Page 86 of Bewicched

“Actually,” I interrupted, “Phil’s my contractor.” I studied Kenji’s very expensive-looking clothing. “And you don’t appear to be dressed for scut work.”

A grin split Kenji’s stern expression, transforming him from forbidding to gorgeous.Damn. “I’m a lawyer now, but I used to work for my parents’ construction company.” He gestured to Daniel. “This is the guy who’s cosplaying a construction worker.”

Daniel looked down at himself. “What? It’s what he always wears,” he said, nodding to Declan. “And those other guys working inside, they dress like this too.” He looked down at his feet. “I like the boots.”

I grinned in spite of myself. “So what do you really do?” I asked our faux construction worker.

Kenji laughed. “He’s a money guy, a financial advisor.”

Declan blew out a breath. I could see the dilemma he was having. Help would be great so we could get the repairs done as soon as possible, but accepting help from these two felt wrong as he wasnotthe Alpha.

“Would you guys like some cookies?” This was my place, after all, and I had visitors.

The wolves were clearly surprised by the question, but after a shared look, Kenji said, “Sure.”

“Great. I’ll go get them while you guys hash this out. What would you like to drink?” I was pretty sure I saw Declan give me an eye roll, but too bad. My place. My rules. And guests were offered baked goods and beverages around here.

Kenji shrugged. “Soda?”

“I only have grape or orange soda.” I really needed to pick up a couple of cans of the normal stuff.

“Orange,” he said with a grin.

“You got it.” I looked at Daniel and waited.

“Do you have milk?”

“I do. Cookies and milk. A traditionalist. I’ll be right back.” I glanced at Declan. “Play nice.”

I went into the gallery and talked with Phil. The arson inspector had been by and confirmed that the fire had been set with an accelerant. Like Clive and Declan, the inspector said gasoline. Phil was amazed at how quickly an inspector had showed up. He had been afraid construction would be stalled for weeks, at least.

“I guess those detectives that keep visiting put in a good word for you,” he said.

“Thank goodness. Does that mean Declan can get started?”

“Possibly tomorrow. The inspector will send a report you can then send to your insurance company, but we’re still dealing with a burned building. That requires specific safety measures for workers and inspections of the work. They want to make sure we’re not, you know, throwing up some paint and calling it good. This place is going to be open to the public, so they need to make sure we’re following code.

“Come look,” he continued. “We finished the café area.”

Throat suddenly tight, I swallowed. It was perfect. The display case was beautiful and so shiny. The wood I’d chosen for the cash wrap, the long counter behind, and the shelves was the same soft driftwood gray that I’d had them install in my studio. Perfect.

I went behind the display case and opened the cupboard doors beneath the counter. Each wooden shelf pulled out for easy access. “I love it,” I said. It made me so happy to focus on the progress inside instead of the ruin outside.

“Good. We also finished the shelves your mom asked for. Juan said you approved it after the fact. The guys now understand to never let someone who is not the owner dictate what we do.” He was clearly embarrassed about that one.

“Thank you. I do appreciate that, but I also know my mom can be a force.” And an unfairly magical one.

“I need to get to another job, but Juan will text me if any more official types show up today. I won’t be far.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.” I then went to the studio, as I’d kept my guests waiting long enough. I returned moments later with a glass of milk, a plate of cookies, and two cans of soda in the crook of my arm—in case Declan had relaxed enough to want something to drink.

The men still seemed in a standoff when I returned. After handing Daniel his milk, I made Declan take the cookies so I could hand Kenji the soda. I took the plate back from Declan when it became obvious he wasn’t going to offer any to the men.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Daniel said.

“Thank you,” Kenji echoed.

Declan remained silent, shaking his head at the offered soda.

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