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“With any luck, it’ll just be some pipes and fittings. Shouldn’t be too much trouble.”
I take a deep breath, working up the nerve to ask him what it will cost to replace both sinks and install two new chairs. And whether he can recommend an electrician I can trust to look at the wiring. I don’t want to hire just anyone, and I know Linc only works with reputable people. Judging by how angry he’d been yesterday when he found out I’d been one of Todd Ralston’s victims, I feel like I can trust his word when it comes to finding a dependable electrician.
I follow him to the sink where he bends down to inspect the broken pipes. His jeans stretch tight over his ass as he does, and I can’t help but look. It should be illegal for a man to look that good in a pair of jeans. I know I shouldn’t ogle him, but I’m only human. I can’t seem to help myself where Linc is concerned. I wonder how I’m supposed to work with him and learn anything without being distracted the entire time by how much I want to kiss him. Or grab his ass.
“These pipes are pretty old,” Linc says, oblivious to my pervy thoughts. “It would be good to replace them all if you’re okay with that. It’ll take a little longer, but the cost shouldn’t be too much higher.”
I nod, even though he’s looking at the pipe, rather than at me. “Right,” I say. “And what if we did more?”
He turns to look at me, brows raised. “Like what?”
“What if we replaced both sinks and chairs and replaced all the pipes?”
Linc’s eyes go wide, and he looks thoughtful. “Well, it’ll take a little longer, but not by much. Replacing the pipes will be the most labor-intensive part. But I’m sure you know the sinks and chairs will be the most expensive element.”
I nod, feeling nauseated at the idea of how much money I’m about to spend. But I already did the math last night and I know I can afford it. I just need to be frugal with some of my other expenses. And I need to get clients back into the shop as soon as possible.
“I can run the shop with one working sink for now while we wait for the new sinks and chairs to come in. The ones I want will need to be ordered.”
“If you’re going to replace them, you might as well get what you want.”
I almost laugh. “Believe me, I’ve been shopping for new sinks since I bought the place,” I say. “I know exactly what I want.”
He nods. “If you’re going to operate with one sink, I guess you don’t need me poking around here until the new ones show up.”
I balk at the idea that he won’t be working here every day, but I can’t argue his point. If he’s not going to do any plumbing work right now, he doesn’t need to be here. But I still need to talk to him about the electrical work.
“Actually,” I say. “I was hoping you could help me find an electrician to thoroughly check the wiring.”
“That’s a good idea,” he says. “I don’t like the idea of you in this old building with what might be faulty wiring.”
Is he worried about me? I ignore the warm feeling spreading through me at the idea. He’s just being kind. Knowing the type of man Linc is, he’d probably worry about anyone in my situation. It’s not personal. He’s just being a nice guy.
“Exactly.” I nod. “But I want to make sure that whoever I hire won’t rip me off or lie to me. I’ve had enough of that already.”
His jaw clenches and his eyes narrow as he pulls in a breath. He’s no doubt thinking about Todd Ralston, the con artist. After a few seconds of silence, he nods.
“I know someone,” he says. “He won’t charge you just to come look at it and he won’t bullshit you. He’s honest and does good work. And he’s a licensed electrician who specializes in older buildings.”
I feel a spark of optimism. Things just might be looking up. If this person Linc knows can give me a good deal, maybe I won’t have to use all my savings on the renovations. My dream house might still be within reach, after all.
“Really?” I ask, excitement coloring my voice. “Do you have his contact info?”
Linc grins. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
I pull my phone out of my back pocket. “What his name?”
“I actually have his number, if you’d rather I just give you that?” Linc says.
I nod as I unlock my phone and pull up the keypad. “That would be great. Thank you so much.”
Linc recites a stream of numbers from memory, and I type them into my phone and save the number under “Electrician”. Pocketing the phone, I smile up at Linc.
“Thank you,” I say. “I really appreciate your help on this. If I can get a good price on the electrical repairs, it’ll be a lifesaver.”
Linc returns the smile with one of his own. “It’s my pleasure.”
Something about the way those three words roll off his tongue has my breath catching in my throat. Had he meant that to sound so sexy? Probably not. Get a grip. It’s a common expression. Like saying, ‘You’re welcome’ or ‘No problem’. I’m sure he didn’t mean it to sound sexual. Even if it did make me want to see what else might behis pleasure.And now I’m fantasizing about a man who’s just here to do me a favor. Am I really that desperate?
