Cara O'Shea's Return by Mackenzie Crowne Read Free Book Online

windows along the back wall was interesting, though the stairwell leading to the second floor would be a problem. After considering the brick expanse for several minutes, he stood with his hands on his hips.
    “It’s a load bearing wall. You’d need several beams, cutting down on the amount of space you can utilize. You won’t get the kind of natural light you’re talking about with only the one section of windows that would allow.”
    “It’ll have to do.” She studied the section of wall in question and sighed. “The stairwell takes up most of the wall.”
    Turning away from her disappointed frown, he contemplated the stairwell silently for several moments, and then began to measure again. The tape measure snaked back into its case with a snick.
    “There’s another option. You could knock out the existing stairwell and put in a spiral staircase. They’re not all that practical for heavy traffic, but since you’ll only be using it for personal use, it would work. Especially if you choose a style complementing the age and charm of the building. The structural change would free up all but a corner, giving you a larger portion of the wall for windows.”
    “Oh, Finn.” Excitement brightened her eyes. “Do you really think it could be done?”
    He nodded. “It will be tricky, but yeah.”
    “A spiral staircase.” She sighed, the sound wistful.
    “I know a guy who custom designs them. I saw one of his finished products in a loft downtown. It’s a work of art.”
    She snorted even as her eyes twinkled with humor. “I’m already sold on the idea, Finnegan. In case you hadn’t noticed.”
    He chuckled and shy color crept over her cheeks.
    Ducking her head, she turned to scrutinize the wall. “You said you’d have to work around the beams, how much window space can be gained?”
    “We should be able to get three good sized windows in.”
    She spun back. “Floor to ceiling?”
    He smiled at her eager expression. “If that’s what you want.” He cocked his head and raised an inquisitive brow. “Floor to ceiling?”
    She laughed, a sound of pure pleasure, and reached for his hand. “Come here.” She pulled him along to the back door, jerking it open to step outside.
    He knew the instant she realized what she had done. Her flustered gaze jerked to his amused one, and she let go of his hand as if it scalded. Turning her back on him, she pointed at the expanse of lush, grassy bank sloping down to a fast running creek. The picturesque brook disappeared beneath an old stone bridge. Tall maples and birch crowded the opposite bank.
    “That’s why I want the windows.” Her voice quivered with nerves. “I want to be able to look up when I’m working and see that.”
    He was grateful she couldn’t see his dark and sultry smile. She insisted on keeping as much distance as possible between them, but as she got caught up in the renovation plans, she let down her guard. Whatever her reasons for keeping him at arm’s length, she’d forgotten all about them in her excitement over the renovation. Her body relaxed more and more as they moved through the studio together.
    She even referred to him by the shortened version of his name, and he liked the soft way she said it. Always before it had been Finnegan, and for the most part, his name sounded like a derogatory term on her lips. No doubt she would try to retrench once she had time to think. Too bad for her he wasn’t going to give her that time.
    She wasn’t relaxed now. Her returned tension showed in the stiff line of her body. A rush of anticipation flooded him as he considered just how he would go about relieving her of her tension. He closed the small distance between them, standing behind her with his mouth a breath from her ear.
    “Beautiful.” He ignored the tree lined view. The picturesque New England scene couldn’t hold a candle to Cara O’Shea.
    She shot a glance over her shoulder and he was pleased to see the blush staining her cheeks. Lowering