Page 14 of Tinsel & Tools
“Jack Maddox said he could come by in a couple of hours,” I announced.
“He’s the best.” Mrs. Ross grinned.
“So, I’ve heard.”
“And his son’s the nicest man. Cute too.” She winked toward Allie.
Allie bounced a little. “I told you this was a good idea.”
I rolled my eyes. “We’ll see about that.”
Exactly two hours later, a van pulled into the parking lot, followed by a truck.
An older man with broad shoulders climbed out of the van, then the driver’s side door of the truck swung open, and out stepped the hottie from the coffee shop.
Great.
“Jack Maddox,” the first man said, gripping my palm. He tipped his chin toward his son. “And this is Cole.”
“Gavin.” Heat crept up my neck when Cole shook my hand.
Up close, he was even better. Although it was chilly outside, his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his muscular forearms. He smelled of sawdust and fresh laundry. It seemed like an odd combination, but it absolutely worked for him.
“I’m Allie,” my friend introduced herself, smiling unabashedly at Cole.
“Nice to meet you,” he returned.
“So, what are your plans for the place?” Jack asked as we walked inside.
“Honestly, I have no idea. I’m just trying to find out what it would take to renovate everything.”
He nodded, and I followed them as they began their assessment. I watched as Jack and Cole took notes, tapped on the walls, and talked about joists and wiring. I had no idea what any of it meant, and all I could do was pretend I wasn’t distracted every time Cole crouched to look at something or glanced my way.
When they finished, Jack faced me. “There’s a lot that needs to be done here,” he said matter-of-factly. “And it’s more than Cole and I can do alone.”
My stomach dropped. According to Murphy, Jack was the best around. If he didn’t think he could help me, maybe the inn really was a lost cause.
“What if I want to sell the place? Could you do some of the cosmetic stuff before it goes on the market?” I asked.
Cole lifted a brow. “Is that what you want to do?”
I shrugged. “I’m not really sure. It’s a huge decision.”
He looked at his dad then turned back to me. “Actually, how about you think things over during the long weekend, and I can check in with you Sunday evening? If you just want cosmetic stuff, we can handle that. If you decide you want to do a full renovation, I can take care of the wiring and other small fixes. Then I’ll help you find some companies for the plumbing, any roof issues, and whatever else comes up.”
“That sounds good.”
They headed for the door, and Cole’s eyes caught mine for a second before he smiled. “I’ll text you.”
“Uh … okay,” I stumbled over my words, completely flustered then gave him my number.
Allie waited exactly two seconds after their vehicles pulled away before elbowing me and grinning. “I bet those renovations are sounding better now that you know he’d be here every day.”
7
Cole
Thanksgiving morning meant my mother’s kitchen was already running at full speed by the time I pulled into the driveway. The street was lined with cars that probably belonged to guests of the neighbors, and one muddy SUV that belonged to my cousin Pete. By the time I reached the side entrance, I could smell turkey roasting in the oven.
