Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“But you’re attracted to him.”
“I mean, I guess.” I picked at a loose thread in the comforter, remembering the warmth of the skin on his strong, muscular back. “He does have this sort of anti-Neil, blue collar, sweaty handyman thing happening that I find very appealing.”
“Well, I think you’ve earned a sweaty summer fling with a hot handyman,” Morgan said. “Go for it. Get hammered. Get nailed.”
“I’m not here for a fling,” I said, laughing. “I just want to earn some of my own money. I never want to be dependent on a man again.”
“So you’ll stay there for the summer?”
“Yes. And since I’ll live for free, eat my meals with the kids, and have the use of his sister’s car—he’s even going to cover gas money—I can bank just about every dollar he pays me and come back to New York in the fall.”
“That would be incredible! Just like old times!” She sighed. “Except I’m old and tired now.”
“You have a baby,” I reminded her. “And that’s wonderful.”
“It is. Sleep deprivation just gets to me sometimes. But listen—are you sure you don’t need me to wire you any money to get you through?”
“I’m positive. Austin gave me a little advance already, and he let me use his credit card to set up my new phone number.”
“Are you sure this is the same guy you called a big grumpy jerk yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“You must be a really good kisser.”
Through the window, I saw Austin come out into the yard, and I stood up, moving closer to the glass. It looked like he was walking toward the garage. “Listen, I have to run, but I’ll keep you posted. Give that baby a kiss for me. Love you.”
On my way from the bedroom area to the living room, I ran my fingers through my hair. I heard him knock, and just before I opened the door, I took a breath.
It whooshed from my lungs when I saw him waiting on the landing.
“We’re heading over to my dad’s now,” he said. “He’s going to spend some time with the twins while I help Xander tear out the old floor at the bar he just bought. I thought maybe you could come along and get Mabel’s car.”
“Of course. What else can I do to help?”
He looked confused. “With what?”
“Anything. With the kids, or maybe doing some grocery shopping or cooking so dinner is made when you all get back?” Frantically, I wondered what I’d make if he took me up on the offer.
He shook his head. “Kids are all set. They’re going to order pizza and eat at my dad’s. You can have the night off, get settled in.”
“Then what about helping you and Xander out?”
“Doing what?” he asked, his eyes wandering over my tropical two-piece outfit and strappy sandals. “The bar isn’t open yet. It doesn’t need a hostess.”
“I know that. But I could be useful.”
His expression was dubious. “I can’t imagine how. But if you want to come along, maybe I can talk through the weekly schedule and routines. You can take notes.”
“Fine,” I said, aggravated by his dismissive attitude. It reminded me of the way Neil had treated me like window dressing. His little teacup. “Let me just change my clothes.”
“Okay, but hurry up. I’m already running late today because I didn’t plan on the lighthouse tour or the cellular phone place.”
I arched a brow. “Listen, pal, I managed a seventy-eight second head-to-toe costume change in four shows a day for eight years, including hat, gloves, earrings, and heels. I can be downstairs in shorts and a T-shirt in less than a minute.” I snapped my fingers, shut the door in his face, and already had my top off by the time I entered the bedroom again.
I hoped he was standing there thinking about it.
“Okay. Monday through Friday, up by seven, supervise them getting their own breakfasts, make their lunches,” I said, looking over the notes I’d typed into my phone. I was seated on a stool at the lone high-top table that had been left in the former tiki bar Xander was renovating. “Send them up to make their beds and brush their teeth by seven-thirty. Pack their bags for camp—must have bathing suits, clean towels, sunscreen, goggles, flip flops, lunches. Check their progress by seven-forty. Leave by quarter to eight.”
“Make sure they’ve turned off the lights.” Austin ripped up another section of rotting floorboards. “Owen will leave the cap off the toothpaste and forget to brush his hair, so he needs a little extra attention in the morning. Addie usually does everything on her own, but she sometimes likes help with her hair too. Do you know how to do braids?”
I nodded. “I was in show business. Hair and makeup will not be a problem for me.”
“No makeup,” Austin said sternly.
“Don’t worry,” I chided. “Once I get the false eyelashes on her, she won’t need more than some brow gel, rouge, and a nice red lip.”