign. Tired from scanning the roadsides for the better part of the last three hours, searching for her little red corvette, Devin muttered to himself. “Dammit, I’m getting you a four wheel drive, Caroline.”

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Caroline became aware of her breathing. Impulses from her brain commanded her body to move, but her limbs were dead weight. The panicky thought hit her that perhaps she was paralyzed. 191

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She struggled to lift her eyelids. Images of white swirled in her memory, clarifying to the instant she saw the broken tree stump sticking up from out of the dark water. Caroline raised her arms instinctively to protect her face, only to discover they were bound. Confused, she raised her eyebrows hoping the motion would facilitate opening the heaviness weighing her lids. Why was she so warm? Her vision slowly cleared and she saw the backside of what she thought was a woman. She wanted to reach to her, let her know she was awake. Have her call her father. Oh God. My father. Where was she and how long had she been here? Caroline moved her mouth to speak, but her lips felt puffy—twice their normal size. Her ears pricked, tuning to the voice speaking in a fierce whisper nearby. “You can’t be serious about this. It will never work. Please be rational.” It was a woman’s voice. Caroline frowned, unable to detect any familiarity to her voice. She tried to lift her head and it throbbed from the tiniest effort. Caroline relaxed her shoulders, wondering why no one helped her. Was this a hospital? Why were her hands restrained? She struggled again to open her eyes, lifting her hands to touch them, confirming her suspicions that they too were swollen. Through a narrowed slit of vision, Caroline saw the woman turn and look at her, worry etched on her face. She opened her mouth to speak and the woman knelt immediately at her side. “Are you in any pain?” The woman touched Caroline brow, a feather light sensation flooded Caroline’s mind. “What are you going to do now?” The woman spoke over her shoulder to someone, but her body obstructed Caroline’s view. The woman stood, reaching down to wring out a cloth that Caroline had not even been aware lay across her forehead. Her gaze locked into the man's seated across the room. An icy fear gripped her throat. “Hello, Ms. Riggs.” The corner of his mouth curled with a sneer.” Good thing I came along when I did. One of the first times Maggie here was glad I came home late. That poker game ended any sooner; you’d still be lying in the heap of metal that used to be your fancy little car.” “Jonah.” The woman timidly admonished him with a voice barely audible. She returned a softened gaze to Caroline. “He isn’t really mean. It’s just when he drinks, he loses control.” It was then; Caroline knew she'd met Maggie Harris. 192

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“I do not lose control, Maggie!” His voice reverberated off the tiny room. Maggie cowered as though she'd been struck. Caroline’s throbbing headache hammered between her ears. “I’ve done all I can for her, Jonah. She may have internal injuries. We need to get her to the hospital.” Maggie stood, turning to Jonah, yet moved no closer to him. “What if she dies?” The woman stopped mid-sentence and turned, meeting Caroline’s glazed vision. There was compassion in her eyes; Caroline knew she'd done all she could. She wondered if Devin tried looking for her, if anyone had called the police. Surely, they would have been here by now, if Jonah had chosen to call them. “I need another beer, Maggie, I need to think.” Jonah pressed his shoulders to against his recliner, forcing up the footrest.

****

Devin found Caroline's car. Partly covered in snow, its front end wrapped Ushaped around a dead tree stump. He’d called the police and her father, but had yet to find her. The driver’s side door wrenched open probably in the crash, hung on its hinges, creaking in the eerie silence of the winter morning. Snow swept into a drift on the driver's side indicated it had been awhile since the accident. He found her cell phone, its battery dead, and her purse, its contents strewn across the front seat. Devin chose to tell himself the scattered items occurred in the crash, refusing to believe anything else. The white air bag lay deflated against the wheel like a tired ghost. Devin pulled his parka's hood up to protect his face from the blowing snow, and ran his flashlight beam across the parameter of the accident, his stomach churning with the morbid thought she might have been thrown completely from the wreck. Maybe she’d been thrown to the water? He pivoted, nearly falling backwards as he ran his light over the ebony water. She wasn’t dead. She couldn’t be. “Where are the police?” Devin muttered, his teeth chattering from the cold. He looked up to see a set of flashing lights on the horizon, coming around the lake. His sigh of relief hung frozen momentarily in the air. Together he worked with the police and combed the area again, this time with four men and flashlights. It was later when they brought a specially trained German Sheppard to the scene that Devin began to sense the fear and nausea in the pit of his stomach. The police led the dog to the car, where Caroline's coat lay wadded in a heap on the floor. They held the coat to the dog's nose making sure he had the scent. 193

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The blood drained from Devin's face, his brain going numb as he pushed the morbid possibilities from away. “Why don’t you go on home, Mr. McCudahy? Maybe, she’s gone to a friend’s house. We’ve called the hospital and no one’s reported any accident victims.” Devin’s gaze darted to the man’s face, his words echoing in his ears. Victim? Sunrise cast a light pewter shade to the sky. Devin wondered how long somebody with no coat could survive in the elements. “Maybe she’s left a message on your answering machine. We’ll let you know if we find anything.” He nodded, frustrated and weary. Dark, heavy snow clouds lingered over the lake, signifying the likelihood of more snow to occur in the next few hours. He didn’t look forward to the phone calls he would have to make when he got home. A small drift of windblown snow blocked his driveway and he stopped in the dusky morning light, hoping to see fresh tracks in the snow. Angry with himself, and more than heartsick by the absurdity of his situation, he revved his truck and plowed over the snowdrift, stopping just short of his front porch. Devin wrenched the keys from the ignition, tore open the door, and took one leap to the front porch. He jammed the key in the lock; anxious to get to his answering machine, holding out hope the police might be right. There was the possibility she would have called Nana, if she'd not known what else to do, or someone had stopped to help her. No matter how far-stretched each option seemed, it was infinitely more comforting than the alternative. The lock tumbled and he pushed open the door to the sound of his cell phone ringing in his coat pocket. He cursed as he fumbled through his jacket. Jerking it free from the confines of an inner pocket, he hesitated, squeezing his eyes shut, before he punched the button. He sucked in his breath. “Hello?” “Debin?” The voice sounded slurred, muffled somehow. “Who is this?” His frustration began to give way to anger. “It’s Caro—” Devin’s knees buckled and he sank to the still dark foyer. He reached out, the tips of his fingers brushing the front door shut. He sat for a moment in stunned silence. “Caroline, are you all right? Where are you? God, I thought you were—” Devin swallowed past the constriction in his throat. “Baby, tell me where you are. Let me come see you so we can straighten this out.” 194

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Devin pushed from the floor, searching around him for a pencil and piece of paper to write on. “I can be there just as soon as I call your father—” “No.” No? She sounded tired, but there was something more. Was it fear? “Where are you, Caroline? Did someone find you?” Devin rubbed his forehead trying to be patient. “My face hurts, Debin.” He steadied himself with his hand on the doorknob. “I’m coming, baby. Where are you?” His patience stretched tight. “The police are at the accident, I need to call them.” He frowned, holding in frustration. “Sweetheart, where are you?” Devin opened the door, holding the phone tucked between his chin and shoulder. More than the bitter Minnesota wind hit him with full force.

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Chapter Nineteen

Construction Dictionary: Lazy Jack; a system of levers pivoted together to give a mechanical advantage. “I’m at Jonah’s.” Caroline gauged the reaction of the huge man sitting uncomfortably close to her side. His stench was overpowering and Caroline slid closer to the chair's edge. She hoped Devin’s reaction wouldn’t agitate Jonah in his already drunken state. “I’m calling the police.” Devin's voice was gruff. Caroline shook her head no and darted a frightened look at Jonah. “He doesn’t want that. He only—” “What the hell? Has he hurt you Caroline? Do you need a doctor? I want to talk to him.” Caroline turned away, trying to stay strong. “Please calm down. He holds the cards here. I don’t think he wants to hurt me. He has other things he wants.” Her head throbbed from sitting upright. Jonah's hand covered hers, and he jerked the phone from her hand. “Hey, boss man. You back from break already?” Caroline eased away from his overwhelming presence. She watched him warily, aware of his intent gaze. Then his face cracked in an evil grin. “No, boss. We’re taking care of your little darlin', but you know, since I figure I’ve done you a good turn here, maybe you’ll do one for me. Just between friends. Beings how it was you that fired me in the first place.” Jonah reached up and touched Caroline’s cheek. She leaned back stiffly, holding his gaze in stern warning until his hand dropped. Maggie was instantly at her side. “It will be all right, Ms. Riggs,” she whispered in her ear. “I have an idea.” With Maggie's help back to the couch, Caroline could only guess how Devin was reacting to Jonah’s blackmailing proposal. 196

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“She'd be worth it, if she were mine.” Jonah turned sneering at Caroline. In the next instant, his grin faded, his gaze becoming flat like a shark. Bile rose in her throat causing her to double over and clench her stomach. Her thoughts spun aware she might have other injuries. Perhaps though, it was not knowing what Jonah was capable of causing the nausea. “We’ve got to get her to the hospital, Jonah. You promised me you would when we found her.” Maggie held her arms around Caroline. “Shut up. Now, you listen to me, McCudahy,” Jonah growled into the phone. Maggie flinched, and Caroline promised silently if she made it through this, she would make sure Maggie had a choice about staying with this beast. Her whipped reaction made Caroline shudder at what damage Jonah had already caused. She had to get Maggie to help her escape. “He’ll be asking for another—” Maggie’s words were chopped off with Jonah's acid glare. “Maggie, get me another beer.”“ With a practiced nod, she stood and walked placidly into the kitchen. She returned, dutifully waiting at Jonah's side, holding his beer. “It’s been hard around here with no work, McCudahy. I figure I’ve got some kind of compensation due to me, as it is.” Caroline took a chance and bolted toward the door, stumbling blindly around the coffee table, she hoped Maggie would help her. Jonah’s massive hand slapped her shoulder and she landed on the couch. Pain rocked through Caroline's system and she fought the tears, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. It was time to use her head. She had to get out. Jonah grabbed the beer from his wife. “She’s kind of a spunky, ain’t she? I like that in my woman, too” His voice started to slur, but his tone patronized. Jonah’s face turned serious, his eyes appeared lifeless. “I can’t be sure of her internal injuries though, you know McCudahy?” Caroline detected the taunting in Jonah’s voice. There seemed no loopholes in his twisted scheme. From across the room Caroline heard Devin’s voice bellow he would call the police. Jonah belched and smiled in to the receiver. “No, I don’t think you will. ’Cause you know what will happen? These woods are as dense as your head and I know them better than anyone around here. It’d be a shame for you to have to try to find Ms. Riggs out there in the woods, exposed to the elements. Don’t you think?” 197

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His chuckle was menacing and Caroline felt the hairs on her neck prickle at its sound. “Course, then it wouldn’t matter if she had internal injuries or not, ’cause with the temperature as cold as it is—” He stopped abruptly and she knew from his expression Devin was making his point clear. Though it had become apparent Devin’s love was only part of a disguise to push his career ahead, she couldn't help but believe he had a good heart and he would try to help her any way he could. For that and so many other things, she would always be grateful. Several times in the past few minutes, she wondered if it would’ve been best had she plunged into the icy lake. At least in that, she knew her fate. Jonah's laugh brought her attention back to the conversation. “What makes you think I can’t get by with this?” He took another swallow of his beer and walked to the tattered recliner. “Here’s what we’re going to do, McCudahy. I want one hundred thousand dollars left in the garbage cans at the restaurant. No one's over there with it being the holidays and all. Just leave the money and you can come get her. I’ll be watching, so come alone. Don’t try anything stupid.” He leaned back heavily and the chair protested with a mechanical groan. His eyelids drooped and Jonah blinked at Caroline as if trying to focus. “Crazy? I don’t think so. And don’t try to set me up.” Jonah snorted in response to something Devin said. “Yeah, sure you can talk to her. You got two hours. I don’t care how you do it, McCudahy.” Jonah held the receiver out mid-air. “Talk.” “Caroline, honey, I’m going to get you out of there. Just go along with him, don’t make him mad. When this is over, you and I have to talk.” There was a brief silence. “I love you.” A lump formed in her throat wanting to believe he truly cared for her beyond the call of duty. She nodded, growing tired. “All right, Devin.” Jonah grabbed the phone. “Less than two hours.” She heard Devin's muffled warning, but Jonah calmly dropped the receiver down onto the cradle and lifted his lifeless gaze to hers. She stared at Jonah wondering how they'd all missed the type of man walking among them. He cranked up the footrest and held out the empty bottle to his wife. “We have a while to wait, guess I'll have another brew, Maggie. And you best pack some clothes; I’m thinking sunny Mexico looks great this time of year.” Maggie took the bottle and glanced at Caroline as she passed her. The expression on her face made Caroline believe Maggie didn’t share Jonah’s love of sunny Mexico. 198

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****

Devin flipped his phone shut and stared at the bleak winter sky. Would Jonah really do what he said? He had to think and he had to move quickly. If anything happened to Caroline, he’d never forgive himself. A smile crept over his face as an idea emerged in his mind. He needed help. He needed Tundra. “Listen. I was told by Ms. Riggs to come get her dog. She had some errands to do and asked if I’d come by and pick him up for her.” Devin couldn’t believe the difficulty he'd run into with the veterinarian. However, he couldn’t really come right out and tell him he needed the dog to help rescue his fiancé from a lunatic. Providing of course, she was still his fiancée. “I better call Ms. Riggs. This is highly irregular to release a private pet without the express authorization of the owner.” The older man hesitated as he walked down the hallway toward the kennel. Devin heard the metallic clinking sound of his keys and breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “It could cost me my job, if this isn’t on the up and up.” The man glanced at Devin, his gaze serious. Devin shrugged, hoping his meek smile would convince the skittish vet. “I’m just doing what my woman asked me to do. You know, sometimes you just don't ask questions.” He held his hands up and shrugged, hoping he appeared like the hen-pecked boyfriend. The man stared at him a moment longer and unlocked the kennel. Four sheets of forms and a receipt for kennel payment later, Devin allowed Tundra to lead him through the front doors of the vet's office. His enthusiasm to leave warmed Devin's heart, if not his palm where the leather strap cinched tight. “I forgot what a big guy you are.” Devin rubbed the giant dog’s head and sighed. “We’ve got to find Caroline, boy. You’ve got to help me.” The dog paced back and forth in the cab o f the truck as if he sensed his mission. Devin checked his watch. An hour had lapsed since he’d last spoken to Caroline or to Jonah. He picked up the phone and called the police, praying he was doing the right thing. Devin surveyed the densely wooded area spread out before him, guessing an acre or better-surrounded Jonah's property. He’d spoken of his hunting on several occasions at work, bragging often about of his conquests. The thought of Jonah with a gun was an unsettling thought. 199

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He pulled to the shoulder of the main road considering whether Jonah would still be home, or if he was already at the pick up point. Worse, what if he'd already taken Caroline someplace else and left her? God help him if he hurt her. The long road leading to Jonah's cabin was drifted shut with deep snow. His truck might make it, but the noise of the engine would be loud enough to alert Jonah. Devin opened the door, slapping his thigh for Tundra to follow. The dog leapt from the car and danced in the snow, anticipating what was to come next. Devin hesitated, straining to hear or see anything thing that looked like the local enforcement. Not even the road crews were out yet. His mouth pressed into a thin line as he weighed his options. The great dog might be his only chance. “Let’s go boy.” Devin pushed through the waist high snow as he trudged into the ditch. The two scrambled up the other side, heading into the dense forest of pine and birch trees. The bitter wind burned Devin's face as he brushed back branches fighting his way through the dense thicket. Now and again, he’d catch a glimpse of the dog running ahead. Tundra paused and Devin stilled, watching as the great dog shoved his nose into the air. He sniffed, turned a complete circle and sniffed the air again following with a single bark, glancing over his shoulder toward Devin. Crouching low, Devin broke into the small clearing and whistled low to the large dog. “Tundra,” he hissed, then whistled low, trying to get the dog to respond. Unheeding, the dog spurted ahead. Devin quickened his pace through the knee deep snow in attempt to keep up the with the dog's pace. “Tundra,” he called out the dog’s name, grimacing when he realized how vulnerable he was out in the middle of the woods. Jonah could be hiding behind any number of bush or trees. What he hadn't expected was to hear his name echoing back to him from someplace in the wood. Was his mind playing tricks on him? “Devin?” Weak though the voice was, Devin knew it belonged to Caroline. He ran toward the direction of the sound following Tundra, evergreen branches slapping against his face and hands as he fought his way to the sound of her voice. Through a line of birch, in a small clearing, Caroline lay on the ground, her arms reaching up, clinging to Tundra’s neck. She had her face buried in the dog's fur. A rush of relief surged through in him as he stumbled to her, dropping to his knees at her side. He scanned the area, unsure of Jonahs whereabouts. She looked up and the sight of her bruised face with tear's streaming from her swollen eyes was more than he could stand. 200

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“I’ll kill him.” He wrapped his arms around her. Of all the options racing through his mind, letting go of her was not one he wanted to entertain. Devin shirked off his coat and wrapped it around her. He turned toward Jonah's cabin with renewed determination. “Devin, wait.” Caroline reached out to him. He dropped to his knees scanning her from head to foot, afraid she needed immediate medical attention. “Are you all right? The police will be here in a few minutes, Caroline.” He helped her to her feet and she leaned against him. “It was Maggie who helped me, Devin. She had nothing to do with this. Jonah passed out. I don’t know what would've happened. But I can’t leave her in there, Devin. When he wakes up, I don’t know what he’ll do to her.” She clutched his shirt in her wounded fist. Devin smoothed her hair and kissed her cheek. “We’ll go get her then, with any luck, he’s still passed out.” Caroline shook her head. “If he wakes up, he won't let her leave.” Devin considered his options. He could wait for the police, or try to help the brave woman that helped Caroline. “Can you walk?” She nodded. “Take me to his cabin.” He walked beside her, slowly keeping his pace to hers. He prayed the police would arrive soon. There appeared to be little movement within or around the outside of the cabin. The only sign of life was the smoke curling from the chimney. “You and Tundra wait here.” Devin positioned them behind a large pine tree a few yards from the house. He handed his cell phone to Caroline. “If anything happens to me, press 911.” “Be careful,” she whispered. Her frightened gaze searched his. “I have to be, Caroline. We have a lot of life ahead of us.” He gently touched her jaw and his heart lurched when she winced in pain. Devin crawled low as he crept toward the front porch. He pressed flat against the house, peering around the corner, before he climbed over the railing at the end of the porch. His ears strained to detect voices from inside, but only was his own breathing and the wind whistling through the pines. Devin stayed against the house, edging his body to the first window. The fact he was not trained, or the possibility Jonah might carry a loaded gun became a harsh reality, but it was too late to back out now. 201

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He checked over his right shoulder to make certain Caroline was out of sight. A movement from the corner of his eye, caused his head to whip back to the front door, where Jonah stood, his arm around Maggie's waist, a gun poised to her temple. Devin's gaze locked with Jonah's as the sound of vehicles roared from the main road into the long stretch of his drive. “Put it down, Jonah. There’s no reason it has to be this way.” Devin tried to reason with the angry man hoping to persuade him to hand over his gun. Jonah pointed the gun to the ceiling and a shot rang into the air, causing chunks of splintered porch roof to shower the three of them. Devin ducked, holding his arms protectively over his head as the shriek of sirens split the winter silence. In shrill warning, they startled Jonah and he spun toward the trucks churning up the drive. Seeing his chance, Devin lunged forward for the gun, and a large white streak leapt over his shoulder from behind. Devin dropped face down on the porch as Tundra knocked both Jonah and Maggie to the floor. Another shot rang out as the gun bounced off the porch and Devin scrambled forward, grabbing Maggie around the waist, rolling them both over the side of the porch rail, their fall broken by a row evergreen bushes. For a breath all was still, and then Maggie's ear-splitting scream threatened to deafen him. Maggie scrambled from his grasp, yelling Jonah’s name as she crawled up the slippery, wet steps to the porch. A police truck skidded into the front yard, sending a wall of snow into the air. Tundra hovered over the man, who lay wild-eyed and confused staring into space. He held his large hand clamped over his stomach. “Step aside. Miss, are you hurt?” An officer gently pushed Maggie away form Jonah, carefully knocking away the gun with his foot. Devin checked himself, as he climbed the stairs to the porch and looked down at Jonah. A patch of dark, wet blood stained his shirt, in an ever-widening circle. “Call an ambulance!” the officer yelled. He glanced at Devin. “McCudahy?” Devin nodded. “You find Caroline Riggs?” “Out here.” Devin jumped off the porch, Tundra close behind as he ran behind the huge evergreen. Caroline sat just as he'd left her, huddled and shivering on a section of snow covered log. “Is it over?” Her face was pale from exhaustion, shock, and injury. 202

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Devin nodded, gathered her in his arms, and carried her to a nearby police truck. Tundra danced circles around them and barked. “She’s going to be okay, boy.” Devin looked down at Caroline's weary head resting on his shoulder. “We’re going to be okay.”

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Chapter Twenty

Building Pathology Glossary of Terms: Repair; to restore an item to an acceptable condition by the renewal, replacement, or mending of decaying or damaged parts. Devin tested the water, dipping his hand in first to be satisfied with the temperature. He and Caroline had a lot to talk about and they’d both been through a nightmare. He was glad the hospital checked her over, and she'd agreed to being released to his careful watch. Luckily, the wounds on the surface would heel. It was the emotional scarring he worried about. Devin walked in to the bedroom. Caroline lay atop the covers of his bed wrapped in an old quilt. “Hey, I’ve got a warm bath in there. Doc says it’ll be good for your muscles. Why don’t you get in and relax? I’ll check the firewood and find us something to eat.” He brushed the hair from her forehead, kissing the gauze bandage over her eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can take you back to the hospital, if you’d be more comfortable.” Caroline shook her head. She flipped off the quilt and neither spoke as he helped her to the bathroom. “Here's my pajama top and I have a pair of sweatpants. I’ll check on you in a while.” She walked to the edge of the tub and stared down at it. He’d heard of cases where accident victims go into shock hours after the trauma. Devin paused with the door ajar. “Caroline?” His own nerves were frazzled from the million scenarios rolling over and over in his mind all day long. Stout Irish coffee sounded better and better. “Will Maggie be all right, do you suppose?” She stared at the filled tub as though unable to move. Devin eased the door back open as she turned to face him. 204

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“Honey, Maggie’s fine. We can check on her tomorrow. Jonah, they aren’t sure about, he’s still in surgery. If he makes it, where he’s going, it’ll be a long time before he sees the light of day.” Devin held her worried gaze. She appeared so fragile, unlike the Caroline he knew. His heart twisted with an ache to comfort her, but how? There was so much yet needing to be made clear. She took a couple of wobbly steps closer and lay her head on his shoulder He held her in his embrace deciding there was nothing more important to him than to care and protect her for the rest of his life. But her emotions were unsteady right now and he wanted to be sure they both felt the same. “You need to relax. Here.” He lifted her torn sweater over her head and she responded like a rag doll. A sharp gasp emitted from her, immobilizing him and he froze waiting for her affirmation to continue. He marveled at the fine line between desire and caring. Under different circumstances undressing her would have been an erotic pleasure. But the desire to see her mend, to get her beyond this catatonic state transcended any physical desire. Selfishly, he wanted to see her smile. He missed her indignant, verbal sparring. With great patience and even greater restraint, he continued to help her undress, holding her arm as she slid into the tub. He sat on the tub's edge and gently lifted her chin, suppressing the desire to kiss the bruise near the corner of her mouth. It was a miracle she had so few injuries given what her car looked like. “Tip your head back.” Devin slowly poured a glass of bathwater over her hair, careful not to dampen the bandage on her forehead. He sensed her body relaxing beneath his fingers as he massaged the shampoo through her hair. Hope stirred in Devin's heart that if she would allow him this intimacy, perhaps she'd let him explain the misunderstanding. He helped her from the tub, averting his eyes to the lather rolling over the peaks of her breasts. Holding the towel out to her, he let it slip from his fingers while he glanced at the floor, admonishing himself for the lustful thoughts stirring in his mind. Caroline dried herself as though she was alone and Devin kept his gaze to the floor, his heart starting to pound within his chest. She slipped into his pajama shirt and buttoned each one methodically. All he could think about was how fast he wanted to unbutton them. He would need to keep his emotions at bay until she was ready, providing she would ever be ready for him.

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With a sigh of relief her naked body no longer shimmered in his view, it was easier to grasp hold of his emotions. He wrapped his thick, cotton robe around her and led her to the rug in front of the bedroom’s stone fireplace. Devin sat on the floor, and tucked Caroline between his legs, her back against his chest. With gentle ease, he ran a wide toothcomb through her hair and in her weariness, he was sure, she rested against him. The crackling warmth of the fire cast a serene glow in the darkness of the bedroom. He left long enough to bring her a steaming cup of potato soup and a few saltine crackers. She ate as though gaining back her appetite and each step shed a glimmer of hope in his heart. Devin touched her shoulder, easing her against him. He did not wrap his arms around her, though he fiercely wanted to. They sat in silence for what seemed hours, watching the fire. “Are you awake?” Devin tipped his head to look at her. She nodded her gaze on the fire, her brown eyes glassy. “Caroline?” He touched her cheek and she turned her gaze to his. “I love you.” He’d never spoken truer words in his life. She stared mutely at him before looking back at the fire. His heart stopped in response to her silence. “You heard me talking to my Da, didn’t you?” She didn't have to answer. “Caroline, you’ve got to understand. I had no idea they talked about a merger. I wasn’t involved at all.” He stared at her profile, waiting for any kind of reaction. When there was none, he reached in his breast pocket and pulled out the ring. He tipped her chin, turning her face to his, hoping she would listen. “Caroline, I’m asking you to marry me. Not because of business, but because I love you, and I can’t imagine my life, however successful it may or may not be, without you. I hope you can say the same.” She held his gaze as he nervously moved the ring back and forth between his thumb and forefinger. Finally, she stilled his hand and took the ring, inspecting it carefully. “Your father told me that your mother wanted you to have this. She gave it to him, the night you were born.” Devin cleared his throat. He lifted her hand and placed the ring on her finger. Though slightly loose, it other wise, looked perfect on her hand. “Technically, it’s your ring to begin with, so it's yours without any commitment to marriage from me.” Devin took a deep breath, prepared to plead his case. “Yes.” Her voice was quietly firm. 206

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She turned her gaze to his. It was the first sign of life he’d seen all evening. He released a sigh of relief, grateful her feelings were unchanged. She leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, as much for his security as hers. She shifted in his arms, turning her face to his and he gently kissed her swollen lips. “Thank God for the air bag.” His thoughts raced to how bad her injuries might have been without it. “It could have been much worse.” She stared at him and he knew what she was saying. Devin nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat as he hugged her tight. “I think he beat her, Devin.” Caroline's eyes welled with emotion. “Jonah?” He soothed the frown in her brow with the pad of his thumb. She nodded. Devin shook his head. “I have a temper Caroline, but I swear to you, that won't ever happen.” He gave her a wry smile. “Besides, Tundra would have my hide in a heartbeat.” The great dog dozing near the fireplace lifted its head, groaned, and returned his chin to the floor. “Now, come on. It’s time I got you to bed.” Devin stood pulling her upright. Her expression held hesitation. Perhaps she thought he wanted more from her than she was ready to give. “Caroline, I just want to hold you. I need to be near you right now, and I think you need to be near me.” He scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest and walked through the dark house, Tundra close on his heels. He laid her in bed tucking the comforter around her shoulders and sat next to her until her eyes drifted shut. Devin jabbed at the fireplace embers, until a small blaze bathed the bedroom in a soothing glow. He stripped from his clothes and pulled on his knit pajama bottoms. Exhausted, he climbed into bed, and spooned against Caroline's back, carefully draping his arm around her waist. He rested his cheek to the back of her shoulder and closed his eyes. “I love you, Devin.” At last he could breathe. Devin kissed her shoulder and pulled her close, listening as her steady breathing matched the beat of his heart.

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The tree, with its sharp branches tore at her exposed skin; the bitter cold stung her open wounds. But, no matter how fast she ran, Jonah was just behind her as she ran 207

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through the dark woods. His drunken breath, hot and rancid, was scorching the back of her neck. She couldn't escape— Caroline bolted upright, escaping from her nightmare. Her thoughts muddled at first, not sure of where she was. After a moment, her attention was drawn to Tundra sleeping in the gentle, waning glow of the fireplace. “Caroline? What is it? What's wrong?” Devin propped himself on his arm, wiping his eyes with his other hand. Caroline blinked, looking at Devin as though unsure he too wasn't part of her dream. He touched her brow and she knew then she was safe. “It’s all right sweetheart, come here.” She snuggled under his arm, drawing her body against his, resting her cheek on his chest. “It was only a bad dream.” His words, like gentle fingers soothed her fears and she closed her eyes. The slow tranquil rhythm of his breathing calmed her pounding heart. She relaxed pressing her palm flat against the warm muscle of his chest, feeling his heart beat under her palm, glad she didn’t have to explain. “It's okay, you're safe” He patted her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. Caroline stared at their entwined fingers. “I was lucky. First the accident—I couldn't stop…the lake was in front of me and I couldn’t stop—”Caroline shut her eyes hand squeezed Devin's hand tight. She forced her thoughts forward. “I don’t know how long I was in the car. It seemed a long time. I was so tired, I finally closed my eyes and when I woke up, I was in Jonah and Maggie's cabin.” Devin pulled her close, cradling her in the crook of his arm, the heat from his body providing a warm security. Caroline turned her face to Devin's. “I’m sorry I put everyone through so much.” “Don’t Caroline.” “If I’d just confronted you instead—” “Hell, if I hadn't let my ego plant a seed of doubt, instead of just accepting my feelings and not being threatened—maybe none of this would've happened.” He stared at the ceiling. “If I'd lost you—” His words choked on emotion. She placed her fingers to his mouth. “We're together and I'm fine. Everything will work out. Nobody is at fault for what happened.” Her heart recognized what good came from this horrific experience. Caroline realized the gift of being able to give love, as well as receive it. 208

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Devin shifted to his side, holding her face in his palm. “So, does this mean I'm forgiven?” “There's nothing to forgive, Devin. I love you.” “Then does this mean you don't think I'm a stubborn oaf?” “There are limitations to my optimism, Mac.” She smiled, and immediately winced. He grinned. “There's the smile I’ve been waiting to see.” His thumb softly rubbed her cheek. “It still hurts.” “Your smile?” Devin softly kissed the corner of her mouth. “Probably over here, too.” He kissed the other side. “Make love to me,” she whispered, searching his face. Devin's hand stilled against her cheek. The look in his eye warred between desire and concern. “Caroline, are you sure?” He narrowed his gaze. “I mean—I don't want to hurt you.” “Promise we can take it slow?” She touched his brow. “I promise.” He kissed her forehead, her eyelids, and her nose. “You tell me if….” She grabbed his face, pulling his mouth to hers. A moan escaped her throat and Devin pulled away. “No, don’t stop.” Caroline wound her arms tight around his neck, lifting her mouth to meet his. This is what she wanted—she needed human contact. She needed him. As though a door to his reservations opened, Devin pressed her back to the bed, his hungry kisses consuming her with fire. Her every sense came alive at the glorious sensation of his mouth on her skin, a smoldering heat coiled low in her belly. Her body reacted, moved with his, savoring every delicious sensation of hard, sleek muscle against her soft flesh. Devin leaned on his elbow, unfastening the buttons of her shirt as her body burned beneath his dark gaze. She shivered watching the struggle with control on his face as he peeled back the silk material. He offered up a quiet sigh. His heated gaze traveled the length of her, drinking her in with an unbridled look of appreciation. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes realizing she never believed she would find someone who loved her so openly. 209

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Devin rocked back to his knees as he pulled her to sit in front of him. He carefully brushed the shirt over her shoulders, and it fell to her elbows. Cupping her face, he kissed her tenderly. “I want to show you how much I love you.” Caroline reached up, smoothing her hands over the smooth plane of his chiseled torso, sensing the sinewy strength beneath her fingers. “Show me.” Her heart pounded against her chest as she slid her hands inside the waistband of his pajama pants. Caroline held his gaze, half-expecting he would disappear in a misty dream. Her heart tripped with the reality of the firm muscle of his thighs searing her palms. His eyes glistened in the fire's glow as he rose to his knees, covered her hands with his, and eased the pants to his knees. For the first time, she took in the sight of him fully aroused. Caroline lifted her gaze to his. He grinned in response of her look of appreciation and she reached for him, needing to satisfy the desire to touch him. A myriad of sensations and emotions swirled inside her. As though awakening to the beauty around her, Caroline savored his body exploring his chest, sliding her fingers over his hard stomach, slipping a fingertip through the hollow of his navel, trailing past the short curls, wrapping her fingers around the solid length of him Devin braced his hands on her shoulders as she explored, marveling at the pulsating strength of his body. She leaned forward, placing her lips softly over his warm smooth tip, circling him with her tongue, empowered by his gentle moans. His body shuddered as he kissed the top of her head. “Caroline,” he whispered, tipping her chin to meet his gaze, “it's my turn.” He leaned over her and reached in the nightstand and held up a condom. She lay back, suppressing a smile as yanked off his pants, tossing them over his shoulder in abandon, and sheathed himself. Tundra gave a low grumbling growl and Devin grinned. With a pace bordering slow torment, Devin started at her feet; his warm, calloused hands caressed her legs, followed by gentle kisses at her knee on her inner thigh. Caroline held her arm over her eyes, amazed at the sensation of floating in her brain. He commanded her body, drawing pleasure at will from his every touch. He settled between her thighs, his tongue lathing over one breast, followed by his attention to the other breast, trailing kisses over her belly. Electric sensations brought her hips off the bed as his tongue dipped into her heat, tugging gently, toward the edge of oblivion. 210

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“You are special to me, Caroline.” He followed with gentle fingers, orchestrating sensations left her mind free from thought, desiring only his touch. Her body quickened to his magic as she clung to the sinewy strength of his shoulders. He lifted his gaze to hers. “God, I love you.” He captured her mouth and she wondered if she would ever get enough of him. Her body was on fire, pitching toward a sweet, familiar yearning. She reached for him, wanting to appease the fire blazing inside her. His lips slid rough over hers, her heart beat wild against his. “Stay with me, Caroline,” he whispered in the curve of her neck. “Put your arms around my neck.” His breath brushed hot against her cheek, and in the next instant, her body erupted. Wave after glorious wave of pleasure crashed over her. He shifted, nudging her leg aside with his knee and pushed fully into her. She gasped and he hesitated. “It's okay,” she whispered, seeking his mouth as she wrapped her legs around his hips. He rose to his elbows and gazed at her. The sweat on his skin glimmered in the firelight. Caroline nearly wept at the gentle concern etched on his face as he brushed away a strand of hair from her face. “Are you all right?” His words were as erratic as his breathing. He licked his lips. With every movement of his hips, she felt the rapturous weight of him resting inside her. “I didn't know it could be like this.” A tear trickled from her eye, sliding inside her ear. He smiled, kissing her softly. “You are beautiful.” Soft and wet, her body was more than ready to accept the love she had for him. Caroline closed her eyes, giving in to the gentle rhythm, each thrust building inside her, edging her upward to dizzying heights. Devin seized her mouth with a soft groan, as she lifted her hips, meeting his in sweet syncopation. A gasp rose in her throat, her fingers fisted against his warm hollow of his back as a wave after wave crashed into her carrying her away on its euphoric current. She clung to him as he rode the crest of his own pleasure, not suppressing his satisfied groan. Caroline smiled, kissing his cheek before meeting his amorous gaze. Everything around her she sensed as a new beginning. Her body and soul lay at one with this man. And whatever this glorious thing called love, her appetite for it was far from satisfied. 211

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He softly kissed her. “Not as slow as I promised.” His boyish grin caused her heart to melt. “Maybe not.” She sighed, kissing her chin, but it was wonderful.” “I did mention I want to marry you, didn’t I?” He teased. “Funny guy, you promised me slow.” She ran her foot up and down the length of his muscular leg. That fabulous leg. Caroline smiled. “It will take years of practice, you know.” He kissed her, causing desire to snake its way up her spine. A content sigh emitted from her throat as his body shifted over hers. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on, Mac.”

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Chapter Twenty-One

Building Glossary of Terms: Tie-in; a term used to describe the joining of a new roof with the old. Startled awake, Devin's eyes popped open and he stared at the empty space beside him. Her sweet scent clung to his sheets and he blinked wondering if last night had been a fantastic dream. “You snore.” My beloved awakes. He closed his eyes, letting out a quiet sigh, and grinned, his fretful heart stilled. It wasn’t a dream. Clad only in his pajama top, Caroline padded into the bedroom, holding a tray with two steaming coffee mugs. “How do you know?” He leaned on his elbow and spotted the new color of burgundy polish on the toes of her bare feet. The memory alone of those toes teasing the calves of his legs last night roused him. She placed the tray on the bed and curled up beside it, pushing the heavenly roasted concoction toward him. “Because I lay awake for a long time after—” She lowered her mouth to the rim of the cup and sipped her coffee. Her sudden shyness sent delicious mixed signals pulsing through him, remembering her voracious passion during the night. He drank a deep swallow of coffee hoping to quell the desire to have her again. “You must be exhausted.” He took another sip of coffee. She looked wonderfully rested, to him anyway. “This is great. You look beautiful this morning.” Caroline's gaze lifted to his and for a moment neither spoke. God, he loved this woman with all his heart. This feisty, brilliant woman who challenged him and who'd completely changed his life. Devin touched the bandage on her forehead with the tip of his finger. “We need to change that today. Doc said he wanted to see you sometime this week.” She nodded and placed her cup on the tray. “I let Tundra out for a bit. Poor dear is sound asleep in the living room.” 213

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He smiled and thought how wonderfully protective the great dog was. He owed a great deal to the gentle beast. Devin glanced up to see her holding out the tray for his cup. The glint in her eye sparkled with hidden amusement. “He didn't sleep very well in here last night.” She smiled. “I can't imagine why.” His neck tingled as he placed the empty cup on the tray. She crawled off the bed, put the tray on the floor, and returned, stretching her body next to his. Curling her arms around his neck, she traced her toe up his calf as if she knew that it drove him crazy. “Our parents are coming, Caroline.” He accepted her tiny nips at his mouth, already losing his willpower. “They'll likely be here any minute.” “Um, hum.” Her sensuous fingers raking though his hair as she pressed close against him followed her throaty response. His mind turned to mush when her tongue teased his lips. “You’re going to drive me crazy.” His hands moved over her of their own admission. He was completely enamored and her willing love slave. “And you’re going to marry me,” she whispered, her hand gliding down his thigh. “Right. If you don’t kill me first.” His mouth slid over hers, releasing himself to her seduction. She eased from his arms, gazing at his face. “Did I ever tell you my fantasy about the time you made me plane that door?” Her eyes sparkled as a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. He blinked from his reverie. “You too?” She nodded as she placed her hands on his chest pushing him to his back. To his delight, she held up a familiar foil packet and grinned. With gentle precision, she covered him and spoke softly as she slid her leg over his hip. “Do you still think about it, Mac?” “Only a million times a day.” He grinned, closing his eyes in sensual bliss as she eased onto him. Caroline leaned forward taking his face in her hands providing kisses that put all form of rational thought aside. “Now you remind me if I’m wrong, but wasn't the motion something like this?” She braced against his shoulders as she rocked against him mimicking the movement. A soft moan escaped his lips. “You listen well.” Fact was he would never look at planning a door in the same way. He held her gaze, delighting in knowing the moment just before she toppled into orgasmic bliss. They'd made love more than once the night before, each time yet a new 214

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discovery. Today in the light of morning, her skin dewy and warm from sleep filled his heart with more love than he thought humanly possible. She leaned back, bracing on his thighs as he spun toward his own release. Everything he was, everything he wanted to be for her and for him, glistened in the look in her eyes Her breath caught as he grasped her hips for leverage and in the next instant they came together in a fit of exhausted laughter. She collapsed on top of his chest and Devin wished that their lives would always be like this. Their bodies spent and slick from sweat, he trailed his finger lazily up and down her spine, delighting in the silky smoothness of her skin. “Do you think you’re sisters-in-law would be bridesmaids?” Her breath blew across his chest as she spoke. He smiled, brushing his fingers through her raven hair. Life with her was never going to be dull. “So was it good for you then?” He grinned, his body still in a state of euphoric bliss. “Besides, shouldn’t we decide on a date?" He teased as he brushed her hair out of her face. Her cheek lay against his chest. Caroline propped her arms on his chest with a smile. “It'll do for now.” “It'll do? Really, why don't you step into my shower and maybe we can try again?” How he’d come to crave her smile like oxygen amazed him. Tundra barked from the living room seconds before the pounding on the door began. She looked at him in surprise and he laughed. “Our parents?" They said the words simultaneously as they scrambled from bed, sheets flying, searching for their clothes. Tundra came running into the bedroom, sliding across the shiny hardwood floor, his bark faltering as he lost his balance. “Okay, boy. We’re on our way. He glanced at Caroline busy searching for her underwear in the sheets. “Need some help?” He grinned. “Go ahead, answer the door, I need a shower. I’ll be out in a minute.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “This is the second time I've missed this.” He tugged on his jeans and wrestled with turning a clean sweatshirt inside out. The look of ‘later’ in Caroline's gaze appeased him. Pushing his hands through his hair, he strode down the short hallway, straightened and took a deep breath. With a welcoming grin, he pulled open the door. “Hi guys, we were—” His mind went blank. 215

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He couldn’t very well send them into a coronary arrest by telling them what they'd just finished. “Um--just about to have another cup of coffee.” Devin stepped aside, catching the look his Ma tossed to his Da. “I imagine Caroline’s still asleep with all she’s been through.” His mother’s shoes squeaked on the hardwood floor, leaving melted snow in the wake of her tennis shoe treads. The squeak sounded as inquisitive as the underlying tone in her voice. “Devin, you really need a rug here. Look, your floor—” Caroline's voice shouted from the direction of the bedroom, interrupting his mother's decorating tips. “Devin? What did you do with my jeans?” The sound of Tundra’s toenails echoed loudly across the hardwood floor in the sudden silence. “Devin?” Caroline's voice echoed through the house, with less intensity this time. He looked over his shoulder, in effort to avoid his mother's gaze. He heard someone clear his throat, probably his Da. “Hanging on the back of the bathroom door,” he volleyed back. Hesitantly, he turned his attention back to the three parents who stared at him. Irene McCudahy broke the silence. “Well, how about I see what I can come up with to fix us all a nice breakfast, then?” She breezed by him with a wide grin as she headed toward the kitchen. Leave it to his Ma. There wasn't any crisis in life food couldn’t fix. Devin stood with the two puzzled fathers in the awkward aftermath, searching for the type of conversation you fill in with at times like these. He realized the last impression both men were left with, was there was to be no wedding. A great deal had happened in twenty-four hours. No doubt, they were curious as to the present situation. Devin cleared his throat. “The wedding’s back on.” He gave them a weak smile, which at once eased the tense moment. Receiving pats on the back and handshakes, Devin breathed deep and smiled, sure his life was back on an even keel again. He absentmindedly rubbed his neck. “So, have you set a date yet?” Irene scooped a generous portion of steaming scrambled eggs to her son’s plate. Devin glanced at his mother not knowing how best to explain that wedding dates was the last thing on their minds in the last twenty-four hours. Caroline emerged showered, dressed in her jeans and his cream colored fisherman knit sweater. 216

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“Caro.” He father stood and embraced her. “I'm sorry to have worried you. I should have listened.” Her voice muffled in his shoulder. “Shh, now. It's all over and you're safe. It's all that's important.” Her father patted her back. “Oh darlin' girl, come here to Irene.” Devin's mother turned Caroline into her embrace. Relieved, Devin saw the expression on Caroline's face relax while in his mother's embrace and he smiled, knowing it was the best medicine she could get. “You must be starving girl.” Irene directed her to the chair beside Devin. “Now tell me, because the cat seems to have my son's tongue. When are you two going to make this official?” “We haven’t exactly set a specific date.” Caroline spoke after swallowing a mouthful of toast. “We were hoping December sometime.” She reached beneath the table and grasped his hand. “If Mac can get the condominium project completed.” Stephen Riggs fork stopped mid-way to his mouth. “And if it’s not complete? Devin took a swallow of his coffee and hesitated at the underlying cautionary tone in Riggs’s voice. “I think I’ll be able to manage it, sir. Most of the work left is indoors.” Devin leaned back in his chair and pulled Caroline’s hand to a kiss. “We thought it would be nice to have the reception in the room where we first met.” He returned to Stephen Riggs’s steady gaze. “With your permission of course, sir.” Riggs smiled and glanced at Frank. “Sounds fine to me. How about you Frank?” He resumed eating. Devin's brow furrowed and the air seemed to stagnate. “No offense.” Caroline spoke before Devin could. “But why would it matter to Devin’s father?” The two old men looked at each other. “What on God’s green earth are you two up to?” Irene McCudahy placed her cup to the table with a decisive smack. “Um, well, the whole thing is rather humorous…serendipitous, I’d think you’d call it, wouldn’t you say Frank?” Riggs waved his hand in a small circle like a magician conjuring a spell. Frank McCudahy nodded enthusiastically as he stabbed a fork to his eggs. “Frank?” The tone in his mother's voice was one Devin remembered many times over the years. Except for him, it was likely followed by a willow switch across his 217

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backside. He doubted his father would receive the same fate, still the look on his mother's face made him wonder just the same. They were going to explain the merger idea, Devin knew it as sure as he was sitting there.

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Caroline stopped eating and straightened in her chair, arms crossed as she stared at her father. Irene mirrored her stance. Devin closed his eyes and hoped for the best. “This is really not of grave importance right now, you three.” Frank McCudahy wiped a napkin across his mouth as his gaze darted to each one. “What’s not important?” Irene inquired. “All right. It’s an amazing story, really.” Frank McCudahy stood, walked to the coffee pot, and slowly refilled his cup. “The day Steve and I met again, after all those years. He told me he knew it was you. He remembered you from the visits he and Lila made to our house.” He sauntered to the sliding glass door and stared outside. Caroline looked at Devin who seemed deep in thought; perhaps he was trying to remember her parent’s visits. Irene McCudahy sat very still, her gaze intent on her husband standing at the door. “You were only two, Devin. It’s not likely you’d remember that well, if at all.” Frank turned, staring at Stephen Riggs. “I remember you and Lila wanting to start a family. You hadn’t been married more than a year.” It seemed in the silence everyone was processing this new information. It was certainly new at any rate, to her, Devin, and from the looks of things—even Irene. “Lila loved you on sight, Devin.” Stephen Riggs toyed with the handle on his cup. He smiled, perhaps remembering a sweet memory. “We grew very fond of you, and were so happy when Lila got pregnant. We spent a great deal of time with your folks, asking advice, talking about parenthood. It was quite a tender sight to see you snuggle up next to Lila on the couch and rub her belly as you talked to the baby inside.” Caroline looked at Devin and felt an eerie spiritual impulse pass between them as they held each other's look of realization. “Your mother dreamed of the day when you two would get to know each other.” Stephen chuckled softly. “She spoke often about how she hoped you two might grow up perhaps to be friends, like we all were.” Riggs nodded toward Frank and Irene. He paused, taking a deep breath before he continued. Caroline’s eyes welled. She noted Devin's worried expression. 218

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“Aye, I do recall her mentioning that several times.” Irene spoke with a wistful expression. “Mr. Riggs? Da? Maybe we should save this discussion for another time? Caroline's been through a lot in the past few hours, maybe this is all too much for her to grasp at once?” Devin touched her arm and it startled her. The thought rattled loose in her head that the possibility of the distance she perceived between she and her father may have had something to do with him wanting a son, instead of a daughter. “Were you disappointed when I wasn’t the little boy you wanted?” she spoke in a strained whisper.” Her father paled. Oh no, Caro. We were crazy about you from the beginning. You were this perfect, healthy little wonder.” “You told me she died after I was born, but how did she die?” Caroline was vaguely aware of Devin’s hand resting on her arm. Her father paused, it was clear he still felt the loss. “She went into a coma after the C-section. At some point there was an aneurysm, though doctors could never fully determine the origin.” He took a deep breath and shrugged as he focused on the table. “Father—” “Stephen, you never told us what happened. That day at the construction site—” Riggs held up his hand. Caroline's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the look on her father’s face. He continued, though with great difficulty. “When she died, I couldn’t think straight. I wanted to die with her. I lost touch with my family, friends…everyone. I took you and Nana, and left Chicago. I couldn't face anyone. My only comfort was in working hard to build the company Lila and I started.” He swiped a weathered finger over his eye. “I guess I figured as long as I focused on work, the pain would go away.” Devin glanced at his father, then back to hers. “What happened at the construction site? Was she the woman, Da?” “It was one of those things, son. It couldn't have been helped. I pushed her out of the way when I saw a strap snap on a pile of lumber. She'd come to see Stephen. We went to different hospitals, I never knew what happened.” “She'd have been killed and Caroline along with her had it not been for your father.” Stephen Riggs cast a somber gaze at Devin. Caroline's eyes pooled as she listened. Her father's voice was rough, obviously having trouble with the memory. She clutched the coffee cup in front of her for support. 219

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“And I regret that now, Frank. I didn't know you'd been hurt. They called and I went directly to Lila. When I got there she was already heading to surgery for an emergency C-section. Sometime during the surgery, she suffered an aneurysm and never awoke. Since she donated her body to science, there was nothing left for me there. I needed to start fresh with Caroline and Nana.” “God in heaven be with us.” Irene whispered. “There were times I know you felt it, Caro, I couldn’t be around you. You are the spitting image of your mother.” He glanced down at his cup, lips quivering. I'm sorry I didn’t try to contact you Frank…Irene.” He turned to Caroline. “I'm sorry for not being the father you deserved, Caro.” “Stephen, I'm sorry. I had no idea. How horrible it must have been for you.” Frank reached out and grabbed his friend’s hand. Tears streamed down Caroline's cheeks. Something inside of her yearned to break free, run to her father, and embrace him with the love she’d held inside for so long. She stood slowly, walked to her father, and knelt at his side. He took her face in his hands, tears running down his wrinkled face. She hugged her father and suppressed memories of her childhood flooded her thoughts. The meals she ate alone in the huge dining room, the mysterious car rides to a gravesite of a woman she’d never known, the roses she was given to place on her grave. All the years he'd carried this pain with him, it was no wonder he'd been so distant. Perhaps providence was giving them a second chance to heal the wounds—in all of them. She hugged her father tight and opened her eyes to see Devin sniff once and glance at the floor. Irene reached across the table and squeezed her son’s hand. Three years hardly seems fair when you love someone. Devin looked at his father. “So why wait until now to tell us all of this? Why didn’t you say something sooner?” He looked from one man to the other. Caroline pulled from her father’s arms, wiping her eyes. She realized the implications of what this meant for Devin. His professional pride was at stake. Had her father hired him out of obligation, or because of his abilities? She paused behind Devin’s chair and placed her hands on his shoulders. No matter what happened now, they would always have this connection. Frank sat down at the table. “Isn't it obvious?” Frank looked at his son with a raised brow. Devin glanced first at Caroline and then to his father. 220

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“If we’d told you Stephen had given you the bid for this project, because you were the child of a friend he knew at one time, would you have accepted the job?” Caroline lowered herself into the chair beside Devin. A frown settled over his expression. “Is that why you hired me?” Devin turned to her father. Riggs pressed his lips together emitting a sigh as he returned Devin’s steady gaze. “Yes, but I was very impressed with your résumé too, son. I knew the solid background you came from. I guess maybe I saw the opportunity to make things right. To put the pain of the past to rest. Whether I ever made contact with your folks again, at least I'd made my peace through you.” Frank McCudahy quickly spoke, “I came immediately when I heard the name and when you spoke about his daughter, I was fairly sure. It was time to reconnect, our friendship is too important. We owe that much to Lila.” Her father pressed on, offering reason for his request to have Caroline shadow Devin. “Caroline’s desire to study design and to visit the project with me was something that just happened. When I saw the two of you together though, I have to admit the idea of her shadowing you, getting to know you as a person, was something I know my wife would have wanted.” Caroline watched as Devin studied the two men. “You hadn’t planned a merger all along then? You just hoped we would get together?” The two older men reared back with shocked expressions. “Of course not,” Stephen Riggs replied. “What do we look like, matchmakers? Nope, the merger idea came after the engagement.” Frank tapped the table with his forefinger. “Nice of you to wait that one out, Da.” Devin’s voice was laced with gentle sarcasm. He squeezed Caroline’s hand. “And let me just say in observation, it looked pretty touch and go for awhile there, too.” Frank leveled an incredulous look at his son. “The point is, we're here now, together.” Riggs quickly interjected. “And your mother, I know is smiling down on all of us.” Caroline’s head reeled in this newfound information. The most difficult to grasp was the fact she was connected in an odd way to Devin even before she was born. “So, then why didn't you tell us this when we met?” Riggs smiled with a mixture of sadness and love shining in his eyes. “A lot of years have passed Caroline. I never expected one day the son of my dearest friend would 221

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walk into my office and place a bid on my condominium project. There was no mistake whose son he was, but I could see the fierce determination he had to handle it on his own. So, I didn’t want him to think I was favoring him in any way.” Riggs slapped Devin on the arm. “And I’ve never regretted one moment. Not one. “After Frank came to visit, we entertained the possibility of a merger, to combine the skills of both our families. But at the time, it didn't look like our heirs were going to be of any help in that department.” Riggs continued, “Neither of us is getting any younger, and we thought we could help you two starting out your careers by making you full partners. If you like Devin, we can include your brothers.” Stephen Riggs looked at the faces surrounding him. “I can't think of a better group of people as heirs to my business than the family I'm surrounded with here.” Devin turned to Caroline with a smile. “We'll need to talk about this, but we'll let you know after the wedding.” “That’s all we're asking you to do.” Frank McCudahy slapped the top of the table. Irene touched Devin's shoulder, her gaze tentative as it bounced from Devin's to hers. “Do you think you need more time to let things settle, my loves? Before you set a wedding date? Silence again pervaded the room, the reality of the loss they'd both endured, evident in the gentle concern of Irene McCudahy's eyes. Devin finally spoke, his hands fisted together as they sat side by side. “No one is to blame for what happened a long time ago. All we can do is live for today and hope for tomorrow. This doesn't change how I feel about Caroline. And if she's willing, yeah, I'd like to go ahead with the wedding.” He glanced up at her, waiting for a response. “December twelfth.” Caroline stood, placing her hands on the back of Devin’s chair. He looked up at her, craning his neck to catch her gaze. “Can we get everything arranged before then?” Irene McCudahy laughed. “Oh please Devin, my love. I’ve had Monsignor on standby for the last five years.” Her laughter was laced with joyful tears. Caroline curled her arms around Devin’s neck. “So, you were infatuated with me even before you knew me, eh, Mac?” she whispered in his ear. He chuckled, grabbing her hands as he stood, wrapping his arms around her. 222

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“Probably telling you how feisty you are even then.” “You know your charm was the very first thing I noticed about you.” She gazed into his face, certain despite the banter they shared, she'd found her soul mate. The one man, it appeared fate intended her to be with for the rest of her life. It filled Caroline with a great sense of belonging. “December twelfth is a perfect date,” replied her father. “You don't mind?” Caroline questioned her father. “What’s special about December twelfth?” Devin asked. “It’s my mother and father's anniversary,” replied Caroline. “Sounds perfect to me,” he whispered. Caroline glanced up at him. “You're perfect.” His brow quirked as he held her gaze. There was no mistaking what thoughts passed between them. Devin’s mother cleared her throat as she rose to clear the dishes from the table. “And this wedding best get here soon too, or I’ll be buying baby clothes and wedding gifts at the same time.” Her back was turned as she spoke. Caroline felt her face flush with embarrassment. “Ach, Ma.” Devin blurted out in as much astonishment as Caroline’s embarrassment. “Devin, my child, I wasn’t born yesterday. Ask me if I think you're a saint?” Irene glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her son. She offered the same to Caroline. “Believe me, I know what you’ve had to deal with Caroline. Oh my Lord. The stories I could tell you about Frank when I first met him.” She raised her hands, casting her gaze heavenward. “Irene, time to go. It’s a long trip back.” Frank stood, scraping the chair across the floor in his hurry. “Stephen, call me and we'll talk business after the wedding.”

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Chapter Twenty-Two

Building Glossary of Terms: Beam; a heavy main support structure. Stephen Riggs stood proudly at the entrance, scanning the grounds of the recently completed Riggs-Regency Complex. He smiled as his gaze rested on reflection of the late afternoon sun off the skylights. He tucked his hands deep into his coat pockets warding off the cold Minnesota wind, yet inside his heart was warm with fond memories and the promise of happier ones ahead. Devin had done well. He’d not given the two young people much hope in the beginning. The first day they met, he wondered if it wise for them to meet at all. From the onset, it appeared they might kill each other before having a chance to get to know one another. Still, all had turned out and even better than hoped. He smiled, glancing up at the wintry afternoon sky. “Well Lila, we've come full circle. Thank you…for everything.” His shoes crunched on the gravel drive as he climbed into the limo taking him to the tiny lakeside church.

****

Devin offered apologetic glances to Caroline and to the priest standing before them. It was all he could do to stay focused on his words as he recited the wedding vows. His mother’s joyful sobbing could be heard in ten counties. Much to his relief and with a similar look from the priest, he finally threw Devin those life-saving words. “You may kiss the bride.” And he did so, with great exuberance. “We’ll wait to call until after the honeymoon.” Devin’s mother whispered as she hugged Devin tight. She hugged Caroline tight, holding her at arms length with admiration shining in her glistening eyes. “Your dear Ma is smiling down from heaven today, my dear Caroline.”

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Irene bit her quivering lip and smiled. “Now it’s a little McCudahy tradition to call our children on Saturday evenings. Five o'clock has always been Devin's designated slot. Naturally we'll wait until after the honeymoon before resuming our calls.” Devin suppressed a grin at the expression on Caroline's face, but bless her intelligent wife's heart; she nodded with a smile and a side-glance to him of, ‘we'll talk later’. A jovial Stephen Riggs appeared beside them and hugged them both. “It was a wonderful ceremony. You mother has to be so happy.” He turned to Irene McCudahy and offered her a gentleman's bow. “May I have this dance?” His mother held her hand to her throat, and looked at Devin, with question in her eyes. “What would your father say?” She leaned to him and whispered. “He’d say, go dance,” Devin replied in a mock whisper, his smile wicked. “You’ve the smile of the divil himself, Devin McCudahy.” She narrowed her gaze “So it is you never fail to remind me, Ma.” Devin responded with a thick Irish accent. “I’m going to miss those novenas though.” His mother raised a brow as she walked onto the dance floor and a tingling began at the base of his neck. No doubt she would give him a month or two reprieves before bringing up the topic of children. Devin averted his gaze from his mother, turning to his new bride. “Would you like to dance?” “I seem to recall another time you asking me the same question and I got perhaps all of seven minutes in your arms.” Devin placed his hand on the small of Caroline’s back as he led her to the dance floor. “Let them try this time.” He twirled her once, to the applause of the room, and pulled her close. The scent of her perfume wove around him just as it had done the first—and last—time he'd danced with her. “What is that perfume you wear?” He touched the tiny iridescent baubles decorating her earlobe, considering how best to nibble them off—later. “Moonlight Mist.” He looked into her eyes and for the first time saw himself in her gaze. It was a humbling and decidedly erotic moment. He grinned, thinking how many times before he'd looked into those eyes and seen many different emotions. Love was one of them he planned to work very hard at producing in those gorgeous amber eyes. “Is that the smile you’re mother was referring to Mac—the one that looks like the ‘divil’?” She tipped her head, returning his ornery grin. 225

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“I suppose it is.” He leaned close, poised to kiss her, when a movement caused him to glance over her shoulder. “Well, would you look at that.” At the doorway stood the object of his surprise. Maggie Harris had her hand tucked in Jeff's elbow. It appeared they'd come to the reception together. Caroline smiled as she turned her gaze back to him. “I'm so glad to see her. These past few weeks since Jonah's death, haven't been easy, I'm sure. She deserves some happiness in her life, don't you think?” She started toward them and Devin caught her wrist. “I agree she does, and Jeff will treat her right. He's a little rough around the edges, but he's a descent guy. Why don't we let them alone to get to know each other?” Devin slid his arm around Caroline's waist to ensure she didn't get away from him this dance. “I'm dancing with my wife.” “We should at least greet them. What if they're looking for us?” He pulled her close, searching her gaze. “All they have to do is look for the groom kissing his bride.” “Which brings up a valid point,” she spoke as he prepared to kiss her. “And what would that be?” “I’m starved. When do we get to eat?” “Are you seriously thinking about food?” His gaze dropped to her mouth, certainly more tempting than anything the caterers had prepared. Devin kissed her, lingering long enough to end with a deep breath. “We are however, in a crowded room, food might be a more acceptable option.” Devin scanned the room full of people who'd come to wish them well on their new life. It was an eclectic mix of the crew from the condominium project, officers, staff from her father’s firm, Nana, and some of her family, and the rest, all nieces, nephews, cousins, and assorted other relatives, and friends from Devin’s side. It was a good thing Stephen Riggs approved having the reception in the newly finished condominium complex before it was opened to the public, they wouldn't have been able to get this many people in the church basement. He rested his arm over the back of Caroline's chair as they greeted the many well wishers stopping to wish them happiness. Caroline tipped her head, glancing down at her lap. Devin followed her gaze to the rainbow prism of light bathing her wedding gown. She grinned with confident wonder offering him a superior smile. “Don’t let it go to your head woman.” he whispered leaning to speak in her ear. “Isn’t it beautiful?” She looked up, smiling at the skylights. 226

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His memory rushed back to the day they'd met. Thank god for those unplanned skylights. Devin cupped her chin, turning her gaze to his. “You are beautiful.” Crimson tinged her pale cheeks as he lowered his head to kiss her. A thunderous roar of utensils tapping against glass engulfed the room. “Can we get out of here?” He traced a finger along the neckline of her dress, pleased when he sensed her shiver. “You don't think anyone will notice that the bride and groom are gone?” Her brow arched, but her smile indicated she was on the same page. He scanned the room full of people caught up in the celebration. “They’re oblivious to us. I bet they’re still here by morning. I, on the other hand, have no intention of being here” He nuzzled her neck, slipped a kiss to her cheek, and sat back with a patient smile, and as if on cue, another wave of clanking followed. “Oblivious, huh?” She smiled. He kissed her again to appease the masses. “Please?” He checked his watch and looked at her with pleading eyes. “We've done about everything else we're supposed to do on our wedding day, except the part where I get to undress you—” Caroline held her finger to his mouth. “Let me talk to my father, you go catch your folks.” She scooted from the table, gathering up armfuls of her taffeta and lace skirts. Devin grinned, searching the room for his parents.

****

Devin leaned against the door watching her silently, appreciating how the simple cotton poet's gown softly caressed her curves, riding up her thigh as she reached across the bed to fluff his pillow. His heart beat with a slow thud, as she turned down the bedcovers, marveling how something so routine could be so damn sexy. Yes, his blueprint for life had taken a decided turn and he suspected even daily life with Caroline, would never be routine. In fact, their union was nothing short of a miracle, given all they’d been through. His stomach quivered and his hands itched, remembering the satiny smoothness of her skin. She glanced up with a smile, like a woman smiles when she wants your approval. And he did, promising to show her just how much. “Toast?” He handed her a bottle of ale. “I thought we should take a moment to unwind. We have a whole week ahead of us.” 227

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“I’m glad you feel that way, Devin. I wanted to talk to you about something on my mind.” She plucked the bottle from his hand and sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace. “Now—as in, right now?” Sure, he wanted her to be at ease, but talking wasn’t what he had in mind. “You said we had plenty of time.” She gave him an inquisitive look. “Well, yeah, but I meant—” He chuckled as he lowered to the rug. “Never mind, what is it?” The warmth of the fire felt wonderful against his back, easing the tension of the day. He bent his leg, resting his arm across it, the bottle dangled from his fingers. She tapped her bottle to his and smiled. “To our future together and for many more nights as wonderful as this one.” “Aye.” He studied her face, radiant in the fire’s glow and silently thanked his mother for all her prayers. “I agree.” He started to get up thinking she was finished. “Oh, there's one more thing.” Devin sat back down, raising his brow in question. The day, the wine, and the cold were taking their toll. Besides, he had other plans before they slept tonight. “I think we should seriously consider the offer our fathers' made to us.” “Wait, I thought you didn’t want it to have anything to do with their business merger?” Suffice it to say, he couldn’t believe he was having this conversation on his wedding night. “But I thought it over and I think there might be a way to benefit everyone.” Her eyes held a business-like glint, one he could easily see heading up board meetings and power lunches. As sexy the image was, he had even better ones in mind. “Caroline, as stimulating as I think this conversation is—or could be. I have to confess I'm not going to hear two words on any subject other than where you'd like me to kiss you next. I want to do unspeakable things to your body.” With no further convincing, he drew the bottle from her loosened grip and placed them on the hearth. Her eyes went from bright to smoky; her gaze alone caused a tightening below his belt. “We'll table this for a later time, then?” “Much—how about Friday?” She held out her hand to him. “Maybe when we run out of things to do to each other.” Devin slid his fingers through her silken hair. “My grandda told us we'd each meet our match one day.” He chuckled quietly recalling his words. “He said, ‘Someone will cast her spell, blind you with love so you won’t be able to think of anything else.’ I 228

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sure didn't believe him, even when I watched it happen time after time with my brothers. I couldn’t understand how they juggled both work and family and yet seemed so content.” Caroline's fingers deftly touched his chest, followed by the gentle caress of her lips. “What did I do to deserve you?” Devin held her face in his hands, his mind searching for an answer before kissed her. In his mind, he made a promise he would spend the rest of his life being worthy of this precious gift he'd been given. “Granddad was right.”

****

Caroline stretched and rubbed her eyes. She felt decadent. As she sat up, she pushed back her hair and searched the room. Sinful, delicious, and decadent. Mrs. Caroline McCudahy. She grinned with a satisfied stretch, thinking of how it sounded— maybe, Mrs. Caroline Riggs—McCudahy. They told everyone they were headed to a warmer climate. And they were—straight to the warmth of the cabin’s stone fireplace. Together they decided Devin’s cabin was far enough removed from civilization to warrant the privacy they sought. There were woods for walking, cross-country skiing, and by careful planning; they’d stocked enough of what they needed, unless they chose to emerge. Given the look in Devin’s eye, she didn’t think it would be anytime soon. Where is my new husband anyway? Caroline tucked the sheet under her arms, and waited. Surely, he wasn’t far. His legs wouldn’t be able to carry him. She grinned at the number of foil packets, littering the nightstand. As though hearing her thoughts, he appeared then at the bedroom door, balancing a pile of logs in his arms. “Good morning, Mrs. McCudahy.” A shiver ran through Caroline as she watched him shrug off the flannel shirt he’d thrown on over his jeans. “Good morning, Mr. Mc Cudahy.” “I let Tundra out for awhile.” Devin spoke over his shoulder as he rearranged the logs in the fireplace. “It snowed again last night.” He ignited the paper waiting for the kindling to take hold before he stood. The sight of his bare rippled back in the stark light of day ignited a fire of another kind within Caroline. She smiled as he turned, unzipped his jeans, and pushed them to the floor. He grinned; wearing only what God gave him. And a fine job you did. 229

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He made a mad dash to the bed, pulling her close to get warm as he tucked the down comforter around them. Her scream fortunately, was not heard for miles. “How cold is it out there?” “Cold enough to snow.” She held him at arm’s length. “But, you’re not warm.” “I would be if you’d hold still.” “And what about me?” “I was getting to that, but it requires the two of us keeping very, very close.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her into his embrace. His kiss to her forehead precipitated another to her ear, and another to her neck. “Getting warm?” he whispered. Her stomach growled alerting her to the fact she hadn’t eaten much in the past few hours. “Yes, and hungry.” “You get hungry at the most inopportune times.” “Did you teach Tundra to make coffee?” He chuckled and kissed her temple. “It’s two-thirty.” “In the afternoon?” She leaned on her elbow, staring at him in disbelief. “It looks dark because it’s overcast.” He gazed up at her, the shadows from the firelight casting shadows on his handsome face. The back of his fingers gently stroked her cheek. “Did you have an appointment elsewhere, Mrs. McCudahy?” His smile was warm and wicked. Fire licked at her toes and she was several feet from the fireplace. “Not if you promise to feed me,” she purred, gliding her hand down his body. He grinned. “We’ll start with dessert.”

****

By weeks end, she felt full kinship to the cottage he'd built. By trial and error they'd tested the durability of most of the handmade furniture just to satisfy Caroline's curiosity. The one piece still in question was a magnificent burgundy brocade settee that graced the reading corner of the living room. Devin suggested they save the piece for their anniversary. He was able to explain in terms she never guessed erotic, how he used his hands to gently rub the wood, bringing the grain to a heightened polish and sheen. Hours of patient focus and passion for what he loved resulted in a thing of immeasurable pleasure.

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When she married him, she had no idea how a man could turn the description of making furniture into making love, but Devin was able to convince her he was a genius at his craft. For the better part of the honeymoon she'd also been looking for the right time to discuss her father's offer, wondering if it was the best for either of them. Them—it was odd how her perspective had changed from “me” to “we.” The experience of being held captive by Jonah had taught her there was more to live for than in her narrow view. Now she wanted to live life—with Devin—to its absolute maximum. Her opportunity came as they sat snuggled under a blanket in the living room watching a video movie. “I've been thinking.” “Uh oh.” He teased her with an ornery grin. She smacked his chest. “Ow,” he winced. Caroline threw him a look that she knew better. She’d been privy to his morning ritual workout, attempting herself, to follow his rigorous routine, though she had to admit some exercises had been abbreviated and varied in theme. “How does the name McCudahy-Riggs Designs, Incorporated sound?” Devin leaned back, stretching his long frame the length of the couch, forcing her to stand. “Go ahead, I'm listening.” He patted his lap and she sat down reaching over to get the remote and turn down the volume. Caroline shifted on his lap, realizing the movie wasn't the only thing on his mind. She gave him a skeptical look. “You're not listening. I'm not even sure you've been concentrating on the movie.” “I've been concentrating. You make me watch these chick flicks and what do you expect? Besides, I'm multi-tasking.” He shifted with a wicked grin. “You were saying?” Caroline knew what she was about to do was something she'd determined she would never do in her life. Never say never, Riggs—Devin's words the night in the pickup came back to her, causing her smile. “It only makes sense we combine our skills, Mac. You could help with designs and I could help with construction.” “Yeah, I've seen your work with a planer.” He grinned. “I'm serious. Think about it, if we accept the additional shares offered to us we could use that as start up for a branch business of our own. It's the best of both worlds.” 231

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He narrowed his gaze as if deep in thought. “Okay, one condition.” He held up a finger. “Sure, what?” “You had me at hello,” Renee Zellewiger's character blurted through her tears on the television screen. Caroline picked up the remote and hit pause as she embraced Tom Cruise. Devin sat up, wrapping his arms around her. “No skimpy sundresses on the worksite and those sandals are definitely out.” She loved this man. Caroline stared at him, searching his face to be sure he wasn't kidding. “That's it, nothing else?” He shrugged. “Of course there is the concern of whether we're compatible for such a merger.” “McCudahy, we've done nothing but merge all week.” “Shh, I'm on my honeymoon, its part of the job description.” She turned into his embrace, pushing him to his back. “On the other hand, sleeping with the boss sounds almost—feisty.”

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Epilogue

Building Glossary of Terms: Integrity; soundness, with no part or element deficient in performance. Caroline tipped her sunglasses and smiled as she steered the Eddie Bauer Limited Edition into the reserved parking space. Stepping carefully from the huge vehicle, she paused to adjust her black sundress, and laughed as she reached across the seat to retrieve her purse. Devin insisted on the Explorer as long as they were making their home in the wilds of Minnesota. This December they would celebrate their marriage of two years, as well as their successful business partnership. She placed a hand to her stomach, hoping to calm her nerves. For now, she could still wear the black dress he'd banned from construction sites. Caroline moistened her lips and stepped into the office. “I did my best to keep quiet.” Maggie Harris greeted her with a hug. It was Devin's idea to hire her. She and Jeff were officially engaged and planning a wedding in the fall. “Is he in?” She gave an ornery grin to her friend. “All clear.” Maggie returned a wink to Caroline. “Thanks.” Her face warmed at Maggie's glowing acceptance of the news she'd shared only moments ago when she'd called to see if Devin was in the office. Carline paused, took a deep breath, and opened the door. To see him was always an emotional blow to her senses. He smiled as he came around the desk, sidestepping Tundra’s tail in the process. The dog barely opened one eye before he drifted back to sleep. Devin leaned against the desk’s edge, hooking his fingers inside his tie as he loosened the buttons of his dress shirt. It disarmed her at how handsome he looked in a tailored shirt and pants. His dark eyes sparkled. She almost forgot why she'd come. 233

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“I seriously love that dress.” He crooked his finger. “But tell me you didn’t wear it when you checked on the crew today.” Married two years to this man and he could still make her blush. Part of it she knew, was the news she had for him. “Nope, I didn’t have time to stop by, I'll check it tomorrow.” She dropped her purse to the guest chair and walked over to him, nestling herself between his thighs. “Hey, we have some developments in the McCudahy—Riggs merger.” Her hands held onto his arms, delighting in their solid firmness—much like the man himself. Devin tipped his head with a curious expression. “Is it the Houseman project?” He frowned. She shook her head and leaned forward kissing him softly. “We’re going to have a baby,” she whispered as she searched his eyes a breath from her own. From the look on his face, it occurred to her he might be in shock. He stared back in wide-eyed silence. “Mac?” She took a step back, but he caught her, holding her firmly in place. Still, he said nothing. He took a deep breath as he glanced to the floor, his forehead dropping gently on her shoulder. She felt something warm touch her skin. It was a moment before Caroline realized it was his tears. He pressed his lips to her neck, moving to her mouth. She could taste the salt on his lips. “Oh, my God.” He took a quiet shuddering breath and gazed at her, tears streaked his face. “You are happy about this? Right?” Tears spilled over in her eyes. “Breathless,” he whispered, holding her face, kissing her again. “Well, if one makes you this happy, think how giddy you'd be about the long range dividend possibilities of future such mergers.” She trailed her finger down the length of his sturdy jaw, resting it on his lower lip. “I promise to put all of my stock into the effort.” He tightened his embrace lifting her from the floor. Caroline curled her arms around his neck. “I thought the idea would excite you." Her heart accepted the security she felt in Devin's arms, knowing they would one day have a large and happy family. She couldn't wait to tell the new grandparents-to-be and the rest of Devin's family. “Double that; add ten percent and I'll make you satisfied with the end product.” 234

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“I like the way you think, McCudahy.” Caroline slipped the tie from Devin's neck. She placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Wait a minute, who are you calling an effort?” She leaned back gazing into his dark ornery gaze. He chuckled quietly and pulled her into another kiss. Tundra slept soundly.

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About the Author

Breathless sensuality and undeniably romantic are the earmarks of books by Pamela Johnson. The author of several published romance genres, including paranormal and erotic romance as Amanda McIntyre, Pamela juggles a weekly news column and family, with much support from the latter. She is the recipient of numerous awards, finalist positions, nominations, including television and the Romantic Times Cover Model Pageant, being a Midwest Book Reviews feature book, RTR's Reviewers Choice, a Dorothy Parker nominee, 2003 TRS CAPA Award winner, finalist for 2004 CAPA, and a Love Romances May 2005 Rising Star. Her multi-author non-fiction charitable book, Crumbs in the Keyboard," about the challenges women face in writing, generated over $2500 to benefit the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, Ky. and elevate the awareness and help for domestic violence. Visit her website at www.pamelajohnson.net Also available from Pamela Johnson and Titan Press: White Eagle’s Lady Collections of the Ethereal Soul (Poetry)

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