Page 71 of The Other Room

“And, while I was out finishing the railing an hour ago, the guy, his name is Jeff, walked down the beach to talk to me. And he said he is looking to hire someone for a remodel, and he offered me the gig!”

“Shut up!” I slapped him on the arm. “Seriously?”

“Yep. Seriously. And it gets better. So, not only do I have a long-term job with him, but he’s got like a huge list of friends also needing work and he’s going to hook me up.”

“You’re kidding? That’s amazing!”

“And it gets one step better.”

“How is that even possible?”

“The glass for our driftwood coffee table arrived, so I put it on today, and when we were talking about his home revisions, he noticed it and loved it. He asked to contract me to make him some driftwood furniture. Said he’d pay top dollar.”

My mouth refused to close.

“Looks like I really can start a business doing handyman work and making driftwood furniture and stuff. Pretty amazing, huh?”

“It’s unbelievable, Matt. I’m so happy for you.”

“And none of this would be happening if it weren’t for you. Thanks to you letting me move in, it looks like I really will have a whole new career ahead of me. And one that I’ll love and won’t get bored with.”

“I’m glad I could help.” Reaching forward, I took his hand in mine. “I’m so happy for you, Matt. Whatever I can do to help you get your new business off the ground, just say the word.”

“Matt’s Manly Masterpieces is alive!”

“Ugh!” I dropped his hand. “You are not calling your new business ‘Matt’s Manly Masterpieces.’”

“Well, then you’d better think of a better one fast, because I’ve got to get business cards printed up so Jeff can give them to his friends.”

Pursing my lips, I took a deep breath. “What about ‘Handy-Matt’. Like handyman, but you’re Matt.”

He scrubbed a hand down his face, tipping his head while he mouthed the words. “You know... I like it! It’s catchy!”

“Eh?” I nodded. “Not bad, huh?”

“‘Handy-Matt’,” he said, forming a sign with his hands. “That’s it. That’s the one. Again... you’re a lifesaver.”

He leaned forward to kiss me, but I pressed my hand to his lips, pushing him back in his seat. “No kissing at the bar!”

“Ugh!” he grumbled. “Then sneak outside with me and kiss me out there.”

“Matt! I’m working!”

“There’s no one at the bar, and I’m not leaving until you do.” I saw the determination stiffen his face, and I knew he meant it. Matt had been stubborn as hell since we were kids.

Sheena came around the corner, a playful smirk growing while she eyed us up.

“Hey, Sheena?” I bit my lip.

“Yeah?”

“Can you watch the bar for a minute? I just have to run outside for a second.”

Her smile grew as she passed another look between us. “Absolutely. Have fun, kids.”

I opened my mouth to argue her spot-on accusation, but instead I snapped my jaw shut and gestured for Matt to follow me. We slipped out the sliding glass side door, and before he’d even had a chance to yank it closed, I grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him into me.

Our lips connected, and he grabbed my face, pressing me back against the wall. I sighed into his mouth, the agony of the last five minutes being near him and not kissing him drifting away on my happy moans. After a lifetime of resisting the kisses I didn’t think I’d ever have, five minutes had been five minutes too many.