A small list of easy repairs, she thought as the older man drove away. There hadnt been any roof leaks, the basement was dry and the furnace put out plenty of heat. Even better was the series of stickers on the side of it, showing that it had been serviced regularly.
Feeling better? Kenny asked as they stepped back inside.
She nodded. Thank you so much. You were great.
He had been. Hed let her take the lead, but had stayed close by and asked plenty of sensible questions. Hed insisted she go into the attic herself to see into the deep corners so she understood about the insulation and venting. Because of him she now knew where the water and gas shutoffs were.
As soon as I get the inspection report, Ill contact my real estate agent, she said. Well get a list to the seller.
Dont forget about the chimney cleaning, he told her.
I wont. She glanced at the big fireplace. Im going to have to read an article on how to build a fire. Theres a special way, right? With twigs and regular wood?
Kenny sighed. Its kindling and Ill show you.
You know how to build a fire?
Im a man of many talents.
His voice was teasing and maybe a little sexy. While Bailey appreciated the thrill of her crush, right now practical Kenny was even more appealing.
Id like you to teach me, she told him. I wonder if the local hardware store has classes on basic home repairs. I dont want to be one of those women who has a house and doesnt know how to do anything. I should be able to learn, right?
Its not hard. There are a couple of really good books on the subject. Ill get one for you. He winked. Along with a set of pink tools.
She laughed. Id love pink tools. One of my favorite mystery books has a heroine with pink tools. They wandered into the kitchen. Mr. Jennings had checked all the appliances along with the drains. My expertise is more cosmetic. I can patch and paint with the best of them, but anything behind the walls makes me nervous.
What do you want to do before you move in? he asked.
The usual. Clean, paint. She set her large tote bag on the counter and pulled out a folder. Chloe and I have been picking out paint colors. She fanned the squares onto the counter. Usually Im a big believer in painting a sample on the wall, but the seller probably wouldnt like that. Ive talked to a few friends and theyre open to a couple of days of helping me out. The plan is to close on Thursday, then start the intensive patching and sanding on Friday. Well be painting by Saturday. The move will be Tuesday.
A well-oiled machine.
I hope. You know what can happen when you make plans. She pointed to the pale lavender sample. Thats the one Chloe wants for her room. I think it will be really pretty.
Shes getting the room with the dormer windows? he asked.
Right, with the little built-in desk between them. I thinking a good sanding will work wonders.
Youre right. The wood is pine. Then a nice clear finish, maybe cover it with a thick piece of glass.
She smiled up at him. Thats what I was thinking, she admitted. I want to get her a new bedroom set. Shes always had hand-me-downs. Ive been saving and Ive picked out a couple that would be great for her. Im torn between letting her in on what I have planned and keeping it a secret.
Let her be surprised. Shell like whatever you get.
You think? she asked eagerly. I want her to love the house. Weve always lived in apartments. Will and I never had the money for a down payment. I wouldnt have it now except theres a special program that grants money to people who wouldnt otherwise qualify. Mayor Marsha helped me apply and wrote a recommendation.
She told herself Kenny couldnt possibly be interested in her personal finances, but she couldnt seem to stop talking. I know its a great opportunity. Ive always wanted to own a house. Nothing fancy, just our own home. A place to be safe, she thought wistfully.
Makes sense, he told her. Im glad youre getting this place. Let me know if you want a guys opinion on the furniture.
Youd go with me?
Sure. Sounds like fun.
He was being nice. Nice was much more dangerous than handsome, she thought. Nice was real. Nice could make her want more than a crush.
Not possible, she told herself firmly. For all she knew, she was Kennys good deed for the season. She had to remember that she was a not the kind of woman a famous former jock, who was also wealthy and successful in his business life, would be interested in. He probably dated supermodels or actresses. Or both.
Should I warn you that seven-year-old girls generally adore all things princess? she asked teasingly as they walked toward the front door.
I would expect no less.
CHAPTER THREE
WITH TARYN OUT of town for a month, the responsibility of running the offices of Score fell to Kenny. He didnt mind picking up the slack. While the day-to-day minutia wasnt his favorite, he could handle it on a short-term basis. Sams department took care of the cash flow and payroll and the vacations were already scheduled so Kenny figured he was in for an easy time.
He looked over the master calendar for their clients. There werent any big presentations due in December and all the advertising had already been scheduled. The company would be closed from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until the Sunday after, then for couple of weekdays before Christmas and New Years. Easy duty, he thought, clicking on the partners private calendar.