AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ohh, yes, Zoey,” Vickie said in a low, suggestive voice as Zoey walked by. “Go meet that drop-dead-gorgeous man...”
“Hush, Vickie. You sound like you’re pimping me out.”
“You just missed Mike,” Cecile said, leaning forward and lowering her voice. “He’s off to Geneva for a meeting, and he’s got a dinner date after that.”
“A date? Are you sure?” He hadn’t mentioned anything about going on a date. “Is it someone you set him up with?”
“Nope.” Cecile shook her head. “This is someone he’s known for years.”
Years?Who the hell was Mike dating, and why hadn’t he told her? Maybe he’d decided to step right over that threshold his grandmother talked about. Well...good for him. Iris glanced over her shoulder then back to Zoey.
“Don’t leave that blond Adonis waiting, dear.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “I’m here to fix the dishwasher, not meet a man.”
But hewashandsome, and got even better looking the closer she got. He stood and extended his hand. “Mason Fontino. Evie was just telling me about her friend who repairs commercial dishwashers. That’s pretty impressive.”
He had denim-blue eyes and a great smile. Zoey didn’t feel any bonfire starting inside her chest or anything, but he was a good-looking man who was smiling right at her and telling her she was impressive. She wasn’t mad about it.
“Actually...” Evie started, “Zoey can repair just about anything, from commercial products to my grandmother’s music box collection. Your boss should put her on retainer.”
Zoey groaned. “Evie.I’m sure Mr. Fontino’s employer has their own service people. What was it you sell again?”
He handed her a card, and her brows rose. He worked for a major international appliance manufacturer. High-end stuff.
“My company uses local repair companies when we can. If you’re interested—and qualified, of course—I can get you on the on-call list for warranty work.”
“If she can repair that old beast in the kitchen,” Evie said, “then trust me—she’s qualified.”
Mason leaned back and openly appraised Zoey, staring long enough to make her feel uncomfortable. As if he’d sensed that, he sat up and cleared his throat.
“I’ll tell you what...if you fix that Model 5389 in there today, without using a manual, I’ll take you to dinner, and we’ll see how qualified you are.” He held up his hand before she could speak. “Okay, that sounded really creepy—sorry. I’m strictly talking about your qualifications to repair commercial appliances. The dinner is separate...”
He coughed, his cheeks turning ruddy. “Let’s try this again.Ifyou can fix that dishwasher, we’ll talk about your qualifications to be a contractor for the company.” His smile deepened. “Andthen, if you’re interested, we could also have dinner. Together.Notabout business.”
How about that...he was flirting. While she wore coveralls. Maybe she still had game after all. She fished in her pocket for her business card and handed it to him with a smile.
“I’ve got your number and now you’ve got mine. For business. Nice meeting you, Mason.” She blinked away from his definitely interested gaze, hoping her cheeks weren’ttoopink. “Evie, is the dishwasher doing that weird knocking thing again?”
Evie nodded. “Except it’s even louder—like someone’s inside trying to get out. It’s getting freaky. Do you think it’s on its deathbed?”
“Maybe. Let me take a look...”
“Who’s your friend, sweetie?” Her godmother suddenly appeared at Zoey’s side, her eyes firmly on Mason Fontino. “I was waiting for you to come back to our table, but then I saw you talking to this handsome man. Did I hear you mention dinner?” She held a manicured hand out to Mason. “I’m Zoey’s godmother, Victoria Pendergast. Are you new in town, Mister...?”
Mason’s dimples deepened as he tried to contain his amusement. Vickie wasn’t known for her subtlety. He stood and took her hand. “Mason Fontino, ma’am. Your goddaughter and I just met. I’m in the area this week for business, then I’m headed back home to Albany.”
“Vickie, I told you I was here for a service call...”
“Oh, I know, dear.” She patted Zoey’s arm. “I know. The girls and I are heading home, but...call me later.” She gave Mason a saucy wink. “I hope you’ll follow up on those dinner plans, Mason.”
Kill. Me. Now.
“Goodbye, Vickie.” Zoey made a shooing motion with her hands. There was a beat of silence after she returned to her friends.
“Interesting lady,” Mason said.
“Weirder than ever,” Evie sighed.
