Chapter 17

“You mentioned work I could do?”

“I did, but I asked about a shower.”

“Do I stink?” he retorted.

“No.”

“So that work you mentioned? Were you just blowing smoke or does it exist?”

I stared at him. Murphy didn’t seem interested in niceties or small talk. Okay, then. “I have jobs at my bookstore and here. The bookstore needs the most attention right now, though. Are you good with tools, afraid of heights or anything?”

Murphy relaxed once he realized I wasn’t jerking him around. “I’ve done many things. I can handle it.”

“Great. The pay’s a hundred bucks if you can get the work I need done by the end of the day. The store opens at noon and closes at six today. I don’t usually leave until around eight, however. I need work done on the roof and to replace a door, fix some shelving in the inventory room, you get the idea.”

His eyebrows rose. “I didn’t expect that much, but I appreciate it. Can I get started now?” He rose and placed his plate and mug in the sink.