Real estate agent Joanne McConnell has had her fair share of bad relationships. Her last girlfriend complained she spent too many long hours working and didn’t focus enough on them. Now single again, Joanne still keeps too busy a schedule to meet someone new. That all changes when she’s babysitting for her brother and meets Edie, the contractor he’s hired to fix up his home. There’s no denying the instant attraction between the two women, and Joanne is more than ready to take a chance on someone new. But Edie Davis, sole proprietor of Davis Contractors, was so badly burned by her last girlfriend that she’s sworn off dating altogether. Edie won’t let anything -- or anyone -- distract her from growing her business. She isn’t lonely, she isn’t, so she’s more than surprised when she finds herself falling for Joanne. Joanne’s offer of a business lunch turns into a date on Friday night, the first in months for either of them. Things seem to be going so well for both ladies. Can Edie let herself trust another again? Or will her past relationships screw up any chance of a future with Joanne?

Renovated Heart

Because Crissy had driven over to Joanne’s parents’ house, Joanne didn’t have to take her home. They spent a few minutes in the driveway, though, Joanne’s hand under Crissy’s shirt, cupping one firm breast as they kissed goodbye. Patting down her disheveled hair, Crissy giggled as she hurried over to her own car. With a lingering smile, Joanne watched her leave, then climbed out of her Corolla.


When she turned around, Michael was sitting on the porch swing, watching.


“How long have you been there?” Joanne snapped, slamming her car door shut.


The lit end of a cigarette winked at her from the darkness. “Long enough,” her brother said


Sudden anger flooded Joanne. “Does Mom know you smoke?”


“Does Dad know you’re gay?” Michael retorted.


Chapter 5