His By Design

by Dell, Karen Ann

  Yep, that’s me. Only the contractor.

  “I am. And, as you say, your business relationship with Zoe is none of my concern. If you want to find her, I suggest you try over at The Blue Point Inn, across the square. She’s staying there until I finish her apartment upstairs.” He picked up the next piece of trim, dismissal obvious in his action. The other man studied him for a moment, then turned and left the gallery.

  “Who was that?” Frank appeared from around the corner of the short hallway that led to the two restrooms.

  “Some actor named Fredrick Barker. Says he’s Zoe’s partner.” Jeff continued to wipe dark walnut stain onto the wood. “She never mentioned a partner to me, but as he said, it’s really none of my business.”

  “I guess you’re right. I’m going to go grout the tile up in Zoe’s bathroom. You’ll be able to put the sink and toilet in yourself, won’t you? Because after we get back from picking up those cases Zoe bought, I’ll have to head out. I’ve got a job over in Fells Point I’m due to start tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, I can do that, no problem. In fact I’ve changed my mind about tomorrow. While you and Zoe go collect those pieces she bought, I’m gonna stay here and get some more work done.”

  Franks brows rose.

  “Just be careful, Dad. Don’t let anything slip about Jen, okay? You know how important this is.”

  “I know, son, I know. Don’t worry, we’ll stick to talking about you. I think that’s what she’s most interested in anyway.” He winked.

  Jeff closed his eyes briefly. “Dad, there’s nothing interesting to say about me. Try to find out more about this Barker dude, if you can. He doesn’t seem like a stand-up kind of guy, you know? I’d hate to think Zoe’s gotten herself tangled up with some jerk who’s got a shady past.”

  Zoe’s first stop was Mel’s, on the corner. She loved this old-fashioned drug store with its soda fountain on one side and pharmacy on the other. The aisles in between were stocked with all the essentials a family on vacation might have forgotten. She picked up a tube of antibiotic ointment, some rubbing alcohol and a box of bandages, then found a pre-stocked first-aid kit that she bought to keep at the gallery.

  Outside a chilly wind was blowing in off the bay. Boats at anchor in the marina rocked in the choppy swells. The slate gray water matched the clouds piling up along the horizon. She shivered and hurried across the square to the B and B.

  Marjorie was just coming through the door from the basement when Zoe arrived. “My goodness, is it that late already? I guess I lost track of time down there.”

  “You’re not late, I’m early.” Zoe held up her hastily bandaged hand. “I had a little accident at work and since our water is turned off while his dad does some plumbing, Jeff sent me home to take care of it.”

  “Oh my. Take off your coat and let’s have a look. Come on back to the kitchen, Zoe. I’ve got a pot of tea all ready.”

  “Really, Marjorie, I’m fine. I can take care of this. You don’t have to bother.”

  “It’s no bother, Zoe. Besides it’s much easier for me to use both hands than for you to use just one. Don’t argue with me now. It will only take a couple of minutes.” Marjorie helped her off with her coat and hung it on the newel post, then shepherded her toward the kitchen.

  “Marjorie, you are too sweet to me. You remind me of my mother.” Zoe’s heart pinched at the thought. Her mom had died several years ago but she still missed her terribly.

  She stood at the sink and let Marjorie unwrap the makeshift bandage Jeff had applied.

  “What in the world?” Marjorie held up the thin strip of T-shirt material.

  Zoe turned around to show her the place the material came from. “We didn’t have a first-aid kit, a mistake I remedied on my way home, so he used my shirt. I think he used the back because when you’re working, it’s the back side of your clothes that stay the cleanest.”

  Marjorie smiled. “Smart fellow. I told you he was good.”

  Zoe nodded. Oh yeah, he was good all right. Good and mad. Their argument still had her back up. But the memory of their kiss kept sliding in front of the one where his face wore a scowl. That thought had her face warming. She banished the mental image before her blush became too obvious.

  “Now, this is going to hurt a bit, but there’s no help for it. We’ve got to get it clean or it may get infected.” Marjorie turned on the water and adjusted the temperature, then squirted some liquid soap in Zoe’s palm. “Do you want me to wash it, or can you do it yourself?”

  “I can do it. Like I told Jeff, in the gallery where I used to work, run-ins with box knives and giant staples weren’t uncommon. I’ve dealt with worse.” She gasped as the soap and water hit the cut, then gritted her teeth and firmly cleaned the wound.

  A few minutes later, all bandaged up, she sat the big farm table in Marjorie’s kitchen and sipped her tea. She would miss this place, and Marjorie’s mothering.

  “How are the renovations coming along, Zoe?”

  “Marjorie, I can’t wait for you to see my apartment. We put the drywall up today and the rooms are really rooms now. It’s going to be wonderful having my studio back too. Did I tell you that Jeff and his dad put skylights in? Oh, that light. It’s heavenly.”

  “I’m glad it’s working out so well for you, Zoe. Though I’ll miss your company this winter. Except for the holidays, I rarely have any customers during the colder months.”

  “What do you do with yourself, all alone in this great big house? You must be lonely.”

  “Sometimes. But I’m quite used to amusing myself. I read a lot, mysteries and romances mainly,” she confided with a twinkle in her eyes. “Then there’s my jewelry-making. That keeps me pretty busy.”

  Zoe’s cup clattered into the saucer. “Jewelry? You make jewelry?” At Marjorie’s nod she gave an exasperated sigh. “Why have you not mentioned this to me before? I’m opening a gallery, Marjorie, and looking high and low for local artisans to display their wares there.”

  “I know, dear. But I’m not sure my things are good enough for a gallery. I don’t want to put you in the position of having to tell me my work isn’t up to your standards.”

  “Please, Marjorie. Let me see a few pieces. I bet you’re being way too modest about your talent.” She covered the other woman’s hand with her own. “If it isn’t something I’d want to display, I’ll tell you straight up. Our friendship is strong enough to tolerate honesty, isn’t it?”

  Marjorie nodded decisively. “It is. So if you really want to see some, there’s a piece right under your hand.” Shyly she slipped a silver ring off her middle finger and handed it to Zoe. It was a small bird’s nest made from fine wire with three tiny turquoise eggs in it.

  Zoe’s jaw dropped open. “This is beautiful, Marjorie. I can’t believe you made this. No, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m just so impressed. The workmanship is amazing.” She pointed her finger at the woman. “You are going to be my very first artisan.”

  Marjorie beamed. For the next hour she showed Zoe a whole range of pieces. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings. Zoe grew more enthusiastic with each piece Marjorie showed her.

  They were interrupted by the sound of the call bell at the front desk. Marjorie’s hands stilled, then she rose. “Maybe that’s the USPS delivery man. I’m expecting a shipment of silver wire. I’ll be right back, Zoe.”

  A minute later, she returned. “There is a man out there who wants to talk to you. He says he’s your partner.” Marjorie looked confused.

  Zoe paled.

  “If you want to offer him tea, I can bring some to the parlor.”

  “No thanks, Marjorie. He won’t be staying long enough for tea.”

  She looked down at her scruffy clothes, then shrugged. What did she care what he thought about her appearance? She wasn’t
his employee anymore. Thank god.

  She couldn’t make out the man’s features against the bright light coming through the glass door behind him, but she could tell by his stance that it was Fredrick Barker, her former boss, current . . . investor. She had no plans to be his partner, regardless of his take on their arrangement. Still, there were butterflies the size of bats careening around in her stomach.

  He appeared his usual sleek, polished, preening self. A diamond the size of a hazelnut on his pinky, a Rolex on his wrist. His suit was a Saville Row masterpiece and no doubt those shoes were Italian leather. He needed all that glitz to camouflage the corruption inside.

  She kept the front desk between them. Otherwise he’d figure out some way to put his hands on her. She’d tolerated enough of that when she was his employee. “Fredrick, I wasn’t expecting you. What brings you here?”

  “Checking on my investment, Zoe. Did you think I would simply take your word for the progress you’ve been making?”

  She huffed. “I understand. That would have required a certain amount of trust, wouldn’t it? No wonder you came.”

  “Zoe, let’s not spar. I’m a businessman. It is entirely appropriate for me to oversee my investments from time to time. If you expected less, you don’t know me very well.”

  “Oh, I know you. Very well.” Too well, actually.

  His eyes roamed greedily over all of her that was visible above the desk. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

  “No.” She gripped the edges of the desk for support, then winced as pain shot through her thumb. “I assume you’ve been to the gallery?”

  His eyes narrowed at her rejection. “I have. I met a rather surly young man who claimed you never mentioned any partner. Why haven’t you told him? Are you hoping he’ll see you as the poor damsel-in-distress and give you a discount on his services?”

  Barker’s jibe hit a bit too close to home. She pressed her lips together and shot him a hard look, concentrating on keeping her knees locked so they wouldn’t shake.

  “Mr. Petrosky came highly recommended and has done excellent work so far. Our relationship is strictly business.” Well, not strictly. “As is the one you and I share. We are not partners, Fredrick, nor will we ever be partners. You are an investor whose venture capital I will repay by next September. I believe that’s all the business we have to discuss.” She angled her chin up, her gaze icy.

  “You keep believing that, Zoe, darling. The victory will be that much sweeter when you bring me the painting and start working for me again.” He sauntered toward the door. With one hand on the knob, he looked back over his shoulder. “I’ll be dropping by from time to time. Keeping an eye on my investment.”

  She heard him whistling as he went down the walk. It sent shivers up her spine. She’d never give up her mother’s painting. Never. And working as his employee again? That was only in his dreams. The very thought repelled her. She’d been confident she could repay him before his deadline. She hoped she hadn’t been mistaken. The unwritten part of her indebtedness? The bat wings in her stomach grew icicles and she almost doubled over from the pain.

  Chapter 9

  Three A.M.

  Jeff had sanded the drywall and was now laying the tile that went from the kitchen into the studio area. He’d been up since midnight and figured if worrying was going to keep him from sleeping, he might as well accomplish something. He’d left a note for his father and rode his bike to the gallery. By the time his dad and Zoe arrived in the morning he’d be finished with this and working on the laminate flooring in her bedroom.

  He knew Zoe would not like his decision. She’d argue. Maybe threaten to fire him. But if he couldn’t trust her to follow his safety regs he couldn’t take the chance she might get injured again. All of yesterday’s anger had trickled away and he was left with its cause—fear. Fear that another person he cared for was hurt because of him.

  She’d had the damn gloves on when he’d left the room. He was sure of it. Which meant that as soon as he was out of sight, she’d taken them off.

  He wanted to shake some sense into her. Or kiss her senseless. Yesterday shaking was at the top of the list. In the middle of the night, kissing seemed a much better option.

  He worked until dawn grayed the horizon, then took a break and downed the can of energy drink he’d brought along. He would have kitchen cabinets, appliances and bathroom fixtures delivered today. If he kept working these kinds of hours he’d have no problem finishing Zoe’s apartment in the next two days.

  Once she moved in he wouldn’t be able to work at night. He’d make too much noise. To say nothing about the distraction of knowing she’d be in bed one floor away. He doubted he could handle that much temptation. Of course he might not have to worry about any of that if she fired him.

  He couldn’t let that happen.

  When Zoe arrived at eight o’clock he’d almost finished the bedroom floor. In a room without nooks or odd angles, the snap-lock laminate went down fast. His radial arm saw was making quick work of the odd-sized pieces around the edges. When he turned around to get the next plank to cut, Zoe stood in the doorway.

  “Good morning, Jeff.”

  He nodded. “Morning. How’s the thumb?”

  She held up the neatly bandaged digit. “Fine. I see you got a lot done since I left yesterday. What did you do, work all night?”

  “No.” He shrugged. “Half the night. Couldn’t sleep so I figured I might as well make myself useful.” He went back to measuring the plank and marked it for the cut.

  “Jeff, I want to apologize.”

  His hands stilled on the wood. Not the opening salvo he’d expected. He glanced over his shoulder. “Me, too.”

  She looked surprised at that statement, but stepped into the room and clasped her hands in front of her. “What happened yesterday was completely my fault. You’ve been after me every day about safety and I ignored your warnings. You were right. I was careless, and stubborn, and . . . and I deserved the consequences.” She shuffled her feet like a schoolgirl in the principal’s office.

  “Wow. Bet that was hard to get out.”

  She huffed out a breath. “You’ve no idea.”

  “I accept your apology.” He went over to her and put both hands on her shoulders. “Now it’s my turn. I didn’t mean to yell at you. Or argue with you. It’s just that when I saw you hurt, I kind of lost it.” He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “I don’t want anything bad happening to you, Zoe. I couldn’t handle it.”

  “If I promise to follow all of your safety precautions will you let me work with you again?” She dropped her gaze to the floor. “I really like working with you, Jeff. I would never fire you, but I want to keep helping out as much as I can here.”

  Relief washed through him. He still had his job. Jen still had her chance. He smiled and tilted her chin back up.

  “You’ll follow my orders?” Zoe nodded. “You’ll wear gloves and safety glasses?” She nodded again. “You’ll let me kiss you whenever I want?”

  Her eyes flew wide. She pressed her lips together but the corners of her mouth twitched up. She nodded again.

  He leaned down and captured her mouth in a brief but thorough kiss. “Good. Cause that would have been a deal-breaker, Ms. Silvercreek.”

  She slid her arms around his neck and looked up from under long, thick lashes. “I trust you’ll be willing to ignore sexual harassment from your boss?”

  “Sexual harassment will not be ignored,” he replied sternly. “It will be evaluated, and graded.”

  He kissed her again. He couldn’t seem to get enough of those soft, full lips. Her mouth opened under his assault and he took advantage of her invitation to plunder its sweetness. She tasted of coffee with a hint of peppermint. He cupped her face with both hands and ran his thumb over one perfect
cheek. “You are so beautiful, Zoe. I—”

  The jingle of the doorbell interrupted his train of thought.

  Frank called up from below. “Hey, are you up there, Jeff?”

  Zoe whispered, “Your dad’s timing is impeccable.”

  “Tell me,” he whispered back. “Yeah, Dad, I’m here. So is Zoe. We were just finalizing the ground rules for our continued working arrangements. We’ll be right down.” He dropped one last kiss on her lips. “Let’s go, boss. We’re burning daylight.”

  Downstairs over coffee, Jeff explained the change in plans.

  “You and dad go pick up your cabinets. I’m going to keep working here. Besides”—he held off her protest with a hand—“someone has to be here when all the cabinetry and fixtures arrive.”

  “They’re coming today?” Her shoulders slumped. “Oh. I guess that is a better plan, then.” Zoe brightened. “Frank, looks like it’s just you and I, then.”

  “I think I got the better end of this deal.” He chuckled. “Don’t work too hard, now, son.”

  Jeff pinned him with a look. “And you keep the stories to a minimum, Dad. Don’t bore Zoe to death on the trip.”

  “Oh, I won’t be bored,” she assured him with a grin. She slipped her arm through Frank’s and stage-whispered, “Now about Jeff’s childhood . . .”

  Jeff rolled his eyes, then gave his dad a warning look over Zoe’s head. His father nodded.

  Jeff swallowed. That didn’t appease the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

  “I’m glad to see you two worked things out this morning.” Frank settled Zoe in the van and went around to the driver’s side.

  “He was really mad, wasn’t he?” She snapped her seat belt on.