Free Soulmates by Suzanne Jenkins

emotions would surface if he weren't careful.
    “It’s a kitchen remodel you’re going for, is that correct?”
    “Yes, I have a very short window of time to do the work. It might sound unreasonable; my mother and mother-in-law are on a cruise for a couple of weeks so I thought I’d have it done while they’re away. I like the floor plan, so new surfaces and appliances should do it for me.” He followed her into the vast space and chuckled at the time constraints. She turned to look at him.
    “Anything’s possible,” he said, smiling. “The cabinets were top of the line when they were new, just need refinishing, if I can find someone to do it right away. What did you have in mind for countertops?”
    “I was thinking quartz or marble. I’m tired of the granite and it’s tired of me.”
    “Ha!” he started laughing. “Well, that might tack time onto the project, just so you know.” He was measuring and jotting down notes. Looking out at the view, he whistled. “Wow, that’s amazing.”
    “Do you live here in town?” Pam asked.
    “I do, actually I live on a canal. But there is nothing like an ocean view. This wall,” he pointed to the wall between the den and the kitchen. “What’s on the other side of it?”
    “Just a den with fireplace,” she answered, walking to the doorway. He followed her in, looking around, impressed.
    “Boy, this woodwork is exquisite. Did you ever think of tearing down the wall? You’d have to make a decision about your kitchen cabinets, of course. Antique white might look okay with all this dark wood.”
    “You mean, make it one big space? I don’t know. I’ve never been much for the open floor plan.”
    “Me neither, but if you ever sell, it’s what all the buyers want now days.”
    “I hope I never have to leave here,” Pam said passionately, embarrassed she felt the need to share that with a stranger.
    “If I had this place, I wouldn’t leave either. It’s amazing. How’s the veranda working for you?”
    “The veranda? Oh my, it’s the best place in the house. Come out with me. I’ve had it enclosed in the past year, but it still feels open to the water.” They stepped out and the smell of the sea hit them. The sunlight dappled the water, surface calm with gentle waves lapping the shoreline.
    “Wow, I remember this well. I felt like I should have been paying you while I was working on it,” he said, deadpan. She burst out laughing. It felt great to be silly.
    “I hope the kitchen has the same effect on you,” she replied, indescribably happy.
    “Ah, I was hoping you’d give me the job.”
    “But of course! When you can start?” she asked cautiously.
    “I think we can start this week if I rearrange a few things. Those counters might be a problem. What’s your deadline again?”
    “Two weeks from today,” she said, looking at her watch. “They should be at sea by now.”
    “I have to be honest with you. Two weeks might be a stretch. I’ll get the messy stuff out of the way ASAP, but finishing might be a problem. I’ll speak to the refinisher I was telling you about. If he can do it, we might be in good shape.”
    “Okay, that sounds like a deal,” Pam said, putting her hand out. Afterward thought it peculiar that she’d offered her hand, but he took it without hesitation and gave it a good squeeze. Hoping he might hold on to it, he didn’t linger. Regrettably, it appeared he was going to be all business.
    “Great! I’d like to take you to the stone warehouse and an appliance showroom. I’ll set up appointments this afternoon and call you tonight with times. Does that sound like a plan?”
    “Yes! Fabulous,” she said, almost giddy. After he had left, she wondered if her joy was from getting to choose a new dishwasher or having met a great new man. And he wasn’t wearing a ring. Completely unlike any man she’d been attracted to in the past he appeared to be closer to her age. Heavier built but not portly, probably because of doing