and went over to the bakery section, peering at the loaves. On the wall between the shelves was a noticeboard, covered in leaflets, notices, rewards offered for info about lost cats, and business cards. He stood in front of it, noting there were cards offering the services of a plumber, an electrician, a pool cleaner—and a card depicting someone sawing a piece of wood.
Aha. Joel looked closer. At the bottom of the card in white lettering were the words Finn Anderson, Carpenter, followed by a phone number. Finn? It had to be the same guy. Joel got out his phone and took a photo of the card. He paid for his bread, left the store, and hurried back home. Once inside, he pulled up the photo and made a note of the number. When he called it, the voice that answered was obviously the same man who had helped him on the beach. And now that Joel thought about it, Finn’s voice was as sexy as his appearance.
“Finn Anderson here.”
Joel cleared his throat. “Hi. This is Joel Hall. We met on the beach a few days ago, when you helped me—”
“Oh. Okay, I remember you. But… how did you get my number?”
“I saw it on your business card in the village store. That’s why I’m calling. I’m buying a property and there are a number of jobs that need doing. And seeing as we’ve already met…” Joel paused. “That is, if you think you can fit me into your work schedule. The hotel site must keep you busy.”
Finn laughed. “That’s what evenings and weekends are for. Would you like me to come take a look, so I can see what I’d be undertaking?”
Joel smiled to himself. “That would be great. I live at 350 Mills Road. When could you stop by?”
“I could come over after work today. I usually finish by about four. Would that be okay?”
“Any time after four o’clock would be good.” Finn needed to see the place in daylight. “I’ll see you then.” Joel disconnected and put down his phone, his pulse quickening. This is really happening. He already knew Finn was a good guy. Let’s see if he’s a good carpenter too. Then he reasoned. He’s helping build a hotel. The man has to have some skills.
Joel knew his rapid pulse was nothing to do with the prospect of a new deck, and everything to do with the attractive man who was coming to assess the work required.
Finn pulled off the road and up the driveway that led to Joel’s house, and switched off the engine. Mills Road was lined with trees, with houses tucked in here and there. Joel’s place was quaint, but one glance at the front porch told him it needed some TLC. He grabbed his notepad from the passenger seat, checked his pocket for a pen, and got out of the truck. Before he’d reached the front door, it opened, and Joel stood behind the screen.
“If you grew up with dogs, then I take it you have no problems with dog drool.”
Finn chuckled. “Aw, he’s just a puppy. And a little drool never killed anyone.” Joel opened the screen door, and Finn stepped inside quickly. Bramble was there in an instant, tail wagging, his eyes bright, and everything about him saying Pet me. Finn bent down and stroked him, admiring the glossy coat. “He’s gorgeous.”
“He’s my first dog. I think I lucked out.”
Finn straightened, then glanced around at the interior. “Have you already bought this place?”
“At the moment I’m renting it, but the mortgage is going through as we speak.”
Finn arched his eyebrows. “I obviously missed this one when I rented mine. Yours is way better.”
“You rent too?”
“It’s the best way. I go where the work is, but the last few years I’ve worked mainly on the coast, building houses mostly.” He liked Joel’s place. The windows let in more light than in Finn’s rental, which had a dark, claustrophobic feel to it.
“Ever thought of building your own house?” Finn stared at him, and Joel frowned. “Did I say the wrong thing?”
“No, not at all. It’s just… that’s been my dream for as long as I’ve been a carpenter. To put by as much as I can, and either buy a plot, or a house I can tear down to build another in its place.”
“What kind of house?”
Finn smiled. “One with lots of glass, to bring the light in. To be able to see the ocean. To hear the waves.”
“Now you’re talking.”