Husband for Hire by Susan Crosby

of her without her blouse, how beautiful she was, her slender frame, smooth skin and amazing breasts.
    He’d also fallen asleep during her massage. A short, deep, satisfying sleep.
    â€œHi, Shana,” Becca said, seeming a little hesitant to step into the fray. She’d probably heard every word. “I can’t believe how transformed this place is already, and Gavin says you’re not done yet.”
    â€œNot even close. Hi, yourself.” Shana smiled. “I found the perfect light fixture for over your dining-room table while I was at lunch today. Want to see it?”
    â€œAbsolutely.” Becca put a hand on Shana’s arm. “Have you eaten? We hadn’t decided whether to go out or have something delivered. We’d love to have you join us.”
    We would? Gavin thought as he cut away the plastic from the light. Actually he thought it was one of the worst ideas ever. Becca could learn way too much about him, things he wasn’t ready to share, if he ever was. Four more days and their relationship would end.
    â€œI appreciate the invitation,” Shana said. “But I want to get home to my little girl. Another time? Maybe on a weekend?”
    â€œIt’s a date. Oh! The fixture is gorgeous.”
    The white-glass-and-nickel pendant light was perfect, Gavin thought. Shana really did have the eye. “Good choice,” he said.
    â€œI’ll install it on Friday. Unless you’d like to make another bet with me, big brother.” Her expression held challenge and humor.
    â€œWouldn’t even attempt it. How do you know how?”
    â€œIt’s a life skill.”
    Gavin laughed.
    â€œAnyway, I only have to replace the other fixture. I couldn’t have wired the space. I leave that for the pros.”
    â€œI absolutely love it and everything else you’ve chosen,” Becca said. “Including the paint color. Do you have any business cards I could hand out? I would highly recommend you.”
    Shana gave Gavin a look, as if she was surprised but trying hard not to show it in front of her client.
    â€œI don’t have any with me,” Shana said, “but I’ll bring some to you. Thank you, Becca.” She hugged Becca and then Gavin, whispering in his ear, “You’re a good brother.”
    He smiled as she left, her praise warming him.
    â€œSo,” Becca said, slipping her hands in her pockets. “It’s probably not a good idea for us to pick up where we left off.”
    â€œOh, it would be a good idea, all right, but probably not a wise one,” he said, knowing she was rightand sorry that she was. And she somehow managed to look relieved and disappointed at the same time. “Want to hit the Thai restaurant?”
    â€œThat’d be good.”
    He waited while she got her purse, his gaze lingering on the chair of pleasure, as he would think of it from now on. Becca had great hands, strong yet soothing. The fact he’d fallen asleep told him that even his subconscious trusted her. He wondered if spending the whole night in her bed would let him sleep better.
    â€œAre you okay?” Becca asked, suddenly standing right in front of him, frowning.
    No one had worried about him in a long time, probably because he didn’t generally let anyone that close. The concerned look on Becca’s face would usually be a good enough reason for him to back off, but he gathered her close and held her tight. “Everything is good,” he said, meaning it.
    A minute later they were on their way to dinner. Then they spent the remainder of the evening un-boxing, sorting, putting away and tossing. The file cabinets would be delivered in the morning, then all the paperwork could be tucked away, out of sight.
    Her house would be a home finally. And he would be irrelevant—unless she decided to let the lie continue with her brothers instead of telling the truth.
    When she yawned he checked the time. Almost midnight.