Page 29 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

“And you once thought you would be all your life?” she asked.

He shrugged. “It’s what I know. I had four foster homes growing up. By the time I was in high school, I knew not to become attached—there was always the possibility of being yanked to yet another one. This kind of life followed suit. The upside is the travel to countries I’d never have visited if I weren’t doing this kind of work.”

“So what changed?”

“Almost getting killed. Life is suddenly more precious than I expected. Things can change in a heartbeat. You and your husband had hopes for the future, he died. I don’t plan to live in fear for the rest of my life, but I don’t plan to take it for granted, either.”

She nodded, surprised to realize the crushing ache she used to feel when reminded of Tom’s untimely death didn’t threaten her tonight. She studied Myles for a moment. He looked tired, but virile and intriguing. She rarely related to people as easily as she had with him. Or invite them into her home.

It seemed right with Myles. Was it because he was recuperating from serious injuries and she felt compassion for all he’d been through?

No, she didn’t feel sorry for the man. The truth was, he fascinated her. He lived abroad and worked at a job most men never even dreamed about. He’d faced danger and survived.

On a purely physical level, he attracted her. His eyes were dreamy. His lips drew her attention again and again. Despite the recovery mode he was in, he was muscular and strong and made her feel special.

She blinked and looked away, seeking a picture of Tom. For once the connection she normally felt was missing. It was merely a colored photograph of a man she’d once known, loved and now mourned. Tom was gone.

Anna wasn’t dead. And while they’d never discussed what the other should do if one died young, she knew Tom would have wanted her to explore all facets of life. To move on and find happiness elsewhere if she could. He’d loved life, loved her, and loved Zack. He’d want the very best for them even if he couldn’t provide it.

Did that mean getting to know someone else? Someone so different? Someone who made her feel like she was on the edge of something wonderful and thrilling—yet scary.

She wasn’t ready for that. She’d had a great marriage with Tom. It’d be highly unlikely she’d find another man who could give her the same thing.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She looked at him. “Yes, why?”

“Your expression looked almost scared.”

“Sorry, I was thinking of something else.” She glanced almost apologetically at Tom’s picture, then smiled at Myles. “Have a cookie, or aren’t macaroons ones you like?”

“I like them. I’m still full of pizza. That was fun tonight. I think Zack preferred the toys to the food, though.”

“Yes, he loves to explore new things.”

Myles reached out to place his cup on the coffee table and, in doing so, knocked off an opened letter. He reached for it, glancing at it briefly.

“What’s this?” he asked, putting it back on the table. “Zack’s school needs repairs?”

“It’s an old building, as is everything around this neighborhood. Last winter, a severe storm found a weak spot on the roof and it leaked like crazy. The building inspectors came to check for mold. In doing the inspection, they found other items not up to the current code. And the playground equipment is antiquated. That letter is a call to parents for help.”

“So what are you going to do?” he asked.

“I don’t know yet. I’m not very handy. I don’t think I’ve done more than hammer a nail into the wall to hang pictures. I painted the kitchen. Guess I’ll do what they assign me and hope for the best.”

“Need more help?”

“You?”

“I’m at a loose end and going crazy with inactivity. I’m not ready to return to work full time. I need a doctor’s release for the company first. But I could manage a bit of repair work.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking, I’m volunteering.”

She studied him for a moment.

“I think that’d be amazing. I doubt any of the parents have the building knowledge and experience you have. But it’s strictly volunteer.”

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