Page 30 of Lakehouse Promises

“Well, stand in line. She’s paying for a roof first.” He walked past her to the side of the house and looked up.

Carolina blinked, not sure if Thomas just insulted her or defended her.

The old woman snarled and stormed away down the driveway.

Stunned Carolina walked over to Thomas. “Who is she? That’s the second time she’s appeared and accused me of something.”

“That’s Bernice. She lives in the lake house a few houses down from you. She’s lived out here as long as I can remember.”

Carolina turned and watched the woman pump her arms as she stormed away.

“For someone so old she sure has a lot of spunk.”

“That’s not spunk. That’s just pure meanness. Don’t ever make her mad.”

“Too late. She said my last renters were loud and threw parties. And claimed one of them ran into the neighbor’s mailbox.

He frowned. “Probably Hannah’s.”

Feeling a headache coming on she rubbed her temple. “And now she claims that my dog attacked her cat.”

“I didn’t see a dog when I was over here yesterday.”

“That’s because I don’t have a dog. One showed up last night and I fed it. I guess she saw it run over here and thinks it’s mine. You wouldn’t know if anyone is missing a black dog would you?”

“No.” He answered quickly.

He wasn’t much for small talk.

She cocked her head. “So what is your expected time of completing this contract? I saw on the weather forecast that it’s predicted to rain next week.”

“I’ll get it done before then.” He walked around the house and studied the roof.

She wrapped her arms around herself and unease welled up inside her. Maybe she should have hired the other guy.

But it was too late now.

“I guess you’ll start tomorrow?” she prompted.

His brows furrowed and he turned to face her. “Tomorrow? No. I’m starting today.”

“Today? Are you prepared for that?”

“I’ve brought my supplies. I’ve ordered the shingles already. They will be here tomorrow.”

She nodded with relief, glad he didn’t plan on delaying the project. She was anxious for the project to be completed, even though she couldn’t seem to squelch her nerves over such a large amount of money she was about to go into debt over.

She followed him to his truck. “You seem very prepared.”

“I don’t like to waste time.” He turned back to his truck and stopped. “And don’t let your dog around my ladder. I don’t have any desire to fall and break my back.”

As if on cue, the black dog darted out from the backyard and stopped. He seemed to be sizing Thomas up.

Carolina let out a heavy sigh. “He’s not my dog.”

The dog walked over and sat by her feet. He nudged her hand with his head.

Thomas snorted. “Then you should tell him that. I don’t think he knows.”