Remodeling Us: Surrender To The Heart Series, #1

By Coleen Rector

Andrea Nichols, a highly respected interior designer, traded in her pressed suits and attache' case, for dusty clothes and a tool belt. With her new focus being on flipping houses, the last thing she needs is to be distracted from her goal-even if it is by the charming and attentive owner of the only lumber and hardware store in town. The one area in her life that could use a little remodeling is her love life, but for now, dating can wait.

Ben Hoffman, is intrigued by the newest customer of Hoffman's Lumber and Hardware Store-a fiesty, disciplined, single young woman. After hanging up a career in accounting to take over the family business, he's still trying to cope with a tragedy that happened six years ago.

Will her mishaps and emergency room visits prove more than she can handle?

Can he come to terms...to rebuild their hearts?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Coleen Rector
• Release date: Oct 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781548075842

Book preview

Coleen Rector

ISBN – 10:1548075841

ISBN – 13:978-1548075842

Copyright© 2018 Coleen Rector

Remodeling Us is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, and incidents are the sole imagination of the author. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, no part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission of the author.

Cover© by Marisa Wesley of Cover Me Darling

Formatting by Celtic Formatting

Chapter One

Hey! You, in the blue shirt! Andrea Nichols heard a man’s voice shout as she peered in the side window of the empty house. We don’t tolerate window peepers in this neighborhood!

She twisted around so quickly, the sudden action landed her on the ground–arms out, feet in the air. Catching her breath, she turned her head to focus on the man approaching her. Andrea gave him a once-over, observing how his polo shirt contoured around his chest and upper arms, defining a body that was cared for. His face displayed a grin, punctuated by two scrumptious dimples–dimples that looked familiar.

I’m not a window peeper! She glared at the man making the accusation. This house is for sale and I was checking it out. I’m looking for my first house to flip, and this is the one. She eased herself to a sitting position, palms wrapped around the tops of her knees, holding herself up. You startled me, but you seem to find it entertaining.

I apologize. Mrs. Cass and I were watching you jump up and down trying to get a look. He pointed in the direction of the older lady watching from her side porch next door. My intent was not to scare you. He covered his mouth, but was clearly lousy at hiding his amusement in the situation. I’d say you are one determined lady, although it might be easier to call the realtor listed on that sign to set up a showing.

Andrea rolled her eyes and raised two fingers towards him reinforcing her frustration. She then tapped her watch. I’m getting a little impatient. It’s been three hours since I last left a voice mail.

That doesn’t surprise me. I mean, about her not calling you right away. Kelsey is a busy person and moves on her own schedule. I will say, in her defense, that she’s a top listing agent that knows her business.

The man was now standing in front of her, with his arms stretched out toward her. I’m Ben Hoffman. The least I can do is help you up.

No thanks. Andrea waved off his offer. I’m quite capable of standing on my own. She wasn’t going to let him think he had won this little challenge. We’re all busy, Andrea continued. I was highly regarded in my interior design business, and put in fifty, sixty hours a week. I might also add, I didn’t get that kind of business from not answering my phone calls.

I’m sure you kept on top of things. Ben flashed his dimples. "You said you were highly regarded? Have you decided to change careers from your interior design?"

Andrea nodded while trying not to smile, but his smile was contagious–even though he was such a busybody. Yes, I have. I’m going to be flipping houses. It’s a career change that I look forward to with renewed enthusiasm.

Well, that’s quite a change. He shook his head and bit his lower lip. Especially the physical strength that is required. It’s not a one man–– Ben cleared his throat. Excuse me, one-woman type of job. Will your husband be helping you?

Andrea stood up, dusting off her hands and her clothes. Just for your own reference, I’m single. She spoke before she realized divulging that information to a stranger wasn’t a good idea. She definitely wouldn’t divulge her name, at least not at the moment. I am more than capable of flipping a house.

Ben held out his hands, palms up in mock surrender. Okay, okay, I’m sure you are. He looked past Andrea’s gaze. Changing the subject, city ordinance states that your dog will be kept on a leash when outside.

Andrea stared at him for a moment. I don’t own a dog. Never have, never will. I’m allergic to them–and cats.

That’s interesting. Ben pointed over Andrea’s shoulder. Look behind you. It appears that it thinks you’re its owner.

A panting, shaggy, tail-wagging fur ball stood behind Andrea. She moved forward a few steps, waving her hands to shoo the dog from her. Go away, puppy, she ordered. This is clearly not your house since it’s vacant and I’m clearly not your owner. The dog moved closer to Andrea as she took a few more steps forward. Listen here, puppy, I don’t have time for a personal commitment. I have a house to buy and flip.

Sorry to interrupt this sweet moment between you and your dog, Ben broke in. I need to get back to work. Hope you get the house. It will be a good investment with a solid structure, just needs a lot of TLC. I’m sure I’ll see you around. He gave Andrea a nod, then turned to wave to the petite lady still watching from the porch next door. Mrs. Cass, you call me anytime you need something fixed. You know I’ll be right over.

Benjamin, you’re a lifesaver, the lady said as she released an appreciative smile and waved back. And a sweetheart.

Mrs. Cass turned her attention to Andrea. He goes above and beyond to help anyone who needs it. Pretty admirable, I’d say.

Oh, sounds like something Mr. Dimples would do, Andrea voiced, but it carried further than she intended. Ben turned around, smiling as his eyes met hers. Andrea cleared her throat and gave a half-hearted wave. She felt the heat from her cheeks spread to her ears. You have a good day.

She looked down at the dog still waiting by her side as drool dripped onto her shoe. Can you believe this? I’m standing in the middle of a yard talking to a dog, who clearly doesn’t know where it belongs, while Mr. Handyman thinks I’m a window peeper, and the neighbor lady, I’m sure, believes I’ve lost my mind.

Andrea approached the empty house and planted herself on the front steps. She had time to spare while waiting on her call to be returned. Her new furry friend followed and nestled itself beside her. Andrea looked down at the pup, not even sneezing. Of course, please, join me. You seem like a faithful little soul. Maybe I could somehow hook a note to you and send you to the realtor to have her call me back.

When Andrea looked up, a blue, extended-cab truck with the passenger window down was parked alongside the curb. You two are a cute pair, Ben shouted from the driver’s seat. Kelsey will be calling you shortly. I told her you were patiently waiting. Have a good rest of the day. See you later. 

See you later. What does that mean?  Thanks, that was kind of you. It took her a moment to realize the decal on his truck read, Hoffman’s Lumber and Hardware Store.

Andrea looked down as a pair of brown eyes met hers. That’s just great.  He works at the store I’ll be doing business with. The dog gave a whimper. "Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I have no time for extracurricular fun with anyone—especially this man.

A warm paw was now resting on her leg. "Really? Didn’t you hear me? I have no time for this kind of