Page 42 of Resting Beach Face
“I know,” Declan said. “And if it’s too much for you, I’ll understand. I could still take that investor’s offer.”
“No way,” I insisted. “Let them tear down this amazing place?”
His face tightened. “I don’t really want that.”
“Then we’ll figure it out,” I said. “This looks like a lot, but it’s really just cosmetic. I can handle it, and I know a guy who can help, if that’s okay?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Does all the electrical work?”
“Yeah, I have it inspected yearly,” he said. “I don’t want to risk it burning down or something.”
“Smart,” I said. “And the plumbing?”
He nodded. “As far as I know.”
“Perfect.” I crossed into the hall and peeked into each bedroom. They could use some sprucing up, but there were no major concerns. The bathroom, too, could use a revamp, but it wasn’t gutted like the kitchen. “We can do this, Declan. I’m sure of it.”
His tiny hint of a smile bloomed into the sexiest grin I’d ever seen. Declan Sullivan was a truly gorgeous man. His dark hair and eyes gave him an intensity that drew me in, but the smile transformed all that surliness into a roguish charm that was almost unrecognizable on him.
“Let’s go to my quarters.”
“Whoa, Declan, I’m not that kind of boy!”
He chuckled. “You absolutelyarethat kind of boy.”
I widened my eyes. “Did you just make a joke?” I pulled out my phone. “Time of joke, 10:43 a.m. Wednesday, July?—”
“Stop it.” His scowl returned, but there was no real ire behind it. “I want to show you Aunt Millie’s plans. Now that you’ve convinced me you can do this, there were some other ideas she had.”
“Oh, great!”
What had I gotten myself into now?
I escaped—er, left Declan’s home office—just before lunchtime. Once I’d convinced him I could handle renovating the B&B, he’d gotten a lot more excited about fulfilling Millie’s vision.
Oh, that Millie. She hadquitethe vision. Sunroom additions and a greenhouse and an attic conversion for additional booking space. It was no wonder Declan hadn’t tackled most of this. Other than the greenhouse, he’d only be inviting in more guests and it was pretty obvious he didn’t love the number he had now.
But I could see it. See everything the Treehouse B&Bcouldbe. It was something pretty incredible.
And I’d possibly bitten off a lot more than I could chew. But I’d figure it out, right? Probably while flailing around like a person in the dark—but with style—like I did everything else in my life.
Mom’s car was in the driveway, which meant she’d gotten off her early-morning shift. She worked for a commercial company that loaned their cleaners out for housekeeping jobs, as well as office buildings, hospitals, and other industrial needs. Mom was technically a subcontractor and could take the jobs she wanted.
Because she needed the money, she took whatever she could get. Which meant an unpredictable schedule. She’d posted thisweek’s work rotation on the refrigerator. I checked it and sighed. Yep. She was working another split, and would be going back to work at 6 this evening when the bank she’d be cleaning would be closed to the public.
Looked like I’d be spending my night off at home so Katelyn wouldn’t be on her own with Dad.
The television was playing in the living room, and I could tell he was awake because he was cussing at the NASCAR race he was watching.
I opened the refrigerator to grab something for lunch. “You want something to eat, Dad?” I called.
“What?”
“Do you want?—”
“Bring me a beer!”
