Page 8 of The Lake House (Southern Charm #2)
Chapter Eight
Matilda’s long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail so she could focus on the job at hand.
She was gap filling. It wasn’t a very important job, but Ryan assured her it was necessary and would help him with the painting.
They were so close to finishing their home renovations, and she couldn’t wait until it was finally done.
She used the word “they” loosely, since it was really Ryan who’d done most of the work.
Selfishly, she wanted him to herself when he came home, so she was ready for him to be finished with this seemingly never-ending job.
She squinted and reached above the doorframe to fill a gap with the caulking gun.
“You do that so well,” Ryan said as he leaned lazily against the wall, a nail gun pointed at the floor beside his feet. He grinned her and winked.
She laughed. “Thank you. I’ve become something of an expert. I have been doing it now for almost two hours, you know.”
“I’ll have to hire you for the jobsite.”
She smirked, then grew thoughtful as she filled another gap with the caulk gun. “I’ve been thinking about changing direction, actually.”
“You’re not going to become a construction worker now, are you?” He grinned.
She shook her head. “I love working at the café, but I miss being a vet. I think I needed a break from it. And now that I’ve had some time off, I miss working with animals.”
“I can understand that,” Ryan said, coming over to wrap his arms around her gently.
She leaned into his chest. “I miss home, too.”
“We should visit sometime.”
“Yeah, but when?”
“Maybe we could go at Christmas. I’ll have some time off then.”
“Okay, that sounds good. I’d like that.”
“And you should look into vet jobs here. If that’s what you want to do.”
She sighed. “I’m concerned about Rita and the café, though. She needs me there while she’s going through treatment.”
He nodded and squeezed her. “You’re good to her.”
“I try to be. She’s my aunt, after all.”
“I’m sure she appreciates what you’re doing.”
“She does. She tells me all the time. So, I can’t abandon her. I’ve got to stay at the café until she’s ready to take over working there again. I’m helping her keep an eye on Cathy.”
“It makes sense for you to stay at the café, but maybe you could look around and see what opportunities are out there so you’re ready when Rita feels better.”
“You’re right. I’ll do that. Thanks.” The thought of getting back into her old career path sent a thrill of excitement running through her veins. She’d been burned out and needed a break when she first travelled to the USA. But now, she was ready to get back into it.