Free Hazard Play by Janis McCurry Page B

her habit to assess information and make sound judgments and he passed. “I’m not worried in the least.” She took a card from her bag on the hall entry table. “Call me to set up an appointment.”
    “In the meantime, think about things you like.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s easier to create a home if you know what makes you happy.” He took out a Denver Broncos cap from his jacket pocket, smoothed it over his hair and left.
    * * *
    Rand leafed through the magazine with something close to awe. Sumptuous rooms with sleek, but elegant furnishings practically leapt off the page. She stole a look at Danny. The man had the patience of an old soul. Comfortable with the quiet, he waited for her to finish. She shut the magazine.
    “If you didn’t see anything you liked, I have a few more here.”
    She laughed. “I saw many possibilities. There are so many choices, I’m not sure I can decide on a style.”
    “If you tell me your budget, we can pare it down to viable options.”
    “So, the ugly face of reality intrudes.” She stood. “Would you like something to drink? I have Coke, iced tea, coffee.”
    “Iced tea’s fine.”
    When she returned with two glasses, he’d moved to the couch and had a spiral notebook opened on the coffee table. She noted the strength of his tanned hands as he wrote—a lefty—the mechanical pencil an extension of his mind.
    She joined him and looked at the notebook. “What’s next?
    “Almost done.” He continued jotting notes.
    Rand had quickly gotten used to his style of communication. No meaningless chatter, just necessary information. She’d met a lot of people of both genders who seemed driven to bless everyone they met with the golden wisdom of their words. Lots of words.
    Danny put down the pencil and tore the sheet out of the notebook. He scooted closer to her. “I’ve listed some basic costs associated with remodels. I couldn’t be more specific because you haven’t decided which room I’m starting on, but there’s a general idea of a ‘per square foot’ cost.” He paused. “By general, I mean without any customization.”
    “Customization as in a certain type of flooring or carpet?”
    “Exactly. Or any wiring or insulation that’s not up to code. The house is fairly new, so there shouldn’t be any problems, but I don’t like leaving infrastructure to chance.” He grinned, his tan setting off his white teeth. Laugh lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes. “I won’t know until I get started.”
    “It sounds like you’ve covered all the bases.” She’d made a good decision when she hired him. He paid attention to detail. Her kind of man. A very attractive man if she were in the market. Fortunately, she had better things to do with her time. “Mr. McLeod, I waited a long time to buy my first home. I refuse to settle for ordinary.”
    “It’s a great house; well built.”
    “Even if I can only afford to remodel one room at a time, I don’t want to be hampered by its cost.”
    “Nobody does. Doesn’t mean they can afford it.” He leaned back against the cushions.
    “You’re a ray of sunshine, aren’t you?” She tilted her head.
    “I call it realistic. Do you want me to sugarcoat it?”
    “If you knew me better, you’d realize I’m no princess.”
    “Good thing. I don’t think I can work for royalty. Too high maintenance.”
    Suddenly aware that she was enjoying the banter too much for an employer/employee relationship, she looked down at the paper she still held. “So, explain what you’ve done.”
    * * *
    After McLeod left, she settled into her favorite chaise lounge. She’d carried it from rental to rental through the years when she’d stayed in a few places long enough to get out of hotel rooms. Even had it reupholstered it when she wanted a change rather than buying a new one. It was the only piece of furniture she kept in storage when not in use.
    She looked around the room, sparsely furnished until she had time to decorate. McLeod