The Fixer Upper (31 page)
Authors: Judith Arnold
“You said Eric is in. That means I could be nice to you now, and you wouldn’t suspect me of ulterior motives.”
“You’re not supposed to know about Eric. The letters don’t go out until January 2. I should never—”
“I won’t tell him. I won’t tell a soul. Can I be nice to you now?”
She allowed herself a tiny smile. “That depends on your definition of nice.”
He kissed her softly, gently. “As a matter of fact, I was thinking your parquet floors would really benefit from refinishing. When was the last time you had them refinished? They’re pretty scuffed.”
“You do have ulterior motives,” she complained, her smile expanding. “You love me for my apartment.”
“Ah, you figured me out.” He kissed her again. “When I’m done with your floors, I want to tackle your kitchen. New cabinets, new countertops—it’s a terrific kitchen by Manhattan standards, but I could make it better.”
“Could you, now?”
“And then there’s your bedroom. I’d really like to get to work on your bedroom.”
She couldn’t imagine any renovations her bedroom needed. “And do what?”
He smiled slyly. “Take me to your bedroom and I’ll show you,” he promised before kissing her again.
Actually, she thought as they stood kissing in the back hallway, with juvenile paintings of the ships of ancient explorers hanging all around them, her bedroom could use some improvement. An expanded closet, so there would be space for Ned’s clothes. Some slight rearrangement of the furniture so his dresser could fit in. And a few extra pillows on the bed, just in case things got interesting.
Perhaps they could discuss it when he was done kissing her. But she hoped he wouldn’t be done for a long time.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-5116-2
THE FIXER UPPER
Copyright © 2005 by Barbara Keiler.
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