Free Lucky Break by Carly Phillips Page B

her caffeine fix in short order.
    â€œSo where’s the fire?” he asked, taking a sip of the hot coffee.
    She placed her mug in the sink and ran water inside it. “We have work to do.”
    He wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep things moving quickly to avoid any serious conversation or because she really did want to get started on the job.
    Regardless, he took the hint. Steeling himself, he downed his coffee and placed the cup in the sink, rinsing it as she’d done with hers.
    â€œLet’s start with the flood.” Picking up his clipboard, he gestured for her to lead the way.
    After surveying the water in the large bedroom on the main floor, he realized things didn’t look good. “Where’s the water heater?”
    â€œThere’s a laundry room over here.” She led him out of the bedroom, which he appreciated since the bed hadn’t been made and the rumpled sheets only served to remind him of what he’d rather be doing.
    What she’d prohibited him from doing, unless he could convince her otherwise. But he was a professional and he knew she needed to sell this house, so he focused on the job first.
    â€œThe laundry room backs up to the bedroom,” he said, reaching for the door. He opened it carefully and, just as he’d feared, found the old water heater surrounded by a huge puddle.
    â€œIs it bad?” Lauren asked, hovering over his shoulder, so close her scent surrounded him.
    â€œSeems that way. Considering how old and corroded the water heater looks, I’d guess it needs replacing, which means a big expense. Plus labor.” He turned to see her shocked expression.
    â€œWell, that’ll put another huge hole in mybank account, but I don’t have a choice. When will you know?”
    â€œContrary to popular belief, I’m not an expert at everything.”
    She propped one shoulder against the wall. “Really? What a disappointment.” Despite the situation, her eyes sparkled with amusement.
    He laughed. “Plumbing’s not my thing, unfortunately. I’m going to have to subcontract the job. I’ll make a few calls and see what I can do.”
    The first plumber who came to mind was Uncle Edward, but the notion of asking him to work on the old Perkins house seemed wrong. Jason didn’t want to jeopardize his uncle’s recovery by pushing him too far.
    â€œLet me start with JR Plumbing.” He called and the owner answered on the first ring.
    Jason explained the situation, the emergency nature of the flood and the need to inspect the rest of the pipes in the old house as soon as possible.
    â€œI understand and thanks.” Jason hung up. “All his guys are busy working at the elementary school. One of the pipes burst and they’re getting it fixed.”
    Lauren gnawed on her lower lip. “What next?”
    â€œHe has a new guy who he just interviewed but hasn’t officially hired yet. He says he’s eager. Keeps checking in to find out if J.R.’s got room tohire him. He’s going to give the guy a call and send him over.”
    She exhaled hard. “Okay, that’s one down. Ready to see the rest of the house?”
    Half an hour later, he had a basic list, certain he’d be adding more as he started to work. Lauren would be in charge of cleaning and removing her grandmother’s clutter and deciding what large items needed to go. The buyers were coming from a small apartment and had agreed to take most of the existing furniture.
    â€œWe need to test the appliances and see if any require repair or replacement, check the overhead fixtures for the same thing, repaint the walls, refinish the floors, check the windows and doors, and that’s just off the top of my head.”
    She nodded, appearing pale and overwhelmed.
    â€œBefore we go further, what’s with all the holes in the walls?” he asked. “It looks like someone deliberately broke through the