Falling for the Single Dad by Lisa Carter Page A

eyes, which she’d not seen before. “The kitchen area will be enlarged, and the cottage bedrooms will become my office.”
    â€œAmelia said you were an engineer.”
    He gave her a lazy grin. “You’ve been talking about me with your sister?”
    She fiddled with the long gold chain dangling at the front of her brown cardigan. “Don’t flatter yourself. No more than idle curiosity, I assure you.”
    He laughed.
    Caroline’s lips curved. “Though in looking at the progress you’ve made in such a short time, I’m guessing there’s nothing idle about you. When do you find time to run your company?”
    His face lost some of its humor. “I’ve put that on hold for a few months. My partner’s running things in my absence. I’ll be able to work from home once we complete the remodeling on the cottage, probably by Labor Day.”
    Weston moved toward the stairs, where Izzie, ever impatient, had already disappeared. “Let me show you the rest.”
    Topic changed. A touchy subject, his work sabbatical. Best left alone. Caroline would remember that next time. Her cheeks burned as she followed him up the staircase at a more sedate pace. Assuming there was going to be a next time.
    Izzie’s room was everything Caroline believed a princess in the tower’s room should be. But there, Weston called a halt to the tour.
    â€œYou’ve got school tomorrow, Monkey Girl.”
    Izzie groaned. “It’s only eight o’clock...”
    With a start, Caroline examined her wristwatch. The time had flown. Must be the company.
    He herded Izzie downstairs to the cottage. She smiled as Izzie scooped up her stuffed animal menagerie. Yes, definitely the company.
    â€œI’ll be right back.” A pucker formed between his brows. “Promise you won’t go anywhere. Okay?”
    Her heart accelerated. “I won’t,” she whispered.
    â€œGood.” He tapped the doorframe before disappearing into the hallway. A valve squeaked, followed by the sound of running water.
    She occupied herself with washing the dishes. She’d set the kitchen and dining area to rights when Weston reappeared. He’d taken time to comb his hair. The aroma of fresh soap with hints of Old Spice emanated from a man who already rocked her senses. The Old Spice reminded her of her father.
    â€œI didn’t mean for you to do the dishes.”
    â€œMy pleasure after the wonderful dinner you prepared.”
    Weston stroked the beard shadow on his jawline. “According to Izzie, one of the two dishes in my entire culinary repertoire.”
    â€œA great dad who’s in no way defined by his cooking prowess.”
    His mouth pulled downward. “As in lack thereof. And I wasn’t always a great dad.” He frowned. “I was a terrible father, but I’m learning and trying to make up for what happened before.”
    â€œYou don’t have to explain anything to me.”
    â€œI want to.” He twined his hand through her fingers. “And no one is more surprised by that than me.”
    She stared at their locked hands.
    â€œAlso, I want to show you the rest of the lighthouse. Including the gallery, where Izzie isn’t allowed to go by herself. The view will take your breath.”
    Looking into his eyes, Caroline decided the view wasn’t so bad from where she stood. But she allowed him to lead her toward the lighthouse tower.
    Past the cozy, future living room. Up the stairs. Past the landing where Izzie’s room was located. Upward they climbed. Caroline paused to catch her breath on the top landing.
    She peered over the banister. “Now I know how you keep in shape.” She could’ve bitten off her tongue. “I mean...”
    He made a show of flexing his biceps. “Glad to see you noticed.”
    She made a show of rolling her eyes and motioned toward the black-hinged door on the landing.