One stubborn boy is getting the better of Scott Walsh. The very busy project manager keeps finding the kid on his dangerous construction site. One warning to the boy's parents should take care of it. But when Scott meets widowed mother Cindy Peterson, she's already carrying so much on her narrow shoulders. He wants to help Cindy and her boy, but didn't he vow never to get involved with a family again? Scott can't bear to break a child's heart. But this time it's his own heart asking for a chance.
About the Author
Irene Hannon, the author of 25+ novels, has been honored with the RITA Award from Romance Writers of America and the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine. A former Fortune 500 communications executive, she now devotes full time to writing. Her emotionally gripping books feature hope-filled endings that highlight the tremendous power of love and faith to transform lives. Visit www.irenehannon.com to learn more.
Bracing against the gusty March wind on The Point, Scott Walsh squinted at the blond-haired boy. He was ten, maybe eleven. The perfect age to be tempted by all the heavy equipment on the Northern California headland. Twenty-five years ago, that could have been him. He, too, would have found the allure hard to resist.
But empathy didn't equate to tolerance.
He flexed the fingers of his left hand and glanced down at the scars crisscrossing the back, the shiny white lines and limited mobility a constant reminder that when it came to safety, he couldn't afford to be Mr. Nice Guy.
Lips clamped together, he switched his focus back to the boy. The kid had been smart, waiting until the crew called it quits for the weekend before venturing out here. He'd also managed to elude the off-hours security guard, though that wouldn't have been difficult. The long-retired Humboldt County deputy was more show than substance, his presence intended to deter rather than enforce.
The boy's back was to him as he examined the bucket on one of the giant excavators, then proceeded to check out the crawler treads that were as tall as he was. Last time he'd spotted the kid, Scott had yelled at him from across the construction site. The youngster had taken off before he got close.
He wouldn't make that mistake again.
Scott wove through the obstacle course of equipment, trenches and lumber, where all of the foundation work for the upscale inn had been completed on schedule—as promised. Meeting deadlines was a sticking point with him and a hallmark of Walsh Construction. It was also one of the reasons Mattson Properties had chosen his firm to tackle the high-profile project. Not a day passed that he didn't give thanks for this opportunity—and the much-needed income it was providing.
The wind in the needled branches of the spruce and hemlock trees, along with the muted crash of surf on the rocks below the towering headland, masked his footsteps as he approached the excavator. He'd like nothing better than to grab the boy by the scruff of his neck and haul him back to his negligent parents. But touching him wouldn't be smart. The parents could sue him for assault if they were ticked off. He'd have to settle for getting in the kid's face and putting the fear of the Almighty into him.
Not until his shadow fell over him did the boy realize he had company. By the time he spun around, Scott was only two feet away.
The youngster's panicked gaze darted left, then right. He whipped his head around to look behind him, but the excavator treads cut off that avenue of escape.
Scott invaded his space, placing his hands on the treads on either side of the boy's head to pin him in. Long enough, he hoped, to get his message across.
"I thought I told you two days ago to stay out of here."
The boy stared up at him in silence, eyes wide, face colorless.
"Construction sites are dangerous. And so is this stuff." Scott banged a hand against the metal body of the excavator above the kid's head.
The boy flinched and folded his body into a protective tuck.
Then he started to shake.
Scott frowned. He'd dealt with plenty of curious kids on job sites in Eureka, and most had been defiant. As a result, he'd ramped up his tough-guy stance over the past four years. But this wasn't a big city like Eureka, where gangs and drugs caused problems. The only gang in tiny Starfish Bay was probably the group of seniors who met every Wednesday morning at the Mercantile's coffee nook to OD on caffeine.
A twinge of remorse tugging at his conscience, he softened his tone a fraction, eased back a few inches and planted his fists on his hips. "What's your name?"
The boy might be scared, but he was thinking clearly enough to see his opening. Instead of responding, he lunged past Scott and tore off for the woods, legs pumping, dirt flying.
Scott stayed where he was as he cupped his hands around his mouth. "If I see you around here again, I'm going to call the county sheriff!"
The boy cast a terrified look over his shoulder and kept running. Thirty seconds later, he disappeared behind the sheltering branches of the coniferous trees that separated the headland from the town.
Scott waited a full minute, then pulled his keys from his pocket and set off for his SUV. He'd flag Al down on his way out and alert the guard to be on the lookout for trespassers. But he had a feeling he'd seen the last of the blond-haired interloper.
Mission accomplished.
Still…the image of the boy's frightened face nipped at his conscience. Maybe he'd gone a little overboard with his intimidation tactics.
He stopped beside his SUV, transferred his keys to his left hand so he could open the door—and watched them slip to the ground before his fingers could close over them.
Expelling a frustrated breath, he bent to retrieve them. And as the dipping sun illuminated the shiny white spiderweb of lines on his hand, his lips settled into a resolute line.
He didn't like scaring kids—but if fear kept the boy safe, Scott could live with the guilt.
"Did something unpleasant happen at school today?"
Cindy Peterson cut a bite of the Orchid Cafe's famous pot roast and speared it with her fork, struggling to keep her tone conversational as she addressed her son. His reticence, his subdued manner, the way he was picking at his food—it was all a flashback to a year ago, reminding her of the weeks of grief counseling, her sleepless nights of worry, his slipping grades. But they were past that, weren't they? Please, God, let us be past that!
"No."
She watched Jarrod poke at the mashed potatoes he usually inhaled. "You're very quiet tonight." He shrugged.
Okay. Time to regroup. Think this through with her head instead of her heart.
Jarrod had had two big tests this week. It was possible he was just tired. She certainly was. The Humboldt County Historical Society worked with a lean staff at the best of times; losing one person had had a ripple effect on everyone. Cindy hadn't liked staying late every night for the past three weeks or leaving Jarrod alone for an extra couple of hours after school, but what could she do? She needed this job—and right now, it needed her more than usual.
Perhaps she was overreacting. It may simply have been a long week for both of them.
"Would you like to watch a video tonight? I could make some chocolate chip cookies, too." She forced herself to lift the fork to her mouth and chew the piece of pot roast that had grown cold. "I guess."
Bad sign. A video and cookies always elicited enthusiasm.
The wad of meat got stuck in her throat, and she reached for her glass of water to wash it down. Took a long swallow. Inhaled a calming breath.
"Jarrod." She waited until he lifted his chin. "Why don't you tell me what's going on?"
He wrinkled his brow. Indecision clouded his eyes, but he remained silent.
"Did you have another run-in with Mark?" The class bully had chosen her son as a target a few months ago, further upsetting him for weeks. The little tyrant might be on the warpath again.
"No." He gave his potatoes another listless poke. Let out a long sigh. Slanted a look at her. "It's no big deal, really. I know I promised to stay inside after school, but I got tired of being cooped up." His grip tightened on his fork, and he licked his lips. "So tonight and Wednesday I went out to…"
He stopped abruptly. Stared over her shoulder toward the cafe entrance. Paled.
Swiveling in her seat, Cindy checked out the small foyer. A tall man in dirt-smudged jeans and work boots stood inside the entrance, a snug T-shirt outlining his broad shoulders and impressive biceps as he surveyed the crowded cafe.
Behind her, a fork clattered to the floor. Her son dived for it as she turned.
When he lingered below the table, she furrowed her brow and leaned sideways to check on him. "Jarrod? What's going…"
"Excuse me."
As the male voice spoke, a pair of well-broken-in work boots appeared in her field of vision.
Cindy righted herself and found the man from the foyer standing beside their table. His glowering scowl suggested he had a temper to go with his dark auburn hair.
But why would a stranger be angry with her?
The man shot a quick look at her left hand, adorned only by a slender gold band. "I assume the boy hiding under the table is your son?"
His accusatory tone stiffened Cindy's spine, and she straightened in her seat. "He's not hiding. Jarrod, sit back in your chair. We'll get you another fork."
Her son slowly emerged from below the table, avoiding eye contact with her. That evasive maneuver, plus the telltale flush on his cheeks, set off warning bells in her head.
"What don't I know here?" She focused on Jarrod, but the stranger spoke.
"I caught him trespassing on The Point twice this week. I warned him the first time. Today, I threatened to notify the sheriff. But a mother will do for now. Keep him away from the construction site. I don't want any accidents on this job. Got it?"
Warmth crept over Cindy's cheeks as her own anger spiked. "You don't have to be rude about it."
He flicked a glance toward the bulging briefcase on the seat beside her. "I do when parents don't take responsibility for their kid's safety."
His jab at her parenting skills stung.
But it also produced a twinge of guilt. She hadn't been as diligent as usual in the past couple of weeks, thanks to her job. And she didn't want her son wandering around a dangerous construction site any more than this man did. Whoever he was.
"It won't happen again."
"Good."
"Here you go, Jarrod. I saw you drop yours from across the room." Genevieve Durham came bustling over, waving a clean fork. She set it ...
Description:
One stubborn boy is getting the better of Scott Walsh. The very busy project manager keeps finding the kid on his dangerous construction site. One warning to the boy's parents should take care of it. But when Scott meets widowed mother Cindy Peterson, she's already carrying so much on her narrow shoulders. He wants to help Cindy and her boy, but didn't he vow never to get involved with a family again? Scott can't bear to break a child's heart. But this time it's his own heart asking for a chance.
About the Author
Irene Hannon, the author of 25+ novels, has been honored with the RITA Award from Romance Writers of America and the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine. A former Fortune 500 communications executive, she now devotes full time to writing. Her emotionally gripping books feature hope-filled endings that highlight the tremendous power of love and faith to transform lives. Visit www.irenehannon.com to learn more.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The kid was back. Again.
Putting himself in danger. Again.
Bracing against the gusty March wind on The Point, Scott Walsh squinted at the blond-haired boy. He was ten, maybe eleven. The perfect age to be tempted by all the heavy equipment on the Northern California headland. Twenty-five years ago, that could have been him. He, too, would have found the allure hard to resist.
But empathy didn't equate to tolerance.
He flexed the fingers of his left hand and glanced down at the scars crisscrossing the back, the shiny white lines and limited mobility a constant reminder that when it came to safety, he couldn't afford to be Mr. Nice Guy.
Lips clamped together, he switched his focus back to the boy. The kid had been smart, waiting until the crew called it quits for the weekend before venturing out here. He'd also managed to elude the off-hours security guard, though that wouldn't have been difficult. The long-retired Humboldt County deputy was more show than substance, his presence intended to deter rather than enforce.
The boy's back was to him as he examined the bucket on one of the giant excavators, then proceeded to check out the crawler treads that were as tall as he was. Last time he'd spotted the kid, Scott had yelled at him from across the construction site. The youngster had taken off before he got close.
He wouldn't make that mistake again.
Scott wove through the obstacle course of equipment, trenches and lumber, where all of the foundation work for the upscale inn had been completed on schedule—as promised. Meeting deadlines was a sticking point with him and a hallmark of Walsh Construction. It was also one of the reasons Mattson Properties had chosen his firm to tackle the high-profile project. Not a day passed that he didn't give thanks for this opportunity—and the much-needed income it was providing.
The wind in the needled branches of the spruce and hemlock trees, along with the muted crash of surf on the rocks below the towering headland, masked his footsteps as he approached the excavator. He'd like nothing better than to grab the boy by the scruff of his neck and haul him back to his negligent parents. But touching him wouldn't be smart. The parents could sue him for assault if they were ticked off. He'd have to settle for getting in the kid's face and putting the fear of the Almighty into him.
Not until his shadow fell over him did the boy realize he had company. By the time he spun around, Scott was only two feet away.
The youngster's panicked gaze darted left, then right. He whipped his head around to look behind him, but the excavator treads cut off that avenue of escape.
Scott invaded his space, placing his hands on the treads on either side of the boy's head to pin him in. Long enough, he hoped, to get his message across.
"I thought I told you two days ago to stay out of here."
The boy stared up at him in silence, eyes wide, face colorless.
"Construction sites are dangerous. And so is this stuff." Scott banged a hand against the metal body of the excavator above the kid's head.
The boy flinched and folded his body into a protective tuck.
Then he started to shake.
Scott frowned. He'd dealt with plenty of curious kids on job sites in Eureka, and most had been defiant. As a result, he'd ramped up his tough-guy stance over the past four years. But this wasn't a big city like Eureka, where gangs and drugs caused problems. The only gang in tiny Starfish Bay was probably the group of seniors who met every Wednesday morning at the Mercantile's coffee nook to OD on caffeine.
A twinge of remorse tugging at his conscience, he softened his tone a fraction, eased back a few inches and planted his fists on his hips. "What's your name?"
The boy might be scared, but he was thinking clearly enough to see his opening. Instead of responding, he lunged past Scott and tore off for the woods, legs pumping, dirt flying.
Scott stayed where he was as he cupped his hands around his mouth. "If I see you around here again, I'm going to call the county sheriff!"
The boy cast a terrified look over his shoulder and kept running. Thirty seconds later, he disappeared behind the sheltering branches of the coniferous trees that separated the headland from the town.
Scott waited a full minute, then pulled his keys from his pocket and set off for his SUV. He'd flag Al down on his way out and alert the guard to be on the lookout for trespassers. But he had a feeling he'd seen the last of the blond-haired interloper.
Mission accomplished.
Still…the image of the boy's frightened face nipped at his conscience. Maybe he'd gone a little overboard with his intimidation tactics.
He stopped beside his SUV, transferred his keys to his left hand so he could open the door—and watched them slip to the ground before his fingers could close over them.
Expelling a frustrated breath, he bent to retrieve them. And as the dipping sun illuminated the shiny white spiderweb of lines on his hand, his lips settled into a resolute line.
He didn't like scaring kids—but if fear kept the boy safe, Scott could live with the guilt.
"Did something unpleasant happen at school today?"
Cindy Peterson cut a bite of the Orchid Cafe's famous pot roast and speared it with her fork, struggling to keep her tone conversational as she addressed her son. His reticence, his subdued manner, the way he was picking at his food—it was all a flashback to a year ago, reminding her of the weeks of grief counseling, her sleepless nights of worry, his slipping grades. But they were past that, weren't they? Please, God, let us be past that!
"No."
She watched Jarrod poke at the mashed potatoes he usually inhaled. "You're very quiet tonight." He shrugged.
Okay. Time to regroup. Think this through with her head instead of her heart.
Jarrod had had two big tests this week. It was possible he was just tired. She certainly was. The Humboldt County Historical Society worked with a lean staff at the best of times; losing one person had had a ripple effect on everyone. Cindy hadn't liked staying late every night for the past three weeks or leaving Jarrod alone for an extra couple of hours after school, but what could she do? She needed this job—and right now, it needed her more than usual.
Perhaps she was overreacting. It may simply have been a long week for both of them.
"Would you like to watch a video tonight? I could make some chocolate chip cookies, too." She forced herself to lift the fork to her mouth and chew the piece of pot roast that had grown cold. "I guess."
Bad sign. A video and cookies always elicited enthusiasm.
The wad of meat got stuck in her throat, and she reached for her glass of water to wash it down. Took a long swallow. Inhaled a calming breath.
"Jarrod." She waited until he lifted his chin. "Why don't you tell me what's going on?"
He wrinkled his brow. Indecision clouded his eyes, but he remained silent.
"Did you have another run-in with Mark?" The class bully had chosen her son as a target a few months ago, further upsetting him for weeks. The little tyrant might be on the warpath again.
"No." He gave his potatoes another listless poke. Let out a long sigh. Slanted a look at her. "It's no big deal, really. I know I promised to stay inside after school, but I got tired of being cooped up." His grip tightened on his fork, and he licked his lips. "So tonight and Wednesday I went out to…"
He stopped abruptly. Stared over her shoulder toward the cafe entrance. Paled.
Swiveling in her seat, Cindy checked out the small foyer. A tall man in dirt-smudged jeans and work boots stood inside the entrance, a snug T-shirt outlining his broad shoulders and impressive biceps as he surveyed the crowded cafe.
Behind her, a fork clattered to the floor. Her son dived for it as she turned.
When he lingered below the table, she furrowed her brow and leaned sideways to check on him. "Jarrod? What's going…"
"Excuse me."
As the male voice spoke, a pair of well-broken-in work boots appeared in her field of vision.
Cindy righted herself and found the man from the foyer standing beside their table. His glowering scowl suggested he had a temper to go with his dark auburn hair.
But why would a stranger be angry with her?
The man shot a quick look at her left hand, adorned only by a slender gold band. "I assume the boy hiding under the table is your son?"
His accusatory tone stiffened Cindy's spine, and she straightened in her seat. "He's not hiding. Jarrod, sit back in your chair. We'll get you another fork."
Her son slowly emerged from below the table, avoiding eye contact with her. That evasive maneuver, plus the telltale flush on his cheeks, set off warning bells in her head.
"What don't I know here?" She focused on Jarrod, but the stranger spoke.
"I caught him trespassing on The Point twice this week. I warned him the first time. Today, I threatened to notify the sheriff. But a mother will do for now. Keep him away from the construction site. I don't want any accidents on this job. Got it?"
Warmth crept over Cindy's cheeks as her own anger spiked. "You don't have to be rude about it."
He flicked a glance toward the bulging briefcase on the seat beside her. "I do when parents don't take responsibility for their kid's safety."
His jab at her parenting skills stung.
But it also produced a twinge of guilt. She hadn't been as diligent as usual in the past couple of weeks, thanks to her job. And she didn't want her son wandering around a dangerous construction site any more than this man did. Whoever he was.
"It won't happen again."
"Good."
"Here you go, Jarrod. I saw you drop yours from across the room." Genevieve Durham came bustling over, waving a clean fork. She set it ...