Page 61 of The Snuggle is Real
He turned. “Wha—yes, I do.”
“And Ford, aren’t you a handy guy searching for work?”
“Yes, I am.”
“So, perhaps it’s not as complicated as you think,” Mrs. Lil said.
Slowly, she stood and packed her knitting supplies into a tote bag. “Tit for tat.”
I raised an eyebrow at Mason. He cocked his head.
“If I hired you to do some work for me, it’d be enough for what you need?” Mason asked tentatively. “I really could use the help.”
“Yes, definitely. If—if you can afford it? I’ll give you a good rate. I don’t need that much. I’ll try to pick up more jobs with the festival too.”
Mason nodded slowly. “Maybe it could work. We’ll have to iron out some details. I want to be sure you’ll be okay.”
I grasped his hand. “Mason, I’m more okay than that family. Help them. It’s what you do best.”
His lips tugged into a reluctant smile. “You’re determined to convince me, aren’t you?”
“I saw your face. You don’t want to turn her away.”
“No. I was, uh, planning to make up the difference. Out of my own pocket if I had to.”
“Well, now you’ll get some house improvements in the bargain. That sounds like a better deal?”
He laughed lightly. “I guess so.”
“Well, I’m heading out, dearies,” Mrs. Lil said.
“Thanks for your help,” Mason said, accepting a kiss on the cheek.
“You’re very welcome.” Mrs. Lil patted my arm as she made her way around the table. “Will I see either of you at the Cocktail Hour tomorrow evening?”
“I don’t know about me, but I gave Ford two tickets.”
“Ah.” I rubbed at the back of my neck, heat prickling. “I should probably give them back. I never found time to get a date.”
“Oryou could just go together,” Mrs. Lil said, a glint in her eye. “Might give you a chance to work out all thosedetails.I’m sure Dottie wouldn’t mind watching Charlie.”
“Oh, um…” Mason said, eyes averting to avoid mine as pink stole across his cheeks.
It really was cute how easily he blushed.
“I guess we could.” I paused, thinking of that confusing, flirty moment in his guest room. “As friends, that is.”
“As friends,” Mason agreed with a nod.
“Well, my work here is done,” Mrs. Lil said with a chuckle. “See you later, boys.”
I tucked my hands into my pockets. “Speaking of jobs, I better…”
“Yes, go ahead,” Mason said. “I can manage a few boxes on my own.”
“Nah.” I grabbed the box he’d just picked up and set it on the dolly, then stacked the other two on top of it. “It’s time you let me help you for a change. If I’m gonna do work around your house, you’ll need to get used to it.”
“Used to you in my house,” he said faintly. “Yeah, I’ll get to work on that.”
