Page 51 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

Now was the time to explore new options and opportunities.

He said nothing, either, but the clasp of his hand warmed her.

The meeting at the school began promptly at seven. Anna felt extremely self-conscious walking into the school’s largest room with Myles at her side. He looked completely out of his element, dwarfing the small furniture more suitable to preschoolers than the men and women who had assembled.

The meeting went well, with all parents volunteering for some tasks. There wasn’t a lot of money in the entire group, Anna thought, but they were all parents interested in providing the best for their children.

When Myles volunteered to work on the drywall in two classrooms and the playground upgrade, heads swiveled and questions were whispered as no one recognized him.

“I’m here for Zack Tucker,” he said.

Speculative glances then moved to Anna from the parents who knew her. She felt awkward. Still, she was glad Zack had someone who could be of more help than she’d be. She signed up for painting, both indoors and out. She hoped the weather would cooperate.

The first work weekend was in three days. They planned to work for a month and then reassess the remaining work.

“I know most of us have busy lives and can hardly afford the school fees. But working together, we’ll pass the city’s inspection and keep the school open,” the headmistress said at the conclusion of the meeting.

“Thanks again,” Anna said to Myles as they rose in preparation to leave. “It’s probably minuscule compared to what you normally do.”

“It is, but I’ll have more direct interaction than I normally do. I’m the boss on the sites. Here I’ll get to swing a hammer.”

“Oh, fun,” she murmured.

“I want to talk to the headmistress. If she hasn’t already ordered the supplies, I might be able to help.”

They moved toward Mrs. Harper, waiting while two other parents chatted with her for a few minutes. Then it was their turn.

“I’m Myles Riker.”

“I remember seeing you when we had that scare when Zack ran off. So nice of you to volunteer to help us,” she said, extending her hand and then smiling at Anna.

“If you don’t already have your supplies, I might get them at a lower cost.”

He quickly explained what company he worked for.

“One thing the company is always looking for is community projects it can support. I think I can call one of the men in the local office and get supplies at a deep discount.”

“Oh, that would be so helpful. We’re really stretched on this. We really can’t afford these repairs, but if we don’t do them, we’ll be closed down. I can’t let that happen. The hardware store a few blocks away was giving us a ten percent discount. I thought it was the best I could do.”

“I’m sure my company will beat that. I’ll make some calls in the morning and then let you know.”

She smiled and nodded, turning to Anna.

“I’m so grateful for your help and your friend’s.”

“He’s in construction. I bet he knows every trick of the trade,” she said.

Mrs. Harper’s eyes widened.

“Oh, perfect. Can you handle the building inspector when he comes? I always feel like he’s talking another language.”

“Sure,” Myles said.

She reached out to shake his hand again.

“I can’t thank you enough,” she said, beaming.

On the walk back to Anna’s apartment, she glanced at him. He looked as if he were deep in thought.

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