Her Only Hero by Marta Perry Page B

it.
    It’s not as if Ryan wants to become a plumber, Seth had pointed out when things got noisy.
    “Yeah, who would believe when we were back in high school that
we’d actually turn into responsible citizens?” Jerry grinned at Laura. “That
guy was the worst.” He jerked his head toward Ryan. “Talk about taking stupid
chances!”
    “I seem to remember that about him.” If Laura was thinking about
what he’d been foolish enough to confide in her, she didn’t show it. “But he
always seemed to land on his feet, like a cat with nine lives.”
    “Would you mind not talking about me as if I weren’t here?” Ryan
asked plaintively. “I do have feelings, you know.”
    Jerry hooted at that. “Put your feelings on hold and get back to
work, buddy. We’ve got a wall to finish.”
    Surprisingly enough, they did finish. Laura looked about ready
to collapse by the time the final section was done, and Ryan wasn’t far behind.
Jerry, on the other hand, looked perfectly ready to go on and plaster another
acre or two of wall. Still whistling, he picked up two buckets and headed for
the stairs.
    When Laura started to pick up an armload of equipment to carry
down, Ryan caught her arm. Her skin warmed under his fingers, and he had to
remind himself again. A friend. Just a friend.
    “Forget about that stuff. Jerry and I will load everything. I’m
sure you want to check on Mandy and sink into a hot tub.”
    Laura raised those dark level brows. “Are you implying I’m
dirty?”
    “Only about as bad as I am.” He grinned. “Go on. We’ll take care
of the clean-up.”
    He thought she’d argue, but she just nodded.
    He turned toward the steps and then stopped when she touched his
arm in turn.
    “Do you have a minute? There’s something I want to ask you.”
    More questions about the investigation? If so, she was going to
be angry with him all over again.
    “Sure. What?”
    “Will you
forgive me?”
    That startled him. “For what?”
    “You know.” Her dark eyes were very serious. “I was wrong to try
and pump you about the case. And wrong to get upset when you couldn’t answer
me. You’re just doing your job.”
    The tension inside him eased, making him realize how much the
breach between them had bothered him. “Forget it. Look, we both know how
awkward this situation is. If I could tell you anything, I would. You know
that.”
    “Yes.” There was something reserved about her smile that he
didn’t quite understand. “You and your family have been good friends.”
    Now it was his turn to raise his eyebrows. “You make that sound
like it’s in the past. We plan to go on being good friends, if you’ll let us.”
    “Of course.”
    “In that case, I’ll be back Thursday to help with the painting.
It’s my day off.”
    For an instant he thought she’d make an excuse to put him off.
Then she nodded.
    She was agreeing, wasn’t she? Still, he could sense something
held back.
    He hesitated. He could press her. But if he did, he’d be
violating his own promise to himself. Be a friend, but stay out of emotional
territory.
    That was what was best for both of them. He knew that. So why
did it feel so wrong to accept her agreement at face value and turn away?
    Stomach churning, Laura turned the ignition one more time, to be
greeted by a click and relentless silence. Why now, of all times?
    A tap on the car window made her turn. Ryan stood there, looking
ready to work in faded jeans and a polo shirt. She opened the door.
    “Your battery is dead.”
    “Thanks, but I already figured that out.” She slid out, fumbling
in her bag for her cell phone. “I’ll have to call a cab. I’m sorry I didn’t let
you know not to come, but something came up at the last minute.”
    He opened the rear door, helping Mandy out and responding to her
smile and hug.
    “You don’t have to call a cab. You can take my car.” He fished
the keys from his pocket and held them out to her.
    It would be yet another favor she owed him.