Page 15 of The Undercover Billionaire's Baby

I closed my eyes, waiting for the coffee to brew. Brad seemed like a nice guy. He wouldn’t sue me. And maybe… maybe he wouldn’t notice. Maybe he’d be out all day, while Gareth was banging. Maybe I was getting all worked up for nothing.

Soon, the coffee was done, and I poured Brad a mug. I’d forgotten to ask if he liked milk or sugar. But I had those upstairs, so no worries. All good. Nothing to stress over, just coffee. I carried it back upstairs and into the kitchen, but Brad wasn’t there, or in his bedroom. I cocked my head, listening, and heard sounds from the bathroom, a soft metal tapping. A high insect whirr. Oh, God. Was that Gareth? Coming up through the floor?

“Uh… Brad?”

“In here,” he called, and the bathroom door opened. Brad stuck his head out, then ducked back inside. “I should’ve asked first — don’t know what I was thinking. I saw it was crooked, thought I’d set it to rights.”

I slid into the bathroom to see what he meant, and Brad had a screwdriver the same as Gareth’s. He’d straightened my towel rod and was folding my towels.

“I’ll fill the old holes in later and fix up the paint.”

“You fixed that?” I stared. “I brought you some coffee. I didn’t ask how you take it, so?—”

“Black. Black is good.” He took the coffee and smiled, and sipped from the mug. “Mm, yeah. That’s perfect.”

“I never asked what you do,” I said, still staring at the towel rack. “Are you some kind of handyman?”

“A carpenter,” said Brad. “So, yeah. I fix things.”

I laughed too loud, my nerves still jangling. “I wish you’d told me that yesterday. I could’ve hired you. For downstairs, I mean, for our renovations.”

A strange, stricken expression flitted across Brad’s face. Then he smiled, shook his head, and sipped some more coffee. “I’m not that kind of carpenter. I do furniture, mostly. But if you need some new cabinets, hey. I’m your man.”

“I might need some new shelves,” I said. “When the renovations are done.” Maybe Brad would do that for a discount on rent. If the noise didn’t drive him out before I could ask. I bit my lip. “Uh, about that, the renovations? There might be some banging for the next few days. I’d have warned you, but?—”

“Banging is fine.” Brad put his screwdriver back in his toolbox. “I’ll be out anyway, during the days. Besides, I’m a city mouse. I’m used to construction.”

I exhaled for what felt like the first time all day. I wanted to hug Brad, to let him hug me. He probably gave great hugs, gentle but strong. I stood grinning stupidly, picturing that, Brad’s arms around me, the thump of his heartbeat. His big, callused palm high on my back, stroking my cares away. Comforting circles. He’d talk me down gently, his breath in my ear. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Everything’s fine.

Heat rose in my cheeks and I laughed for no reason. Brad’s brows shot up.

“Hey, you okay? You just went bright red.”

I couldn’t think of a single thing to say to that. Fortunately, I didn’t have to, as my phone rang again. I scrambled it out so fast I nearly dropped it.

“Alice? Hello?”

“Sorry to bug you, but we’re done down here. Gareth needs to talk to you when you have a second.”

“I’ll be right down,” I squeaked, and ended the call. I scrubbed at my red face and blurted out “Dust!”

Brad blinked at me. “What?”

“I’m allergic to dust. That’s why my face is red, because… From the dust!” I flapped my hand at the towel rod. “Anyway, thanks for that! I’ll just be downstairs.” And I turned and fled, redder than ever.

I stood in the side yard till I felt my face cool, then took another minute to brace for the worst. If it was bad news, I’d handle it. I’d find a way. Mom always had, and now it was my turn. She’d left me the store. Trusted me with it. She’d always believed in me. I’d believe in myself.

The silver chimes tinkled as I stepped inside. Gareth looked up.

“It’s not as bad as it looks.” He pulled off his mask. “What you’ve got is old plumbing, and you’ve sprung a leak. It’s rotted the wood back here, in this section of wall, but from what I’m seeing, that’s as far as it goes. You’ll need to get a plumber in to patch up that leak, but the wall should be easy, then we’ll re-bolt the shelf.”

I swayed with relief, my knees going weak. “And how much will this cost me?”

Gareth glanced at Alice. “I can’t speak for the plumber, but the wall won’t be too bad. You’re getting the family rate, just parts and labor. I’ll get you an estimate later today.”

“And this family rate, how much…?” I swallowed, throat tight.

“Seriously, don’t worry. It shouldn’t run more than a couple of thousand. You have some framework I’ll need to replace, some struts and some baseboards, then I’ll patch up the drywall. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of days.” His mouth turned down. “Well, depending on Francis — he’s the plumber we work with. He’s always busy this time of year.”

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