Hana's Handyman Read online

  Hana’s Handyman

  By Tessie Bradford

  Resplendence Publishing, LLC

  http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

  Hana’s Handyman

  Copyright © 2012 Tessie Bradford

  Edited by Jessica Bimberg

  Cover art by Les Byerley, www.les3photo8.com

  Published by Resplendence Publishing, LLC

  2665 N Atlantic Avenue, #349

  Daytona Beach, FL 32118

  Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-600-4

  Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Electronic Release: October 2012

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

  For the guys who suggested I write a story with a “regular” man as the hero.

  Chapter One

  Hana smiled when the knock sounded at the front door. Nine o’clock on the dot. Punctuality spoke volumes to a person’s professionalism. Maybe, finally, this fifth time would be the charm. She set down her coffee cup, picked up her folder of pertinent documents and sent up a silent prayer for strength and patience.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Coswald,” he greeted as she opened the door.

  “Mr. Maclosky, please come in.”

  He shook her hand for real, no condescending little grasp of fingertips and no sweaty palm. Okay, this is already better, she thought while motioning him into the living room.

  “You said the house was a fixer-upper,” he commented, turning full circle. “But this room could be on the cover of any home magazine.”

  She couldn’t help beaming from ear to ear. “My arthritic joints and still spasming back thank you. I’m really happy with the way the room turned out.”

  “What did you do in here?” he asked with curiosity but none of the patronizing disbelief she’d experienced from the other contractors she’d interviewed.

  “All of it. The floor alone took me almost three weeks. Apparently, the installers of the horrific yellow shag carpet that was here when I moved in worried it was going to move, so they used gallons of glue and about a million nails. The time I spent sanding and refinishing the floor felt as if I was on vacation compared to the month and a half I spent on the ceiling and walls. Steaming and scraping off the four inches of wallpaper came first, patching, painting and staining the exposed wood followed.”

  “The beams were covered?”

  “Yep, kind of defeats the whole purpose of them being up there, don’t you think?” Hana chuckled, gazing up at the now beautifully stained wood accenting the vaulted ceiling.

  “I’m impressed, damn impressed.” He flashed a wide, slightly crooked grin.

  The fluttering sensation in her tummy area, an occurrence Hana hadn’t experienced in more years than she cared to count, took her by complete surprise.

  “I once had a big, muscle-bound guy quit on me after the first day of removing carpet and prepping a wood floor. It’s hard as hell work; dirty and back breaking.”

  “It was definitely harder than the tutorials I watched on the internet made it out to be.” She laughed.

  “You gotta tell me how you finished these jobs so quickly by yourself.”

  “It sure didn’t feel as if things were moving quickly, but I stuck to a schedule; four hours a day Monday through Friday, two on Saturday, and absolutely none on Sunday.”

  “Wow, now that’s dedication.”

  “My motivations are frugality and slight obsessive tendencies, with a healthy dose of stubbornness thrown in for good measure. Mr. Maclosky, I’ve been trying to hire out my remodeling project for months. You have no idea what I’ve been subjected to along the way.”

  “Oh, I think I might, but I won’t talk smack about the competition,” he said, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. “I’ve been successful in this business for over thirty years because I do quality work, on time, for a realistic price.”

  “That’s what I learned during my research and why you’re here. Would you like to see my inspection reports?” She held out the bulging folder.

  “Later, after we do a walk through. First, I want you to explain to me what you’re looking to have done and why, and it’s Sam.”

  Hana was a firm believer in first impressions and gut feelings. She liked Sam Maclosky. “Fantastic, I’m all for dropping the formality; please call me Hana.”

  “Let’s get down to it then, Hana.” He pulled a pen out of his pocket and flipped open his notebook.

  She tried to ignore the fact that his words inspired thoughts as far away from home improvements as possible. Focus, woman. What the hell is wrong with you?

  “Okay, well, as I told you in my email, the three big projects as I see them are the front porch, the kitchen, and the bathroom downstairs.”

  “I actually checked out your porch before I knocked. The brickwork is sound, except for that bottom step. The entire railing should be replaced though, not fixed; too many of the boards are rotting. Next?”

  “This way. Now, you’ll see the half-ass approach the previous owners took to renovations.” They walked into the spacious kitchen. “Who installs high-end walnut cupboards and granite countertops, brings in stainless steel appliances, but doesn’t replace the sink or update the plumbing?”

  “Someone who is long on money and short on brains?” he asked with a laugh as he got down on the floor and leaned into the cupboard under the sink. “Yep, these are original pipes, but they ran a new water line to the fridge for the ice maker and door dispenser.”

  Hana sucked in a giggle as she covertly checked out Sam’s ass. Despite his prone position, nothing was showing that shouldn’t be. His T-shirt remained securely tucked into his well-fitted jeans. She swallowed a couple of times before speaking.

  “Also, only three of the outlets in here work, so when I want toast or coffee, I have to unplug the microwave.”

  “This was an as-is sale.” It was a statement not a question. He stood and scribbled notes on his pad.

  “Yes, but I did my homework. I had three independent inspections performed; electrical, plumbing and structural.” She again offered her papers. For some reason, it was important to her that Sam understood she’d made a sound decision.

  “Hana, I wasn’t being negative, just thinking out loud.” He smiled but didn’t take her folder. “I promise I’ll go over all you have in there after I see things firsthand.”

  She nodded and led the way downstairs.

  “Wow, I wasn’t expecting this,” he said with surprise when she flipped on the lights.

  “I know, cool, isn’t it? This space is what sold the house to me.”

  Hana spent the bulk of her time on the lower level. The main room was large, bright due to perfectly placed lighting, and casual in décor. Eight people could comfortably perch on barstools around the wet bar, while others lounged in front of the big screen TV. Not that she had large groups of people over with any regularity, but when her kids and grandkids were in town, they had plenty of room to spread out in. A forty-gallon aquarium was the focal point in the corner next to her home office area.

  “Through here is the bathroom. The water’s shut off ‘cause the sink and shower fixtures drip and the toilet flushes on its own.”

  “That’s unique,” he commented while removing the top of the tank. Hana stepped out to give Sam space to assess the bathroom. When he was finished, he leaned against the doorfram
e and tapped the end of his pen against his chin. “I guarantee you have water damage down to the sub-floor and behind that crappy shower enclosure. My recommendation is to gut this room and start from scratch.”

  Dollar signs danced in Hana’s head. “Looking forward to hearing what that’s gonna cost,” she said with a sigh.

  “It may not be as bad as you’re imagining. I need to get some measurements in here and out front, look over your inspections then work up the numbers. It’s going to take an hour at least.”

  “I’ve got all day.”

  It was almost lunchtime when they finished. Not only was Hana impressed with Sam’s knowledge and thoroughness, she enjoyed talking with him. He was confident in his abilities without being pushy or conceited. He discussed the issues in depth and provided various alternatives while actually hearing and incorporating her thoughts and opinions. He had an easy manner and a wonderful sense of humor, and he wasn’t hard on the eyes, either.

  “When can you start, Sam?” she asked, picking up their empty coffee cups and taking them over to the sink.

  “Monday morning at eight if that works with your schedule.”

  “The biggest perk of being retired is that I’m the master of my own time now.”

  “Okay, feel free to tell me I’m out of line, but you sure don’t look old enough to be retired.”

  Hana blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, I don’t feel like I’m old enough either,” she said with a chuckle. “Eighteen months ago, the company I’d been with for twenty-two years went through a total restructuring. They offered me a severance package I couldn’t refuse.” She walked him to the door. “Do you mind that I’ll be around most of the time you’re working?”

  “Quite the opposite, Hana, I’m looking forward to it.” He shook her hand and grinned. Hana swore there was a twinkle in his blue eyes.

  * * * *

  “So, how’d it go today?” Lydia asked the moment Hana walked up to the small table.

  “Let’s get a cocktail first,” Hana suggested as she took her seat and motioned over the waitress. They placed their order for drinks and a plate of nachos.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “The exact opposite, Lyd. He’s starting on Monday.”

  Her best bud stared at Hana as if she’d sprouted horns. “You, the master of over-thinking things to death, hired a contractor at the first meeting?”

  “I’ve done my research, and lord knows I’ve gotten enough other quotes, and, hey, nice insulting me.”

  “I did no such thing. You and I both know spontaneity isn’t your strong suit, so naturally I’m surprised and more than a little curious.”

  “Sam is highly qualified and has exceptional references. He took his time assessing the job. He clearly explained his ideas and actually listened to mine. We talked for hours. Now, I’m so excited to get this show on the road, and am looking forward to working with him.”

  “Really?” Lydia commented with a smirk.

  “What?” Hana asked while making a small production of scooping the appropriate amount of cheese onto her chip.

  “Come on, it’s me you’re talking to. This is about more than making a sound business decision. Spill it, woman.”

  Hana’s cheeks warmed as she met her friend’s eyes. “He got my motor revving, Lyd, while we were discussing home improvements.”

  “Ooo, I knew it! I bet he’s all tall, gorgeous and washboard-abby. Does he have flowing locks, shoulders for miles, and an ass to die for?” Lydia rubbed her palms together while waggling her eyebrows.

  Hana erupted into a fit of the giggles. When she got her shit under control, she leaned across the table toward Lydia. Although the restaurant was full, Hana most certainly didn’t want their conversation overheard.

  “Geez, get a grip, you freak. How many men do you think actually look like that?”

  “Tons. We’ve read the books; they’re everywhere.”

  “So reality isn’t going to enter into this discussion at all?” Hana rolled her eyes and took a healthy sip of her beverage.

  “Okay, sorry, but damn, you’ve been shunning the male of our species with the fervor of a novice getting ready to take her vows for quite a while now. What is it about Mr. Sam that got your attention?”

  “He seems normal, ordinary, I don’t know; regular,” Hana responded instantly.

  “Those are the qualities you’ve been holding out for?”

  “Yeah, as a matter of fact they are. Do I need to remind you of the debacle that was my last relationship?”

  “Point taken,” Lydia said with an exaggerated shiver. “Here’s to hiring a hunky handyman. Hey, go me with the alliteration!”

  Hana laughed as they clinked wine glasses.

  Chapter Two

  “Mornin’,” Sam called as he opened the back door and walked into the kitchen. Unlike the last two weeks, Hana wasn’t there greeting him with her knockout smile. Disappointment slammed into him hard.

  Hana Coswald was the most interesting woman he’d met in a very long time. She was extremely intelligent, fun to be around and incredibly easy to talk with. She could voice strong opinions without being bitchy and, more than once, met and bested his double entendre humor. Maybe his best friend Bart was right; age-appropriate women had a hell of a lot to offer.

  “It’s shocking how fast eight o’clock happens when one falls into bed at five.”

  Hana walked into the room. Sam took a step to the side, leaned against the counter and struggled to get his shit under control. Her hair was damp and little curling pieces framed her round face. Her feet were bare, and damn if her toenails weren’t painted fire-engine red. The knee-length shorts and loose T-shirt stating, “I like you but if zombies chase us, I’m tripping you” shouldn’t have been a sexy outfit, but his cock sprang to attention.

  “Out partying, were ya?” he asked, both glad to finally have the opportunity to find out if she was dating somebody and dreading the answer.

  “Partying, yes, out, no,” she said, moving close enough that he got a whiff of flowery clean woman. She reached over, pulled the coffeepot off the stand and began filling it at the new sink. He balled his fingers into fists to keep from touching her. “It took me a while to embrace web cams and online chatting, but now, I love it. I definitely had a wee too much to drink, though.” Hana flashed a quick grin his way before opening the cupboard and pulling out the tin of coffee. “God, I’m so glad you did the kitchen first.”

  He stared at her, completely speechless. She couldn’t… Naw, there’s no way, but web cams in the middle of the night? Exactly what kind of partying is she into?

  “Nice face, Sam.” She laughed. “Leave it to a guy to immediately think of porn.”

  “You have no idea what I was thinking.”

  “Let’s see, you’re staring at me all bug-eyed with your mouth hanging open. Go ahead, tell me I’m wrong,” she dared him, crossing her arms under her ample breasts.

  The position made it crystal clear she wasn’t wearing a bra.

  “You’re absolutely right. I’m definitely having impure thoughts at the moment.” His horny ratcheted up when her cheeks turned bright pink. “Plus curiosity is killing me.” He took a step closer.

  “I told you my older sister Claire lives in London.”

  Sam nodded, remembering the hysterically funny stories Hana had shared about the mischief the two of them had caused back in the day.

  “A couple of times a month, we get together to play internet games, drink wine and gossip.” She ran her tongue along her full lower lip and shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint, but my social life is beyond tame.”

  “I’m pretty sure you couldn’t disappoint me if you tried.”

  “W-what?”

  She looked at him with such surprise he decided to push the proverbial envelope. He gently grasped her left wrist, guiding her hand to rest on his hip as he wrapped his other arm around her back. “Are you in a relationship, Hana?”

  “Am I removing yo
ur hands from my person?” she asked with a grin.

  “No, no, you’re not.” Sam lowered his head and softly touched his lips to hers. Hana’s hands moved slowly up his back. When she pressed her luscious tits against his chest, Sam took control of her mouth the way he’d been dreaming about since the day they met. She tasted minty, and holy fuck, could she kiss. Each stroke of her tongue along his sent shock waves straight to his dick. He cupped her ass cheeks and pulled her tight against his groin. She moaned and raked her fingernails across his shoulders.

  Figuring she needed air as much as he did, Sam reluctantly relinquished her lips but continued kissing along her chin then down the side of her neck. Hana ran her fingers through his hair and flexed her hips forward.

  “Oh yeah,” he mumbled, nipping her right earlobe then licking the sting away.

  “We, probably, shouldn’t, be, doing, this,” she said between short gasps.

  “Why the hell not?” He lifted his head to look at her. Hana’s eyes were dark with passion, and her lips were wet and slightly swollen.

  “‘Cause I think it breaks the rules.” Her expression was hesitant, questioning, but she was sliding her hands underneath his T-shirt.

  “Which rules are those, sweetheart?” He followed her lead, bunching up her tee until his palms met warm skin.

  “The employee-employer ones.” Her thumbs brushed across his nipples.

  Sam smiled. “Oh, I think you’re game for breaking ‘em.”

  Hana’s mind reeled as her body ignited. She’d been dreaming of getting down and dirty with Sam since their first meeting. Her sister’s enthusiastic support last night, plus Lydia’s encouragement from the beginning, had her libido amped into overdrive. Now, with his big strong hands caressing up her body and his impressive erection pressing deliciously against her abdomen, he was absolutely right. Hana wanted Sam with an urgency she hadn’t felt in a very long time; if ever.