A Place to Call Home (28 page)

Mac parked in front of his office and got out to open Hannah’s door.

“I’ll make the muffins for you, Luke. Don’t you worry.” She kissed the top of his head. “You boys be good now and listen to your dad seeing as he’s madder than a bee without a honeycomb.”

“Catching on to our stupid sayings around here?” Mac said.

She didn’t answer him.

“What does that mean, Hannah?” Luke asked.

She glanced at Mac then to the boys. “That was the watered down version of your dad has his underwear in a bunch so don’t piss him off or you’ll listen to him whine. Goodnight, boys.”

Mac shut the truck door. “Whine my ass.” He offered a smile as a truce.

She stalked away.

Was that the middle finger she just gave him?

§
§
§
§

Hannah took a long hot bath in her beautiful new bathroom. The tub was deep and the fragrant bubbles heavenly. After the afternoon she had, there was nothing else she could think of to settle her nerves than the luxury of a nice long bath. But the solitude comfort didn’t take away her worries.

Her belly flip-flopped with nerves. What had she done? What had Mac done? What had they done together? Jesus, she sat on pins and needles thinking of the wild sex she and Mac enjoyed that afternoon in his office, and they had made in their passion.

She sat up in the tub, her heart skipping a beat. A condom. They had forgotten to use a condom. She wasn’t worried about diseases—she knew better with Mac. But creating a life? That worried her the most.

She didn’t take any form of birth control. Hell, she hadn’t had sex in so long she never bothered. What if she’d gotten pregnant? What would she do with a child? She didn’t even have a permanent address to give a baby. Oh, God. She sank beneath the water, totally submerged, and staying until her breath gave out.

What was done was done.

When she broke through the surface and wiped her eyes, she heard her cell phone ringing. She had kept it close by since Greenville and now found herself in the same habit. She looked at the caller ID and recognized Mac’s number. She let the voice mail pick up while she stepped from the tub and swathed herself with a huge white terry cloth towel and another around her hair.

With her cell in her hand, she accessed the voice mail. She couldn’t totally ignore Mac just in case something happened to one of the boys. But she didn’t have to talk to. He’d leave a message about a problem. When she finished listening to his recorded voice, she hung up and tossed her phone onto the bed. He had nothing of significance she wished to hear at the moment.

If Austin MacDevin thought he could speak to her again, well, he’d better learn some manners. Hannah dressed in pink cotton summer pajamas. She dried her hair, twisted it into a bun and proceeded to the kitchen.

Four hours later, Hannah wrapped the last of the blueberry muffins, brownies and chocolate chip cookies in plastic wrap. As she surveyed her small kitchen counter filled with dozens of the treats, she admitted she might have over done it with baking for the MacDevin boys. Oh well, baking had been a constructive way to work off the temper Mac had put her in. She would’ve much preferred to give Mac a piece of her mind. But she refused to talk to him until he proved his remorse. She didn’t want to hear “I’m sorry”. If he wanted to act like a jackass then he damn well better figure out how to make up for it.

Chapter Thirty-Two

As Hannah placed the last of the baked goods in her car, Mac and Aidan arrived. The last person she wanted to see just stepped out of his truck and walked her way. When Mac offered her a smile, she turned to Aidan and only acknowledged him.

“Do you think you could help me with something, Aidan?”

“Sure thing.”

“What’s going on?” Mac said coming up beside Hannah.

“I’m talking to your son,” she said, dismissing him and turning back to Aidan. “You see, I promised Luke these blueberry muffins, and…oh my God,” she yelled and whirled to face Mac who stepped back. “If you’re here, who’s taking care of Luke?”

“Easy,” he said with his palms out. “He’s at my mom’s house being waited on hand and foot. He’s a little prince today.”

“Oh.” Relief filled her and she took a steadying breath. “Okay then.”

“Come on, Hannah,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “Give me some credit. I wouldn’t leave him home alone with his injured arm and the brother who didn’t keep a good eye on him.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You know, I’ve been doing this dad thing for quite some time and I’m pretty good at it.”

She shot him a steely look. He stood too close to her. The last thing she needed was to be reminded of how good he smelled first thing in the morning after his shower.

“Congratulations.” She turned away from him. “Aidan, will you take a ride with me to off load these muffins at your house so they’re there when Luke gets home?”

“Who are the brownies and cookies for?” Mac asked looking in her back seat.

She glared. “The brownies are for Ryan and the cookies are for Aidan.” She turned back to Aidan. “But I’m sure all you boys will share with each other.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, his tongue darting over his lips.

“And with Dad,” Mac injected.

“That you don’t have to do,” Hannah told Aidan.

“Well, Dad, can I go help Hannah?”

“Hell no. You have work to do here. I’ll help her.”

Yeah, like she would give him a chance to get near her. “No thanks. I’ll do it myself.”

“Still not talking to me, huh, brat?” he said, the sound of his voice too sexy to block out.

“Be grateful for that, Austin. I have absolutely nothing good to say to you so be thankful for little miracles.”

He laughed. “Fair enough. Is that why you wouldn’t take my calls last night?”

“You catch on quickly, but not quickly enough, or by the fourth call you would’ve given up knowing it was a futile effort.”

“Dad, you called her
four
times?” Aidan said standing beside Mac in Hannah’s driveway.

“Try eight times,” Hannah confirmed.

“Eight times!”

“Shut up, Aidan,” Mac said with no heat to his son.

“So can I use Aidan to help me?”

“Nope. You cooked it you haul it,” he said, strutting back to his truck and putting on his tool belt.

Oh, he was impossible. “You’re just trying to rile my temper. Well, it won’t work. Come on, Aidan. We won’t be long, Austin.”

Aidan stared at both of them clearly not knowing what to do.

“Did you hear me, Hannah?” Staring at her, his brows raised, arms crossed, he presented the picture of authority. Too bad she ignored bossy people. “I said he has work to do. He’s needed here.”

She passed him on the way to the driver’s door. “And as the owner, I can overrule you. I need his help. Not yours. I’m sure you can handle things while he’s gone.”

She got in her car, slammed the door, and backed up to where Aidan stood. Aidan looked at Mac for direction.

Mac mumbled, “Go ahead damn it. Hotheaded woman won’t let me live it down if she breaks a nail without your help.”

Aidan didn’t hesitate but jumped into Hannah’s car and she took off.

“I knew he’d see it my way, Aidan.” Hannah smiled while she watched Mac’s body grow smaller in her rearview mirror. A smile sprung up across her face. There. That hadn’t been so hard to make him understand when, she wanted something, she meant to get it.

“I still can’t believe he called you eight times.”

Eyes on the road, Hannah smiled wide. What she’d failed to tell Aidan was the very sweet, very sincere eight voicemails Mac had left her all night. Of course, by the eighth time, he’d become more frustrated than apologetic but he’d remained sincere.

If Austin MacDevin wanted her to accept his apology then he damn well better continue making the effort.

§
§
§
§

By the time Mac arrived home after picking up Ryan and Luke at his parents’ house, he had been starving and way behind schedule. He thought about ordering pizza since it the clock read almost seven. Yeah, to hell with cooking. It would be a pizza night.

Walking onto the porch, Mac smelled something that caused his mouth to water. Hannah must’ve come over to cook. Mac’s spirits immediately lifted while he helped Luke inside the house. Good, then she finally stopped being mad.

But when Mac found Aidan in the kitchen, his hopes were dashed. No Hannah.

“You cooked dinner, Aidan?” Mac asked walking to the stove and peering into the pots.

“I’m trying. Let’s say that.” He shrugged and laughed but appeared proud while he surveyed the food. “I don’t know how you do it so fast, Dad. This is hard.”

Mac laughed and slapped him on the back. “Well, it smells great. What do you want me to help with?”

Aidan gawked at him for a moment and nodded toward the baking dish on top the stove. “Is the chicken done?”

Mac sliced the middle of one of the breasts. “Sure is.”

“I made green beans, rice, and stuffing. Oh, yeah, and gravy. Hannah told me to make gravy in case the chicken comes out dry. It’ll hide the mistake.” Aidan scooped the chicken onto a platter.

Mac looked around, still hopeful his little brat would pop out of a hiding spot. “She did, huh? When did she tell you this?”

“When we brought the muffins here this morning. I knew you’d be late because you had to pick up Luke and Ry. That’s why I said drop me here first.” Aidan carried the food to the table.

“And you made dinner,” Mac said in disbelief. “That’s awesome.” He stared at the pots on the stove and the chicken sitting on the platter. This beat pizza any day. His stomach growled in agreement. More than ready to sample the tasty-looking meal, he yelled over his shoulder, “Ryan, set the table.”

“I just did,” he said.

Mac pivoted around and noticed the table. Yep, by goodness, he’d set it and had done a good job of it. And not one argument or complaint? Oh, my God. Who were these boys? Certainly not his. His boys argued and complained all the time. These guys had worked together. Now Mac grew even more shocked.

“Daddy, where’s Hannah?” Luke asked, his arm in the sling, walking into the kitchen with Porkchop by his side.

Mac took his seat. “She’s probably at her apartment.”

Mac helped Luke scoop food onto his plate. “Is she coming to dinner?”

“No. Dad screwed that up,” Aidan said, his tone laced with disappointment.

Mac cut Luke’s chicken. “What do you mean I screwed it up?”

“Oh, come on, Dad. I’m not blind. I saw how she wasn’t talking to you today.”

“Daddy, why’d you make Hannah mad? You should apologize. That’s not nice,” Luke scolded.

“Yeah, Dad,” Ryan said. “You snapped her head off in the truck on the ride to the hospital. She was only trying to help. I’m glad she was there since she took care of Luke while you drove.”

“Yeah, she made me feel all better. She’s really nice. You were mean to her, Daddy.”

“Okay, okay. What’s this, Gang Up On Dad Night? Everyone just eat.” Mac felt bad enough. Shit, he didn’t need his kids laying on the guilt too.

Aidan set his fork down and looked at Mac with a serious face. “Dad, if you promise to apologize to Hannah then we’ll share our muffins, brownies, and cookies with you.”

Mac scowled. “If I want one I’ll just take one.”

“Go ahead,” Aidan said, his shoulders straightening. “I’ll just tell Hannah. I’m sure she’ll have some thoughts on the matter.”

Mac stared at his eldest son. “You ever hear that men should stick together?”

“Sure. But when a lady cooks as good as Hannah,” he said with a sly grin. “Well, sorry, Dad, but you’re on your own.”

Mac laughed so hard his side hurt. “I’ll apologize just as soon as I can do it without it being suicidal.”

§
§
§
§

A few nights later Aidan went out with his girlfriend, while Ryan, still grounded, sat home with Luke and enjoying a visit by Josh and Chloe. Mac took the opportunity to stop by Hannah’s since she still refused his calls. He had to do the right thing with her and make her understand how sorry he felt for being an ass to her.

Mac rang Hannah’s bell and waited.

“Who is it?” she asked cheerfully.

“If I tell you then you wouldn’t let me in,” Mac said into the intercom.

“You’re right. Go away.”

He sighed. This wasn’t going to be easy. He rang the bell again.

“What didn’t you understand?” she yelled over the intercom. “I’m busy.”

“Too bad. Open up. Please. I need to talk to you.”

“Is it about one of the boys?” she asked, her voice becoming nicer.

“What? No. It’s not.”

“Then leave,” she snapped, her previous icy tone returning. “You have nothing I want to hear.”

He blew out a breath. “Christ, Hannah. Open the damn door or I’ll use my key.”

A minute later the latch clicked and the door swung open. “You made yourself a key to my apartment?”

“I sure as hell did.” He leaned against the door jam. “Figured I’d need it on nights like this when you were in one of your stubborn moods and wouldn’t let me in.”

“How dare you? Give it to me right now.” She held open her hand.

“Okay.” He straightened and presented a cupcake he held hidden behind his back and with the other hand lit the one pink candle in the center of the frosting.

“What’s that for?” she asked staring at the cupcake with its dancing flame.

“It’s a small birthday cake. Your first I believe.”

Her gaze lifted until they met his. Fire danced in those emerald circles. “But it’s not my birthday,” she whispered.

“So what? If I want to give you a birthday cupcake I will.” He offered it.

“Okay.” She took it from him with shaking hands.

“Hannah, you look like you’re going to cry. What’s wrong?”

She glanced up at him and a lone tear trickled down her cheek. “It’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever given me, Austin.”

He smiled. Good grief. If a lone cupcake had this kind of impact on her, she deserved to be spoiled rotten and treated like a princess. “You better make a wish before that damn cupcake melts.”

She stared down at the cupcake in her hands for a moment longer then let out a light breath and blew until it got extinguished. With a slow movement of her head, she looked up to him, her eyes still dreamy. “Want to come in?”

“I would like to. I need to apologize for the other day.”

He followed her into the kitchen where she placed the cupcake on the counter like it was a piece of crystal.

She faced him. “How’re Luke and the boys?”