He heard footsteps behind him and looked to see Elyse walking into the living room with a frustrated look on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
She sighed. “None of the service providers I called can get an installer to my place before Wednesday. I already have an appointment with the original company for Wednesday so I may as well stick with them. They had the best price for what I need anyway.”
“If you want you can work from here until you get your connection. I mean, it’s probably not as comfortable as your place with all your fancy comfortable chairs and proper height desks and stuff,” he said in a teasing tone and drew a smile from her.
“I’d hate to impose on you,” she said wincing but he saw she was relieved by his offer.
“It’s no bother at all. When does your work day begin and end?”
“I could be over at 8:30AM and leave by 4:30PM if that’s ok.”
“I’ll give you a key. I may be out riding at that time in the morning,” he replied.
She blinked in surprise. “You’ll give me a key?”
Suddenly Frank worried he may be sending her the wrong message. His face flushed and he back pedaled. “You know, so you can let yourself in tomorrow if I’m out riding. No other reasons. No expectations,” he blurted then closed and rubbed his eyes as the words sounded even more damning.
He heard a quiet snort and opened his eyes. She was smiling happily at him so he hadn’t offended her. That was a relief!
“You’re a very sweet man, Frank. I will borrow a key. Thank you.”
Unreasonably warmed by her words, he nodded and walked to his bedroom to get the spare key. He handed it to her when he got back out to the living room.
“What are you measuring?” she asked as she added the key to her keychain.
“I’m going to repaint the living room as the walls are looking a little dingy. Something bright but neutral. Eggshell?” he said looking critically at the room.
Elyse looked shyly at Frank. “May I offer a suggestion?”
He looked pleadingly at her. “Please! I have very little design sense and this is the first home I’ve had to do by myself.” Frank suddenly realized the scope of that task and felt completely inadequate to meet the challenge. “Any help you could give me would be welcome.” He saw her eyes light up at his request.
“Ok… well, I think this room needs a little warmth. It’s a gathering place for friends and family. It deserves welcoming colors and fabrics. What’s your style?” she asked.
Frank blinked at her. “Style?”
“Traditional, Country, Rustic, Casual, Transitional, or Contemporary?” she said tilting her head as she looked at him. She seemed to be trying to get a read from him. “Wait! You bought a bed, right? I need to see it!” With that she hustled down the hall towards his bedroom.
Frank froze in place. Following her into his bedroom just seemed to be a little too intimate. Moments later she returned and nodded to him.
“What made you pick that bed?” she asked.
“It’s very well made. Quality work and… I liked how it looked,” he admitted.
“Good! You have excellent taste. It’s what I would call Transitional. Somewhere between Traditional and Contemporary. Simple and sophisticated.”
“That first part sounds like me,” he said with a self-deprecating grin.
She gave him a fake stern look and assessed the room once more.
“Linen white.”
“What’s that?”
“That’s the color I’d paint these walls. It’s light and warm but has a creaminess to it. I’d take it right from the front door to just outside the kitchen. Down the hallway as well. Not inside the kitchen, dining room, or the bedrooms though,” she said as her eyes were focused on the image in her mind.
Frank got his tape measure out and measured the remaining area he’d need to paint. “Well, I know what I’m doing tomorrow,” he grinned at her when he was done.
“Do you have dinner plans tonight?” she asked.
“Uh, no.”
“To thank you I’d like to take you out to dinner. I saw a lovely place on my drive up the coast. I made a reservation for 7PM, a table inside by the window so we’ll get to enjoy the sunset.” Elyse was looking at him hopefully and he couldn’t help but smile and nod.
“Great! I’ll pick you up at 6:30PM,” she grinned and he returned it.
She looked at his tool box then back to him with another hopeful look. “Could I borrow some tools so I can assemble my bed frame?”
“Sure, as long as I get them back,” he teased.
She flashed him another bright smile and he felt its impact through his body. When she turned to pick out the tools she needed he leaned back against the wall to brace himself.
Elyse turned to show him the tools she had in her hands. Just a few screwdrivers and a couple of adjustable wrenches. He nodded. “Oh! My laptop.” She turned back to walk to the kitchen.
“There’s a plastic bag on the counter you can use to carry the tools,” he suggested.
She stopped and put the tools in the bag then grabbed her laptop.
He walked her to the front door. “What’s the dress code for dinner?”
“How did Beverly put it? Ah yes, dressy casual,” she smiled as she shook her head. She looked back at Frank. “Thank you so much for your help with the VPN, for loaning me the tools, and for that delicious lunch!” she said beaming her lovely smile at him.
“You’re most welcome!” he replied as his cheeks burned. His brain was spinning but he did his best to remain calm. She hesitated then she was out the door.
He sighed as he closed the door. Aside from the shakes he hadn’t felt this good… in a very long time.
As he returned to taking measurements he looked forward to dinner.
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