Tempted in the City Read Online Free PDF

projects. We really can’t afford to wait. The domino effect could put us too far behind.”
    She smiled. “That’s not what I’ve been led to believe about contractors. Aren’t they legendary for making people wait?”
    â€œNot Paladino & Sons. Well, okay, sometimes delays happen, but we try to give realistic estimates, and let our customers know ahead of time if there might be a prob—” His eyes warmed with humor. “You were joking.”
    She nodded, caught by the way he was staring at her. No noticeable blinking. Relaxed grin. His hand had recently pushed back his dark hair, and, oh, God, she’d seen that exact same look in dozens of romantic films. “It’s nice to see you again,” she said, thankful she’d been trained from birth to keep everything she felt to herself. “May I get you anything? Coffee? Wine?”
    He shook his head, but his gaze didn’t budge.
    â€œIt’s a very nice cabernet from a great vineyard in Italy.”
    â€œWell, as good as that sounds, I am here to work.”
    Catherine felt the heat creeping up her neck. “Of course,” she said, turning away. “I wasn’t thinking.”
    â€œBut as long as the vineyard’s in Italy... I wouldn’t turn down a glass after we’ve finished for the evening.”
    â€œThe offer stands.” Leading him upstairs, she allowed herself a foolish grin, but kept her pace steady. Deciding not to dwell on the the fact that he was probably checking out her ass, she said, “I’ve done a little sleuthing on my own,” she said. “I’d planned on getting a good chunk of the inventory done by myself, but I was foiled by the mystery of what’s hiding underneath the paint on the fireplace mantel.” She pointed to the south wall.
    Tony frowned. “Did you try to remove any paint?”
    â€œNot really. I read that there was a good chance the paint had lead in it. I didn’t have the right safety gear, which I’ve since taken care of. But I did scrape a bit. It looks like it’ll be worth the work, at least to see if it’s cast iron.”
    â€œThat’s great. Good thinking.” He pulled out his cell phone. “Are you interested in doing some of the restoration work yourself?”
    â€œI am. Nothing too taxing. I’ve never done anything like it. I’m not all that good with my hands, but it would be nice to know I had a small part.”
    Tony met her gaze, and from where she was standing, he looked pleased. Although it could have been the light.
    Then, he went right back to typing something on his phone.
    â€œAre you texting Fred or George?”
    â€œNo. I’ve got an app where I keep all my notes and plans. I’ve already put in the basic layout of the house, so I’ll be able to mark it up as we find pieces we want to investigate.”
    Tony pulled out a Swiss Army knife from his back pocket, went to the fireplace and crouched by the side of the unit. Catherine crouched next to him, watching what he did. The first thing she noticed was he scraped a lot harder than she had.
    His next move was to cut the linoleum that butted up against the painted surround. A moment later, he found something that made his face light up.
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œTile. I can’t promise all of it will be intact, but all we really need is one.”
    â€œYou can get it duplicated?”
    â€œAgain, it’s costly, but yes, we can.”
    â€œOkay, one thing you should know. You don’t have to be concerned with the budget. While I appreciate your warnings, I think it will make things easier for both of us if we just wait until the full estimate is complete. Then I’ll make my choices. Okay?”
    He nodded as he stood up, and once again they were standing too close for politeness’s sake. It wouldn’t have been a problem if they were in Tokyo. But New Yorkers needed at least a