Page 42 of Summer Heat
Maya curled her hand around Shep's arm, and my heart melted. Was she this affectionate with her father? I had no idea how they were together. We'd parted when she was just a baby, so I could only imagine.
I shifted the conversation back to work. "What can we do while we're waiting for the bathroom stuff to come in?"
"We can't work on my bathroom since we're using it, but we can rip out yours next. Then the others. One bathroom at a time," Shep said with more confidence than I'd heard him use since we started talking about the renovation.
"You think we'll meet the deadline?" I asked him, suddenly nervous about getting everything done.
"You mean so Elena and Hudson can get married?"
I blew out a breath. "Yeah."
"We'll do our best. But this is something we're doing on weekends and evenings."
"I can look for more design options when I'm at work and get a few more mock-ups to you for the other bathrooms. Do you know what style you'd like to use?"
"Something similar. Updated but still traditional."
I nodded. "I can do that."
The waitress brought the scoop of ice cream and set it in front of Maya with two spoons. When she left, Shep asked, "Are you going to let me eat that?"
"Sure," Maya said, surprising me.
She rarely shared her ice cream and never with someone who wasn't me.
They picked up their spoons and ate. I wondered if Shep even realized how much of a big deal this was.
Shep lifted his gaze and smiled at me. He was seemingly unaware of my inner turmoil. Was it a bad idea to let Maya get so close to Shep when our living situation was temporary?
By summer, the renovation would be done, and there wouldn't be a reason for me to come over to his house.
A flash of pain ran through my chest.
Shep paid the bill when it came, saying it was his treat, and he lifted a sleepy Maya into his arms. I walked next to him, noting the curious looks we were getting. Maybe it was him holding Maya that made us look like a couple.
It felt good to have someone carry Maya through the restaurant and buckle her into the seat. Shep shared the parenting load with me, and enjoyed Maya's company. He was such a good man, and it was going to hurt when I had to leave.
Chapter Twelve
Shep
The week was busy between my regular jobsite and working on my house at night. Kinsley was nearby filming as I worked on one bathroom or the other. Maya wanted to be my helper, so I bought her a toolbox and tool belt.
When I gave them to her, she squealed and threw her arms around my neck. My heart contracted as I met Kinsley's gaze. Her eyes were filled with emotion.
Did Derek not do these things for his daughter? I was getting the impression that he didn't take the time to show Maya things or buy her something special.
When she stepped back to admire the tiny toolbox and belt, I said, "You're my assistant. You need tools. But you need to wait for me to teach you how to use them."
"I know. Can I show Dad when he comes?"
"I'm dropping you off," Kinsley said, and I wondered if she didn't want Derek to know she was living with me. "You should leave your new things here so you don't lose them."
Maya's shoulders lowered.
"When you get back, I'll teach you how to use your new tools. How about that?" I asked, chucking her in the chin.
"Yeah, okay," she said, but her face was still downturned.
