The smile he flashed nearly made her forget what they were talking about. “Have you ever designed a kitchen island before?”
“Not specifically, but I’m pretty good with my hands.”
Once again, she almost lost her train of thought. She ignored the flash of heat. They weren’t together, and he was grieving. No matter how much she craved his touch, she would not go there. Instead, she pointed to where the kitchen table sat and explained what she wanted.
“After I have the commercial stove and dishwashers installed, I’ll lose some counter and cabinet space. So, what if we came up with an island with cabinets, drawers, and a butcher block surface? I don’t need a table in here. But I would like a new farmhouse style dining room table and seating, if you happen tohave one sitting around,” she explained in a rush. “Is that too much? If you don’t have the time, I’ll understand.”
Andy took a step closer to her and took hold of both of her arms. “Relax. You’re fine. I have a table in the showroom that would fit perfectly in here. With all the orders we have coming in, we won’t miss it. It’s yours at cost if you want it. And the island can be ready by the time the rest of the remodel is complete.”
“Really?” she asked after some hesitation.
“Really. Now what else do you need?”
“You really don’t have to do anything else. The main things are the renovations and I’ll probably do my own painting. If you get me that table and make that island, that’s huge. Thank you.”
“I know I don’t have to do anything. I thought after last week, it’s pretty much an unspoken agreement that we will always do for each other no matter what. I’ll help because I want to. Because I want to see you happy.”
Samira tried not to think about the past week. It came with too many feelings and just as many questions. When it came down to it, she wanted Andy in her life. Most of the circumstances that had gotten in their way had since changed. But there was no point dwelling on it. He was grieving.
“Thank you.”
“I have to be at the shop the next couple of days, but I can come by this weekend and help paint. Do you have a tape measure laying around anywhere? I can measure for the island while I’m here.”
Before she could answer, George appeared from the other room. “Here, use mine. I wasn’t listening or anything. I just happened to hear you ask for a tape measure.”
Andy laughed before reaching out a hand to accept the tape measure. He measured the space across from about where the stove would end to a couple feet past the dishwasher. It wassymmetrical with the kitchen counter and exactly the size she had in mind.
“Perfect. That’s exactly the length I had in mind. And I want space on the outside for seating. If possible.”
“Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make it happen. I assume you want the farmhouse look to go with the table?” he asked as he returned the tape measure.
“Yes, please. I want to go with that style for the whole place.”
“Okay. It’s going to look great. I’ll see you this weekend,” he said before turning to leave.
“Your boyfriend seems nice,” George commented once Andy was out the door.
“He’s not my—” she started to correct him. “Never mind. Did you need anything else from me?”
“No ma’am. I drew up the estimate. Obviously if you pick more expensive materials, that will be reflected in the cost. We’ll be here tomorrow first thing. All I’ll need from you is a twenty percent deposit.”
“Ok, thank you for starting right away. Christmas will be here before I know it.”
***
Andy arrived at Samira’s place first thing Saturday morning with a box of donuts from the local bakery. The rest of his week had been busier than he anticipated, so he didn’t get a chance to check in on her like he planned. The contractor he met seemed like a decent guy, he just hoped the man understood how important her timeline was.
Music greeted him as he reached the door. When no one answered his knock, he let himself in. Samira was across the living room holding an extension pole and singing along to the music as she painted the ceiling. She wore a pair of short athleticshorts and a tank top, and he had to set the box of donuts on the table and cross his arms to keep his hands to himself.
“Looks good,” he said after watching her for a minute or two.
She jumped in surprise, nearly losing her grip on the pole. “I forgot you were coming. How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to catch the end of the concert. I didn’t want to interrupt, but I felt like a creep just standing here watching you,” he said with a laugh.
“Girl, who are you talking to?” Andrea’s voice rang out before she became visible at the top of the stairs. “Oh. Hey, Andy. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
Instead of having fun watching Samira squirm, he felt bad for her. “I mentioned on Monday that I could come by and help, but I got so busy, I never confirmed anything. Could you guys use another set of hands? I brought donuts.”
