By the Numbers

By Nicole Dennis

Can a scruffy carpenter and a neurotic accountant find middle ground?

With permission to begin construction and repairs on the Southern Charm, Sullivan Sully' Tarleton can't wait to start bringing the old hotel back to new life. He and his crew jump on the tear-down until he overhears his friends talking about picking up the accountant at the airport. Volunteering since he needs to head that way, he doesn't know the changes this accountant will bring to his life.

Suffering from severe OCD and additional issues after growing up with a hoarder parent, Chandler Braddock prefers to keep his surroundings neat, perfect, organised, and minimal. A reason he enjoys working with numbers. They always balance out, match up to others, and are able to be tracked. Often refusing to leave his New York office, he gives in when his best friend, Samuel, requests his presence in Florida. But what will happen when he's met by a sexy, but very messy carpenter? And will he be able to give up his orderly life for such a man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: May 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781784300319

Nicole Dennis

Dreamy…Sensual…Forever Love A quiet one, Nicole Dennis is the penname of an asexual author of different genres of fiction – both LGBT+ and hetero. Lots of characters, worlds, and stories build up in her head until she must get them down on the screen – anything from romance to fantasy to paranormal. During the day, she works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her imagination. She is owned by a new feline companion – a house panther, affectionately known as Brat Cat.

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A Totally Bound Publication

By the Numbers

ISBN # 978-1-78430-031-9

©Copyright Nicole Dennis 2014

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright May 2014

Edited by Sarah Smeaton

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

Southern Charm

BY THE NUMBERS

Nicole Dennis

Book two in the Southern Charm series

Can a scruffy carpenter and a neurotic accountant find middle ground?

With permission to begin construction and repairs on the Southern Charm, Sullivan ‘Sully’ Tarleton can’t wait to start bringing the old hotel back to new life. He and his crew jump on the tear-down until he overhears his friends talking about picking up the accountant at the airport. Volunteering since he needs to head that way, he doesn’t know the changes this accountant will bring to his life.

Suffering from severe OCD and additional issues after growing up with a hoarder parent, Chandler Braddock prefers to keep his surroundings neat, perfect, organized, and minimal. A reason he enjoys working with numbers. They always balance out, match up to others, and are able to be tracked. Often refusing to leave his New York office, he gives in when his best friend, Samuel, requests his presence in Florida. But what will happen when he’s met by a sexy, but very messy carpenter? And will he be able to give up his orderly life for such a man?

Dedication

For my fabulous editor who helps me keep things straight. Thanks, Sarah!!

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

iPhone: Apple, Inc.

Febreze: Procter & Gamble Co.

Shark: Shark Clean

Smurf: Peyo

LaLaLoopsy:MGA Entertainment

Pepto-Bismol: Procter & Gamble Co.

iPod: Apple, Inc.

Mack: Mack Trucks, Inc.

Xbox: Microsoft Corporation

Cosmo: Hearst Corporation

Lexus: Toyota Motor Corporation

Skype: Microsoft Corporation

Young Frankenstein: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Spaceballs: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

The History of the World Parts One and Two: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Blazing Saddles: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Chapter One

What did I tell you before about filing all of these orders? They aren’t supposed to be left in various places around the office. They need to be dropped in the corresponding folder I hung on the wall by the door. It’s the metal thingie you can’t miss hanging from the wall. Got it? They’re multiple, bright colors. Look. See? The paper goes in the folder. Once it goes there, I’ll get it paid, one man told another in a slow, teasing fashion.

Having entered the hotel to speak with the co-owners about his plans to begin the tear-down, Sullivan ‘Sully’ Tarleton decided it was better to stay in the hallway, out of sight from the combatants. Bracing a shoulder against the nearest wall, he stifled his chuckles with a fist. He listened as Samuel Ashford harassed and teased his partner, Dakota Mitchell. The men were new when it came to being lovers and partners, but were also co-owners of the run-down, but graceful Southern Charm, a B&B set in a small town on the Florida Panhandle coast below Pensacola.

Yes, Mr. Straitlaced New Yorker who knows all and sees all. I’ll put the little piece of paper in the folder, Dakota said.

Sully would throw everything in the pot with a bet that Dakota had rolled his eyes with the comment.

It’ll be worse when Chandler arrives. You think I’m bad, I’m nothing compared to him. He’s ten times more rigid on control. He’s almost hyper-vigilant when it comes to paperwork and details.

So you keep warning. Not gonna work, my Yankee boy, I’m stuck in my ways.

Your old ways got us in this paperwork mess. So change them or sleep on the sofa.

You wouldn’t dare kick me out.

Try me.

Sully’s cock responded when he heard the usual reaction to the men’s teasing of one another. He heard the passionate kissing and before it could go further, he leaned over and banged a fist against the opened door to announce his presence.

Extra man on the floor, he announced and stepped into view within the doorway.

Instead of the men popping apart, Dakota lifted his head in a lazy fashion from his lover and raised an eyebrow. What do you want?

I’m here to begin the tear-down on the front porch.

Why are you starting there?

I checked it out with an engineer and it’s about to fall down if we leave it alone. One bad storm could pass through and it’ll be gone.

Is it that bad? Samuel pushed Dakota away to speak with Sully.

Yeah, if it was anyone other than my friend, you would have been red-flagged and closed until it was fixed. Since the engineer knows me, we got off with a warning, but he wants to inspect the finished product and everything else from here on. I agreed with his decision.

Red-flagged?

No one can live here, even though there’s another entrance which is safe, people could still walk out by accident. As I said earlier, if we had a wicked storm off the gulf with a harsh gust of wind in the wrong direction, your porch wouldn’t be there.

How did we not know this?

The support structure was going. The boards were warped and not connected by code to the foundation with specialized deck screws. I want to avoid such a catastrophe and tear the thing down. We’ll place signs to direct people. The back section is good and I’ll match it by wrapping it around the front.

Are you going to use the same composite boards on top? Dakota asked.

Yes and pressure-treated pine for the structure.

Sounds solid and steady, Dakota said.

Glad you approve, though you don’t know what you’re talking about, Sully said, a teasing grin on his lips.

Hey!

Samuel elbowed Dakota in his ribs to push him away from Sully. How are you this morning, Sully?

Picked up coffee in the kitchen so I’m good, Sully said, lifting his silver travel mug with a nod.

Did you grab breakfast too? the chef asked.

Yes, along with the rest of the crew. I deposited some money in my account for it. Sully waved his hand to stop Dakota’s possible argument. Shut it, no arguments. He headed farther inside. I wanted to give both of you the plan of action. If you two want to continue kissing each other, I can always return at a later time with my crew.

No, no, we need you to stay and work, Samuel said.

Yeah, stay here. You’re already here and ready to work, Dakota said, his tone teasing.

I guess I’ll stay. Sully laughed with the others. Can I give you the details?

Fire away, Dakota said.

Thank you, oh chef. Sully graced him with a flippant bow. My crew will tear down the existing front structure, dig new footers, and pour the concrete. I need to pick up some supplies and permits I ordered in Pensacola. He set the cup on the desk and opened his hardcase file. He pulled out a folder and handed it to Samuel. Here’s the copy of our signed contract and bid. You’ll get copies of the permits after I pick them up. I get permits and inspections for every step they’re needed to verify all work is completed and accurate. I have a board near the front where they’ll be displayed throughout the job for our protection and the inspectors.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. Samuel took the folder and flipped through the contracts. Do you need a down payment?

Not yet. Give me a week to move through things and we’ll take care of the first payment. I have enough to cover the tear-down and early build.

Before the conversation could continue, Samuel’s phone started a loud annoying ring. Samuel glared at Dakota. Did you change this?

What? Who? Me? I got gumbo cooking, Dakota said with a grin then walked away from the office.

Jerk. There was no heat to Samuel’s teasing. He picked up the phone and swiped his finger across the screen. This is Samuel. Oh, hey, Chandler. When is your flight?

Sully went to gather his coffee and leave, but stopped when Samuel waved a hand at him.

What? You’re landing in two hours. Okay. Umm. You rented a car, right? It’s a short drive over the bridge. Okay. Okay. Calm down, Chandler. Samuel massaged his temples. No. No. I know you don’t like driving at all. No, there isn’t a car service. I can’t leave. I’m swamped with getting things cleaned up around here. I told you.

Sully listened and wiggled his fingers.

Hold on a moment, Chan. Give me one minute. Samuel lowered the phone.

Where is he landing?

Pensacola International on… Samuel lifted the phone. What airline are you flying? Getting the answer, he told Sully the airline.

Text me the info, his name, and what he looks like. I’ll pick him up down on the baggage area.

Are you sure? He’s particular about things.

We’ll be fine. Let him know someone will be there with a sign with his name on to pick him up. I need to go into Pensacola anyway, so I’ll leave now to get my stuff done and swing by the airport.

Thank you, Sully, Samuel said. Dakota owes you dinner for a week.

Sully chuckled. Text me when you’re done. I’m heading out.

Samuel returned to his phone call as Sully walked out. Hey, Chan, I got you a ride. Yeah, yeah, his name is Sully. He’ll be down in the baggage area holding a sign with your name on. He’ll help you with your bags and get you to the Charm. Give me your info.

Hearing those last few words, Sully headed to the kitchen and knocked his cup on the wall. Hey. I’m gonna get this Chandler fella at the airport along with my duties. Need a refill. He held out his cup when Dakota walked over.

Why are you picking up Chandler? I thought he was driving.

Nope, he can’t drive and lands in two hours. I offered my help to Samuel. I’m already going into Pensacola. He can be another stop on my to-do list. I don’t mind.

Thanks, pal. Dakota finished with the cup, wrapped up a few fresh scones, and handed everything to Sully. Here’s a snack for the drive.

Ooh. Good, I like scones. I like the apricot and honey mix.

I’m experimenting with the basic mix. These are cherry vanilla ones.

See you later with your newest Yankee fella. We’re getting overrun with northerners around here.

Samuel mentioned he’s a little screwy, Dakota warned.

I keep hearing that, but don’t believe the hype, Sully called back as he disappeared back outside.

He took another few minutes giving orders to his second in charge, Victor, to get the crew started. By the end of the day, he wanted the front porch torn down, the post holes dug down to bedrock under the sand, and concrete poured around new posts. Make sure you have the old ledger board yanked. Check all the flashing and possible water intrusion and rot. If you don’t like the look of things, add the flashing, the fifteen pound paper, and the membrane. I want this place water-tight. Fix anything else before adding the new ledger board with the proper ledger locks. Got it?

Not a problem, Victor said as he made notes on his tablet phone.

Good. I’ll be back in a couple of hours if not before to help oversee the rest, Sully said as he headed to the big black truck.

Hang on, Sully, wait before you leave— Samuel called out as he ran around the porch.

Sully tossed his things in the cab of his black truck and turned to face the smaller man walking up to him. What’s up, little Yankee guy?

Samuel pulled in some deep breaths. Damn, I’m out of shape. I wonder if I should join Dakota in his morning runs. Ugh. Anyway, I’m not the small one. Chandler is shorter by a couple of inches.

Ooh. He’s a nerd and a pipsqueak. He sounds like my style of man. Please tell me he’s gay.

He is, but I don’t get it.

He’s nerdy, short, and gay, the perfect ideal of a delicious male for me. Damn, I’m in heaven, Sully said with a hand pressed to his chest.

You may change your mind when you meet him.

What? Why?

Samuel held out a plastic white sheet. You’re going to need this.

Sully looked at the package. It’s a sheet.

Before you let him in your truck, spread this out over the seat. It’ll help him. He’s hyper-organized and suffers with OCD. He has issues with a lot of color, noise, dirt, general disarray, and other things out of his control.

What happened to the poor guy?

He grew up with a severe hoarder. Instead of following her habits, he went to the extreme opposite. Be careful with him, please, he hates traveling. It bothers all his issues, but he knew I needed his help down here.

Sully thought about what Samuel had said about his friend as he took the sheet and flipped it in his hands. I’ll be careful with him. I promise.

Thank you. A lot of folks get upset with him. They end up yelling and he becomes even more distressed and lost in his strict patterns. I don’t want to make this trip any worse for him. He’s my best friend.

We’ll figure out one another. I better get going.

Okay. Thanks for picking him up.

Not a problem. Send the information to me. I’ll see you soon, Sully said as he climbed into the truck.

I’ll send it when I get back to the office, Samuel said.

With those last words from Samuel, Sully drove away and beeped the horn in answer.

Chapter Two

After running a little behind with some of the errands, Sully stood against a column, holding his tablet with Chandler’s name written on the screen in large letters. Unlike all the smartly dressed chauffeurs, he stood out with broken-in jeans and dark brown work boots. At least he wore a decent, deep-blue crew shirt with the Tarleton Carpentry logo. He glanced at the board behind him, found the flight number listed, and which carousel the baggage would appear on. All he needed was for the nerdy fellow to appear. He glanced at his jeans, grumbled, and brushed off some clinging bits of dirt gathered from his last stop.

Several groups of people passed his area. Some of them met up with one of the chauffeurs. Most of the others veered off to the various baggage areas. Walking alone, separated from everyone by three feet around him, the man wore a navy-blue pea coat, dark slacks, button-down white shirt, and snazzy maroon silk vest with perfect polished loafers. His chocolate hair was styled short around his face, wire-rimmed glasses were in place against the pale skin as he stared at an iPhone in his hand—his other hand clutched the cross-wise leather messenger bag. He was on the small side and quite slender, a little too skinny from Sully’s perspective.

Sully cleared his throat as the man drew closer. The man heard him, stopped short, and looked around. The young man fixed his glasses, read Sully’s tablet, and lifted his head back to stare at him. His fingers tapped three times against the strap.

Yup, this one is a pipsqueak.

Hello there, he said, tipping his head in a polite response to Sully’s outright stare.

The grayish-blue gaze dropped to the sign then lifted to give Sully a full head-to-toe study. He fixed the glasses on his nose. The fingers on his other hand tapped the strap another three times. Are you my ride? he asked in a mild, soft tone with no hint of a New York accent.

Are you Chandler, wait a minute— Sully glanced at the sign. Braddock? Are you Chandler Braddock who is the accountant from the Ashford Hotel’s New York office?

The young man nodded and fixed his glasses again. I am, but I must ask something first to confirm you’re here for me.

Go ahead.

I’ll need some confirmation. Who sent you to meet me?

Samuel Ashford.

Okay. Were you the one he spoke to when I called?

Yeah, I interrupted the call. He’s busy at the Charm along with Dakota and neither one could get free.

Thank you for the confirmation. I’m Chandler Braddock.

I’m your ride and wouldn’t lie about it. Though, you’re cute enough for me to pick up if you weren’t Chandler.

Yes, well, I guess it is a good thing I’m who I am. Chandler fixed his glasses and tapped the corner of the frame three