Page 26 of The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

“Lauren offered to do it, but she’s no carpenter herself. I can look for a craftsman to do it properly, but I’ve been putting it off until I get more reservations.”

I smile gently, glad that she’s coming around to view me more as a friend and less as a paying guest. I am, but she’s become so familiar and easygoing with me that it doesn’t seem out of the norm for her to mention a financial issue.

“I’m shocked Lauren hasn’t tried to just do it herself. She’s very handy.”

“And to think she hadn’t ever worked a day in her life!” She chuckles, shaking her head as she paints.

What? I can’t see that. Lauren’s just as she described. Hardworking and often going without a break for the sake of feeling accomplished. I see it when she thinks no one is watching. That self-satisfied smile as she brushes her hands off and examines whatever she’s just completed around the property.

“She’s eager to do the painting, given those intermittent sprinkles ever hold off. I warned her the mountain weather can play games like that.”

“Hey, I can pitch in too.”

She glances up, brows raised. “You?”

I frown at the light tease. “Yeah. I’m not completely useless with tools.”

Don’t tease me about being from the city…

“Really?” She brightens up now.

“Sure. I’ll have you know I aced shop class in high school.”

She laughs lightly. “That’s a feat.”

“And my cousin tried to build a little treehouse near our family place in the Hamptons.” I set my hands on my hips. “I’m the one who saved the day and got it to stay up properly.”

“The Hamptons? Yet here you are at my Goldfinch Ridge Bed and Breakfast? I feel famous somehow.”

I smirk at her joking with me. “I’m from the city, but I’m not afraid of manual labor.”

She stands, wincing only slightly at the stance after sitting. “How about a discount on your room in exchange for some projects?”

I rub my hands together. “I’d be glad to.”

She narrows her eyes, though, skeptical. “But I know you don’t need or want a discount. Not when you’ve got a place in the Hamptons.”

I sigh and shrug. “No, I don’t need or want a discount. I just want to help.”

“From the goodness of your heart?”

I grin. “Yep, that and the well of boredom I’m prone to feel out here in the middle of nowhere.”

“Oh, come now. I refuse to think you’re bored.”

I can’t look away. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt embarrassed or shy. If she’s talking about my addiction with seeking out Lauren, then yes, she’s correct. I’m not bored when I’ve got that woman around here.

“Would Lauren be upset?” I ask. “Job security and all?”

She shakes her head. “Not at all. There’s plenty that needs to be done. She’s eager to paint, but it’s not a one-person job. I’ve got wood to replace on the porch.” She pats the railing lovingly. “Firewood to chop. Things to mend and move around outside.”

“When can I start?”

She purses her lips and shrugs. “Now?”

I nod. “Sounds good to me. I was idle in Vail, and I’ve got energy to burn.”

“Just like Lauren,” she says with a laugh.

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