4. John
4
JOHN
T he next morning, I pulled up in front of the house Laura referred to as 221. She had a short name for all the houses I owned—either the number of the house or the street. I owned two houses on Ferguson, so using the house number was the easiest.
I was thoughtful as I walked the property, looking it over. Everything looked good, although I thought the eaves needed a cleaning. I could do that another time. Inside, I checked everything out, pleased to see how clean and neat the last tenant had left the place. Laura was right and the place needed a fresh coat of paint, but it was from usual wear. The new family moving in could paint it and make it their own. I checked out the tap and the few other items Laura had listed, taking my toolbox room to room and making the small repairs. I decided a new faucet was best for the kitchen, so I climbed into the truck and headed to the hardware store.
My brother-in-law was at the counter as I carried up the new faucet.
“Bob,” I greeted him.
He grinned. “John.”
“Playing cashier today? Hanging with the little people?”
He laughed, taking my ribbing easily. “Sonya called in sick. It’s busy.”
I looked around with a nod. “I can come help after I put in this new faucet if you need me to.”
“Nah, we’re good. Little man is in the back, cleaning his heart out.”
“Still?”
“He’s gonna keep saving.” He leaned on the counter. “He rode that bike last night until his legs were too tired to hold him up. He washed and polished it this morning so he can show it off this afternoon,” Bob said with a smile. “Laura’s right—you spoil him. You’re a great uncle.”
“Don’t let that shit get around. I have a reputation.”
He winked. “Would never dream of it.”
I took the faucet. “Later.”
“Dinner tomorrow. Don’t forget.”
“Never.”
I finished tightening down the new faucet, then opened the water lines and slid back under the sink to check for leaks. Satisfied there were none, I wiped at the dust I had created, then startled as a young voice broke the silence.
“Why are you in my house?”
I lifted my head, hitting it on the pipes. Cursing, I pulled myself out, meeting the eyes of a little girl. She was crouched down, staring at me, her eyes wide. I judged her to be about six, and she was cute, with her dark hair tied in pigtails and wearing a set of denim overalls with a frilly top under them. She looked vaguely familiar.
“You said a bad word!” she whispered.
I rubbed my head. “Sorry, Pumpkin,” I murmured, the endearment somehow slipping out. “You scared me.”
She giggled. “I’m just little. How could I scare you? You’re like a—” she paused, then smiled widely, showing off her uneven teeth “—a goliath!”
“That’s a big word for a little girl,” I mused.
“My momma teaches me words. She says they are im, ah, important.”
“She’s right.”
I frowned as I noticed the bear tucked under her arm. A familiar pink teddy bear. Far too familiar. I swallowed at the sudden worry in my chest. “Who is your momma, and why are you in this house?”
“We live here.”
“No, this is my house.”
To my horror, her chin began to quiver. “No. Momma said this is our house. I picked my color and everything!” Then she jumped up and ran away, calling for her mother.
I stood wearily, running a hand through my hair when Laura appeared and my fear was solidified. I recognized the woman trailing behind my sister, now holding the little girl.
Quinn.
And judging from what her daughter had said, and the annoyed look on Laura’s face, my new tenant.
“John?” Laura questioned. “What did you do?”
“He says we don’t live here!” the girl cried.
I held up my hands. “I think a misunderstanding has happened. I thought I was alone, and this little one appeared and informed me she lived here.” I fixed my sister with a look. “I wasn’t expecting the new tenants so quickly.”
Quinn stepped forward, meeting my gaze, hers direct.
Something in my chest kicked at the sight of her. Even though she was average height, I towered over her with my six-foot-three measurement. She wore denim overalls again, along with tennis shoes. Her daughter was dressed the same, although her shirt was pink and frilly, and Quinn’s was another plaid one with the sleeves rolled up. They shared the same long, dark-colored hair. Their features were similar, but her daughter had darker eyes. Quinn glared at me, no doubt angry with me for upsetting her daughter. There was something incredibly sexy about her protective stance and the way she was willing to face off with me. Her pursed lips were full, and for some reason, I kept staring at them, wondering if they were as soft as they looked. An errant thought ran through my mind, curious to know what they would feel like against my own mouth.
I blinked to clear away those odd thoughts and briefly wondered why I kept having them when I was around this woman.
“We didn’t know anyone was here either,” Laura informed me, giving me her own heated look that told me right now I wasn’t a good guy. “Where’s your truck?” she demanded.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “I drove to get the faucet, and it was such a nice day, I grabbed a coffee and walked back.”
“Faucet?” Quinn asked.
I indicated the sink, feeling the need to explain. “Laura mentioned it was dripping, so I installed a new one.”
She frowned. “So, you’re the landlord?”
“Yes.” I held out my hand, trying to be polite. “John Elliott.” I formally introduced myself.
She hesitated, then loosened her hold on her daughter, and extended her hand to let me shake it. It felt small and cool under my touch, the skin smoother than my rough, work-worn hide.
“Quinn Harper.”
I waited, and she shook her head. “And this is Abby.”
“Hi, Abby.”
“Momma, I thought he was a goliath. He’s so big! And he called me Pumpkin.”
I chuckled. “I’m sorry I upset you. You do live here—or at least, you will soon.”
“So, I can have my color?” Abby held up a swatch, and I took it from her, the color a brilliant pink. I glanced at Laura, then back down at the bright tone. Normally, we stuck to neutral colors for the rentals, but it was only one room. I handed it back.
“Sure, Pumpkin. Great choice.”
She squirmed out of her mother’s arms. “I’m gonna go look, Momma! And I need to get Enid from the car so she can see our new room!” She held up the pink teddy. “This is my new friend, Fluffy. My momma gave him to me.”
“Oh,” I said, trying not to smirk. I looked at Quinn, who stared back. “And who is Enid?”
“Her favorite doll. I gave it to her when she was a baby. She takes it everywhere.”
“And now she has a pink teddy. I saw one like it recently.”
She ignored my little jibe. “She loves all stuffed things and dolls.”
“Hmm.” I didn’t know anything about dolls or little girls. Laura had never been overly girly until she became a teenager. Then things changed. She discovered boys, and the entire dynamics exploded.
“They arrived early. I didn’t think it was a problem letting them in a few days ahead of schedule. The house is empty,” Laura explained.
“No, it’s fine. A little warning might have been nice, though.”
“I called and left you a voice mail, but I’m guessing you left your phone in the truck,” Laura replied, her tone snarky.
I had. It had been an impulse to walk the short distance back to the house, and I’d forgotten about my phone. Technology and I were not close friends. I shrugged sheepishly. It seemed as if nothing I did today was correct.
“It’s fine,” I repeated, my voice coming out a little gruffer than I meant it to.
“We can pay a fee if you want,” Quinn offered, lifting her chin.
“No need,” I replied, annoyed. “I don’t need a fee.” I paused. “So, only you and your daughter?”
“Yes. I listed that on the agreement.” She crossed her arms. “Is there a problem?” She glanced at Laura. “You never said there was an issue with a single mother renting the place.”
Laura shook her head. “There isn’t one. Right, John?”
I shut my eyes, feeling embarrassed. I hadn’t read through the paperwork, or I would have known. And I wouldn’t be making an ass of myself in front of this woman.
“Not an issue. Another mistake on my part.” My voice was clipped. “I can help you unload a few things.”
“I don’t require any help, but thank you, Mr. Elliott.”
I had a feeling I had just been dismissed.
I wiped my hands. “Fine. I’ll be going, then. If you need anything, you have Laura’s number.”
And I walked out.
Back at the hardware store, Bob met my eyes, lifting his eyebrows and shaking his head. No doubt Laura had told him what an ass I had been to the new tenant. I waved him off and went to the back, checking on Cody. He was busy sweeping, the shelves tidy, a pile of garbage ready to head to the curb. He’d flattened and tied up all the boxes, and everything was in order.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Good job.”
He looked pleased. “I had been hoping to have enough money to get my bike before the town parade,” he confessed. “A bunch of my friends are decorating their bikes to ride in it.” He looked past me, then kept talking. “My old one didn’t look so good, but I didn’t want to say anything to Mom and Dad.” He grinned widely. “Now I don’t have to. And I get to show it off this afternoon at the park.”
I felt a swell of pride for this kid. He was good-hearted and loved his parents. He didn’t want to hurt their feelings. “What are you planning on doing with your hard-earned cash?”
“Mom’s birthday is next month, so I’m gonna buy her something nice. And I’m going to put the rest in the bank. I want to mow some lawns and stuff this summer and make more.”
I smiled as I ruffled his hair. “Sounds like a good plan, kid.”
He stepped closer, his voice serious. “It’s the best gift ever, Uncle J. Thanks again. I’ll take good care of it.”
“I know you will.”
“Mom is gonna help me decorate it for the parade. I’m going with a jungle theme.”
“Good choice.”
I left him finishing his task, feeling proud. The kid made me smile.
My smile faded as I rounded the corner, spying Quinn and Abby at the counter, talking to Bob. I walked over, standing beside them. “Found a problem with the house?” I asked.
Quinn turned, focusing her beautiful eyes on me. “No. I was asking about the paint.”
“Put it on the house tab,” I instructed Bob.
“I can pay for the paint.”
I huffed an impatient sigh. “I will pay for the paint and supplies. I would have if I’d painted the place. It’s part of the service.” Bob walked away, and I shook my head. “Stop being stubborn.”
Her eyebrows flew up. “I beg your pardon?”
I leaned close. “Look, lady. I didn’t mean to insult you yesterday. Or today. I certainly didn’t mean to scare your daughter or infer there was a problem. Quit twisting my words and refusing help when it’s offered.”
“Is all the service you provide rude and demanding?”
“Only when someone pushes my buttons.”
She stepped back. “I’m not pushing anything, Mr. Elliott. I think I prefer dealing with your sister.”
“I prefer it as well.”
“Good. Then we agree on something.”
“Yes. Now, pick your paint and supplies, and let Bob or one of the staff carry them to your car. Surely that won’t offend your independent attitude if it’s not me doing the assisting.”
Then for the second time that day, I walked away from Quinn Harper.