by Amber Kell
“What kinds of things?”
Thinking over the condition of his house, Will flashed a self-conscious smile. “Someone who’s good with plumbing, flooring, painting, drywall, roofing…that sort of thing.”
“Good lord, what house did you buy?”
“The painted lady on Mulberry Street.” Another reason he’d bought the house. Who could resist living on Mulberry Street? And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street had been his favourite Dr Seuss book as a child.
“You bought that!” The waitress’s voice scraped like rough sandpaper across his senses.
“Yes,” Will admitted.
“You are either the richest man I ever met, or the dumbest.”
He couldn’t help laughing. “I’m probably a mixture of the two.”
A considering look entered Hazel’s eyes. “Let me put in your order and I’ll be right back,” she said before hurrying off as quickly as her orthopaedic sneakers could carry her.
Not five minutes later she returned, sliding into the seat across from him.
“I have a nephew who has a knack for fixing things,” Hazel stated in a low, confidential tone. “He’s been laid off, but he worked for a homebuilder before the housing crash. I know he’d do a good job for you.” She twisted her fingers together as she spoke. “If you could hire him to help around your house and let him rent one of your rooms, I’d be mighty grateful. His landlord just sold the place he was renting, and I live in a one-bedroom apartment.”
Will thought about the situation for a moment. Having another person in the enormous house would be comforting. “Is he likely to kill me in my sleep and steal my china set?”
Hazel laughed—a low, smoke-roughened sound. “No. He’s a good boy, but he’s big and some people find him scary.” She frowned for a moment, looking concerned. “That isn’t a problem for you, is it, mister?”
“Call me Will,” he said with a smile. “I’m sure everything will work out fine.” Will found the situation touching. With an aunt this sweet, how bad could a guy be? “Tell your nephew he can come work for me. I’ll give him a few jobs around the house and see how things work out. What’s his name?” If the guy turned out to be a creep, Will could call a few of his cousins and have the jerk evicted.
“Cassius, but everyone calls him Cash.”
Of course they do.
“Order up,” the cook called from the pass-through window.
Hazel got to her feet. “Thank you, Will. I’ll tell Cash to come see you. When is a good time?”
“Whenever,” Will said, shrugging. “As long as it’s after noon.” He didn’t do mornings.
“Thanks. The burger is on me.”
He would’ve objected, but he could see her pride was on the line after she had all but begged a total stranger to hire her nephew.
“Thank you, Hazel.”
She gave him a nicotine-stained smile, even more charming for the faded dimples and the sparkle in her eyes.
Moments later she put a burger in front of him, and Will found a new respect for the little diner. After polishing off the entire thing, including the steak fries, he tossed a twenty on the table for her tip and waddled to the register.
Hazel looked up from counting the cash drawer. “What did you think?”
“I think your cook is a genius. That was the best damn burger I ever ate,” he said honestly.
Will wasn’t exaggerating either. The man was magic in the kitchen.
“Good. I’ll send Cash by your house later today.”
“Thanks, Hazel,” Will said, flashing her a smile. With a nod, he left the restaurant.
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About the Author
Amber is one of those quiet people they always tell you to watch out for. She lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons, two cats and one extremely stupid dog.
Email: [email protected]
Amber loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.
Also by Amber Kell
Hellbourne
Back to Hell
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Switching Payne
Supernatural Mates: From Pack to Pride
Supernatural Mates: A Prideful Mate
Supernatural Mates: A Prideless Man
Supernatural Mates: Nothing To Do With Pride
Supernatural Mates: Talan’s Treasure
Supernatural Mates: More Than Pride
Cowboy Lovin’: Tyler’s Cowboy
Cowboy Lovin’: Robert’s Rancher
Dangerous Lovers: Catching Mr Right
Dangerous Lovers: Accounting for Luke
Yearning Love: Taking Care of Charlie
Yearning Love: Protecting Francis
Planetary Submissives: Chalice
Planetary Submissives: Orlin’s Fall
Planetary Submissives: Zall’s Captain
Magical Men: Keeping Dallas
The Under Wolves: A Gamma’s Choice
Mercenary Love: Tempting Sin
Mercenary Love: Testing Arthur
The Thresl Chronicles: Soldier Mine
The Thresl Chronicles: Prince Claimed
Hidden Magic: William’s House
Heart Attack: My Subby Valentine
Scared Stiff: Protecting His Soul
Unconventional at Best: Convention Confusion
With RJ Scott
End Street Detective Agency: The Case of the Cupid Curse
End Street Detective Agency: The Case of the Wicked Wolf
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