Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Avery
The hardware store smelled like sawdust and paint, and I had absolutely no idea where to start. The small bag of tools I’d collected over the years of apartment living looked more and more pathetic by the second.
And more than a little inadequate for the project I’d just signed on for. I probably should have been even slightly more prepared, or at the very least, I should have considered that I’d need more than a hammer, screwdriver, and miniature measuring tape, all with pink and purple flowers on them.
Yes, flowers. The set was a gift from my best friend when I got my first apartment: “In case you need to hang a picture or do a little home repair.”
I don’t think Carrie had renovate an entire rundown inn in mind when she’d given it to me.
Just thinking of my best friend’s shocked reaction when I told her I was moving to Trickle Creek to take on the old project made me laugh as I scanned the aisles of the shop.
Row after row of tools and materials that I only barely recognized stretched out in front of me. I had no idea where to start.
Truthfully, I’d probably need one of everything. But for now, I needed whatever tool would help me actually get inside the old inn—and my new home.
“Can I help you find something?”
The voice startled me, and I jumped up from where I was bent over examining a bin full of work gloves.
“Sorry.” The man chuckled. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“You didn’t…I mean, you did.” His easy smile and kind eyes put me at ease. “And yes, you can definitely help me find something. Everything, actually.”
“Why don’t we start with one thing and go from there.” He held out his hand. “My name’s Grayson Lyons. I run this shop. If I can’t help you find what you need, I’ll be able to find someone who can.”
I shook his hand as my smile returned to my face. “That’s exactly what I needed to hear today, Grayson. I’m Avery. I just moved to town and…well, like I said, I’m going to need all the things. I’m going to be fixing up the Tamarack Inn.”
“You’re going to be doing what?”
A deep voice responded from somewhere behind me, and I spun to see a man who looked just like Grayson, except with a frown that looked like it had taken up permanent residence on his face instead of Grayson’s friendly grin.
His gaze landed on me and for a second, something flickered deep in my gut—something that made my cheeks heat.
“Reid,” Grayson said. “This is Avery.” He made the introduction, but Reid didn’t take his eyes off me. “Reid’s my brother,” he explained unnecessarily. “My much grumpier and far less handsome twin brother.”
“We’re identical,” Reid grumbled, and I bit back a laugh.
“Except for that scowl on your face, brother.”
Reid shook his head and ignored him when he asked, “Did you say you’re fixing up the Tamarack Inn?”
“That’s right,” I said brightly, refusing to let his grumpiness intimidate me. “It’s going to be gorgeous when I’m done.”
“That’s a big project.” Reid crossed his thick arms over his chest. “You doing it on your own?”
“That’s the plan.” I shrugged. “Although I’m sure I’ll need help with a few things. YouTube will only get me so far.”
“YouTube?”
I thought Reid might choke.
Grayson only laughed and pulled my attention away from his brother. “I’m sure we’ll be able to help you out, Avery.”
Reid made a snorting sound I chose to ignore.
“Where should we begin?” Grayson asked.
“Well, I think we should probably start with getting me inside the inn.” I held up my hands and shrugged. “I only have a key to the back door and I don’t know if the lock is seized or what, but I can’t get in.”
Grayson chuckled. “Getting inside would be a good place to start but it’s hard to know what you need without actually seeing the situation myself.”
I held my breath for a second, hoping maybe he’d suggest making the quick drive over to check it out.
“Reid?”
His brother had started to walk away toward the back of the store but stopped when Grayson said his name. He shook his head once before turning around. “What?”
“You have some time on your hands, don’t you? I’m the only one working today, so I can’t leave the shop. Why don’t you go with Avery to see what the issue is?”
I could see it on his face—he was going to object. I couldn’t let that happen. “Please,” I said quickly. “I’d really appreciate it. I can pay you. I have enough?—”
“Oh no.” Grayson cut me off. “There’s no need for that. We look out for our own in Trickle Creek.”
The gratitude that washed over me was palpable. Even as a child, I’d felt like Trickle Creek was exactly where I belonged. And now…well, thanks to my grandparents’ generosity, I was going to be able to live here. When the lawyer contacted me with the details of my grandfather’s will, I’d been in shock that they’d left me the inn. A decision that was made years earlier. It was only just starting to sink in that they’d left it all to me.
Along with my husband. The husband I did not have.
But…that was a detail I was still trying to work out with the lawyer. For now, I needed to focus on the problem at hand.
“Thank you. I really appreciate your?—”
“She’s not one of our own,” Reid grumbled. When I turned to look, his dark eyes were fixed on me with an unreadable expression. “If I had to bet, she’s from the city.”
“I am.” I flashed him a bright grin. “Born and raised, in fact.” I refused to be intimidated by this man. He didn’t know it yet, but I wasn’t easily deterred. As a pretty, petite blonde who always looked on the bright side, I’d spent my entire life being underestimated, particularly by rough and gruff macho men.
“But I used to visit Trickle Creek every summer and stay at the Tamarack Inn,” I told the men. “I have a lot of fond memories of summers spent at the inn with my grandparents.” A familiar twinge of sadness flashed through me the way it always did when I thought of them, but I pushed it down.
“Your grandparents used to bring you here?” Grayson asked. “For a holiday?”
“Oh no,” I told him. “They owned the Tamarack Inn.”
I turned to see the surprise on Reid’s face. “Your grandparents were the Walkers?”
Again, the hurt in my chest twinged at the way he referred to them in the past tense, but I kept a smile on my face as I nodded. “And now I do.”
“You own it?”
“I sure do,” I told Reid. “So, I guess I’m one of your own after all.” My use of finger quotes made Grayson laugh and slap his brother on the back.
“She’s got you there. And Reid here is the best handyman in town, isn’t that right, brother? And just so happens to be looking for work.”
He gave his brother a sharp look before he dropped his head and grumbled something under his breath. After a moment, he finally looked up. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll see if I can help.”
“Thank you.” I clapped my hands together. “I’m parked right out?—”
“I’ll drive myself.” With a shake of his head, Reid walked past us both, shooting his brother a dirty look on his way by. “I’ll meet you there.”
As soon as Reid was out of earshot, I turned to thank Grayson. “I really appreciate your help. It was nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure was all mine, Avery.” He laughed and shook his head a little. “And I have a feeling I’ll be seeing a lot of you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We’ll do what we can.”
“We?” I tipped my head.
“He’s moody, but he’s a good man,” Grayson said. “You just have to look past the crunchy exterior to the gooey insides.”
“Gooey, huh?” It was my turn to laugh. “I’ll see about that.”
“Actually,” Grayson winked at me, “I have a feeling that you might.”