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“Yeah,” he said. “I know a little something about trying to keep things clean or wanting them clean.”
“What do you do?” she asked, her head tilted.
He was trying his hardest not to stare at her. Her brown hair with hints of red was down and had a little wave to it. Her eyes were a dark blue and there was kindness behind them. He wasn’t sure how or why he noticed that, but he did.
Her smile was bright and engaging and he could see the excitement in her being here on his little slice of heaven.
That was how he always thought of Amore Island.
He kept his life simple and boring because he was at peace that way. He never got entangled in drama either.
So much easier. More so when he came from the drama-filled William side of the family.
Sure, that was generations ago, but sometimes it still stung.
“For work?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “I know Bode owns Bond Realty with his brother. Do you work construction with them?”
“Their father owns it too,” he said. “Scott Bond. I own Bond Automotive. Not as pretty as some of my cousins' businesses.”
She frowned. “It’s sad you think that. Someone needs to do the work and on this island I bet you’ve got a pretty nice and full clientele. Which means it’s even nicer that you are taking the time to do this. So, thank you.”
He almost felt his face flush with her words. She was right. He never cared much what people thought of him and his career and wasn’t sure why he said what he had now to her.
“You’re right,” he said. “I’m always swamped. It’s a needed service on the island and I’m glad I’m doing my part. Let me show you to your office.”
She giggled and he turned to look at her. “Sorry,” she said. “My last job, I worked for someone else. It’s nice to know this is my practice and office even though I don’t own the building. It’s a giddy excitement laugh and nothing more.”
“Some might think that is easier,” he said. “No need to worry about major repairs. Which I’m not sure if Laine told you, but the roof, furnace and AC were all replaced in the past few months too.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “She did not. The island is going nuts with this. Now I understand why they wanted a two-year commitment.”
“I think it’s the least someone could do,” he said.
“I’m glad the island had the money and resources to do that,” she said.
He wasn’t going to say that the Bond Trust footed the bill. Money was raised each year and many of the family businesses contributed to help keep the island growing. Everything was for a good cause.
“Again, a much-needed service that the island has been lacking. This will make life so much easier for people and maybe more will get pets knowing the hardship of having to take a ferry to care for them is off the table.”
“I hope so,” she said. “The more pets, the more business I’ll have. Dr. Mullins said right now he has a little over a hundred patients. Which, being here once a week, is a lot.”
“There are more than a hundred pets on this island,” he said. “Trust me. Many take them off the island and I think you’ll find yourself very busy.”
“Good thing I’ve got one vet tech and an office staff,” she said. “I know I’ll need more and someone to oversee my books. I believe there is an accounting firm on the island, I hope? If not, I’ll figure it out.”
“Raymond’s,” he said. “They’ve got a satellite office here and one in Boston.”
A relative of his. Karen Raymond and her daughter Kelsey ran it.
“Is that who you use?” she asked. “Or do you have someone in house?”
“My mother,” he said.
He was moving out of her office and into another, pulling out keys and unlocking the door.
“What?” she asked.
