A Christmas Homecoming Read Online Free Page A

squared his shoulders. “Is there a problem?” Did she doubt his strength? Maybe he hadn’t been to the gym in a week or two, but he could get the job done.
    “Sorry, but you’re injured, and by your own admission, exhausted. And I’m not exactly a powerhouse of muscle.” She flexed her arm.
    He held in a chuckle but couldn’t stop from grinning. She was cute when she was annoyed, but enough playing around. “I’m all you have. I suggest we get busy. You only gave us two hours.”
    She pressed her lips together. “You’re right. We’ll bring in the rug and then the furniture, followed by accessories.” Her boots clicked across the hardwood flooring.
    He turned to look over his shoulder. Pain shot through his neck. He gasped.
    “You okay?”
    “I’m sorer than I realized, but don’t worry. I can help.”
    “I’m counting on it, but you should take it easy as much as possible. I’ll feel bad if you injure yourself further.” She stepped around him and pulled open the door leading to the three-car garage. “There’s more stuff than I remembered. Hopefully two hours is long enough.”
    “We’ll get it done.” The worry etched on her face made him all the more determined to complete this project in less time than allotted, even if he did want to sleep for the next month.
    They went to work. He had to hand it to Bailey. She worked hard and fast. She knew exactly where everything should be placed and when something didn’t look like she’d imagined, she quickly adjusted. The woman had talent.
    Two hours later, he hung the last picture, and a gasp broke the silence as their client strolled down the stairs. “It’s perfect!” She ran her hand across the 1940s antique bar cabinet Bailey had said she found on eBay. “I see why you wanted this to be a surprise. The mix of old with new is perfect.” She reached for Bailey’s hand. “Thank you. I will be sure to let Mona know how pleased I am.”
    “You’re most welcome and thanks. Anytime you want to redecorate, I hope you’ll give us a call.”
    “I will.” Mrs. Gladstone walked them to the door. She turned to Stephen. “Please tell your mother I hope she feels better soon.”
    “Will do.” He dipped his chin and followed Bailey out to her car. “Great job in there. She really liked what you did. My mom said this was your first solo job from start to finish.”
    Bailey’s eyes sparkled behind her dark-rimmed glasses. “Yes. I’ve given a lot of input on other projects and even took over various aspects, but this is the first time I was given the freedom to take a project from concept to fruition. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”
    “I’m glad.” And he was. It was almost as if she stood an inch taller after hearing Mrs. Gladstone’s praise. “I should probably head home. The CNA agreed to prepare extra meals for my mom, but I don’t want to take advantage of her time. She said something about wanting me to taste test the meals before freezing them.” He’d expressed his concern about his mother’s eating habits, and she’d seemed very anxious to help.
    “Must be your good looks because she refused to stay longer to cook when I asked for help.” She hopped into her car and slammed the door.
    Now that she mentioned it, maybe the nurse assistant had been flirting with him, but it hadn’t occurred to him until Bailey’s comment. He shook off the thought and slid into his mother’s car. What was he going to do about Bailey? His mother’s demand that he find and hire a replacement ate at him. He liked his mom’s assistant. She lightened the mood in a room, even when she was being serious. Obviously the woman had talent, so what was the problem? And could he fix it before his mother took matters into her own hands?
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    A week later Bailey pulled off her glasses and rubbed her aching eyes. At this rate she’d never find the style of dresser their client demanded. Why did everyone want vintage