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

But to be honest, she was perfectly content walking along with Joanne, even if their conversation had lulled to a comfortable silence. She enjoyed the other woman’s company, and she liked the feel of another’s hand in her own. As the blocks slowly disappeared beneath their feet, Joanne moved closer, her hand slipping from Edie’s to find its way around Edie’s waist. Soon they were bumping hips, arms linked companionably, giggling like old friends. The beer was long out of their systems—this was just the two of them now, and the more time Edie spent with Joanne, the more she liked the woman.


When they reached the far end of Carytown, they turned around at the Martin’s grocery store and crossed the street to start back the way they’d come. Edie felt her heart flutter; a short walk would deposit them back at their cars, and then what? Would Joanne invite her home, or expect Edie to extend a similar invitation? Would she spoil the evening by saying no?


Chapter 19