Page 15 of The Handy Men
"I thought I had buying the inn all figured out," she said. "But I didn't count on closing fees or little things, like you know, needing to eat. I'd relied on Fred's income for so long I'd forgotten what it was like to not have money in my bank account."
"Why didn't you tell us this?" Dean asked.
"Because I'm thirty years old and I should be able to do these things for myself. But in the end, I borrowed sixty grand from my parents to get me through until the bed and breakfast opens." Paige crossed her fingers. "Hopefully."
"We'll get you ready in time."
"I know you will." She took the opportunity to stroke Dean's arm. The hair tickled her palm as she caressed the curved muscles. "That's why I want to go to Fred's wedding. I want to show him how he did me a favor. That I'm happy and enjoying myself."
"Are you?" Jack asked.
"I will be," Paige said with more enthusiasm than she felt. "Will you be my date for the wedding?" She peered up at Dean.
"Sure." He grinned. "As long as there's an open bar."
"If there's not, drinks are on me."
"Why him?" Jack asked.
"No offense, but my parents would take one look at your tattoos and I'd never hear the end of it. They’re extremely conservative."
Jack and Dean exchanged another significant look Paige couldn’t interpret. She hoped she hadn't hurt Jack's feelings.
"Why would your parents go to dickhead's wedding?" Jack asked, scowling.
"My father's company and Fred's company are very close, and they still consider him if not a son-in-law, then a personal family friend."
"Now that's bullshit," Jack said.
It tickled her that he appeared just as protective of her as she was of him. "No, what's bullshit is making the terms of my sixty grand loan be that I can take as long as I like to pay it back, as long as I do exactly what they say in regards to the inn. If I don't, they can require the loan needs to be paid in full immediately."
"Holy shit." Jack dropped her feet. "You signed a contract allowing them those terms?"
"Not in those words, but that's the gist."
Dean asked, "Why?"
Paige reluctantly slid her feet to the floor and sat up as Dean removed his arm. "It's not like I had a lot of choice in the matter. Besides, so what if they want to pick the artwork on the walls?"
“Because it’s your place,” Dean said.
"And it gives them too much control over you." Jack took a swig of his wine.
"That's why I'm not answering their calls. If I don't hear their demands, I'm not in breach of contract and owe them money I don't have."
"That sucks," Dean said, sounding mournful.
She rubbed his knee and then pushed herself to her feet before she got too handsy. "It's not that bad. So far, I've only had to change the color of the bathrooms from beige to ecru." Paige rolled her eyes. "I probably should get back home, though."
They walked her to the ferry platform, timing it so she could just walk on. "I had a great night tonight. It was just what I needed. Thanks." She stood up on tiptoe to kiss Dean's cheek. He hugged her tight and she probably imagined it lasted longer than it normally did.
"I'll see you in the morning."
As she leaned up to buss Jack on the cheek, he turned his face and she got his lips. That kiss definitely lasted more than a quick brush. Blushing furiously, she swung around to protest that she didn't mean it, and to apologize to Dean. But he kissed her on the mouth, too, and she felt a swipe of his tongue.
She was losing her mind. That was the only excuse.
"Sweet dreams," Jack said in her ear.
