Page 18 of Better Together

Zeke set his fork down and pushed the plate toward Alexis. He’d enjoy the dessert more watching her eat it.

“That’s easy. I met this girl at a bar.”

“Of course you did.”

“Hey, I don’t meet all my dates at bars.”

“Go on.” She took another slow, sexy bite.

He cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “We met at a small diner near Duluth, and she brought her brother with her.”

“Let me guess, big burly dude with lots of overblown muscles to put you in your place.”

“Umm, no. I think that would have been better. Her little brother. He was five years old.”

“Oh. So, she couldn’t find a babysitter?”

“I wish that was it.” He paused for dramatic effect and sat forward. “She wanted to see how I acted around kids since she wanted a boatload and thought I’d make a great baby daddy.”

“Nooo!” Alexis covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “What did you do?”

“I threw a twenty-dollar bill on the table and got the hell out of there.”

Alexis finished her wine. “As nice as this is, how about we head home. I have a few things to do before we start work tomorrow.”

He left a generous tip in the leather folder and escorted Alexis to the truck. He pulled her door open, and she stopped and held his gaze before getting in. “Thanks for today. I had fun.”

“How does this date rank?”

“Definitely a ten. Plus.”

She stepped onto the running board before he could lean in and give her a kiss.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Alexis parked on Elmhurst Street, exited the warmth of her truck, buttoned her canvas jacket, and strapped on her tool belt. Susan had said she could find the key under the front mat. Not the best hiding place, but the neighborhood of older homes and mature trees had always been quiet. She’d put a lock box on the door this afternoon. She followed the sidewalk and took deep, calming breaths. The morning air was cool enough to see small puffs of steam as she exhaled.

The 1950s rambler with landscaped yard showed great potential. Although slightly overgrown, the mature oaks would provide much-needed shade on a hot summer day. A dog barked in the distance, and the call of a chickadee floated on the gentle breeze.

On first inspection, the wood casement windows looked to be original and would most likely need replacing. Alexis climbed the two cement steps, removed the key from under the mat, and unlocked the front entry. She pocketed the key. The heavy wooden door was in good shape, but they’d need a larger opening for better wheelchair access.

The only requirement of the competition she knew about so far was that both houses had to be accessible for people with disabilities. Her competitor’s experience was mostly new construction, so she’d have a slight advantage. However, she knew Ryan Anderson built quality homes and would be a worthy opponent. Their sizable budget would allow both of them to create spectacular accommodations.

Alexis extended her measuring tape and made a note to expand the doorway and order vinyl windows. She stepped into the house. The air wasn’t damp or musty, like some of her remodels; instead, the scent of citrus filled the air. The front door opened into a living room with wall-to-wall carpet on the floor. Although not in bad shape, she’d remove the broadloom. With her small crowbar in hand, she went to the wall and crouched down to pull back the floor covering. Happy to see original hardwood floors hiding underneath, Alexis hoped they spanned the entire room.

At the sound of a quick rap on the door, she stood.

Zeke walked in. “Sorry I’m late. My mom called on my way out the door. Owen and Maggie are buying the family home and property. She’s excited at the offer Owen made, says it’s beyond generous.”

“That’s wonderful. Maggie mentioned it earlier. She even hinted at starting a family.”

Zeke nodded. “I really hope they get on it. I could use a few more nieces or nephews.”

Alexis agreed. She was happy for Maggie and Owen but maybe a little envious too. She always thought she and Maggie would raise their children together. With limited time and options, she’d have to focus on being the best auntie ever.

Zeke cleared his throat. “Earth to Alexis.”

“What?”