SECOND BOOK in the "Unexpected Love" series. Caila is a no-nonsense, feisty young woman who is researching her family history. As part of her research, she spends the summer at the home built by her 4th great grandfather in 1875, a place now renovat...
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The bright sun shone through the windows at the head of my bed as well as the skylights the Styles family had added to the slanted walls of my room. Luckily, both had shades attached so I could block out the sunlight on days I wished to sleep in, but the sun felt perfect this morning as I laid in the overstuffed bed and reminisced.
When I was young, I had climbed up into this loft from a ladder when the old building was still a carriage house, used for nothing but old bikes and yard tools. There were air vents in the loft, that was it. What Regan and Harry had done to transform the place was nothing short of a miracle. The dingy yet spacious loft in which I'd played as a child was now my bright and cheery apartment.
I laid in bed, smiling at my new start in this new, old place. The quilt was warm and comforting but I could tell the sun was going to heat things up quickly. I had noticed a window air conditioner in the living room; it might not be long before I'd have to make use of it. I sat up, yawned and stretched my hands high over my head. "Wow!" I said out loud when I looked at my phone and discovered that it was 10:30. Of course, it was only 7:30 back in California and it would take me a few days to adjust to that difference. It just felt strange for me to be halfway to lunch time already. Sleeping in was a luxury in which I had rarely indulged, but now that I had a break from school - without an internship for the summer - I planned on taking advantage of a relaxed schedule; depending on how busy I'd be, working for the Styles family, that is.
After a quick shower, I threw on my favorite pair of cut-off jean shorts, a red and white sleeveless seersucker blouse and some flip flops. I planned to let my hair air dry, but I dressed my face with just a bit of foundation, a touch of mascara, and some glossy lip balm.
I checked into the fridge, knowing it was going to be empty, but I looked anyway and found just what I expected. Nothing. My car wouldn't be here for at least four days, more likely five. Maybe Regan or Harry could give me a lift into town to get some groceries. Or I could call my dad, but I was sure he'd be at work till dinner time at least. I appreciated the Styles' invitation to join them for meals, and I would certainly go over and have a bite soon since I was famished. But it would be nice to have my own stash as well.
I opened the door to head out and just as I suspected, the sun was already pounding down mercilessly. It didn't bother me too much, coming from SoCal, but it was definitely unusual for Michigan this time of year. And Michigan had a unique kind of heat and humidity that you couldn't really find anywhere else. Around the house, activity was buzzing, with different contractors hurrying about finishing their tasks as the opening of the inn quickly approached.
I knocked on the side door to the private kitchen and Regan opened within seconds. "Oh, Caila, you don't have to knock. Just come right in!" Melody was perched on her hip once again. "Melody, can you say hello to Caila?" Melody just scrunched her hands together and buried her face into her mother's shoulder.
"Kids don't like me very much," I shrugged. I didn't mention that I wasn't crazy about kids either. Melody seemed sweet enough but I guess I'd never had opportunity to get to know small kids since even my own younger siblings were an ocean away from me.
