[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
You don t have to do it all alone, you know. Sometimes it s okay to lean on other people.
She slipped her arms around Addie s waist.
Addie rested her forehead against Mel s. I do want your help. I couldn t begin to
manage this all alone. But I refuse to take your money. That s no way to begin a
relationship.
Grasping Addie by the hips, Mel drew her even closer. The relationship has already
begun, baby. There s no denying that. I want to help you. It seems to me, until you can get
some of these rooms back in shape, you won t be able to open.
Addie kissed her lips tenderly then pulled back. The perfect Catch 22. Can t make
money until I fix up the rooms. Can t fix up the rooms without money.
But if you d let me
No. She pressed two fingers against Mel s mouth. Please don t bring it up again. I ll
find another way.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
60
Mel rolled her eyes, giving an exasperated look in response.
The phone rang, and Addie smiled. Saved by the bell. She removed her fingers and
put a small kiss in their place before going to answer it. Apple Valley Inn, such as it is.
A deep chuckle came across the line. Good morning, Addie. It s Gill. I finished your
car. Thought you might be ready to have some wheels again.
Oh, hi, Gill. Yeah, sure, thanks. She knew her voice sounded hesitant and tried to
project gratefulness. I appreciate it. I ve got a lot going on here right now but I ll be by to
pick it up sometime.
I could have someone drop it off, if that would be easier.
Heavens, no. Please, don t bother. I m getting along just fine. I ll be by as soon as I
can.
All right, then. Talk to you soon.
Bye. She hung up the phone and glanced at Mel, who had joined her in the front
room.
Your car is ready?
Yes. Addie waved a hand nonchalantly, or at least that was the impression she hoped
for. Inside, her heart pounded wildly because of the deception. Like I told Gill, I ll get it
sometime. No rush.
We can pick it up on my way to work. I ll drop you off.
Addie stared at her. She was so cute, so innocent about problems outside the little
hamlet of Cattle Valley. Addie absolutely loved Mel s naiveté. Chloe had been pessimistic
and jaded from the first day they d met. Sweetie, listen. I can t get my car right now because
I don t have the money. Gill s going to have to wait.
Mel s eyes lit up. Let me do that much for you. I can
No. Addie moved closer, slipping her arms around Mel. I guess the only way to shut
you up is to kiss you. She forced their mouths together, her tongue tracing the seam of Mel s
lips. When they parted, she drove deeper, enjoying the taste of her lover more each time.
Mel returned the kiss and groaned, leaning back. I have to get to work. Wish I could
stay here and neck a little longer.
Addie reached around and cupped Mel s ass. We wouldn t be necking for long. In
another minute, I d strip those clothes right off you and bury my face between your legs.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
61
Mmm. Mel squirmed against her. Maybe I should be late.
Chuckling, Addie released her. Or maybe you should go to work and come back here
as soon as you re through. Better yet, stop by your place and pack some clothes so you can
stay awhile.
Mel s dark eyes twinkled. I will, thanks. I ve got a short shift today, so I won t be late.
We ll get some dinner.
Sounds good. After leaning in for one last kiss, Addie watched her go. She walked
around, thinking about the inn. It was eerily quiet being there by herself. She wasn t sure
she d ever get used to that.
She locked both front and back doors securely and headed upstairs. Mel s
inquisitiveness had gotten her wondering what was in the boxes in the attic. No time like the
present to find out. Returning to the dark, closed-up room, she pulled the chain, and the bulb
lit up.
Addie knelt by the first stack and opened the top one. A cloud of dust rose, causing her
to sneeze. She dug into the box and hauled out a covered piece that looked like it might be a
dish of some sort. Removing the paper and cardboard wrapping, she found a lovely, ivory
plate with a rose pattern. It appeared to be old, fine china.
She set it aside and picked up another piece. It was similar to the first, and several more
lay beneath it. The other boxes held plenty of the same cups, saucers and bowls, all intact.
Addie unpacked them all to check their condition, then rewrapped each piece carefully and
put them all back where she d found them. She kept the first plate out, deciding to take it
downstairs with her.
The other boxes were half-filled with junk or empty, pretty much what she d expected
to find in all of them. The china was a real surprise. Maybe she wouldn t need to buy new
dishes after all. Addie closed up the attic and strolled down to the dining room.
She d found twenty-four place settings of china, plus two of each of the serving bowls
and plates. Will that be enough? If the inn were full, she could have up to twelve occupants.
The china might just do it.
That thought buoyed her spirits through the rest of the morning, and she decided to
tackle the furniture refinishing again. She was elbow deep in paint stripper when Mel
returned. What are you doing back so soon?
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
62
Whew! Can I get some air? That stuff is strong. Mel opened two windows in the front
room.
Yeah, and it s not going well, either. Look at this headboard. It looks like crap. She
pointed to the piece she d tried to strip.
Mel bit her lip. That doesn t look right. Are you sure you re using the right stuff?
No, Addie admitted and dropped onto the sofa. She peeled off her rubber gloves and
exhaled a breath that ruffled her bangs.
I brought you a sandwich from the diner. Naomi was at the store, so I decided to leave
for my lunch hour today.
Addie glanced at her accusingly. I have food, Melissa. I m not going to starve.
I know. So what if I just wanted to see you? Mel sat next to her and nudged their
knees together. She handed one sandwich over and unwrapped the other for herself.
You re up to something. I recognise that look in your eyes.
Mel grinned. Uh oh. Am I that transparent? Okay, maybe I am. Listen, Gill has this
friend, Hal Kuckleman. He s a contractor and, from what I ve heard, a good one. I d like to
call him to come look at the inn. You know, doing the floors is too big a job for you to
handle.
Addie chewed and thought. Perhaps the man would work with her on the payment,
until the insurance and her finances were settled. The only way to get money coming in was
somehow to fix up the inn. She had to start somewhere. You re right. She nodded as she
ate. I can t do the floors. Hell, I can t even do the furniture. I need professional help.
So I can call Hal? Mel asked excitedly.
Might as well. Thanks for thinking of it.
You bet. Mel picked over her sandwich. I had another idea. Maybe, while Hal is
here, he can take a look at the attic. I d love to see about getting it turned into another room
to rent.
Mel. Addie shook her head dejectedly. I can t afford that right now, and you know
it. I hate that I m starting to sound like a broken record.
Mel squeezed her arm. Just let Hal shoot us a price. That way, we ll know. For the
future, I mean.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
63
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]