Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
A few minutes later, with my phone, drink, and chocolate in hand, I take a seat on the front porch steps. Yes, I have furniture now, but this is nice, too. A clear and unobstructed view of the comings and goings of the neighborhood. Some are greeting their family after a long day of work, some are hustling out the door with kids in tow. “Soccer,” I say to no one but myself. Then there’s an adorable older couple walking hand in hand along the sidewalk. I raise my hand to wave at them. I’d stop them, except there’s an important call to make.
“Hello, this is Duda & Sons Electrical. How may I help you?” the receptionist answers on the third ring.
“Hi, this is Lennon Sinclair. Your company replaced the wiring in my house a few weeks ago?” I jog her memory.
“Let me pull your file up in the system while you tell me what’s going on.”
“The smoke detector is going off. There’s no smoke, nothing is on, yet it’s beeping without a care in the world.” I take a bite of my chocolate once I’m through with my explanation.
“Ah, there you are. Okay, let me see what I have on the schedule.” My stomach drops. The chocolate no longer tastes sweet on my tongue. Instead, it’s bitter. Any time someone says let me look at the schedule, it’s bad news. I know, it’s me at work, except when there’s an issue, I really do try to see what I can do to help.
“Okay.” I chew my sweet treat then go after my wine. One healthy sip later, she’s back.
“I hate to say this, but the earliest I can have a technician out is Thursday.” Well, fuck. This sucks.
“Well, alright. Do you have time for later in the evening?” I’m about to admit defeat, maybe hit the store to buy earplugs, when I look at Asher’s place. His truck is in the driveway, and he did mention to let him know if I need anything. Since I can’t ask him what I’d truly like to, maybe he’ll help me with the smoke detector.
“Let me check,” she replies.
“If I have someone stop by and disable it until you’re able to get out here and have it fixed properly, will that void the warranty?” I cross my fingers. If Asher can’t help, I’m going to suck it up and find a do-it-yourself.
“As long as nothing is missing and the wires aren’t ruined to a degree things can’t be spliced back together, there won’t be a charge and your warranty won’t be voided.” Well, I guess that’s something.
“Alright.”
“The latest I have is five thirty. Will that do?” I do some quick thinking and am pretty sure I’ll be able to get here in the nick of time barring there isn’t any traffic.
“That works, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll send a reminder text the day before with the technician’s information. Have a great day.” We hang up, and I’m on my feet, walking to Asher’s place. I probably should have showered, changed, thrown a pair of shoes on, and maybe pick up my mess on the stoop.
It’s too late now. Our homes aren’t that far apart. The walk is short, and when you’re in a hurry, you get there even faster. So, when my finger presses the doorbell, there’s no turning around and going back. Nervous energy surrounds me, unsure of what to do with my hands or if I should take a step back.
“Lennon, is everything okay?” Asher answers the door in nothing but a pair of swimming trunks. He is hot in clothing. In barely anything? Well, he’s off-the-charts hot.
“Um, well, I have a smoke detector going off. It’s hard-wired in, and I’m not sure how to fix it. The electrician company can’t come out until Thursday, and the noise is driving me crazy.” It’s like when you’re driving down the road and hear a tapping, and no matter what, it doesn’t stop. “Can you help me?”
“Yeah, gorgeous. I can help you. Let me change real quick, grab my tool bag, and I’ll meet you over there.” Asher scans the length of my body. It’s then I realize I’m in my work clothes. Black scrubs, name badge, hair up in a ponytail, and shoeless.
“Thank you, I truly appreciate it. I’ll leave the door unlocked. Just walk on in.” My knees threaten to buckle with the way Asher is taking me in, and damn if I’m not doing the same.
“You’re welcome. See you there.” I reluctantly back away to head back home when what I’d really like to do is follow him inside and do a lot more than look.
11
ASHER
“Lennon?” True to her word, the door is unlocked. I shake my head. I’d have preferred she locked it, but beggars can’t be choosers, and as much as I want to make a demand, the last damn thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable.