5

 

David’s little cottage looked a lot more homey than he’d expected.

He slid the last of his unmatched tumblers into place in a kitchen cabinet then grabbed hold of the countertop and stretched his torso backward as far as possible. The past two days, he’d spent hour after hour arranging and rearranging furniture, unpacking an endless number of boxes, and scrubbing every nook and corner of the apartment—despite Uncle Andrew’s insistence that an entire cleaning team had gone over the place with fine-toothed combs. David’s muscles ached in places he hadn’t even realized he had muscles.

“Enough already.” He flattened the last empty box and tossed it out the back door onto the surprisingly large pile of cardboard he’d accumulated. He worked out three times a week, and ran five miles twice a week. Who would’ve thought a little housework would affect him in the slightest?

Groaning, he hobbled off towards the bathroom, eager to stand under a hot shower.

Halfway there, he stopped abruptly and shook his head. “That’s a pretty chauvinistic way of thinking.” He spoke aloud, as he often did when he found himself alone with his thoughts. “Housework isn’t as easy as most men think it is—and until today, I’m ashamed to admit that included me.”

Standing under the hot, stinging spray from the showerhead a few minutes later, he decided he owed an apology to all the women of the world.

And maybe he’d start with his pretty Italian neighbor.

 

****

 

“You mean…now?” Pia gaped at David, who grinned and nodded from just outside her door, on which he’d pounded with all the gusto of an excited child not thirty seconds ago. “I was just th-thinking about heading f-for bed,” she stammered, then gave herself a mental kick for doing so. She’d managed to avoid seeing her landlord’s nephew for the past couple of days, and thought she’d managed to get her unexpected attraction to the man firmly in hand.

Then he’d shown up on her doorstep, flashlight in hand. One glimpse of those mesmerizing eyes, and she knew she’d been fooling herself.

At least he didn’t seem to notice her inclination to stumble over her own words. Thank God for small favors.

“But you’re still dressed, so you must not be quite ready to call it a night yet, right?” The little-boy grin on his face was her undoing, even without his added plea. “Come on, Pia. Please? You wouldn’t really send me out into the dark night all alone, would you?”

She caved. “OK, OK. Enough with the whining! Let me get my coat.”

A moment later she joined him on her front porch. “I can’t believe we’re going to walk the greenway at this time of night.” She grinned as he latched her gate behind them, and they fell into step together, headed for the walking path that ran alongside the Angelina. “Don’t you know there are snakes out here? And…” She stopped abruptly and clutched at his sleeve. “Snakes crawl at night.”

David laughed and took her elbow, guiding her around a rough patch of ground, illuminated by the beam of his flashlight. His deep, steady voice calmed her nerves. “It’s too cold out for snakes, my dear. Your slithering pals are all tucked away in their snaky little dens for the winter.”

“Are you sure?” Pia knew, on some level, that snakes hibernated during the cold months, but she always doubted her own ability to judge when the temperature dropped enough to eliminate any worry.

“Quite sure. We’re in no danger—at least, not from snakes.”

“That’s nice to know. I’ll rest a little easier then, until I start seeing signs of spring.” She slanted a glance his way. “So why are we walking in the middle of the night?”

“It isn’t the middle of the night,” he protested. “It’s not even ten o’clock yet.”

“Still. It’s a little past the hour most folks—normal folks—choose to take a walk, don’t you think?”

“OK, I confess. I’ve been unpacking for two very long days. I’m sore and achy, and when a hot shower didn’t unkink everything, I thought maybe a brisk walk in the chilly air and a little good company might do it.”

Pia laughed. “I think there was a compliment hidden in there somewhere.” She shivered. “And you’re right about the chilly air. It’s downright c-c-cold out here.”

David dropped her elbow and slid his arm around her waist instead, pulling her closer to his side without missing a step. “I’m sorry. I really hadn’t thought about it being quite this frigid. We won’t walk far.”

“It’s all right.” Pia shoved her icy nose into the upturned collar of her coat. “I’m actually enjoying it. When we get back, I’ll make some cocoa to warm us up.”

“Really?” David increased his speed, pulling her along with him. “Then let’s hurry it up. I never could resist a cup of hot chocolate.”

“It’ll be ready in no time once we get back. Ease up a bit, tiger.” Breathless, Pia laughed. “Your legs are longer than mine, you know.”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry ‘bout that.” He slowed his pace and grinned, peering into her face in the murky darkness. His teeth gleamed in the moonlight, and she caught her breath, sharply reminding herself that, no matter how attractive or appealing she found this man, she could not allow herself to care.

He’s a minister. That alone says a relationship isn’t possible—not for the two of us.

With a sigh, she braced herself by stiffening her shoulders, even as her heart dropped with a thud to the tips of her toes.

“Why didn’t you ask for help?” Just keep things casual. She could do that.

“Help?” Confusion colored David’s tone. “With what?”

“Getting things done at your place.” Pia nudged him with one arm. “You said you were tired and achy from unpacking. It hasn’t been that long since I moved in, you know. I know how h-hard it is. My last few boxes would probably still be waiting if Zoe hadn’t taken pity on me.”

“Zoe. Let me think…that’s the tiny sprite across the courtyard from you, right? The one who looks like she time travelled here from the seventies?”

Pia laughed. “Yep, that’s Z-Zoe. She’s a sweetheart. Don’t let her s-style of dress or her laid back manner fool you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” David stopped. “Ready to turn back? Your teeth are chattering.”

“Y-yes.” She giggled at her own stuttering speech. “I’m freezing.”

David swung around, gently guiding her into the turn, and they headed back the way they’d come. “In answer to your question…I know you work from home, Pia, and I refuse to be one of those annoying folks who seem to think that means you’re not working. I handled it all right. But I’ll tell you one thing—” He blew out a huff of breath that formed a little cloud in front of his face before dissipating into the night. “I will never again be guilty of thinking homemakers have an easy job.”

“How do you know what I do?” Pia shot him a startled glance.

“Our Miss Viv is quite fond of your jewelry. She’s been showing it off and singing your praises. I’m about ready to buy something myself, sight unseen.”

Pia laughed, but her cheeks burned. Certainly, Mrs. Mallory wasn’t trying to play matchmaker between her and the new minister! Unable to cope with the idea, she decided to stick with the subject at hand—David’s newfound appreciation of housewives. Remembering her busy mother’s stay-at-home duties, Pia appreciated the sincerity in her companion’s words.

“Women who devote themselves to caring for their families and keeping house have been underrated and underappreciated for far too long,” she said. “It’s a full-time job.”

“I’m inclined to agree.” He unlatched her gate, and they hurried into the house.

The warmth of her cozy living room wrapped around them like welcoming arms, but Pia kept her jacket on while she poured milk into a saucepan and turned on the burner beneath it. Only then did she remove the coat and unwind the scarf from around her neck.

“You OK?” David settled in at her little dining table and gave her a smile that made her knees weak. “Warming up a little?”

“I’m fine.” Pia slid her coat onto a hanger and hung it in the coat closet. She stood there longer than necessary, eyes closed, seeking strength to resist the call of her heart. Finally, she stiffened her spine and hurried back to the kitchen, carefully avoiding David’s puzzled gaze.

Within moments, his easy company made her forget again. Midnight had come and gone before she walked him to the door, scolding herself for wishing he’d kiss her good night. Just a peck on the cheek…something that indicated he felt at least a spark of the same attraction she felt.

But David just said goodnight and thanked her for walking with him. Then he tossed her one of his killer smiles and walked out.

Pia closed the door and shuffled her way back to the kitchen. She stacked their cups in the sink, wiped down the countertops, and let her gaze bounce around the room. From her worktable, the lapel pin Zoe had made her promise to keep cast mocking little glimmers of light—an unwelcome reminder that it was good David hadn’t kissed her.

She snapped the light off and hurried to the bedroom, where she donned warm pajamas and dropped to her knees beside the bed. She’d best get some help, because she couldn’t allow herself to care about David Myers. He was a preacher. A man of God.

One who needed a wife worthy of that Crown of Purity pin.

She rose a few moments later, climbed into bed, and used the sheet to dry her wet cheeks.