houses. As a result, several of them are in serious disrepair.â
Liz sat up, suddenly understanding the point Ayleen was about to make. The group didnât need money as much as they needed skilled, trustworthy volunteers.
âThe amount of your check is wonderful. But what we really need is help. If you seriously want to do something for this group, what weâd like is your time.â
Cain glanced at Liz, then returned his gaze to Ayleen. âWhat are you saying?â
âIâm asking you to do some work for us.â
He looked at Liz again. Her skin heated. Her heartbeat jumped to double-time. He was actually considering it.
For her.
Something warm and syrupy flooded her system. Heâd never done anything like this. It was overkill as a thank-you for her helping him through the flu. Donating money was more within his comfort zone. Especially donating anonymously. A secret donation of money, no matter how big, was easy for him.
But A Friend Indeed didnât need his money as much as his help. And he was considering it.
Holding his gaze, Liz saw the debate in his eyes. Heâd have to give up time, work with people. Ordinary people. Because someone from A Friend Indeed would have to accompany him. A stranger couldnât go to the home of one of their abused women alone.
But, his money hadnât been accepted. If he still wanted to do something nice for Liz, it would require his time. Something he rarely gave.
Continuing to hold Lizâs gaze he said, âWhat would I have to do?â
Liz smiled. Slowly. Gratefully. She didnât care as much about a thank-you as she cared about A Friend Indeed. About the families in the homes that needed repairs. Sheâd been up close and personal with most of them, since her group was in charge of cleaning them for the families, and she knew just how bad some of the homes were.
Alyeen said, âLiz? What would he have to do?â
Liz faced Ayleen. âCain paid his way through university working construction jobs in the summer. If he could spare the time, the house we moved Amanda into a few weeks ago has a lot of little things that need to be repaired.â
âItâs been years since Iâve done any hands-on construction. I canât make any promises without seeing the house.â
Ayleen clapped her hands together with glee. âUnderstandable. Iâll have Liz take you to Amandaâs.â
Lizâs heart thumped. She wanted his help, the group needed his help, but she didnât want to have to be with him to get it.
âIâm not sure I can,â Liz said at the same time that Cain said, âThatâs not necessary.â
âYouâre a stranger to us,â Ayleen firmly told Cain. âFor the safety and assurance of our families, I want you with someone from the board at all times.â She faced Liz. âLiz, youâve been at Amandaâs every weekend since she moved in anyway. And you obviously know Cain. Youâre the best person to accompany him to Amandaâs tomorrow.â She smiled at Liz. âPlease.â
Drat. She shouldnât have mentioned her knowledge about Cainâs construction experience. But she had been amazed and grateful that he was willing to help. Sheâd be crazy or shrewish to refuse to do her part.
âSure.â
Ayleen maneuvered Cain into a seat, but not once did Liz even glance in his direction. It was one thing to appreciate the gift of his help, quite another to be stuck spending time with him. Worse, the whole idea that heâd be willing to actually work, physically work , to thank her for a few hours of caring for him gave her a soft fluttery feeling in her stomach.
She ignored it. They had to spend time together the next day. Maybe hours. She couldnât be all soft and happyâbut she couldnât be angry with him, either. He was doing a huge favor for a charity that meant a great deal to her.
Of course