Something so Grand Read online

  Her mouth stretched wider before her head nodded. She held up the book so I could see the title. “He’s a thief. The author started writing him in the 60’s for a decade or so then abandoned the character for twenty years before starting up again. This is one of the newer ones.”

  I took the seat next to her and held out my hand for the book. I liked that she didn’t fold down the page to bookmark it, nor did she seem concerned that she wouldn’t be able to find her place again. It was an unconscious test on my part. She was detail oriented enough to know she could find her place but not anal enough to worry that it would take extra time to do so.

  After reading the description, I nodded. “Looks good. I might have to start that series after I finish the one you’ve set me on.”

  Her eyes sparkled and another smile touched her lips. “You liked the book.”

  “I did. You’ve got me hooked on audiobooks. I’d never been able to get into them before. Too many ‘he said and she said’ to keep my interest, but after a while, you stop hearing the dialogue markings.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. Thought your head might hurt too much to try to read.” Her finger gestured up to the bandage on my forehead. “I’m happy to see the bruising is gone.”

  “You and me both.”

  “Did you get a decision on your car?”

  We’d chatted over lunch on Friday about the state of my smashed vehicle and what the insurance company would do. “They’re totaling it. Bet you’re glad I wasn’t driving your truck on that trip, eh?”

  My joke didn’t elicit a laugh or even a swift agreement. Given how badly I’d ruined my car, she should have been relieved that it hadn’t happened when I’d taken her new truck to Denver. Instead, I saw only grave concern in her expression.

  “I’m just relieved you’re okay now.”

  I swallowed hard at her sincerity. We’d been getting closer, sharing lunch breaks whenever I was on the jobsite. I enjoyed the professional collaboration as well as the downtime banter. Her visit after the accident highlighted everything I found wonderful about her. This show of concern made her even more likeable.

  I cleared my throat of the sudden tightness. “Well, Mitch is salivating at the prospect of selling me another car so soon.” My Lexus barely made it past two years on the road.

  This time, she did chuckle. The sound deep and sexy. “I can imagine. Any other projects I can help out with so he’ll give you the same discount as I got?”

  There she went with the considerate again. “He may want something done at his new place as soon as it closes. I was going to offer a weekend, but if you’d be willing to help, we might get it done in a long afternoon.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Generous, too. She could be my downfall if I wasn’t careful. “You look like you’ve been here a while. Do you spend your Sundays here?”

  She tucked her chin against her chest and looked over at the stack of books on the table beside her. Plenty were on small business operations. Glory must have given her some homework. “Sometimes.”

  I’d been joking, but she wasn’t. “Really? Wouldn’t it be quieter to read at home.”

  “Not my home,” she muttered before looking away with a blush. “My roommate’s girlfriend and her doggie accessory are over.”

  “Doggie accessory?” I laughed, causing two patrons to glare at me. We’d been keeping our voices down, but my laugh blew our privacy for a moment.

  “It’s one of those dogs pampered women carry around all the time. I was actually surprised to see it walk the first time.”

  “That’s funny.” My brother dealt with enough of those kinds of dogs during the high season when tourists freaked if their dogs sneezed. He charged extra, too.

  “If it isn’t the yapping dog, it’s the needy girlfriend. The library is a nice quiet place to relax with something good to read at all times.”

  I glanced around the barely inhabited library. Good logic. “How long have you been there?”

  “I’ve known him for five years, but I’ve only been renting a room from him for a couple years.”

  “And now he’s got a girlfriend, who is probably threatened by a beautiful woman living with her boyfriend.” I liked watching her eyes blink as she processed my compliment. “Plus the yapping dog. Are you looking for a new place?”

  “I’ve been saving up to build, but the banks aren’t exactly handing out construction loans these days.”

  She was planning to build like I was. How interesting. Most people would rather just buy something that was already built. In fact I’d considered it a few times, knowing the hassle of building. But as a builder, of course she’d want a place that was her own.

  “If you’re looking for a rental, I have a lead for you.”

  Her eyes shot back to mine, a bit of hope in them before she looked away in what I’d assume was politeness at not wanting to pressure me.

  “Glory actually called me about it. One of her clients had his winter home broken into. Squatters took up residence, misusing his washer and causing some damage. He’s looking for someone to live in his guesthouse and keep an eye on his place. Apparently he only stays in the house when he’s writing one of his bestselling books.”

  “Like a caretaker?”

  “I think he’d just be happy to know that someone is watching over his place without living in his place. According to Glory, he’s a bit of a recluse. He’d be happy if he never had to see anyone.”

  She shook her head. “I doubt I could afford it if it’s in Aspen.”

  “Glory seems to think he wouldn’t charge anything.”

  “I couldn’t do that.”

  She could, but she probably wouldn’t. She didn’t accept help easily. It was probably why it took her so long to start her own business. I needed to encourage her. “If you like the place, you can work something out with Glor.”

  “Not the homeowner?”

  “No. He only talks to her.”

  She gave another sexy low chuckle. I’d been trying to bring out that sound every day since first hearing it. “Good choice in confidants.”

  I agreed. Glory had yet to mention the name of this notorious author, no matter how many times I guessed. “Want to take a look at it?”

  “Now?” She looked surprised, like she couldn’t believe I wouldn’t have something better to do on a Sunday. That I would rather spend it with someone else. This woman, who’d been kind enough to visit me after my accident, generous enough to bring me gifts, and considerate enough to call daily with project updates thought I couldn’t spare an hour to show her a place that would help us both when she took the repair job? I really wanted to do a number on her parents for mistreating her to the point that she couldn’t fathom everyday kindness.

  I stood and reached down to get her standing with me. “Just as soon as you show me where the audiobooks are and make another excellent recommendation.”

  She smiled that lovely smile again. The one that involved her eyes and had been the subject of two portrait attempts already. Looking at it now, I knew I hadn’t done it justice. I’d have to spend more time just staring at her, which wasn’t a bad prospect, come to think.

  Fifteen minutes later we pulled into the driveway of the author’s mountain mini-resort. It was like so many of the celebrity overdone homes. The house that had been here before was a cute little cabin in the woods. He’d had that leveled and a Tudor chalet put up in its place. At least it looked like it belonged in the mountains unlike some other celebrity Spanish sprawling villas or Tuscan adobe monstrosities.

  I heard Natalie whistle as she turned off the engine of her truck. I was glad I’d ridden with her, even if it meant I’d be making her double back to pick up my loaner from the library parking lot. She let me start one of the audiobooks on the drive out. As if I didn’t already know, she really was kind. It was refreshing to spend time with someone who was honestly nice after suffering the brunt of many practical jokes from my other friends.

&nbs
p; “Glamorous,” Natalie commented.

  We headed for the side door that led straight into the laundry room. When I’d gotten the key from Glory, I’d done a walk through to assess the damage. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. The flooding was confined to this space, so I knew it would be a quick fix for someone as adept as Natalie. I hadn’t had a chance to get her out for a bid before the accident happened. In fact, I’d completely forgotten about it until Samantha brought it up on Friday. I was still suffering the immediate memory loss.

  “Mold,” Natalie said, letting out the deep breath she’d taken. She bent at the waist and examined the lower part of the drywall in the room. I tried not to stare at her muscular ass, but it was difficult. Damn, she was in shape. She turned back and my eyes flew up to her face. I was pretty sure she caught me, but she was gracious enough not to mention it. “We’re looking at replacing the floor and the first two feet of drywall.”

  “He wants it gutted as well as a new washer and dryer. Either he doesn’t realize it was the user not the washer, or he just doesn’t like the fact that someone broke in and used his stuff.”

  She drew her hand along the almost new washer. Rich people and their quirks. I’d learned not to criticize long ago if I wanted to stay in business. My brother’s vet practice needed a replacement washer and dryer. This set would do nicely, which was one of the major benefits of my job.

  “Are you thinking of a redesign?”

  “He wants the option, but he’ll probably just go with repair and machine replacement. And someone to live here.”

  She pulled out her tape measure and took some measurements, transcribing on her clipboard. I didn’t tell her to stop, that I’d do up the drawings. Natalie’s measurements would be accurate.

  “Let’s take a look at the guesthouse.” I led her back through the side door and along a curving pathway. It was visible from the house but tucked away pretty good with its own garage and driveway.

  When we stepped inside, I let Natalie move ahead of me. Given the size of the mansion, it was surprising to see how small the guesthouse was. I thought it might be too small for her, but when she turned and smiled, I knew I was wrong.

  We were standing in the living room. To our left, a small kitchen lined the wall with an island separating the space from the living room. A narrow staircase led up to an open loft on the right. Under the loft there was a bathroom and a room big enough for a twin bed or desk, not both. The whole place was compact, but it had everything anyone needed in a home. By the look on Natalie’s face, she was thinking the same thing.

  “Shall we call Glory?”

  “It can’t be this easy.”

  I laughed. “Sometimes knowing the right people makes things easy.”

  “And you’re one of those right people?”

  “Damn right I am.”

  She laughed this time. “I guess if I can work out a rent I could afford, yeah, this would be amazing.”

  “Have you always had a roommate?” I couldn’t imagine having a roommate now. My last was in New York, years and years ago.

  “Yes.”

  “This will be a nice anthropological study, then.”

  “Probably.” She smiled with her eyes again. “Thank you for suggesting it. I don’t know how long I could have stayed at Trent’s with Bambi around.”

  A barking laugh left my mouth. “That is NOT her real name.”

  She grinned. “I forgot her real one, but the dog is Binky, and it’s a boy.”

  “Oh, gawd, you must be kidding.”

  “I am not.”

  “You have to get out of there.”

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  I pulled out my cell to call Glory for her. It was the least I could do considering all the kindness she’d shown me.

  19 Natalie

  Claire and Seth wandered through my new place. Seth thought the loft area was cool, and Claire seemed happy that I was getting out of Trent’s apartment. She hadn’t liked him when they met and seemed to dislike Bambi even more than I did.

  “New job, new car, new house all in, what, a couple of months?” Claire asked me as Seth climbed back up the staircase to the loft again.

  “I could say the same for you,” I countered.

  She looked a touch jealous when she’d first entered my place. It made me wonder if moving in with her boyfriend hadn’t worked out as well as she’d planned. Seth and Greg not being best buds must be adding to her stress. At least Seth now had a group of friends at school, so he wasn’t perpetually pissed at her.

  “You’re right. I’m happy for you. Glad we’re here to see it, too.”

  Wish she’d been here over the long weekend when I’d gutted the author’s laundry room and rebuilt it from the ground up. The author had called Glory to request I add a small closet and shelving as I was working. I suspected he’d watched my progress on the security camera in the room, which wasn’t creepy at all.

  Seth came down the steps two at a time. “Can I crash with you tonight, Aunt Nat? Think Glory would let us use her snowmobile again tomorrow?”

  “You’re welcome to stay, but I don’t know if she’s around tomorrow. We could go boarding or sledding instead?”

  “Rad. I’ll call Luke and see if he wants to come.”

  We watched as he wandered into the small bedroom where he’d be sleeping and flipped open his phone. Claire looked longingly after him.

  “Should I have told him no?”

  She shook her head and sighed. “I just wish he’d get along with Greg’s kids.”

  I’d debated talking to her about this. It wasn’t my place to tell her how to raise her child, especially since I didn’t have much experience with good parenting. But something had to be said.

  “Claire, he needs his own room,” I began, thinking she should know this, Greg should know this, and his spoiled brat kids should know this. They had a five bedroom home with four kids between them. Everyone should have their own room, but Greg let his oldest son turn one of the bedrooms into a music room, sticking Seth with his youngest son. “I know Greg doesn’t want to upset his kids, but Seth needs his own space. He’s never going to become best friends with a boy who is six years younger when the little brat freaks out any time he moves something in their shared room.”

  She had taken two steps back while I was talking. Damn, I’d stepped over the line. I knew I shouldn’t have. She was the only reason I got to see my nephew, and I’d just schooled her on how to raise her son. “He’s talked to you about it?”

  “No, but I know how I’d react if I moved into someone else’s home, into someone else’s room, and had to deal with someone six years younger. Starting at a new school is tough enough, but when you don’t have your own space, it can be a lot tougher.”

  She sighed again. “I know. It’s just Greg doesn’t see his kids much, and he’s afraid to make them angry. His oldest threatens not to visit any time Greg tries to discipline him.”

  “Sounds like a sweet kid.”

  She laughed, releasing some of that tension. Seems like becoming a stepmother to bratty, selfish kids wasn’t the dream life she’d hoped for when she accepted Greg’s offer to move in together. “I’ll ask him again. Insist this time. You’re right. It’s no wonder he wants to stay here tonight. The brats have landed.”

  “You’re welcome to stay, too.”

  She laughed again, and it made me remember why Brad had married her. Even when she was just being cordial to me, she’d always been fun. Single parenting had beaten some of that out of her, but now that she was back in love, she seemed to be enjoying life again.

  After we set her on her way, Seth scrounged through the fridge to find a snack before dinner. He lost interest in his quest as soon as he spotted my snowshoes under the bench near the back door.

  “Gotta try those,” he said and went to strap them on.

  “Don’t wander far.” I watched him grab his coat and head outside.

  A minute later, Seth opened the d
oor and called for me. “Something’s out there.” His finger pointed to the cluster of trees on the right.

  “Like what kind of something?” I asked on alert.

  “Animal, I think.”

  “Bear, cougar, or something else big that will attack us?”

  “Why do you think I came back for you?”

  I hoped the ski pole I grabbed on the way out would slow down whatever charge an animal might make if we scared it. We crept closer to the forest edge. I couldn’t hear anything yet, but it didn’t mean the animal had left. Seth was a step behind me, leaning over to get a better view.

  I finally heard whining. That didn’t sound like a ferocious black bear or cougar. As I stepped closer to the cluster of trees, I could see it was a dog lying on her side. She looked like a border collie but smaller, mostly white with a few black blotches and lots of red. Too much red on her stomach, her front leg, and her snout. As I inched closer, she trembled and jerked, trying to sit up, whining loudly at the effort. She was so badly injured she couldn’t scramble away from something she perceived as a threat.

  “It’s a dog,” I whispered to Seth. “Grab a towel from inside, please.”

  Seth didn’t waste any time dashing back to the house. The dog watched every move I made, trying to determine if I’d hurt her more. I tried to soften my voice and crept slowly toward her. Reaching my hand out first, I let the dog sniff my fingers before I looked her in the eyes. When she didn’t bite or try again to get away, I laid my hand on her head and stroked.

  Seth was back with one of my towels. The dog tried to back away again, but her injuries were too bad. It looked like she’d gotten into a fight with one of those other animals we’d been worried about.

  I assured her again as I laid the towel over her head and body. Scooping her up wasn’t easy, but as soon as she was secure she stopped trying to fight me. Seth looked worried when I resurfaced from the trees with the bundle, especially since the blood had leaked through in one spot already.

  “Grab my car keys and wallet, please. We have to get her to the vet.”

  Seth followed my instructions, very calm in the face of something that worried him. I had him hop up into the cab first so I could slide the dog onto his lap. We’d probably have to get him some new jeans tomorrow, but it would be worth it to help this poor dog.