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“You have to keep Darla,” Daniel insisted. “She needs you.”
Tasha was suddenly close to tears. Maybe it was all the changes over the last few months. The loneliness and despair. Followed by the warmth and cuddliness of the puppies. Then the Mavericks with their laughter and antics.
And most of all, Daniel, bringing such unexpected joy and desire into her life.
It was almost as if she’d finally come home.
Chapter Eleven
The men dropped off Tasha and the puppies at her place, carrying in the new crate, the dog toys, and all the other gear they’d bought. Once inside, they marveled at what she’d accomplished on her own, and Daniel loved seeing her bask in the glow of their compliments. Unfortunately, she turned down their offer to join them at his place for drinks and a barbecue dinner, insisting they’d come to have a guys’ weekend and she’d only cramp their style.
“I still can’t believe Tasha did all of that by herself,” Will said as the five of them sat on the back deck drinking beer. “And from watching your DIY videos, no less.” His grin took away any heat Daniel might have otherwise felt from the dig.
“But that roof—it’s still a total mess.” Sebastian shook his head. “I’m surprised she was willing to buy a place like that.”
“We can’t let her do it alone.” Matt clearly couldn’t believe Daniel wasn’t fixing her roof right this minute.
“She’s extremely independent,” Daniel said. “The only reason she’s accepted my help at all so far is because of the puppies.” He would have done so much more for her if he didn’t believe his actions would chase her off.
“She can’t refuse all of us,” Will insisted.
“But why the need to be so self-sufficient?” Evan mused. “Seems to me that she doesn’t want anyone getting too close. And I can’t stop wondering about the reasons.”
Sebastian immediately overrode him. “The why of it doesn’t matter. I’ve only known her a day and I’m already certain she’s a great person. Everyone has their issues, their demons, and we all deal with them in our own ways. The five of us know that better than anyone.”
“We sure as hell do,” Will agreed. “But regardless of whether she’s dealing with demons or not, one thing is certain—it’s going to take more than some videos and determination to fix that roof anytime soon.” He smiled broadly. “Good thing she’s got a handy group of guys hanging out nearby.”
“We could have it done by the end of the weekend.” Matt agr
eed.
They weren’t saying anything Daniel hadn’t already thought. But they didn’t know Tasha like he did. “You guys really aren’t getting just how badly she wants to take care of herself.”
“And you really aren’t getting just how badly we want to help her,” Will said.
“Besides,” Sebastian added, “Mom would read you the riot act for not helping someone in dire need.”
“Mom understands independence.”
“She sure does.” Will whipped out his phone and pushed speed dial. “But that won’t stop her from agreeing that we should put a new roof on Tasha’s cabin tomorrow.”
Even as Will held the phone to his ear, Daniel had the glimmer of a plan. The guys might be right. Tasha wouldn’t feel like it was him pressuring her if they all offered to help. And hopefully, she wouldn’t feel there were strings attached either. If you couldn’t accomplish a task one way, he’d always thought, you found another. And this way just might work.
“Mom, what are you up to tonight?” Will winced at her response. “You’re watching John Wick: Chapter 2? That is a seriously violent movie.” He rolled his eyes at her retort. “I’ll let you get back to the mayhem in a few minutes, but right this second, Daniel needs your encouragement to help his neighbor fix her leaky roof.” He nodded. “Yes, we’ve all met her and she’s great.” Grinning at Daniel, he added, “Really great.” He laughed at something Susan said. “I’m handing the phone over right now. Love you. Give a big hug to Dad.” Then he shoved the phone at Daniel while the others snickered.
“He’s in for it now,” Sebastian said in a gleeful tone.
“I’ve been waiting for an update on your neighbor,” Daniel’s mother said when he took the phone, scowling at the others. “Good thing Will decided to call.”
Daniel would have called earlier, but he’d still been chewing on her remark about bumpy relationships—and the ring of personal experience in her words. Standing, he wandered back into the house, away from the others.
“Were you ever serious with anyone before Dad?”
“No. Your father is the only man I’ve ever loved.”
So much for hoping she’d been talking about someone else. He waited for her to question why he was asking, but she didn’t. It was, honestly, kind of weird how silent she’d gone.
“So,” he said into the empty space, “it’s been a busy couple of days up here in the mountains.” He told his mother about Tasha finding Darla, Spanky, and Froggy in the cave, how together they’d hand-fed them every few hours through the first day and night, then outfitted them with a new crate and chew toys galore.
