Hudson joined Ian as he cleared his dishes from the table. “We got sidetracked talking about other things and never did discuss what I can do for the Valentine banquet.”
Nodding, Ian chuckled. “We certainly did. Stop by my office after your tour, and we’ll talk about it. I should be through with my client by then.”
“Thanks. I will.” They shook hands, then Hudson turned to Melody as Ian headed toward the door. “Ready?”
Melody gazed up at him, her face an emotionless mask. He liked it better when he could read her expression. Her quietness during lunch signaled her reluctance for this task. What could he do to put her at ease?
She waved her arm in a sweeping gesture. “Since you’ve seen the senior center, women’s shelter and the administration offices, where would you like to start?”
“I’ll let you lead the way.” Hudson motioned for her to go ahead.
She grabbed her jacket and folded it over her arm. “I hope you’re ready for some walking. We’re going to cover a lot of territory.”
“And at a fast clip.”
She turned to him with an annoyed look. “If you want a tour, you must keep up with the tour guide.”
“Do I dare call you Ms. Roadrunner?” Hudson chuckled.
“Not if you want a tour.” Melody pressed her lips together, but she couldn’t hold back the smile that put a tiny curve on her pretty mouth.
“Okay, I’ll behave.”
“We’ll start with the nursing home down this corridor.” Melody forged ahead.
Smiling to himself, Hudson hurried to match her steps. She made quick work of the nursing home tour as she introduced him to several nurses and aides and reintroduced him to Brady Hewitt and Kirsten Bailey.
She then raced by the women’s shelter until they came to two cul-de-sacs where a dozen modest houses sat. “These are our children’s homes. Each one has room for six children and their house parents. On the weekends, it’s not unusual to see kids running all over the quad while they play some kind of ball game. They often visit the residents in our senior center. The older folks love that, and the kids do, too.”
“I’m sure they do. Every kid needs an older person as a friend.” Their talk triggered memories of his maternal grandparents, Memaw and Papaw, and Sunday afternoons at their house—the fun and love—the big lawn where they’d played games. He shook the recollections away. He had to concentrate on one Melody Hammond and what she had to say.
“That’s the beauty of this place. The kids have built-in grandparents. We definitely encourage it.” Melody hurried ahead but stopped when she reached the fountain. “This is one of my favorite spots on campus.”
“I can see why. The sound of the water is joyful like the events these decorations celebrate.” Hudson tugged on one of the cords tying a balloon to the fountain, making it bob up and down.
Melody gave him a curious glance. “That’s something I wouldn’t expect to hear from you.”
Hudson shrugged. “Why? I can be a sentimental guy.”
“Somehow that doesn’t fit a man who likes to race cars and jump out of planes.” She didn’t wait for his response but pointed toward the far end of the quad. “My other favorite spot is the Chapel Church.”
“I can guess which building that is. That’s one impressive steeple. Does it have a bell?”
“It does.” Melody gave him an impish grin. “If you’re really good, I’ll take you up and let you look at it. There’s a marvelous view of the campus from up there.”
“What exactly constitutes really good?” Hudson raised his eyebrows.
She crossed her arms and stared at him. “Not asking the tour guide questions she can’t answer.”
Hudson laughed. “I’ll try not to.”
“Good. Then, you’ll see something lots of folks never see.”
“Do I dare ask another question?”
Melody shrugged. “Your choice.”
Hudson craned his neck as he looked up to the cross that rose above the treetops. “You mean to tell me that the woman who likes to play it safe is willing to climb to the top of that steeple?”
Shaking her head, Melody stepped onto the church portico. “Don’t make fun. It’s very safe.”
Hudson followed. “I couldn’t help teasing you a little. Does that take me off the good list?”
“I’ll let it go this time, but don’t let it happen again.” Melody put her hand on the door handle, trying to hold a serious expression in place.
“I see that smile trying to escape.”
She couldn’t suppress the upward curving of her mouth. “Okay, you got me.”
“I’m glad to see you smile. I don’t want to be in trouble with you.”
“And why is that?”
“You don’t want to hear the reason.”
She nodded. “Okay. We’ll leave it at that.”
“Good.” He reached around and opened the door, their shoulders brushing.
Without a word, she scurried inside. Quiet hovered over the pews as Hudson followed her down the carpeted aisle. Sunlight illuminated the stained glass windows. The beauty inspired and lifted his spirit.
“I like to come here when the place is empty.” She spoke in hushed tones as she stopped halfway to the front.
“I can see why this is one of your favorite places,” he replied, his voice equally quiet.
“You should come to church here sometime.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, her expression told him she wished she could snatch them back.
Hudson looked at her with a grin. “You can count on it.”
She turned away without responding to him and headed for a door on one side of the platform at the front. “Through this entrance is the stairway to the bell tower.”
“Lead the way.” He followed her up the winding staircase until they came to another door.
“The bell’s in here.” She turned the knob and let the dark wooden door swing open, revealing a small room with a huge bell in the center.
Hudson stepped into the room and instinctively touched the bell, then turned to Melody. “Does anyone ring it?”
With a sad little smile lingering at the corners of her mouth, Melody shook her head. “The pull mechanism for ringing the bell broke not long after the ministry started, and we didn’t have the money to fix it. Even though we have more funds now, we use it for more important things.”
“That’s too bad.” Hudson wondered whether someone on his crew could fix it free of charge. Would that make Melody smile? He’d like to see that.
Melody rubbed her hand along the curve of the bell. “It has a beautiful sound. I’ve been told that when this place was Upton College, they would ring the bell every hour. And they would ring it twenty-four times to call the students to chapel.”
“I hope I can hear it sometime.”
“That would be nice.” Melody stepped toward the window on the other side of the room. “Come take a look at the view.”
Hudson joined her at the small opening in the wall. From high above the quad, the walkways spreading out from the fountain looked like the spokes of a wheel. Even in the middle of winter when the trees had no leaves and the grass was pale green, the redbrick buildings with the white columns gave the campus a stately air. “This place must be beautiful in the spring.”
“It is, and it’s a wonderful place for a lot of people to get a new start with their lives and live out their final days. I’m so glad I work here.”
Hudson got the feeling that everyone who worked here loved the place. They treated each other like family. He wanted to be part of something like this. Conrick Industries had grown so big that people didn’t know each other anymore. He’d like to make Conrick Construction a family-oriented place.
“You seem lost in thought.”
Nodding, Hudson smiled at Melody. “Just thinking about the work ahead.”
“Speaking of work, let’s see that entrance.”
As they made their way back through the chapel, Hudson stopped for a moment and looked at the stained-glass windows. “These are real works of art.”
“They are a treasure we need to preserve.”
Hudson’s eye caught the inscription on the gold plate below one of the windows. “Wait.” He walked closer and pointed to the plate. “See this?”
Melody came nearer. “A relative of yours?”
“In memory of Maisy Conrick. I believe she’s some relation, but I’m not sure.” Hudson rubbed a hand across his chin. “I’ll ask my dad.”
“One of your ancestors may have contributed money to the college at one time.”
Hudson nodded. “They may have. That gives me a real connection here.”
Melody looked up at him with a surprised expression. “I’m beginning to believe you are sentimental.”
“I told you I am. Does that give me brownie points in your book?”
Melody gave him an annoyed glance. “I don’t keep track of such things.”
“Good to know.” Even though she tried to put on an irritated act, Hudson wasn’t buying it. Even today he was making inroads.
Melody hurried outside and around the side of the building. “That entrance is this way. It’s seldom used, so I’m afraid there may be some undergrowth we’ll need to remove.”
“For sure. You’ve got a jungle back here with all this kudzu.” Hudson pushed away the tangle of vines hanging from the trees along the rutted road. “And this road isn’t in very good shape.”
“The last time we used it was last October when we had a fire in one of the children’s homes. I don’t remember the last time before that.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“No, it was a lightning strike that caught the roof on fire, so everyone got out.”
“Was there much damage?”
“Yeah, the roof collapsed.”
“Wow! That must’ve been scary.”
Melody released a harsh breath. “It was, but everyone came together, and it all worked out.”
“Funny how that happens.”
Melody stopped and stared at him. “No, not funny. God says all things work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
Even though she said she didn’t collect brownie points, his had just hit zero. All the goodwill he’d garnered over the past hour had sunk into one of the ruts in the road. “That’s what I should’ve said.”
Grimacing, Melody placed a hand over her heart. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come across as a pious know-it-all. I just know how so many good things came out of that fire and that God’s hand was in it.”
“I’d like to hear about them.”
Melody slowed her pace as they traversed the uneven road, then began to share. “We had to find places for everyone to stay, and that resulted in two brothers, Zach and Tyler, being housed with Adam Bailey. At the time, Brady was renting a room from Adam. That whole mix of folks resulted in Brady and Kirsten falling in love and deciding to adopt Zach and Tyler. They’re getting married in the chapel in April, and the adoption will follow soon afterward. More kids got to move into the newly renovated house.”
“You’re right. God made good out of bad.” Hudson took in Melody’s joy as she talked about these wonderful things. Her happiness in serving God here made him more convinced that he’d done the right thing in going after the bid. He would make it work, even though their budget would be tight.
“It’s wonderful to see God’s hand in things that happen.”
Hudson let Melody’s elation over her work wash over him. Would his work here give him that kind of joy? Would she ever give him a chance to get to know her better, or would she hold him at arm’s length forever?
They continued on the path until they came to the gate. Melody glanced over at him. “Will this entrance be big enough for your equipment?”
“It should be.” Hudson put a hand on the top of the metal gate. “How does this work?”
“It’s triggered with this siren-operated sensor for big fire engines that can’t get through the front gate like ambulances and police cars can. That’s why this one is rarely used.”
“Since we don’t have sirens, how can we use it?”
“I’ll give you an access code, but I want you alone to have it.” She eyed him as if she was gauging his ability to keep the code to himself. “We can’t be too careful. Ever.”
“I understand, and I won’t let you down.” Hudson nodded. “Can you give me the dimensions of the vehicles that can go through the front gate?”
“I can’t right now, but I’ll get you that information.”
“Good. I won’t use this unless it is absolutely necessary.” Hudson pushed himself away from the gate. “Thanks for the tour.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled up at him. “I enjoyed it.”
Her smile made his heart race. He hated for their time together to end. “Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”
She didn’t answer right away, just stared at him as if he’d ask her to skydive with him. Finally, she shook her head. “Sorry. I’ve got a meeting with one of my ladies this afternoon. We’re going to The Village store to pick out some clothes for her job interview.”
“Okay, maybe another time.” Hudson held his breath as he waited for her response.
Melody shrugged. “We’ll be too busy in the coming days. Coffee will have to wait.”
“Sure.” So she wasn’t going to turn him down outright, but it seemed she would always find some excuse to avoid him. He reminded himself again that patience was his friend.
It was probably for the best. He’d pursued Nicole with abandon and she’d been all too willing. Melody’s reluctance reminded him that he should take his time to get to know her. Although he’d still like a real date, working together would help him determine her sincerity.
They fell silent as they made their way back toward the quad. Melody loped ahead at her usual clip. Suddenly her foot went down into one of the ruts, and she stumbled forward. Before Hudson could grab her, she landed hard on the dusty, gravel-covered ground. Her right shoe flew into the air along with her purse.
He hurried to her side. “Are you okay?”
She didn’t answer, her expression dazed. Then she shook her head, her look turning to one of pain as she rubbed her right ankle. “I did something to my ankle.”
“Can you stand?” He placed a hand under one of her elbows.
Melody nodded, but grimaced as he helped her up. “I can’t put any weight on my foot, and my poor shoe lost its heel.”
“Lean on me, and let’s not worry about that.” Hudson reached over and retrieved her purse and the shoe. He held up the black pump, its heel hanging on by a thin piece of leather. “No wonder you took a spill and twisted your ankle. Let’s hope it’s not broken.”
“How will I keep my appointment?” Misery painted her face.
Hudson stuffed the shoe into his jacket pocket. “There’s only one way. I’ll carry you.”
Melody’s eyes opened wide. “I can’t let you do that.”
“Sure you can.”
“I’ll call security. They’ll come get me with the golf cart.” Glancing over at him, Melody stood on one leg while she leaned on his arm. “My phone’s in my purse. Can you get it?”
“Okay.” Still holding Melody up, Hudson reached into her purse and retrieved her phone. “Here.”
“Thanks.” She immediately punched in a number.
Hudson listened to her one-sided conversation with someone name Jeremy, who was obviously on his way to rescue her. Hudson tried not to be disappointed that he couldn’t be her knight in shining armor. Instead, his request to see the emergency entrance had caused all the trouble. “So security’s on the way?”
Melody nodded as she continued to lean on him. “It should only take a few minutes for them to get here.”
“Are you sure you’re not getting tired of standing on one leg?”
“I’m okay. Really.”
Before Hudson could make another comment, her cell phone rang. She glanced at it before accepting the call. “Jeremy? What’s going on?”
Again Hudson listened while she talked, her face a picture of worry. “Okay. I’ll be fine.”
“What’s wrong?” Hudson asked as soon as she ended the call.
She blew out a harsh breath. “The golf cart has stalled. Jeremy thinks the battery’s dead.”
Hudson studied her expression. Did he dare make his suggestion again? She didn’t have much choice this time. No one else was coming to get her. “Guess you’ll have to let me carry you if you want to go anywhere.”
She gazed up at him, anxiety and pain painting her face. “Seems that way.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t drop you.”
She laughed halfheartedly. “Let’s hope not.”
“Put an arm around my neck, and then I’ll pick you up.” Hudson leaned over slightly and smiled. Maybe he would get to be her hero after all.
* * *
Melody held her breath as she put her arm around Hudson’s neck. She hoped she wasn’t too heavy. What a silly thought! He’d volunteered, so he’d better have a strong back. He put an arm under her legs at the knee and lifted her off the ground with apparent ease. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“Off we go.” He grinned at her again. “Where do you want me to take you?”
“The nursing home, where I can get a wheelchair.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go straight to my car so I can drive you to your doctor’s office?”
“Let me talk to the nurses and see what they think.”
As Hudson strode down the road toward the quad, Melody endeavored to concentrate on something other than how being in his strong arms made her pulse thunder. She didn’t know which was worse. Her throbbing ankle or her racing heart. She tried not to think of either one, but she failed, especially when he looked down at her with that half smile that told her he had her right where he wanted her.
“You doing okay?”
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. When Hudson was about halfway to the nursing home, the whirring sound of an electric golf cart reached her ears. She looked toward the sound. “Jeremy must’ve gotten the engine started again. He’s headed our way. You can put me down.”
“But I was having so much fun holding you in my arms.”
Melody didn’t know whether to laugh or be annoyed. “The fun can’t last forever.”
“Now you tell me.” Hudson set Melody back on her feet, still supporting her by the elbow. “You can still lean on me until the cart arrives.”
Melody looked up at him. Lean on him. She hated the thought of leaning on anyone. She wanted to depend on herself, not some man. Christopher had understood that about her. He’d loved her independence. Macho types like Hudson wanted to be a protector. Another thing to remember when she gazed into those maple-syrup eyes and let him tempt her to disregard her caution about men who took chances. “I’ll be fine. Jeremy will be here in seconds.”
“Suit yourself.” Hudson released her elbow and stood there with his arms crossed.
As soon as he let go she tried to put weight on her sore ankle. It hurt, but she wouldn’t let him see her grimace. “Good. Everything will be okay.”
In less than a minute, Jeremy drove up beside her. “I’m here at your service. Do you need help getting in the cart?”
“No need to get out. I’ll help her.” Hudson waved Jeremy back, taking hold of her arm again and assisting her as she slid onto the padded seat.
Jeremy returned to his place behind the steering wheel. “I’m sorry about the delay. It did this to me the other day, too.”
Melody leaned forward. “We need to get this taken care of. We don’t want you to be without transportation.”
“Will do. Where do you want to go?”
Hudson squeezed in beside her. “To the nursing home.”
Melody tried not to let Hudson’s interference bother her. She wanted to tell him she could speak for herself, but that would only make things worse.
As they drew closer to their destination, she spied Kirsten coming down the walk with a wheelchair. Melody glanced over at Hudson. “How did Kirsten know I needed that?”
“After we talked, I knew you would want one, so I sent her a text.” Jeremy pulled to a stop at the end of the walk.
Kirsten hurried toward them. “What happened?”
After thanking Jeremy for his help, Melody explained everything as Hudson assisted her into the wheelchair. Invalid status didn’t mesh with her plans. “Can you take a look at my ankle and tell me whether I need to see a doctor?”
“Of course.” Kirsten pushed the wheelchair through the front door while Hudson held it open. Once inside, Kirsten hunkered down. “Does it hurt when I press here?”
“Yes.”
“How about here?”
“Not so much.” Melody shook her head. “But it’s throbbing.”
Kirsten straightened. “You appear to have a bad sprain. You don’t have to go to the doctor right away, but you should rest. You can’t be running all over campus in your usual manner.”
“But what am I going to do about Amy? She’s expecting me to help her pick out clothes for her interview.” Melody let out a long sigh, knowing her day was a shambles.
“Is there someone you can call to help?” Kirsten asked.
Melody picked up her phone from her lap. “I’ll call Debra McCoy, who volunteers at the shop.”
Kirsten stepped closer. “Before you do anything else, listen to my instructions. Besides the rest, put ice on the ankle for twenty minutes and wrap it in a compression bandage. Then go home and elevate your foot. If things don’t get better, then you’ll need to see the doctor about an X-ray.”
“Okay, but I have to make that phone call.” The task done, Melody looked up at Kirsten. “Debra said she’d help Amy and bring her back to campus if we get her over there.”
“I’ll give you both a ride.” Hudson stepped forward.
Her pulse skittering, Melody glanced his way. Somehow she’d forgotten he was here. Or maybe she’d only tried to block his image from her mind. “Did your chauffer bring you in that limo?”
“Not today. I had to drive myself. I do that sometimes.” Hudson gave her a wry smile.
Of course, multiple cars for the multimillionaire. Melody searched her mind for some way to decline his offer, but none came to mind. Once again, he had her right where he wanted her—in need of his services.
“That would be perfect,” Kirsten replied before Melody could respond. “I’ll be right back with that ice and bandage.”
Melody sighed. “While you do that, I’ll give Amy a call.”
A little later, Melody sat sideways on the backseat of Hudson’s SUV with her legs stretched out and an ice pack atop her well-wrapped ankle. A pair of crutches lay on the floor beside her. Amy sat in the front passenger seat and chatted comfortably with Hudson about her children and her job prospects. Melody wished she could feel as relaxed with the man. She wasn’t sure why she was letting him tie her emotions in knots for absolutely no reason.
When they arrived at The Village store, Debra came out to meet them, poking her head into the SUV. “I’m so sorry to hear what happened, but I’ll take good care of Amy. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Thanks. I appreciate your help.” Melody smiled.
Debra looked at Hudson. “You take good care of our Melody. She needs some pampering.”
“Yes, ma’am. I sure will.”
She refrained from rolling her eyes as Debra closed the door and she and Amy waved. Melody didn’t need Hudson Conrick to pamper her. As he drove his SUV onto the main road, she chastised herself for the negative thoughts. He was being kind, and she should be thankful for his helpfulness. During the drive to her house, she prayed for a more charitable nature.
“How you doing back there?”
“I’m okay.” Her ankle had quit throbbing. The ice had probably dulled the ache. “I forgot to ask if you remember how to get to my house.”
“I certainly do. It’s etched in my memory. It’s fun being your chauffeur, but you don’t have to call me James.”
So he remembered her little story, but was he making fun of her? “Okay. Home, Hudson.”
He laughed, and the sound made her heart lighter as she settled back for the ride. After he parked in the driveway, he opened the door for her and handed her the crutches.
“Thanks.”
“Do you need some help? I can always carry you again.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be able to maneuver with the crutches. You can carry this.” Melody handed him the ice pack.
“If you give me your keys, I can go ahead and open the door so you can walk right in.”
“Good idea.” She fished them from her purse, and while Hudson trotted off to open the door, Melody maneuvered out of the backseat, being careful not to put any weight on the tender ankle. She adjusted the crutches and made her way up the walk. When she reached the threshold, Hudson was there to give her an assist through the doorway. She didn’t fight it. He was here to help, and she should let him.
“I’ll stay right beside you in case you need support.” He accompanied her into the living room.
Melody sat on the couch and swung her legs up, then looked over at him. “Thanks for your help. I should be okay now.”
Staring at her, Hudson stood there with his arms crossed at his trim waist. “And I’m sticking around for a while to make sure of it.”
“Really. I’m fine. There’s no need for you to stay.”
“Who’s going to replenish your ice pack or get you a pillow to prop your leg on? If you don’t keep it elevated, your ankle will swell even more.”
Melody tried not to frown. She didn’t want him hanging around. “Is this a ploy to get another date with me?”
Hudson shook his head. “I’m only here to make sure you have everything you need. I won’t pester you for another date. You made it quite clear that you don’t want to go out with me again. So I’ll bow to your wishes, but if you ever change your mind, let me know.”
“Okay.” She’d gotten what she wanted. So why did a ping of disappointment sound in her mind and settle in her heart?
Hudson grinned at her. “You remember what you said about God using everything for good. He’s going to make something out of this, too.”
Melody gave him a helpless smile. “I had that coming.”
“I wasn’t trying to give you a hard time. I mean it.”
“Okay. We’ll see what He has prepared for me.”
“And me.” Hudson pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’m going to order you something to eat. What would you like?”
Melody shrugged, resigning herself to Hudson’s presence. He wasn’t after another date, so why did being with him bother her? “Whatever. I’m really not that hungry.”
“You need to eat something. I’ll order pizza. Pepperoni and mushroom?”
Closing her eyes, Melody nodded and laid her head back on the decorative pillow. Hudson liked her favorite kind of pizza. What did that say about him? She had to quit examining every little thing about him. Would admitting her fascination with him from the beginning help her deal with the attraction? She might as well. She couldn’t deny it, and his constant presence in her life for the foreseeable future might require more resistance to his appeal than she could muster. At some point, would her heart overrule her head? Would her good sense succumb to the charms of a kind and attractive man even though he took chances that frightened her?
“You awake?” Hudson’s whispered question made her eyes pop open.
“Yeah. I was resting as per instructions from Kirsten.” Melody smiled, glad he couldn’t read her thoughts. She gave herself a mental shake. The pain from her ankle and weariness from a sleepless night made her thinking fuzzy. She would get through today, and tomorrow she would find her fortitude again.
“You rest. Here’s a pillow and a fresh ice pack.” After she lifted her ailing ankle onto the pillow, he held up the ice pack. “Me or you? I don’t want to put it in the wrong place and cause you more pain.”
“Lay it down gently.” His concern punched one more hole in her resistance.
After he placed the ice pack on her ankle, he looked down at her. “TV, book, music or quiet?”
Melody gazed up at him. Quiet was out of the question. Too much time to think about him. “You mean you don’t want to talk to me?”
“We can talk.” Hudson settled on the ottoman next to the couch, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “What do you want to talk about?”
She didn’t know why she’d said that. Fuzzy brain again. What on earth did she have to say to Hudson Conrick? Nothing. Did they have anything in common besides liking the same kind of pizza? The pizza couldn’t get here fast enough. Sighing, she shrugged. “On second thought, I’m too tired to talk.”
“I understand. You rest. I’ve got work I can do.” Still sitting on the ottoman, he pulled out his cell phone and began tapping the screen. “And I’d better call Ian and let him know why I didn’t show up for our discussion about the Valentine banquet.”
Nodding, Melody closed her eyes again, but images of Hudson still cluttered her mind. She wanted to think about anything else, but her thoughts kept coming back to the handsome man a few feet away. She kept drifting in and out of sleep, dreams of Hudson filling her subconscious. In her dreams, he was kissing her. Which was more troubling? The dreams about the man or the reality of him sitting in her living room?