Page 17 of Inked Temptation
I shrugged. “My plumber dropped the ball and left the project without a word, taking my money with him.”
Archer’s eyes narrowed. “Who was it?”
“Thompson and Sons Plumbing.”
Archer’s eyes widened. “Really? Oh, I guess that makes sense now. It used to actually be Thompson and Sons, and then the cousins bought them out, and they haven’t been the same. Shit, I’m sorry. I hope it wasn’t too much money?”
I shook my head, my hands on my hips. “No. It was only the deposit. I’m still pissed off. And I’m not in the mood to deal with the Better Business Bureau.”
“I hear you. Well, I can give you some references. Or recommendations.”
“My neighbor keeps saying I should talk to you,” I grumbled, wondering why the hell I wouldn’t just shut up.
“Penny? She’s a hoot.” Archer grinned again, and I turned my gaze away from him.
“She’s something. And yeah, recommendations would be helpful.”
“If I can take a look at your house at one point, I can see who would work best, or hell, I can try to fit you into the schedule.”
I looked at him then, wondering why he sounded so down and why I was even caring. “You don’t have to do any of that. I’ll find someone.”
“Then I’ll help you find the best. Well,I’mthe best, and if I can’t work on it, then I can find you the second best.” He winked, though the humor didn’t quite reach his eyes, and I just sighed.
“I need to get back to work. I’m rebuilding most of the house.”
Archer’s eyes widened, and I saw the interest in them, but I didn’t offer for him to come see it. I didn’t do anything. Because there was that pull there, that attraction, and I didn’t want it.
I couldn’t have it.
And, as I remembered my dream from that morning, felt the ice slide over me again, I straightened. Archer seemed to notice the new look wash over me as he swallowed hard. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to it. It was nice to meet you, Cora.” Archer leaned down, slid his hands over Cora’s flank. “Have a good day. I’ll see you around.”
And with that, he walked away, his shoulders slightly down, and I held back a curse.
I really was that asshole, but I couldn’t change.
And as I remembered the ice, I knew I didn’t want to.
