Page 52 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

“Can you really get some bargain rates?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Our company’s big on supporting local communities, whether here or on location. It builds goodwill.”

“This will build a heap of goodwill. This place runs on a shoestring. Why are you taking such an interest?”

“Told you—”

“There’s more to this than you’re bored. You could find other things to occupy your time. You hardly know us. Why would you do this?”

“It’s a worthwhile project. And I know you and Zack. Why wouldn’t I want to help? It’s not much.”

“It’s a lot.”

“Only because no one else there has a construction background. This is sort of like baking cookies for me,” Myles said.

Anna laughed aloud.

“Baking cookies?”

“Something you do almost without thinking, right?”

She nodded.

“This is nothing compared to building a bridge. Repair a few walls, refurbish some playground equipment. You and the other women will do the painting. This is a walk in the park.”

He reached out and caught her hand in his.

“Besides, I get to spend more time with you.”

Saturday was bright and clear. Edith insisted she was well enough to watch Zack while Myles and Anna worked at the school—and that evening when the two of them were going out.

Anna was excited about the date. She had her whole day planned, including dashing home from the school to shower and change in time for dinner.

When her mother called, she almost blurted it out, but she wasn’t up to a thousand questions, which her mother would have. Instead, she kept the conversation short, telling her mother she’d to leave soon for the school project.

The work day started at nine and Mrs. Harper had urged parents to stay until five. Pizza was being ordered in for lunch.

Anna knew several of the mothers of the children in Zack’s class. They greeted one another and began the tasks as assigned. Myles gathered tools that had been provided and moved to another room. Two men from his company had also shown up to help. They greeted each other and suddenly Anna felt left out. She watched as they caught up on their lives and observed Myles in his element.

All three men were tall, rugged individuals. Competent and assured in their success, but not overblown or arrogant, they quickly set to work and before the morning was over, it was clear the school had been lucky to get these volunteers.

Work procedures were set out and followed. The genial air of camaraderie made it a festive atmosphere.

“Who’s your friend?” Betsy Singleton asked Anna as they began moving furnishings and scrubbing the stained portion on a wall deemed safe enough to repaint and not repair.

“Myles Riker. He’s only here temporarily,” Anna said.

“Too bad. He’s a hunk. Bet Zack loves being around him.”

Anna nodded. “He does.”

“I heard about Zack running away the other day. That must have been scary.”

Anna agreed.

“But he seems to have stopped doing that.”

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