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“What about the plumbing?” Wes asked.
“It still functions, believe it or not. But I have the water turned off. The baseboard heating works too, but the only means of cooling is that one window air conditioner.”
“If you added one in that bedroom window, that would probably be adequate. You might think about walling off the bedroom for privacy. Depends on what your vision is for the space though.”
“I like that idea.”
Once back in the living room, Wes peered behind a piece of paneling that had been peeled back from the framing at some point. “It’s well insulated. This two-by-six framing was meant to last, and there’s no beating native timber for strength and durability. All that’s to say, the construction is solid, which is no surprise, given the era it was built in.”
She was starting to get excited about this project. He seemed to know his stuff. Maybe he could get it far enough along that Cooper and Gavin could help her complete the project. And by help she meant she’d provide pizza and drinks in exchange for their labor.
He seemed to be finished with his assessment so she closed the window, led him back outside, and locked up behind them. “You’ve got me very intrigued, Wes. What’s your usual hourly rate?”
He named a figure that seemed reasonable. Some quickmath told her it would take about two weeks to work off his debt. “How far do you think you could get on this?”
He examined the exterior of the building. “If the windows are standard size, and I think they are, I could get the exterior done. Probably more if there’s no rot under those shingles. Obviously, I don’t have my tools with me though.”
“You could borrow my brother’s. But where would you stay while you completed the work?”
“Thought I’d grab one of those campsites you mentioned.”
She frowned, still not liking the thought of him sleeping on the ground as he recovered. He obviously didn’t have the money for a hotel room. But even the campsite fee would add up over two weeks, and he was obviously concerned about his finances.
She had an idea about that. Starting tomorrow he’d no longer be her patient, and that cleared the lines of professionalism she’d blurred a little. He’d just be her contractor.
“What if you stayed in the carriage house? I know it’s not much at the moment, but it’s clean, furnished, and it beats a tent.”
“Well...” He rubbed the whiskers over his chin. “I have to admit a bed and shower hold plenty of appeal. But I couldn’t take you up on that without compensating you for it.”
Avery chewed on the corner of her lip. He wasn’t one to take charity, never mind that the structure had just been sitting empty for years. She named a cheap nightly rate and awaited his response.
Breathe.Why was she so invested in having him here? Was she really that lonely?
Wes finally gave a nod. “All right. If you’re sure. I’ll add thatto the bill I’m working off, if that suits you,” he said this through teeth that were almost chattering.
Now that they were back in broad daylight, she could see his flushed cheeks and the way his body sagged a bit.
“Suits me fine.” She took his elbow and steered him toward the house. “But let’s get you back to bed. I think your fever’s returned.”
“You call my references tomorrow, and if you’re satisfied, I’ll move my things back here in the morning and get started on your project.”
She speared him with a glare. “No working until you’re over this virus—and as doctor in residence, I get to be the judge of that.”
“Deal.”
A smile bloomed on her face. “See? Told you we’d work something out.”
Chapter7
It was amazing how much could change over a weekend. Avery glanced at the closed exam room door as she continued down the hallway toward her office. She’d checked on Wes at dawn, and his fever was breaking again. But all had been quiet in there ever since. She hadn’t had the heart to wake him after his restless night’s sleep. With any luck he’d slip out to the carriage house during her staff meeting—she’d left the key on his side table.
She was setting up the chairs when she heard the chime, indicating an arrival. A moment later Katie appeared with a box of donuts. She wore fuchsia scrubs and her long blonde hair was up in a messy bun. “The bakery was packed this morning. I thought I’d be late.”
Another chime sounded in the distance.
“Good morning to you too,” Avery said.
“Good morning. Where’s the coffee? I woke up late and I’m uncaffeinated.”
