Page 101 of Mr. Infuriating

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Gretchen

So, Gabe wasn’t interested in sex for the cupboard installation and instead wanted me to tutor his son. Something that was totally appropriate and in my wheelhouse.

I had no idea why I’d felt a tinge of disappointment at his offer. Of course he wasn’t going to suggest I sleep with him in exchange for the cabinets to be installed.

And if he’d had—there was no way I’d have agreed.

Liar!the devil on my shoulder screamed.

The angel chimed in.We’ll never know, will we?

I swear Gabe had been trying to flirt with me earlier, but then he panicked and left again, leaving me more confused than ever.

Except now I understood why, and my heart broke for him.

While I didn’t want to be a charity case, I wanted my son to grow up in Lancastle more, so I was willing to swallow my pride if it meant we didn’t have to move.

“So, if we do this, when do you want to get started?”

“I can start demoing the kitchen Friday after work.”

I winced at the worddemo.

“How long will I be without a kitchen if you’re going to do this in your spare time? I can’t really afford to eat out every day for months on end.”

“I’m hoping to have things operational in less than a month. In the meantime, I can help you move the refrigerator and microwave into your formal dining room. I know it’s not ideal, but you’d at least be able to prepare a few things in a clean room.”

“I’ll be without a sink, too, huh?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I recommend paper plates.”

I wasn’t looking forward to that, and it must have shown on my face because he continued, “I’ll try to get here as often as I can. I promise.”

“Are you going to bring Brayden with you when you come this weekend?”

“I will if that works for you.”

“Yeah. Just let me know what time.”

“I will.”

He drained his wine glass and rinsed it out in the sink before putting it in the dishwasher.

Which reminded me…

“Thank you for cleaning up tonight. I really appreciate it.”

“And I appreciate you making me dinner, so it was the least I could do.”

“Anytime. As long as it’s not lasagna.”

That made him chuckle, then he said, “You should try it one more time before abandoning it altogether.”

“I think it’s cursed. Besides, I won’t have an oven for a while.”

“When your kitchen is done, then.”

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