Page 47 of Shattered Secrets

“I love Bluey,” Daisy said. “She’s so funny, but my favorite is Coco. She’s pink and Bluey’s friend.”

“Okay, sweet girl,” Scarlet said, stepping toward them. “I’m going to meet Mr. Wayland. You be good for Mr. Matt and be careful with your arm, okay?” She popped onto her tiptoes and kissed Daisy’s cheek. A glance up had her heart thudding in her chest.

Matt wasrightthere. She’d never noticed how his brown eyes, the color of dark chocolate, were framed by the thickest and fullest lashes. She was close enough to catch his woodsy, soapy scent again, and it did something to her insides. His jaw clenched at her attention, but she couldn’t tear her gaze away. For a split second, she wondered what it would be like to nibble on that spot...

Holy shit, the man is potent.

Daisy tucked her head into Matt’s shoulder, and Scarlet’s attraction only increased. Her ovaries were threatening to explode at any moment.

Dropping down from her tiptoes, her face heated, and she cleared her throat. “Thanks again, Matt. I’ll text you when we’re wrapping up.” She ran a hand over her daughter’s casted arm. “Have fun and be good, sweet girl.”

“Bye, Mama.”

She watched them stroll down the sidewalk, chest squeezing tight.

Matt Alvarez was completely unexpected. Who knew that behind the growly one-word answers was this wonderful man? One who lit up all her senses and grew more appealing by the second?

A loud creak had her spinning toward the door, which she’d thought was boarded up.

“Scarlet, perfect timing,” Mr. Wayland said, stepping onto the sidewalk. Somewhere in his sixties, he was a multi-generation Hudson Island local and one of the kindest people she’d met. His troubled expression had her frowning.

“I’m so sorry about what happened, Mr. Wayland,” she said. “I hope the damage to the apartments wasn’t too extensive.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.I’mthe one who’s sorry.” He awkwardly patted her shoulder.

Scarlet suppressed a smile. Mr. Wayland was definitely one of those this-is-my-personal-space-and-that-is-your-personal-space kinds of people, so his gesture was beyond sweet.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, and I’m just so thankful you and little Daisy weren’t hurt.”

“Thanks, Mr. Wayland. Me too.”

They went upstairs and entered her apartment. “I don’t know if you’ve ever met my son, Jim?”

She shook her head.

“Well, you just missed him. He’s a contractor over on Whidbey Island. He said he can get the front doors to your apartment and the rental changed out today and the main door downstairs by this Friday. Unfortunately, he checked around at multiple places, and your bedroom slider, since it’s not a standard size, is on backorder. Jim says the delivery is about two to three weeks out, but once it comes in, he can install it immediately.”

Two to three weeks?She closed her eyes in defeat. She’d known the repairs would take time, but she hadn’t expected them to takethatlong.

“I’m so sorry, Scarlet.”

Opening her eyes, she shrugged. “It is what it is, Mr. Wayland.”

He sighed. “In the meantime, why don’t you pack up? While we’re waiting for the new slider, I’d like to get a professional cleaner in here. At no cost to you, of course.”

“Oh, that’s okay. That’s not necessary.”

“I insist, Scarlet. There’s so much glass in your room, and after the door installations, there will be even more debris. Pack up what you and Daisy need, and I’ll take care of the rest. You do have a place to stay, right?”

“We’re staying with Matt Alvarez.” But holy crap, would it be okay for them to stay with him for two to threeweeks?

“Good, good.” He nodded. “Former detective, and I hear he’s just joined Hudson Security. Solid guy.”

Her eyebrows lifted, causing Mr. Wayland to smile. “News travels fast around here. Besides, you know Martha’s my aunt, right?”

Scarlet chuckled. “Enough said.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

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