He could see it clear as day. The woman had natural talent. “You really do have the knack, don’t you?”
She blushed. “Thanks.”
“Why didn’t you go into the design business instead of the retail side of things. You’d make a killing.”
She blushed and looked down at her hands. “I thought of it but it was a lot of work. I started collecting furniture and statement pieces when I was young because my goal was to design using my own styled pieces. But I didn’t have the training, and soon I decided to see if I could be the supplier of homewares instead. It made sense to buy and sell what I loved and people seem to agree. It kind of just happened. And everything boomed from there.” She shrugged.
“Well, if you ever get sick of the shops, you can always do hands-on design. I bet people on the island would love to have you remodel for them. Lots of people are moving here for the summer and doing renovating jobs.” He folded his arms. “Heck, I’d pay you to do my place over, starting up here.”
“So you like what I suggested?” She chewed on a fingernail as she waited for him to answer.
“I love it. Now I just have to put it into practice.” He didn’t have any more guests for at least a week, so he had the time to bury himself in paint and use his basic but passable carpentry skills to get the job done.
Mia rubbed her hands together. “I’d like to help if you can stand for me to boss you around. I’m pretty intense once I start a project.”
What a bonus that would be. He’d love nothing more than to have someone of her expertise helping him. “Really? You want to help?”
“Sure.”
Matt held out his hand and took Mia’s. Her skin was warm against his, and she had a pretty flush on her cheeks. His heart skipped and he held back the shout of joy bubbling in his throat in case he scared her off. This felt like a big moment, at least from his point of view. “Accepted. And you can be as intense as you like so long as we get the job done.” He let go of her hand and jammed his in the pockets of his jeans to keep from fidgeting.
Later that afternoon, his father arrived with a trailer load of supplies. “Dad, thanks for this.”
“No problem, son. I had to pick up something from the lumberyard anyway, so it wasn’t a problem when you called and asked me to pick up your order too. Plus, I wanted to see what you have planned, and if all it took was delivering this to you, I was willing to do it.” He undid the tie-downs on the trailer and grabbed the pails of paint. “Let me help you get this upstairs and you can show me what you and that lovely lady have planned.”
Matt helped carry the goods upstairs where Mia was ripping up carpet. She had on goggles and a mask and an old tea towel on her head like a scarf. She paused when Matt walked in with his father.
She pulled off the mask and goggles and wiped a hand over her face leaving streaks of dust on her cheeks, but nothing could take away the glow of happiness on her face. “Hello.”
His father stepped forward, holding out his hand. “Hello. You must be Mia. I’m Atticus Hope. Nice to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Hope. I have to thank you for suggesting this place to my uncle, even though I might not have appreciated it at the time. It’s working out better than I could have hoped for.”
His father laughed. “Call me Atticus. We don’t stand on formality here. And you’re more than welcome. Best place in the world to regroup as far as I’m concerned.” He glanced around and nodded his head. “So. You and Matt have this under control, I see. Tell me what your plans are.”
Mia gave his father a quick rundown of what they’d decided to do while Matt watched. She was so animated compared to when she arrived. The change of pace was obviously doing her a world of good. Matt wondered if she realized how much better she looked now than the pale, stressed out business executive who had arrived at his door. Her lips had been pinched and dark shadows had ringed her eyes. That woman was now gone, banished by fresh sea air and relaxation.
“I like it, Matt. This young lady has the perfect solution for the attic.”
“She does.” He moved forward and stood next to Mia, their shoulders touching. She didn’t move away and Matt let go of the breath he was holding. “Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get around to doing it though.”
His father stroked his moustache and smiled. “Timing, son. Everything happens when it’s supposed to and not before.” He nodded his approval once again. “How about I help you get rid of this carpet and then we can bring those boards upstairs?”
By late afternoon, all the contents of the attic including the carpet were down in the shed and everything his father had brought over from the mainland was up in the attic. Both Mia and Matt were exhausted and filthy, while his father was only a little dusty. They sat in the kitchen holding onto cold glasses of iced tea.
“You two kids should come over to the house for dinner tonight. It’s Gigi’s turn to cook.”
Mia frowned. “Oh, I
