Chapter Three
She’d dealt with thecrazies of New York, but nothing prepared her for this. A perfect stranger in her home, who was shocked she could see him? Yeah, not something she’d come across before. She threw herself from his arms, backing up.
He shook his head and swallowed. She traced the movement. “I-I’m sorry, please forgive me. It’s been a long day. You must be Miss Jones?”
When she didn’t reply, he prompted, “The new owner of Maywood Manor?”
“Yes, that’s me, but who are you?” She tried to sound intimidating, borrowing the voice Camilla used when people messed her around. She thought of Camilla now, shaking her head, screaming, “Girl, what are you doing? Stop talking to the strange man and get out. In fact, you should already be running!” But this wasn’t New York, this was a sleepy English village. How bad could this guy be? Right?Right?
“The maintenance worker. I’m here to make a start on the house. I think you spoke to my boss, Harry Park?”
She felt her bones melt in relief. “Right. Still, I’d rather you didn’t just wander in...”
He gave a small smile. “Of course, please accept my apologies, miss.”
His accent and the way he spoke was lovely, old-fashioned.
“Just Julia.”
“Julia.” He smiled, his voice wrapping around her name like an embrace.
She bit the inside of her cheek. “And you are?”
“Theodore.”
Beautiful name. It suited him, suited his style. Although he sure was suited and booted for a handyman. She was staring. Hell, she could stare at him all day.Focus, Julia, she scolded herself, but when she raised her gaze, he was staring right back with those piercing blue eyes. She couldn’t place the look. She’d been stared at by men before, downright ogled. Sometimes she encouraged it, enjoyed it, but this ... this look she couldn’t place. It was like she was a flower in full bloom, and he was admiring, revering it,her. Heat raised to her cheeks, engulfing them in flame.
“So, you’re starting today, are you? I have the plans, if you’d like to go through them. I’ll make you a drink,” she offered.
“That sounds wonderful, thank you,” he said, falling into step beside her as they made their way to the kitchen.
Wonderful. If all men spoke like this, they’d likely be getting a lot more action.
The kitchen’s oval windows opened up to the gardens. It was a beautiful room, full of natural light and peace. She closed her eyes as the sunlight spilled in, filling the space.
A musical chuckle brought her out of her reverie.
