A Place to Call Home Read Online Free

to him without getting spikes in hormone levels?
     
    “I can give you a call tonight if that’s okay.” She watched him closely, hoping that her tone didn’t give away her desire for him.
     
    “Sure. Call me any time, Hannah.”
     
    Now, why did it sound like those words held more promise than she wanted to admit?
     
    Clearing her dry throat didn’t help her voice, so she sipped some water then spoke. “Would you mind telling me where I could find some industrial appliances to check out? I’m used to big cities with access to every kind of store.”
     
    “You’ll get the same around here, but just got to travel a bit is all.” He wrote out some quick directions on a napkin and handed it to her. “This is where I suggest you order any appliances and fixtures. It’s only about a twenty-minute drive out of town. Tell them Mac sent you, and they’ll take good care of you.”
     
    Hannah could think of some ways for Mac to take good care of her. They all involved their naked bodies, sweat, and lots of tongue action. Oh God, why did she want to fuck the one man able to help her with her restaurant? No way could she screw this up. Then she’d just be horny and stuck without a contractor.
     
    “Thank you, Mac. You’ve been very kind to me. I think I’m going to like my stay in Charleston,” she said and smiled.
     
    When he stood, the loss of heat from where his thigh had touched her leg was immediate. Looking down at her, his baby blues melted her on the spot. “You will enjoy your stay, Hannah. I promise.”
     
    When his hand squeezed her elbow, she jumped. What was it about his touch that electrified her skin?
     
    Mac bellowed goodbye to the remaining café customers before he walked to the door. “If any of y’all would like to do me a favor, I’d be mighty appreciative. It seems the lovely lady,” he said, letting his Southern drawl drag out the words, “right over there is looking for some confirmation on my references as a contractor. Maybe y’all could enlighten her on my work ethics and save her some time. Have a good day.”
     
    After that speech, he whispered to the waitress and then winked at Hannah. He left the café without another word.
     
    All the customers stared at Hannah. She quickly busied herself with preparing to pay the bill, but when the waitress returned, she only cleared the dishes.
     
    “May I please have my check?”
     
    “It’s paid for.”
     
    “Paid for? By whom?”
     
    “By Mac.”
     
    “Of course,” she sighed, shoving her money back into her wallet. He’d already done too much for her. That act of kindness had been totally unnecessary.
     
    The old man sitting next to Hannah spoke. “Mac’s the best contractor in this part of the world.”
     
    “You can say that again,” another man said from down the counter. “Ain’t nothing that boy can’t fix, and when he fixes it, it stays fixed.”
     
    Suddenly, Hannah grew interested in the conversations surrounding her.
     
    Another man spoke up. “They don’t make boys like Mac anymore. His mama beams when she speaks of him doing so good for himself and all by himself too. Nope. Boy was never one to take a hand out, not even when God knows he deserved one.”
     
    Hannah sensed a tight-knit group. “You mean he’s legit?”
     
    “Legit? What’s that?” the old guy next to her asked.
     
    “Well, I, um, mean is he trustworthy? Is he a legitimate businessman?”
     
    The crowd around her laughed and made inaudible comments.
     
    The old man next to her responded. “Mac is too honest to be a businessman, but he is one hell of a contractor. He’s got the best prices in the state and works so hard and so quickly he makes the rest of us look like bums.”
     
    “Yup,” another man confirmed. “He’s a man of his word. Very particular about keeping his reputation pristine. But he has nothing to worry about since he’s the most recommended contractor around. Hell, I don’t know where he ever