LITMIR.BIZ

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don’t they?’

      Eva nodded in agreement. ‘I think that’s why I decided never to need a man for practical things.’

      Ben was looking at her and she wasn’t sure that had sounded right.

      ‘So er, I learnt to do most things around the house for myself – decorating, plumbing, and so on. It’s important for me to be as self-sufficient as possible,’ she clarified, blushing slightly.

      Eva took a drink, noticing Ben was holding the piece of paper she had given him loosely between his fingers, a slightly uneasy expression on his face. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, raking a hand through his hair.

      ‘Look, there’s probably something I need to tell you.’ He held her gaze for a moment and Eva felt a strange sensation spread over her skin.

      ‘To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll stay in the house.’ He indicated towards next door with one hand. ‘It probably makes more sense to look for somewhere smaller. Maybe a flat or something …’

      ‘Oh.’ She hadn’t expected that at all. She wasn’t sure why but she suddenly felt deflated. It shouldn’t matter to her but the prospect of him moving just didn’t sit right with her. It would be a shame, like giving up on the house in some way. And she didn’t particularly like the thought of having another neighbour so soon. She was kind of getting used to this one sitting beside her. The fact he was pleasant, intelligent, attractive … they were side issues. She thought about his situation and supposed she could understand why he might want to move.

      Eva took a sip of her tea, casting her mind back to a couple of winters ago. A December afternoon, Jamie and Fraser had settled down to watch a Home Alone film while Eva had given Heather a preview of one of the bedrooms she had recently finished decorating. Clutching a rather large glass of wine, Heather had been so impressed she’d asked Eva if she would decorate her dining room, which – after the rampages of three children – was looking more shabby than chic.

      Eva assumed it had been the wine talking but the next day Heather assured her she’d been serious. And so every morning after dropping Jamie at school, Eva had turned up at Heather’s house armed with her tools until a week later she revealed a stylish new dining room her friend had been delighted with.

      After that, Heather had asked her to decorate her mother’s living room. Eva bit her lip, feeling suddenly nervous. An idea was forming in her mind, but she hesitated before saying it out loud.

      ‘Look, this might sound crazy and I’m not sure how you’d feel about it. But I could do it for you. Decorate your front room I mean. Whatever happens, whether you sell or not, it’s probably a good idea to have it done anyway.’ She stole a quick glance at Ben but was unable to read his expression so she carried on regardless.

      ‘Obviously I’m not a professional but I know I could do a good job. I’ve decorated all my own rooms and I’ve done a few jobs for friends as well …’ Eva stopped. In her own head, it had sounded a reasonable idea but the way his dark eyes were fixed on her now … What had she been thinking? Oh God, she’d made a total idiot of herself and she flushed with embarrassment.

      ‘Actually you know forget it; it’s a silly idea.’ She laughed weakly.

      Ben regarded her thoughtfully, running a hand round the back of his neck.

      ‘Is it something you’d really want to do?’ he asked doubtfully.

      ‘Honestly? Yes. I’ve kind of run out of things to do in my house. I enjoy running my business but interior design and decorating is something I’m really passionate about – I’d love to do more of it in fact. I guess it gives me a sense of fulfilment the guest house doesn’t. Plus I like to keep busy.’

      A smile touched his lips. ‘I’m beginning to see that.’ He paused and Eva felt his dark gaze settle on her. ‘So what would it involve exactly?’

      ‘Well, I’d have to strip off all the wallpaper, prepare the walls for painting. I think the window frames need some attention and obviously the ceiling has to be fixed –’

      Ben was frowning. ‘I’m not comfortable with the idea of you climbing ladders or doing anything risky – I wouldn’t want you harming yourself.’

      ‘I’m used to it and I’m fully up-to-date with health and safety procedures, so you don’t need to worry.’ Eva smiled in reassurance but couldn’t deny there was something nice about his concern.

      ‘And you’d manage to do it all on your own?’

      ‘Sure. I’d really only need help shifting the furniture out of the way if you could give me a hand with that –’

      ‘Sounds like the least I could do.’

      ‘So … does that mean you’re happy for me to do it?’

      ‘As you say, it’s probably a good idea to have the work done whatever I decide to do with the house.’ He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly and with an imperceptible shake of his head smiled at Eva. ‘As long as you’re happy to do it … then yes, that would work for me.’

      Eva felt a small rush of pleasure that he’d agreed. ‘Really?’

      ‘Why not?’ He shrugged, smiling at her. ‘But I’ll pay you of course.’

      Eva shook her head emphatically. ‘You can pay for the materials but my time is free.’

      ‘Are you sure?’ He frowned at her.

      There was no way she would take money from him but equally she didn’t want him to be uncomfortable with the arrangement. ‘As long as you’re happy to help Jamie with his maths now and again then that’s more than enough payment.’ Eva held her breath, hoping she hadn’t overstepped some boundary. But to her relief Ben seemed happy with that and nodded.

      ‘I guess we have a deal then.’

      ‘I guess we do.’ She smiled back. ‘So when would you like me to start?’

      He shrugged. ‘I’ll give you back the keys and as far as I’m concerned you can come and go as you please.’

      ‘I’ll probably just come in after Jamie’s left for school and I’ve walked Hamish. Does that sound all right with you?’

      Eva finished her tea, her head already busy with things to organize. She loved that moment of starting a new project. Although Ben had admitted to being pretty clueless with interiors she couldn’t assume she had a total free rein.

      ‘Are there any colours that are a definite no-no? Anything you really dislike or are you happy to leave it up to me?’

      He narrowed his eyes, pretended to think hard. ‘No lime green or pink,’ he said solemnly.

      ‘Okay, I’ll try and remember that.’ Eva laughed. ‘And what about the flooring? Will you want a new carpet or maybe you’d like to have the floorboards sanded? It wouldn’t take much …’

      She stopped. Ben was holding up his hands, looking bemused. She took a breath. ‘Sorry, I tend to get a rush of ideas … I’ll let you know when I need any decisions made.’

      ‘Really, I wouldn’t know where to start choosing colours and … things. I’m happy to leave it all in your hands.’

      ‘If you’re sure then.’

      ‘I’m sure. And Eva?’

      ‘Yes?’

      ‘Thanks.’

      After Ben had left, Eva finished off tidying up the kitchen, feeling a buzz of anticipation. She ignored the voice in the back of her head asking why she was really doing this and whether it was such a good idea. She hoped she hadn’t made a monumental mistake. But then she chided herself. It wasn’t such a big deal; it was just a mutually beneficial arrangement between neighbours. She thought of the long winter months ahead. It would be good to have something to occupy her.

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