Free His By Design by Karen Ann Dell Page B

‘shower-girl,’ not a ‘tub-girl’ but he wanted to keep all the options open. He had visions of Zoe in a tub full of bubbles, crooking a finger to invite him to join her. Heat arrowed through his body, settling solidly in his crotch. Maybe he’d better test that shower now. On cold.
    He heard the door open downstairs. Zoe must be back already. In a moment she appeared in her usual work clothes, jeans and a scruffy T-shirt. She came to the bathroom door, pulling her long hair back into a low ponytail. The motion stretched the shirt, outlining her breasts, and he fought to keep his eyes on her face.
    “Okay, I’m ready to work.”
    “Before you two get started I’d like to mention something for you to consider, Zoe.”
    “What is it, Frank?”
    “I checked the hot water heater downstairs. It’s pretty old and not very large. You may want to think about replacing it with a larger capacity one or one of those newer heat-on-demand types, especially since it will be handling your apartment as well as the restrooms down in the gallery.”
    Zoe nodded slowly. “What do you think, Jeff?”
    “I had similar thoughts when I worked up the estimate for you, but since you needed to cut costs to the bone, I decided to let that wait until you had some money coming in. Dad’s right about the necessity but I don’t think it’s urgent. The decision’s yours, though.”
    “How much are we looking at?”
    Frank fielded that question. “Depends on whether you go for gas or electric, tank-less or traditional tank models, and size if you go with a tank model. Cheapest would be electric tank, probably around four hundred dollars. They’re cheaper to buy but cost a bit more to run. I didn’t see any gas lines downstairs so I’m guessing the building isn’t connected to a gas main, right?” He looked to Jeff for confirmation and got an affirmative nod. “Tell you what. There’s a wholesale plumbing supply outlet in Salisbury and since I’m a contractor I should be able to get you a good price. I could drive over there and have one back here and hooked up this afternoon.” He shrugged. “It’s up to you.”
    Jeff watched Zoe weigh the pros and cons. It was a tough call.
    “Since you offered and you’re able to do it so quickly, I think I’ll go ahead and make the investment. Winter’s coming and I’m not really into cold showers.” She smiled. “Thanks for offering, Frank. You’re sure you’re okay with doing this?” She glanced between him and his dad.
    “Nah, no problem. Let me wash up and I’ll get right over there.”
    “Okay, I’ll get you a signed check to take with you. Thank you again, Frank.” Zoe went down the stairs to the office.
    “I can come along if you’d . . .” Jeff began.
    “Not necessary. They’ll load it into the truck. I won’t need you till I get back with it. Meanwhile you two can work on the drywall.”
    At which point Jeff would be the one needing the cold shower.
    The dry wall went up faster than Zoe had anticipated. Jeff installed it horizontally so once the bottom piece was nailed in place, he hoisted the top sheet and let it rest on the bottom one. She merely had to hold the panel steady as he nailed it in place.
    Cutting the holes for the electrical outlets took the most time. Kneeling on the floor in the bedroom, Zoe worked on one while Jeff finished cutting the odd pieces that went above the door frames. When her blade slipped and she put a nasty slice across her thumb, she knew immediately she was in big trouble.
    “Ow. Shit. Damn it!”
    She dropped the knife and looked around for something to staunch the bleeding. This was so not good.
    Jeff came running, took one look, and laid into her while he spun her around, took the knife and quickly cut a strip from the back of her T-shirt.
    “Wait. What are you—? Hey!”
    “Where are your gloves? How many times have I told you, you have to wear them when you’re working? They’re not a fashion accessory, Zoe,