AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When she had finished Tavo’s arms, legs, and feet, she said in a low voice, “It’s time for you to turn onto your stomach.”
A giant bear waking from slumber, Tavo hefted onto his stomach in stages. Vi settled the sheet across his torso and legs and began the process again. The exertion it took to get the muscles in his tight back pliable dampened her neck with perspiration.
Her musings shifted to Rory again. What on earth had she been thinking, tapping his nose, and teasing him about not being safe? She didn’t flirt—not normally anyway—but seeing his eyes pop had been worth it. For once, she’d ousted a reaction out of the suave, debonair Mr. Spence. He excelled at getting a rise out of her, so let the roles be reversed for a change.
The hour complete, Vi’s body drooped with fatigue. Tavo, however, was much improved. She glanced once more at his sheer mass and giggled. Without fail, he fell asleep during a massage. She left him on the table snoring lightly, knowing he’d wake up in minutes.
Soft strains of music floated from upstairs as she moved to the small waiting area. She sat in the same chair Rory had occupied the evening he’d confronted her about dodging their appointment. Surreal. The man occupied far too much of her mind space. She reached for her phone as it chimed with a text.
Demolition phase uncovered an issue. We need to talk. Meet you out there?
Bricks settled on her already-tired shoulders. An unforeseen contingency Rory had warned her about? She texted back quickly, saying she’d be there in thirty minutes.
Tavo exited the room. “Hey, Magic Hands.” The tic had vanished, replaced with a broad smile. “I can breathe and walk again, thanks to those hands of yours.” He stood straighter in a pair of faded jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.
Her mind still on the text, Vi remembered the reason she’d waited for him. “Thanks for saying so. Paige wanted me to mention she’s having a Christmas party in a couple of weeks. Are you up for grilling the meat?”
“If I’m off. What day?”
“Hmm. Sunday evening next? She’ll text everyone the info.”
Shuffling a gunboat-sized shoe, Tavo asked, “How’s she doin’?”
Vi caught the wistful note even in her distracted state. “Paige? She’s fine. Stays busy.” She peered at Tavo’s carefully masked expression. “Need me to give her a message?”
The two creases deepened on either side of his face. “Nah.” He fiddled with a tattered baseball cap. “Ro filled me in about the vagrants out at your place. We’ve been patrolling. They’ve moved on for now.”
She blew out a relieved breath. “Rory worried about the possible danger they posed, but if they’re gone?—”
“No. Vagrants multiply. It’s still not safe for you out there.” His raised brows gave more authority to the decisive words.
Vi slipped the holder from the end of her hair, unplaiting the braid. “This is my property we’re talking about.”
“Yeah, I know. Rory mentioned it. He’s working on a solution. You need to be patient.” He slipped the cap on, adjusting the bill.
Vi’s fingers stilled as she looked at Tavo. Those had been Rory’s exact words.
As if Tavo read her thoughts, his deep voice rumbled. “Now don’t go gettin’ worked up. Be smart, doll. I’m not the only one who needs your hands.” He touched two fingers to the bill of his cap in salute.
“But—”
Tavo strolled away, giving her a backhanded wave. Vi huffed. Nice to know someone had relaxed. Even if her hands still trembled with the effort to get him there.
Soft pink twilight covered the evening sky by the time Vi pulled into the driveway of her old house. Sheetrock, rotten wood, and pieces of old carpet lay nearby in a dump trailer. Rory stood on the porch. The yellow light shining over the door backlit his hair, making the auburn color blaze. He hurried down the creaky wooden steps with long strides.
Vi shivered despite her light jacket. The word charming so underrated Rory’s appeal. His genuine desire to help with her house had overshadowed any traits she’d found disagreeable in the past. Not a stretch to believe he’d become the most sought-after contractor in Valiant. A shadow overtook her musings. It probably applied to his bachelor status as well. She tucked the errant thought away, not sure why it bothered her.
He reached her car door before she could unbuckle her seat belt., His actions seemed clipped, though he remained the consummate gentleman. She stole a look at his profile. Seeing chagrin etched into his attractive features morphed her fear to a new level. “What’s going on?”
When he shook his head, she let him steer her up the steps and into the house. Demolition dust assailed her nose and lungs. White sheetrock powder danced in the air, making her cough. Recognizing the signs of an asthma attack, she rapidly glanced around the room before her lungs staged a complete insurgency. Bare studs stood where walls had once existed. Rory had said the house would look worse before it looked better, yet this nakedness took her by surprise.
When Rory opened his mouth to speak, Vi touched two fingers to his lips. Whatever the news, she needed a few moments to absorb this new beginning. Sidestepping a pile of rotten wood, she walked to the kitchen and superimposed Rory’s build-out plan over the stripped space. He’d been so patient with her vague ideas, then drew up a blueprint and let her tweak it. She’d found the process enchanting. Even as her heart stirred, the tickle in her throat increased.
Vi coughed again, backing into Rory’s solid chest. He grasped her elbows as she wheezed, losing the battle for air. He swiveled her around, searching her face, then slid an arm around her. “We need to get you out of here.”
Her eyes smarted with tears as she allowed him to lead from the house. Rats. She could add old house junk to her list of allergies. She patted her skirt pockets for her keys. Finding them, she held them out. “My inhaler.” The words squeaked through her rapidly closing throat.
Before she’d finished the words, Rory grabbed her keys and ran.
