Page 14 of Tangled in Temptation

“I know,” I said. “I’ve tried. There’s just no convincing Regina.”

Catherine’s eyes were gentle when she looked up at me. “You’re good for Paisley, Timothy. Even if Regina doesn’t see that, Paisley does. I know you feel like you’re failing her, but she knows. She loves you. I know she might seem angry with you, but I think she’s just angry with the situation.”

“I hope so,” I replied, attempting a smile but failing miserably. The evening had taken an unexpected turn; what started as a faux-casual invitation had morphed into a heartfelt conversation. Then again, there was something about Catherine that often led to such talks. It was one of the reasons I had been missing her so much.

We talked a bit more before I realized I was taking her from her work. She was being kind, and I felt like I was taking advantage. As much as I didn’t want to go, I knew I had to.

“Thanks for letting me bend your ear,” I said. “I’ll let you get back to your job. If you don’t mind, I’ll have Bennet call you with the details for the auction.”

“Would you like to come in for a minute?” she asked, a slight uncertainty in her voice.

I hesitated, caught off guard by the invitation. The idea of stepping inside her house felt like crossing an unspoken boundary, but I found myself nodding. “I would like that.”

Catherine smiled, her eyes lighting up as she led the way. I followed her into the house, thanking my lucky stars she was willing to let me take up more of her valuable time. I knew how she got when she was on a job.

I didn’t deserve her. I knew that, but that didn’t stop me from wanting her.

Chapter Seven

Catherine

––––––––

I WATCHED AS TIMOTHY walked into my home, his eyes wandering over the bare walls and boxes still waiting to be unpacked. I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. I wasn’t sure if he was shocked by the disarray or the fact the house was in need of some work.

I bit my lip nervously. “I know it’s not much,” I started, a little embarrassed by the state of things, but Timothy cut me off with a gentle shake of his head.

“No, it’s great,” he said. “You’re going to make something beautiful out of this place.”

“Thank you for seeing the potential.”

“I think that’s something about you that I liked from the moment you trespassed onto my property,” he said with a chuckle.

“My breaking and entering skills?” I laughed.

“No, the fact you were so passionate about getting the project you were willing to do just about anything to get it. That’s why I chose you to take the project. You have vision. You can see the potential. Even I struggled to see what you saw. I was impressed with your ability to look past all the dust and peeling wallpaper. I almost think this project might be too easy for you after my house.”

I found myself smiling at him, grateful for his understanding. I led him into the kitchen and offered him another drink.

“This is a good-sized kitchen,” he commented.

“I love it.” I smiled. “I tried to cram my dishes into one cabinet to save myself the hassle of moving everything around when I take care of the staining in here. It’s a little exposing to have all the doors off.”

He chuckled. “But I know you’re going to love it once it’s done.”

“I am making do with all the old appliances for now. This place is going to be a budget stretcher. I want to make sure I do it right. Or as close to right as I can. It’s not going to be a quick project like yours.”

He looked around again. “Are you going to do some remodeling or leave it?”

I liked that he was interested. Not many people cared all that much about what I did. “I think I might open up the wall between the dining room and what I think was probably a parlor. The dining room is a little dark. If I open it up a little, I can take advantage of the natural light and just make it a bigger space in general.”

He nodded as I talked. “That makes sense. Can I see it?”

“Sure. Would you like the grand tour?”

“Absolutely.” He smiled. “I thought you might never ask.”

“When I say grand, I hope you temper your expectations,” I giggled. “Your house is grand. My house is, well, large.”