Page 5 of Ghost's Obsession

“That’s actually a really smart plan,” I tell him, genuinely impressed that he’s put so much thought into helping his mother. This man might look big and tough, but it’s clear he’s got a soft spot for his mom. That’s really sweet.

“Thank you. I just hope it works.” His tone sounds a little worried, like he’s not sure it’ll play out the way he hopes.

I make a note about the long-term plan, so I can factor in future accessibility. “Thanks for telling me that piece. We probably want to look at accessibility issues. Make sure it has room for a ramp, all the floors are the same height, there’s a spacious shower with a place for her to sit and build in a way to sink the counters in the future in case she ends up using a wheelchair.”

“Those sound like fantastic ideas,” he says enthusiastically. Something about his face when he smiles makes him way less intimidating—and twice as handsome.

I glance away to keep from staring and murmur, “I’d like to do a walkthrough of the garage at some point, if that’s possible. Just to get a feel for any potential structural issues, and I’ll be able to get a better sense of what I’ll be working with.”

“Oh, of course,” he says politely. He stands and gestures towards the side yard. “If you’ll follow me, we can take care of that right away.”

I set my portfolio aside. Carefully grabbing my sketchbook and a pen, I follow the big biker about five hundred feet to the side of the house. The yard feels plush beneath my feet, making me think he takes special care of his green spaces. As we get closer to the garage, I get a clearer sense of the size we’re working with.

It’s detached, just like he said. Set apart from the main house, giving it a standalone feeling. It’s the perfect space for an accessory building. In my mind’s eye, I can already see how fantastic it could be as a small, private getaway.

Ghost says, “I love the building. It’s eighteen by forty, making it seven hundred and twenty square feet. It’s got clean lines, and good natural light.”

I respond, excited, “That’s just enough square footage to make something smart and livable.”

He glances over his shoulder at me. “That was my thought as well.”

My eyes are drawn to his broad, muscular shoulders, his straight back, and the club patch on his cut. He wears it proudly, and I don’t know what to make of that. The club’s name is the Savage Legion MC. If I’m being honest, it sounds vicious. I’ve heard of them before. Some say they’re good men. Others claim they’re criminals. As for me, I’ve never known what to think.

Still, Ghost has been nothing but respectful to me so far. It’s not my place to judge him. I’m here to do a job. But consideringI don’t know a single thing about him, it pays to keep my guard up.

He opens the door, and we walk in together.

He immediately starts talking. “This garage is older than the one attached to the house. I’m not sure if it was ever used as a garage, because there’s no trace of motor oil on the floor or anything.”

Thumping his hand against one wall, he continues, “It seems pretty solid though. It’s got wide bay doors with heavy hardware and a side entrance that looks strong and secure. I had to cut off a padlock to get into the building when I first moved here.”

“It smells like cedar and dust bunnies in here,” I tell him lightly.

He just grins and nods. “I’d like to add at least one bay window where the bay doors are. The other can become a front door, and the side door will become the secondary exit that’s required by code on a building this size.”

“You sound like you’ve given this project a lot of thought.”

“Oh, don’t be fooled by my exterior. I’m smarter than I look.”

I grin at his self-effacing sense of humor. “I’m sure you are. The building has good bones. This whole project sounds exciting.”

I walk around the interior with Ghost trailing behind me. I’m already sketching mental blueprints in my head. “This space could easily be divided into a living area, kitchenette, and sleeping nook. The ceiling isn’t vaulted, but there’s just enough height to make it feel spacious and breathable if we get the layout right,” I tell him.

Ghost is hanging on my every word. “I agree with everything you just said,” he announces happily.

I turn in a complete circle, slowly taking it all in. “You said that you want a short-term rental for now, right?”

“Yeah. I’d like to list it as an Airbnb once it’s finished. People are always visiting and there aren’t enough in the way of accommodations. I figure I will end up with a few weekenders, maybe out-of-towners during the summer.”

Beaming at him, I add, “And eventually, your mom will be moving in.”

He replies, “From your lips to God’s ear, ma’am. I don’t want my mother to struggle on her own when she gets too old to care for herself. Especially when she could be getting the support she needs from me.”

I chew on the end of my pen cap for a second as I think through the situation. “You’ll want something compact but functional.”

He leans against the doorframe with his arms crossed. “I want it to feel like a place someone could actually live in and be happy. You know what I mean?” This man is smart and knows what he wants. I like that. Wishy-washy clients are the worst.

“Yes. I understand. It’ll be the difference between light bookings with no repeat business and being booked solid with lots of repeat business.”

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