Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
H annah
“Hello.”
“Hi. How are you today?” His low voice made my belly flutter.
“I’m okay. How are you?”
“Your reply doesn’t sound very convincing. In fact, you’re looking a little stressed sitting on that bench.”
My brows furrowed as I looked around and then saw him standing across the street, walking toward me.
“What are you doing here?” I smiled as he sat down.
“I was passing by, and when I looked across at the park, I saw you sitting here. What’s going on?”
“I met with Katherine at the shop. The plans are done, and they look amazing. I called the contractor, and he said he could meet with me in two weeks to go over everything, and they’d be able to start the remodel in two months.”
“Who did you call?” he asked.
“The only contractor in Harbor Falls.” I breathed out a laugh. “Rufus Builders.”
“Bobby Rufus?”
“Yeah. He’s the one I spoke with.”
“Give me his number.” He pulled out his phone. “Bobby, it’s Alex Harbor. I’m good. Listen. What are you guys working on that you can’t meet with Hannah James for two weeks or start the remodel on her flower shop for two months? I see. Okay, it was good talking to you, buddy. They’re working on a big project which is expected to be finished in a couple of months.” He looked at me.
“I understand. I know these things take time. I guess my expectations were too high.” I looked down.
“I have an idea. Harbor Falls needs a flower shop, and a flower shop it shall have sooner rather than later.” He winked. “Just give me a second.” He stood up and walked away.
After making a phone call, he sat down beside me.
“Tomorrow afternoon, a crew will arrive from Chicago to review the plans and start remodeling the shop,” he said.
“What? How?”
“They work for me.”
“Alex, I don’t know what?—”
“You don’t have to say anything, Hannah.” He reached over and grabbed my hand. “This is my town. If I want a flower shop here ASAP, it will happen.” A sexy smile crossed his lips.
“Thank you, Alex. That’s very kind of you. By the way, where is Lucy?”
“Her friend, Isabelle, is over, and they’re swimming in the pool.”
“I didn’t realize she had friends here.”
“She’s a new friend.”
“Katherine told me you asked her to remodel your house's primary bedroom and bath. Does that mean you’re staying in Harbor Falls?”
“I haven’t made any final decisions yet. It was the only room in the house that hadn’t been redone. But I’m happy you brought that up. Care to go for a ride to my home? There’s something I want to show you.”
“Yeah, sure.” I smiled.
“I’ll follow you home, and then we can drive in my car.”
“Okay. I’ll see you there.”
I walked back to my car, climbed in, and tried to calm the fluttering that had happened since I saw him standing across from the park, staring at me. I wondered what he wanted to show me at his home. It didn’t matter. I was excited to see the infamous Harbor Estates.
I parked my car at Adalyn’s house and climbed into Alex’s Mercedes. When we reached his home, and the large black wrought iron gates opened, I was in awe of the property.
“Wow. This is beautiful, Alex.”
“Thanks.” He smiled.
We stepped through the front door, and I took in the beauty of the double estate home.
“Follow me,” he said, leading me through the kitchen and out to the back.
He inserted a key into the lock of what looked like a guest home. Opening the door, he motioned for me to go inside.
“This is beautiful. Is this a guest house?” I asked.
“It is—one bedroom and one bath. It’s yours if you’re interested in renting it.”
“Excuse me?” I turned and looked at him.
“You want a place to live close to town, and I have one. As you can see, it has a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a good-sized living room. Behind this closet are the washer and dryer. The entire upstairs is the bedroom and full bathroom. Follow me.” He smiled.
I followed him up the stairs in shock.
“The place comes completely furnished, so you won’t have to worry about buying anything. All you have to do is bring your suitcases, and you’re settled. You have access to the beach, the pool, the hot tub, the barbecue.”
“Alex, it’s lovely. I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.” A handsome smile graced his face. “Rent is two hundred dollars a month, and all utilities are included.”
“Come on.” I cocked my head. “Two hundred dollars?”
“Is that too much? Okay, then. It comes rent-free.”
“Oh my God! No, Alex.” I placed my hands on my hips.
“I’m renting it out one way or another, Hannah. I thought of you first. Regardless of whether I stay in Harbor Falls or not, I won’t be selling the house. So, you don’t have to worry about anyone else moving into the main house.”
“Dad? Are you in here?”
“We’re upstairs, Lucy,” he shouted.
“Oh, hey,” she said when she saw me standing there.
“Hi, Lucy.” I smiled.
“What are you two doing in here?” she asked.
“I’m showing the guesthouse to Hannah. She needs a place to live, and I plan to rent it out. What do you think? Do you think she’d like it here?”
She stared at Alex momentarily, looked at me, and then back at Alex.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Isabelle’s dad is picking us up and taking us to the park.”
“Okay. Make sure your phone is on,” Alex said.
“Really, Dad?” She cocked her head.
“Right. Your phone never leaves your hand.” He smirked. As soon as she left the room, Alex glanced at me. “Kids.” He chuckled.
“I refuse to live here rent-free.”
“Two hundred a month is the price.”
“Okay. I’d love to rent it.” I grinned.
“Excellent. I’ll have Mara clean it, and you can move in next weekend.”
He drove me home, and I placed my hand on him before climbing out of the car.
“Thank you, Alex.”
“You’re welcome, Hannah. I’ll be in touch soon.”
When I stepped inside the house, I went upstairs to Adalyn’s room, where she was getting ready. I had to pretend I had no idea what their plans were for the night.
“Getting ready to go out?” I asked, sitting on the bed.
“Yeah. We’re having dinner with Colin’s aunt and uncle at the Bed & Breakfast. What happened? You have that look.”
“I may be freaking out a little bit,” I said.
“About what?” Her brows furrowed as she placed her earrings in her ears.
I stared at her, chewing my bottom lip.
“You’re freaking me out, sis.” She sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m moving out next weekend.”
“What?” She frowned. “You found a place? Where?”
“Alex’s guesthouse.”
“Excuse me?” Her brow arched.
“I saw him in the park today, and he took me back to his house and asked if I’d be interested in renting out his guesthouse. It’s so adorable, Adalyn.” I grabbed her hand.
“Why would he do that?”
“He said he knew I was looking for a place and planned to rent it, so he thought of me first.”
“What is going on between the two of you?”
“Nothing. He’s a nice guy.”
“Who’s a nice guy?” Colin asked, walking into the bedroom.
“You are never going to believe this, Colin. Alex Harbor is renting out his guesthouse to Hannah. She’s moving out next weekend.”
“Oh, that’s cool. Congrats, Hannah.” He grinned. “Although, I am surprised he’s renting the guesthouse out. Does that mean he’s staying in Harbor Falls permanently?”
“He said he hasn’t decided yet, but regardless, he’s not selling the house.”
“That’s good,” Colin said. “And you’re right, Hannah. Alex is a nice guy.”
“I’ll let you two finish getting ready for dinner. Have fun tonight.” I looked at Colin and winked.
After they left, I rummaged through the refrigerator to see what I could cook. The sliding door opened, and Luis walked in.
“I bring food, darling.” He grinned. “A homemade chicken casserole to die for made by my wonderful husband before he left for the airport. I know Adalyn and Colin aren’t here, so I thought we could have dinner together.”
“You are a lifesaver, Luis.” I smiled, kissing his cheek. “I was just looking to see what I could make. Sit down. I’ll grab the plates and silverware. How long is Alfred going to be in New York?” I asked, opening the cabinet.
“Just three days. But three days too long as far as I’m concerned.”
I set the plates on the table, grabbed two wine glasses and a bottle of wine, and sat down.
“Colin told me he told you.” Luis grinned.
“I am so excited. You have no idea.”
“Oh, I do know. It’s about time that man got down on one knee. Our little Addy is getting married. I never thought she would again after that asshole back in New York,” Luis said. “Which brings me to you, darling. How was your hot date last night with Mr. Harbor?”
“It was fun.” I grinned like a schoolgirl with a crush.
I told him what Alex did for me regarding the flower shop and how I was moving into his guesthouse over the weekend.
“Sounds to me like love is in the air once again.”
“No, Luis. I’m not going down that road again. Lesson learned.”
“If you say so. I remember sitting in this very spot when your sister told me the same thing. I also remember you giving her a lot of advice. Take that advice yourself, darling.”
“Okay. I barely know the man. We had dinner one time.”
“I can already foresee you getting to know him really well living in his guesthouse.” He nodded with a sly smile.