Aidan hadn’t mentioned “the date” again in the ten days since he asked her, and Clare knew he wouldn’t ask a second time. The ball was firmly in her court. They’d continued their casual dinners together and kept up the lighthearted sparring, but there was an undercurrent between them now that hadn’t been there before he asked her out.

She came in through the front door to find him bent over, vacuuming the living room, and took a moment to admire the view. Clare had grown accustomed to him being there when she got home from the store. He was usually filthy from working all day, and his hair was often full of sawdust, but the grime and dust only added to his masculine appeal.

He sucked up the huge pile of sawdust he’d swept into the middle of the floor and turned off the vacuum.

“Hey,” he said. “When did you get home?”

“A minute ago. I was enjoying the sight of you cleaning my house.”

“I’m glad I’m available to entertain you,” he said dryly as he checked his watch. “I’ve got to hit the road in a few minutes.”

He was going to his parents’ home on Cape Cod for the holiday.

“I thought you would’ve left by now.”

“I wanted to finish one last thing in the bathroom so it’ll be ready for phase two when I get back.”

“You should get going. You have a long ride.”

“Are you sure you won’t come with me? I could have you back in plenty of time for the girls.”

“I’m sure. Thanks for asking, but I’m looking forward to a nice quiet day tomorrow.”

“So the idea of spending Christmas with my parents, my three obnoxious brothers, my sister, her husband, and their five kids doesn’t appeal to you?”

She laughed at his pained expression. “It sounds lovely. Don’t let me keep you.”

Raising an eyebrow, he said, “You’re awfully anxious to be rid of me. Is your boyfriend waiting outside for me to leave?” He took a peek out the window.

She smiled. “You just can’t seem to take a hint.”

“Do you mind if I borrow your shower? My mother will have a cow if I show up looking like this, and going home would take too long.”

“Feel free. Towels are in the closet behind the door.”

“Thanks.” He went out to his truck for a duffel bag and took it with him upstairs.

While he was in the shower, Clare went up to her temporary kitchen to make a couple of sandwiches and brew a thermos of coffee to send with him. She was back downstairs by the time he came down fifteen minutes later.