Free Her Christmas Hero (Home To Dover 6) by Lorraine Beatty Page A

things he had lying around. I’ll order special green and red wrap to cover the frame. But the best part is it’s not going to be very expensive to do all sixteen wreaths.”
    Linc couldn’t take his eyes off her. She sparkled with enthusiasm. Was that all it took—an old restored wreath—to put this kind of joy in her heart? And she had his brother to thank. Not him. Why did that bother him? “So your budget won’t take a hit, then?”
    “Nope.”
    Seth unplugged the lights. “So what do you need, big brother?”
    Linc had forgotten why he’d come downstairs. He’d needed to vent. But not with Gemma here. “I was just getting out of the office.”
    Seth chuckled and nodded. “I hear you. I don’t know how Dad could spend all day in that little box. I’d go crazy.”
    The mention of their father instantly dropped a heavy silence over the conversation. Gemma reached for her purse. “Well, thanks, Seth, for doing this. Any idea how long it’ll take to complete the rest?”
    “Couple days.”
    “Great. I meet with the business owners tomorrow. It’ll help that I can report we’ve already started on the decorations. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”
    “Any time.”
    Gemma faced Linc, slipping her bag over her shoulder. “Evan is looking forward to ball practice tonight.”
    “He’s a good kid.”
    “I think so.”
    Linc watched Gemma walk out of the workroom, unable to wrest his attention from the soft swish of her braid across her shoulders as she moved. When she finally disappeared from sight, he released a quick breath. Every time he was near her she left some new indelible image in his mind. This time it was her radiant expression.
    “Earth to Linc.”
    He jerked around to find his brother with a knowing grin on his face.
    “She’s a pretty lady, don’t you think?”
    No way was Linc going to go there with his little brother. But it did raise a question. Did Gemma find Seth attractive? They were about the same age, he guessed. His little brother was a charming guy. Linc could understand if Gemma was drawn to him. Not that it mattered to him. He gestured to the wreath frame. “This isn’t going to take away from any of your jobs, is it?”
    Seth’s smile faded. “No. I get the feeling you aren’t too happy with the changes Gemma plans to make.”
    “I think it’s a waste of time and money, and I doubt it’ll make any difference in the long run.”
    “Really?” Seth crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you’re wrong, but I guess time will tell. So what’s up with you? Something on your mind?”
    Linc set his hands on his hips. “The Coleman bid. I have a bad feeling about it. I wish Gil could have worked up the calculations.”
    Seth patted his arm. “No worries. Montgomery Electric rarely loses those big bids. Everyone knows we’re the best in the business.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    Seth set the wreath aside. “Have you talked to him about it? You did send him the final figures before you submitted the bid, right?”
    Linc leaned a hip against the counter. “Yeah, but he was distracted. I don’t think he looked very closely.”
    “He’s got a lot on his mind.”
    “I know. But so do I.” None of his family understood the tremendous burden he’d assumed at the company. The only one who would understand was gone.
    Linc made his way back to the office, thoughts of Gemma pushing into his mind again. He wondered if she’d come with Evan to the ball field to watch practice. He hoped so. Though having her on the sidelines might not be a good idea. Whenever Gemma was around he was easily distracted by her animated presence.
    Hoping to block thoughts of his lovely tenant, Linc placed a call to his brother Gil, looking for a little reassurance that the bid he’d submitted was on target. “You sure those figures were in line with the work they want done?”
    “Don’t worry. It’s okay. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to look at it more closely, but I just