Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire

“It’s just that I never imagined a big CEO like you would be willing to fill in as the building maintenance guy.” She glanced at her fitness tracker. “I don’t have much time befor

e I have to leave for work, but I can go with you.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

He hoped. He wasn’t going to mention that he’d been guided to YouTube videos by his assistant. When he’d checked it out, he’d found they had how-to videos on most every subject. He just hoped the tutorials were enough.

“Okay. If you don’t need anything else, I should be going.” She started for the door before turning back. “Oh, I forgot. You’ll need this.”

When she handed over the key, their fingers touched. Her skin was warm and soft. His gaze met hers. There was a spark of emotion in her blue eyes—cornflower blue like the flowers in the sunny field, a place where you could lose track of time—and he could easily get lost in her beautiful eyes. She withdrew her hand and the connection was broken.

As she walked away, he stood in the doorway staring at her retreating form as though hypnotized by the gentle sway of her hips. It wasn’t until she stepped out of sight that he snapped out of his trance. He gave himself a mental jerk. He couldn’t let himself get distracted—no matter how sweet the distraction.

CHAPTER SEVEN

WHAT HAD HE been thinking?

He shouldn’t be here. Being a building manager was way outside of his skill set. How Alina managed it all plus her work at the café was truly impressive. Thankfully his very first job was really quite easy and no YouTube video was necessary. All it took was a few turns of the wrench.

Graham carried the red toolbox into the living room. “All fixed.”

“Thanks,” Mr. Merryweather said from his spot on his brown recliner, a sports station playing on the television while he held a book in his hands. “I used to be able to do those things but I can’t get down on my knees the way I used to.”

“No problem.”

Mr. Merryweather gazed at him over his reading glasses. “You taking over the maintenance job from Alina?”

“Only temporarily. She’s busy working holiday parties at the restaurant.”

Mr. Merryweather nodded. “Glad to hear she’ll be back.”

“Why’s that?”

“She always has time to talk.” Wasn’t that what he was doing now? Mr. Merryweather continued. “And she usually brings a treat?”

“A treat?”

Mr. Merryweather nodded again. “She makes the best cookies.”

The man really thought he was going to take time out of his busy day to bake? Not a chance. “Sorry. I don’t bake.”

Mr. Merryweather’s face grew serious as his bushy white brows drew together. “Because you’re too busy kicking people out of their homes.”

Ouch. This man certainly wasn’t worried about pulling his punches. Was that why Alina had smiled when he’d told her who was on the phone?

Regardless, he still needed to get through to the man. “Mr. Merryweather, wouldn’t it be nice to get a new place? Maybe one where the plumbing is updated?”

Hmph! “The plumbing here is just fine. And the name is Merryweather.”

“That’s what I said, Mr. Merryweather.”

The man sighed. “There’s no mister. It’s just Merryweather.”

“Okay, Merryweather. I’m no expert but even I can see that the building needs some work.”

Right then Graham’s earpiece buzzed, signaling an incoming call. But whoever it was would have to wait. This conversation was important.

Merryweather frowned at him. “Just because things get old doesn’t mean they should be disregarded.”