Free On the Way to a Wedding by Suzanne Stengl Page A

closer.
    Oh no. He wanted to kiss her.
    Pressing against the pillow, she flinched back.
    The physiotherapist turned and caught him in the stomach with the crutches. “Whoops,” she said.
    Greg’s phone vibrated and the monitor in the next cubicle squealed. He yanked the phone from his jacket pocket, looked at the readout, and then at Toria.
    “Tonight,” he said, and he left.

Chapter Five
    Catherine flipped through the work orders, checked the appointment schedule and switched the phone to the answering machine. Then she pulled out the file for her new house.
    After she’d met with Jimmy at Tim Hortons, he’d agreed to pick up the carpet samples at Dale’s Interiors.
    Of course, it was the least he could do, considering he was going to be Ryder’s partner. She should have thought of meeting Jimmy before. It had been so simple. Whereas trying to get Ryder to do anything was like . . . well, like trying to get Ryder to do anything .
    He wasn’t easy to manage.
    She took out the page of paint samples. The company’s designer had several recommended color schemes. She’d picked this one. Why couldn’t Ryder agree?
    At least he’d agreed to upgrade the flooring to cork, even though it meant they needed the humidifier for the warranty. She would have to reward that behavior. Maybe she could go for a walk with him down by the river—as long as they stayed on the path. That would make him happy.
    The brass bells on the back of the door jangled and Jimmy Bondeau stumbled in, lugging four large carpet sample books in his arms. He brought them to the desk.
    She felt a rush of lightness and a surge of power. She was getting something done. “Oh thank you, Jimmy. You’re such a dear.”
    He plopped the books on the counter. “No problem. Happy to help.” He turned to go.
    “Got time for some coffee?” she asked, moving toward the BrewWell Unit.
    “I need to get back to the site.”
    “In Royal Oak?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good. I can go with you. We can stop by my house.” She’d never be able to get Ryder to take her. “I want to see how the construction is going.”
    “Uh, not a good idea. They’ve just started framing.” He stepped toward the door. “Too dangerous.”
    Men could be so stubborn. “That’s what Ryder always says.” And then, “I’ll wear a hard hat.” She gave him her best smile.
    At least she’d tell him she’d wear a hard hat. Those things were horrible for your hair.
    He hovered near the door. “It’s really muddy with all the rain. Maybe another time. I have to get back.”
    He was being difficult. “You go to the sites every day?”
    “That’s what Ryder pays me for.” Jimmy checked his watch. “They’re craning a unit in Royal Oak in about an hour. I need to be there for that.”
    Oh no you don’t. You’re not leaving yet. “I’m so glad Ryder will finally have someone to help him.”
    Jimmy paused.
    Good. She had his attention. “Assuming―” she watched him, “―assuming he signs that partnership agreement.”
    “Yeah,” Jimmy said, touching the door knob. But then he turned back to her. “He needs to be able to take some time off.”
    She was right. Jimmy would do what she wanted if he thought she’d put in a good word for him.
    “There’s so much that needs to be done for the wedding.” She filled one of the clear company mugs with coffee. The black liquid steamed behind the BDB logo.
    “Less than three weeks,” Jimmy said, still standing next to the door.
    “It’s getting down to the wire.” She needed sugar—two packages, rip, tear. “Everything is ready, except for him. He was supposed to be fitted today, for his tux, but he’s at that ridiculous cabin.”
    Jimmy took a step into the room, and eyed the coffee. “I doubt he’ll stay long.”
    “You don’t think so?” She poured in one creamer, watching the black mix with the white.
    “No. He hates being away from work.” Jimmy shuffled his feet. “Ryder said you were getting a