Page 9 of Stuck with the Hot Boss
He ran down the list of jobs and allocated them across the team with the clarity and efficiency of military orders.
‘You two–’ He pointed at Evie and Leo. ‘You go with Ash here. Do what they say and don’t get in the way. You got four jobs to get through today, so hop it.’
Evie noted the use of ‘they’ – full marks to Dennis – and watched with interest as the plumber named Ash approached. They were of medium height and build and wearing a Double K cap. Under it was a face that would have been quite ordinary had it not been for a pair of startling – and startlingly familiar – greeny-gold eyes.
‘Do you have a close relative who cuts padlocks off bridges for the council?’ Evie asked.
The plumber named Ash raised their eyebrows. ‘Um – not that I know of.’
‘Cool. Right. Just checking.’
‘I’m Leo,’ said her boss, pointedly. ‘This is Evie. We’re from Double K and keen to see how we can better service our customers’ needs.’
Ash raised their eyebrows even higher. ‘Okay – but you know that sounds kind of dodgy.’
Evie tried to suppress a snort of laughter and failed.
A warning growl came from the direction of Dennis.
Ash said, ‘Time to go. Hope you don’t mind a bit of a squeeze in the van.’
Good thing Leo did have a tight rear, thought Evie. The two of them barely fitted next to Ash in the van’s cab. Evie had the middle seat and she and Leo bumped hands trying to get their seatbelts in the right slots. The quick electric touch of skin on skin made them both jump and bash each other’s knuckles, so Evie waited until the van’s seatbelt alarm started to jangle before trying again. Next to her, Leo kept quiet, but she could detect what she’d decided to call his signature scent, the spicy, surfy one. Not as strong as yesterday, probably because he wanted to avoid any ribbing from plumbers whose idea of a manly scentwould involve Borax. Evie resisted the urge to sniff him to try and identify the brand. Maybe one day she’d be able to ask him without it sounding weird.
‘You know, the oldest perfume in the world is from Ancient Egypt,’ said Ash.
‘Why did you bring that up?’ Evie had to ask.
‘Dunno,’ Ash shrugged. ‘Must have smelled something that reminded me.’
It was almost impossible to tell how old Ash was. The way they spoke made them seem young, but how many young people had an interest in ancient perfume?
‘How long have you been a plumber?’ said Evie.
‘Few years,’ said Ash. ‘It’s a good job. Gets me out and about.’
A little memory bell jangled in Evie’s head. ‘Are yousureyou don’t have a relative who works for the council?’
‘Maybe distant,’ Ash shrugged. ‘I do have a big extended family.’
‘Do they all look like you?’
Ash kept their eyes on the road, but Evie saw them smile. ‘Let’s just say you can tell we’re related.’
Evie heard Leo make a small impatient sound. She guessed that idle chit-chat didn’t fit his idea of being professional. Sure enough–
‘Ash,’ said Leo. ‘Can you talk us through best practice when it comes to selecting plumbing supplies?’
‘Um – not really.’ Ash checked the side mirror, indicated and pulled into a parking spot. ‘I’ve got a leaking shower to deal with.’
The duff shower belonged to a brick house, three-storeys-plus-loft-conversion, in a quiet, affluent Islington terrace. Evie and Nicky’s flat was on the top floor of a similar house, but Evie suspected the fridge in this one wouldn’t be filled with plastic containers of half-eaten curry. This was a Planet Organichousehold if ever there was one. They had window boxes with flowers that were actually alive.
Ash rang the front doorbell. ‘Dennis says the family have gone on holiday, but the cleaner will let us in–’
Andthese people had a cleaner. A pretty Polish woman in her thirties, who escorted them up to the converted loft, where they found a bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The room obviously belonged to a young girl because it had the kind of bed Evie had dreamed of when she was that age. Pink and white and plush. Fit for a princess.
‘Oh my god, she has a vintage Blythe doll!’
Evie picked up the doll and pulled a string. ‘Look!’ She showed Ash and Leo. ‘Now she has purple eyes!’ Another pull. ‘Now they’re blue! Like magic!’
