Page 176 of Clinically Bewitched
“Can we try one?” Gavin asked.
“Of course!” Winnie opened the bag, and suddenly all six contractors were gathered around her, sampling cookies and offering compliments that made her blush.
I looked at Athena, who was grinning.
“This is a nightmare,” I said.
“This is hilarious,” she corrected.
“They’re supposed to be working.”
“They are working. They’re also being friendly.”
“They’re being too friendly.”
“There’s no such thing as too friendly.”
“There absolutely is.”
Vivian appeared beside me. “Julien, I need you to understand something.”
“What?”
“Those men are the most attractive humans I’ve ever seen in person.”
“That’s not relevant to the renovation.”
“It’s extremely relevant to my mental state.”
“Your mental state is not my concern.”
“It should be. Because I’m about to lose my mind.”
“Vivian.”
“And Athena agrees with me.”
I looked at Athena.
She nodded. “They’re very attractive.”
“You’re married to me.”
“I’m aware. Doesn’t mean I can’t observe objective reality.”
“Objective reality is that we have three weeks to complete a major renovation and everyone is distracted by—”
“By six gorgeous men who are also extremely competent and professional?” Vivian finished. “Yes. That’s exactly what’s happening.”
My left eye was twitching so hard I was surprised it hadn’t detached from my face.
The contractors started work the next day.
At exactly seven AM, as scheduled.
I was already there, having arrived at six-thirty to review the day’s checklist and ensure everything was prepared.
“Morning, Dr. Darcy,” Mason said, arriving with his team. They were all wearing work clothes: jeans, boots, and fitted T-shirts that showed off their annoyingly attractive assets.
