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"I think there used to be a sprinkler system in here," he says. "Does that sound right?"
I screw up my face. "Yeah. I think so."
"Well, the line is backed up. It probably has been for a number of years. I'm surprised that this is the first leak you've had."
I shrug. "It may not be. I was away at college for four years. Who knows what's been broken and fixed while I was studying."
He smiles at me. "That's probably true." He hops down, rubbing his hands. "I shut the water off at the line up there. It should be okay until you can get someone out to take a look at it."
A laugh burbles to my lips.
"Get someone? We are someone. Delta is not about to pay for a handyman to come out here."
River squints at the hole in the ceiling. "I don't think a handman would do it. You need a plumber. And probably an electrician for that outlet." He does some quick calculations. "I'd say you have about three thousand dollars' worth of stuff to fix. And that's only for this one problem. If a licensed electrician came out and had a look at what I assume is the nightmare that is your wiring, I think he'd have no choice but to call the county and have this place condemned."
"What?" I yelp.
"I'm pretty sure that's why no professional has ever stepped foot in this place."
My mouth twists. My shoulders sag. "I don't have three thousand dollars lying around," I say. "I don't think Aunt Delta does, either."
River cocks his head, thinking for a moment. "I think I know an electrician and a plumber who can come out."
I sigh. "You're not listening. I can't pay for them. I guess we'll just have to close this cabin until we figure out a plan."
River shoots me a secretive little smile. "They both owe me a big favor. Trust me when I say that they'll do the work for free."
He fiddles with his phone, sending a text message. I pull a face. "Are you serious? You can't waste your favors on me."
"Why not? You need it. I have it. It's done."
I walk over to him and tug his hand holding his phone. "Seriously. Don't. I don't want to owe you anything."
River smirks. "Don't be so calculating. We have a relationship. I mean, the fiancée stuff might be fake. But that doesn't mean I'm heartless. Let me do this for you."
Looking into his eyes, I feel my heart beat race. I scan his face. Is he for real?
He reaches out, puts a hand to the small of my back, and draws me in. I press against his torso and tilt my face up.
He kisses me, his lips hot against mine. My eyes sink closed and my hands wind around his neck. He deepens the kiss and dips me backward. I clutch his neck, feeling heat slide through my body.
Oh yeah. He's about to get rewarded, big time.
River releases me and grins. "I'm dispatching the workers."
My cheeks feel hot and I feel as unsteady as a fresh born foal. I give him a grateful smile. "Thank you."
His lips twitch. "You're welcome."
Is it strange that I feel such a magnetic pull between us? I must admit that this is just supposed to be a getting pregnant romp. Nothing else. Hell, I haven’t even had sex with River yet. And already, I can feel my brain attaching delicate strings to him.
It's a terrible idea. But I can't seem to help it.
I need to remember my reasons for not being interested in the false promise that River seems to offer.
"This doesn't mean anything," I blurt out.
River looks up from his phone. "Excuse me?"
