“Please tell me she didn’t flush anything down a toilet.”
Erin blinked. “Huh?”
Brody sighed and in a lower voice explained, “One of our clients, the one who referred us to Tilly, has a habit of flushing stuff down her toilet for us to come fish out. I’m not lying when I say we’ve been to her house half a dozen times. The woman is in her eighties. And no, she doesn’t have grandkids or anyone who lives with her. I think she has a crush on Flynn.”
Erin bit her lip, amused by his telling. “I’m sorry, yet amused.”
Brody grinned, his light brown eyes glinting with humor. “So am I.”
“Emerald Estates really does have a plumbing problem. Tilly—”
“What the hell is this?” Smith barked from the doorway. He glared at Erin, standing close to Brody.
She smiled. “Ah, my boyfriend.” It felt good to say. “Smith, come meet Brody, one half of McSons Plumbing.”
Brody looked relieved. “Oh man. Glad to meet you. Erin was just telling me Tilly really has a problem.”
Smith looked puzzled. “That’s why we called you.”
Erin chuckled and whispered, “But Tilly’s friend who recommended these guys has a crush on Flynn. She keeps flushing stuff down the toilet so he’ll come fish it out.”
Brody smirked. “She’s eighty years young, and Flynn’s on her must-do list.”
Smith quirked a grin. “Ah. Got it.”
Erin liked that he smiled so much more now. He looked so handsome when he let himself enjoy life. Then again, he turned her on when he sneered.
Brody held out his hand, and after introductions were made, Erin excused herself to go back to her apartment to work. But not before giving Smith a big kiss.
They forgot everything before Brody cleared his throat, then they sprung apart.
“Ah, you know, your blossoming romance makes everything brighter. But Smith, do you think you could show me the hot water heater?”
Erin laughed and left, just as Smith called Brody a wiseass.
Smith hadn’t likedErin standing too close to Tilly’s plumbers. Because yeah, he could see why the old woman had wanted them to “service her unit” as she’d said, laughing, over and over again. The guys looked to be around his age, give or take a few years. Brody was smart, had a sense of humor, and knew his stuff.
Smith’s first reaction to seeing the guy standing near Erin had been rage. Jealousy. An ugly realization that she’d been flirting and not meaning any of that close crap about them being a couple.
The pain had been vicious. For all of a few seconds. Then he’d come back to earth and realized they were doing nothing but talking. He’d heard Erin call him her boyfriend for the very first time.
I have got to get a grip.
Brody followed him outside after setting down the cat… “Is that yours?” he asked the guy.
Brody shook his head. “Found him in the kitchen.”
“That’s gonna cause a problem.” Tilly was firm about no pets.
Then again, she might not notice because she’d been back in the bathroom with Flynn for a while. “Should we rescue your partner?”
Brody sighed. “My brother. And he’s got a lot to learn. I’m teaching him the ropes, but he’s not as quick at catching on as I’d hoped.” He grinned. “Make sure you tell him I said that if he asks.”
“Ah, sure.”
“I’m totally kidding. Guy is super smart. But he’s annoying.”
“I get that.” Cash had been over him like a rash all morning, asking questions about the dinner with Reid and Naomi, about Erin, and about what Smith might befeeling. It had been pure hell.
