Free Fool's Gold by Jenna Byrnes Page B

ministrations.
    “I’m coming!” Addie gasped, and her body shook.
    Mel held her legs and continued to tease and torment the pink flesh.
    Before Addie stopped shuddering from her first orgasm, another one hit. “Yes!” she sobbed, her voice raspy.
    After a few minutes, Mel relented and pulled back. She rubbed her hands over silken thighs and blew on Addie’s sensitive area.
    “You’re killing me.” Addie reached down for Mel’s hands and drew her into her arms.
    “I need a minute. Maybe two. God, that was amazing. And I don’t use that word lightly. The only time I remember using it recently was thinking about you.”
    Mel snuggled close and dragged a sheet over them. “I’m so happy to hear it. Because I was just thinking, this one day won’t be enough. I want more time with you.
Need
more time.”
    Addie kissed the top of her head. “We have time.”

Chapter Seven

    Addie attempted to make a list of items that needed to be replaced at the inn. The bedroom furniture was negotiable—either replace or refinish—but every room needed a new mattress, hers included. The borrowed bed had been a lifesaver, but Addie understood why it had been freely given. Coils poked her back every time she tried to get comfortable.
    The guest rooms would all need new linens, pillows and comforters. The front room would require a sofa, loveseat and chair, plus new coffee and end tables. The dining room tables were scarred, but she could get by with them, since they’d be covered with cloths.
    She’d definitely need new chairs.
    A stove would be the major kitchen purchase. The other appliances were fine once they’d been cleaned. She’d need to buy more plates and glasses, but the silverware seemed all right.
    The walls were intact, which was a blessing. Painting had always been one of her least favourite chores. All she’d have to worry about there were decorative touches. But the beautiful hardwood floors needed major work, and most of the area rugs were ruined.
    Addie pushed the list away and sighed. She’d thought writing everything down would help her get organised. Instead, it only made her more depressed.
    “Hey, Addie? Do you have a key to the attic?” Mel called from the second floor landing.
    “Yeah,” Addie answered absently. She’d looked in the attic once and found it full of boxes and junk. Since it hadn’t been affected by the break-in, she hadn’t given the space much thought. She grabbed her key ring and headed up the stairs. “Why?”
    “I was looking through all the rooms, figuring out what needed to be done. I’ve never seen the attic space.”
    Addie wiggled the keys in front of Mel and led her up the rest of the stairs to the locked door. “Not much to see. Dust, boxes and more dust.” Addie threw the door open.
    “Did you ever look inside the boxes?” Mel stepped in, gazing around. She tugged the chain in the centre of the room, and a light bulb came on. “Look at this place! It’s beautiful!”

    “No, I didn’t,” Addie said, answering the question about the boxes. “And what’s beautiful?” She tried to see what Mel envisioned, but it looked like a filthy, old attic to her.
    “Open beam ceilings and that turret window! This room is gorgeous! It’s full of possibilities.”
    “Well, maybe.” Addie was sceptical. “The walls aren’t even finished. It needs major construction before it’d be usable.”
    “I suppose.” Mel continued to scope it out. “But it sure is great.”
    “I’ve got bigger concerns at the moment.” Addie put her hands on her hips. “I’ve got to figure out how to get this place up and running so I can get some money coming in.”
Without
a dime to spend
. She left that thought unspoken.
    “I was thinking about that.” Mel headed back out to the stairway.
    Addie followed her, shutting off the light and pulling the attic door shut.
    On the way downstairs, Mel commented, “If I helped you pay the deductible, then you could get the work