Page 29 of Fetch Me A Mate
"And then?"
"Then I move on to the next project."
"Of course," she said quietly. "That's what contractors do."
She stood, brushing dust from her jeans. "I'll let you get back to work. Lunch around noon?"
"Sure."
But as she headed downstairs, Rowan found himself wondering if he'd just made the biggest mistake of his life. His wolf certainly thought so, snarling and pacing and demanding to know why he kept pushing away the one thing they both wanted.
Outside, he could hear the town starting its day. Cars on the square, the chime of shop bells, the ordinary sounds of people living their lives. Soon they'd all know about last night. Soon they'd all be watching to see what happened next.
Rowan picked up his hammer and drove a nail with unnecessary force. He'd told himself he'd set boundaries, and then he'd let one smile rip up his entire rulebook.
The question was what he planned to do about it.
15
DIANA
Diana was arranging paint samples on the reception desk when she heard the soft click of a camera from upstairs. She paused, brush in hand, and listened. Another click, then another. Someone was taking photographs in the work area.
She climbed the stairs quietly, finding Gerald Finch crouched near the exposed wall framing with his phone out, snapping pictures of the unfinished electrical work.
"Mr. Finch," she said pleasantly. "Getting documentation for your report?"
He straightened quickly, sliding the phone into his jacket pocket. "Ms. Merrick. Yes, just... cataloguing progress."
"How thorough of you." Diana stepped closer, studying the work area with fresh eyes. "You know, these would make excellent 'before' photos for the town newsletter. Show people the scope of what we're accomplishing here."
Finch's eyebrows rose. "The newsletter?"
"Absolutely. People love seeing transformation in action." Diana pulled out her own phone, snapping a wide shot of theexposed beams. "Mind if I borrow your idea? I'll give you full credit for the documentation angle."
"I... suppose that would be acceptable."
"Perfect. In fact, we should do a whole series. Before, during, after. Really showcase the craftsmanship going into preserving the inn's historical integrity." She took another photo, this one highlighting Rowan's precise electrical work. "The Council will appreciate having a visual record of every phase."
Finch looked like he'd swallowed something sour. "Naturally."
"I'll make sure you get copies for your files. And I'll mention your thorough oversight in my next Council report." Diana smiled brightly. "Thank you for the inspiration."
After Finch left, Diana stared at the photos on her phone. The exposed bones of the building looked raw, vulnerable. But they also looked like possibility. Like a story being written in wood and wire and careful restoration.
She scrolled through her contacts and called Tom Brewster.
"Tom? It's Diana. I have a proposition for you."
An hour later, Tom arrived with his camera equipment and an eager expression. "A photo essay about the renovation? I love it. The Hollow Oak Gazette hasn't had content this interesting in months."
"I want people to see the work that's going into this place," Diana said, leading him through the inn. "The skill, the craftsmanship, the care. Make them invested in the outcome."
They spent the afternoon documenting every phase of the renovation. Tom captured Rowan's precise measurements, the gleam of new copper pipe, the careful preservation of original trim work. Rowan tolerated the photography with typical stoic grace, though Diana caught him straightening his shoulders when Tom aimed the camera his way.
"This is good stuff," Tom said, reviewing his shots. "Mind if I interview you for a sidebar? New innkeeper's vision for the future?"
"Of course. But I want to include something else." Diana pulled out a notepad where she'd been sketching ideas. "Community involvement. Volunteer opportunities for the final push."
