An Irresistible Force

By Rosanna Leo

FROM AWARD-WINNING ROMANCE AUTHOR ROSANNA LEO

Book two in the Handymen series

She needed a safe place. He was determined to give her one.

TV landscaper Eli Zorn has always been a fixer. But when a family medical situation teaches him there are some things you just can't fix, he's desperate to return to work for a distraction. The demolition of an old cottage in tranquil Muskoka, Ontario, is just the ticket.

Unfortunately, a gorgeous woman has handcuffed herself to the cottage and she won't let it go down without a fight. Bernadette Bernie' Nolan has history with the place, and she won't let Eli and the Handymen team get their hands on her refuge.

The cottage belongs to Eli's mentor. Not only is Peter Nolan a giant in the landscaping business, he's also Bernie's uncle. And it becomes clear very quickly that relations in the Nolan family are more than strained.

As Eli and Bernie grapple with old loyalties, they are determined to see each other as the enemy. But this is one attraction that cannot be denied, and one that they're losing the will to resist...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Sep 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839434310

Rosanna Leo

Rosanna Leo writes contemporary and paranormal romance. She is the First Place Winner of the 2018 Northern Hearts Contest (Contemporary Romance) for A Good Man. From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her husband and their two sons, and spends most of her time being tolerated by their cat Sweetie. When not writing, Rosanna works for her local library, where she is busy laying the groundwork to become a library ghost one day.

Book preview

Author

Totally Bound Publishing books by Rosanna Leo

Handymen

A Good Man

Handymen

AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE

ROSANNA LEO

An Irresistible Force

ISBN # 978-1-83943-431-0

©Copyright Rosanna Leo 2020

Cover Art by Louisa Maggio ©Copyright September 2020

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

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.

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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 2020 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.

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Book two in the Handymen series

She needed a safe place. He was determined to give her one.

TV landscaper Eli Zorn has always been a fixer. But when a family medical situation teaches him there are some things you just can’t fix, he’s desperate to return to work for a distraction. The demolition of an old cottage in tranquil Muskoka, Ontario, is just the ticket.

Unfortunately, a gorgeous woman has handcuffed herself to the cottage and she won’t let it go down without a fight. Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Nolan has history with the place, and she won’t let Eli and the Handymen team get their hands on her refuge.

The cottage belongs to Eli’s mentor. Not only is Peter Nolan a giant in the landscaping business, he’s also Bernie’s uncle. And it becomes clear very quickly that relations in the Nolan family are more than strained.

As Eli and Bernie grapple with old loyalties, they are determined to see each other as the enemy. But this is one attraction that cannot be denied, and one that they’re losing the will to resist…

Dedication

For my sons, Daniel and Andrew, with all my love.

Acknowledgements

I’d like to express my deepest thanks to a wonderful group of people who helped me as I wrote this story. I knew from the beginning that it would be a tough novel to write, because of my own family’s experience with bullying and its aftermath. For that reason, I am especially grateful. Thank you to Anise Eden, Allison Temple and Theresa Therrien, for reading early excerpts and versions of the book and for providing some much-needed feedback.

Thank you, as well, to my fabulous editor Rebecca Baker Fairfax, for guiding me through the editing process. It’s always such a pleasure working with you. And thanks to the entire team at Totally Bound for allowing me to bring this story to life.

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens

Always: Jon Bon Jovi

Cheshire Cat: Lewis Carroll

Chevy Silverado: General Motors Company

Chucks: Converse Inc.

Disney World: The Walt Disney Company

Eau de Nuit: Giorgio Armani S.p.A.

Armani: Giorgio Armani S.p.A.

Godzilla: Akira Watanabe, Teizô Toshimitsu

Grey Poupon: Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

Levi: Levi Strauss & Co.

Mona Lisa: Leonardo da Vinci

Nancy Drew: Edward Stratemeyer

Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen

Smells Like Teen Spirit: Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl

Snickers: Mars, Incorporated

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Warner Bros. Television

The Hidden Staircase: Carolyn Keene

The Walking Dead: Twentieth Television, Inc.

This Old House: Warner Bros. Television

Thurston Howell the Third: Warner Bros. Television

Toronto Blue Jays: Rogers Communications Inc.

Wheel of Fortune: CBS Television Distribution

Wicked Witch of the West: L. Frank Baum

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi Alliance

Wonder Woman: Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences

You Oughta Know: Alanis Morissette, Glen Ballard

YouTube: YouTube, LLC

Chapter One

People, we take this cottage down in ten minutes!

The rallying cry of the production assistant competed with the thundering crunch of bobcats and dump trucks on gravel.

Demolition day.

Eli Zorn’s muscles might be burning by the end of it, but it was always a good ache.

Besides, he needed a distraction.

Mom’s okay. You need to let it go.

The construction crew of Handymen milled around the Muskoka cottage, discussing the impending demolition. Their hard hats and equipment looked out of place among the pine trees and lapping water down at the dock. The camera guys checked their equipment while director Lacey Styles gave directions to the lighting team. Attired in his work boots and his favorite Levi jeans, the ones stained with the dirt of a hundred landscaping jobs, Eli was eager to get started as well.

The makeup ladies hovered around his brothers and co-hosts Michael and Nick, applying some kind of goo to their faces. When the show had started, they’d all used to fuss in the makeup chair, but they’d grown accustomed to wearing it. Besides, Rochelle and Naomi took no grief.

When Michael winced, Rochelle aimed her brush at his nose. You guys are TV stars. You don’t want to look sallow on camera, do you?

Naomi fixed Nick’s mop of hair. There’s nothing wrong with a confident man wearing a little foundation.

But, Naomi, teased Nick, I’m always less confident around you. When are you going to put me out of my misery and have dinner with me?

Naomi, a formidable woman of about fifty, rolled her eyes. Nicholas, lover, you wouldn’t know what to do with me. I’m too much woman for you.

Don’t I know it? Nick closed his eyes as Naomi dabbed some powder around his brow, but then cracked open one eye. Hey, Eli. I see you skulking over there.

"I don’t skulk."

Don’t you worry, said Naomi. Your brother’s next.

Eli chuckled. Not if he could outrun the women for once.

Hey. Lacey snuck up behind Eli. I hope you don’t think you’re getting out of makeup.

Nope. I’m waiting my turn.

Because I know how you Zorn men get around lip gloss.

I don’t have a problem with lip gloss, called Nick. But I prefer to nibble it off the woman who’s wearing it.

Anyone else might think his little brother was a player, but Eli knew Nick just talked a good talk. Those close to them knew he didn’t always walk the walk.

Stress did funny things to people. In Nick’s case, it made him act like Casanova. In their older brother Michael’s case, it made him withdraw.

In Eli’s case… Well, it didn’t matter. He’d dealt with his stress and it was time to move on.

Lacey pulled Eli aside. I’ve already spoken to Michael and Nick. I wanted to check in with all of you before the demo starts and we begin filming. Are you okay?

Sure.

It’s just you’ve had some time away from work and this is the first demo we’ve done since…your mom’s situation.

It was a cancer scare. It’s okay to say the words.

I don’t want to upset you.

You won’t. She’s fine. I’m ready to work.

Your brothers said the exact same thing. Well, Michael said it with fewer words.

Awesome. Eli softened his tone when it came out a bit too loud, too enthusiastic. Let’s do this thing.

She gave him a funny look, sort of how his mom eyed the melons in the supermarket, appraising them for strange lumps.

Lumps.

Why couldn’t he stop thinking about that goddamn lump for five minutes? His mother had gotten a clean bill of health, but Eli still worried. He’d always been a worrier. He swallowed the ball of itchiness in his throat and pasted on a smile. I appreciate you looking in on me. On us. I really do, but could we not talk about it? I’m okay, I promise.

All right, then, said Lacey. This project is an important one and I want everyone at their best. We have a lot of eyes on us right now.

I know.

On Handymen, the Zorn brothers and their team usually renovated homes for families, regular folks who applied to be on the show. This time, they were embarking on an ambitious demolition and rebuild for Peter Nolan. Not only was Peter Canada’s most famous landscaping expert, he had once been Eli’s mentor and the man who had given him his first real job in the business. Peter’s gardening tips had been used by Canadian gardeners for over thirty years and his TV show Peter’s Backyard had been a hit for much of that time.

At least, until the day Peter had arrived drunk to a live appearance and had a very awkward, very public outburst. He’d called his co-host every name in the book, before someone finally switched to commercial. His show had been canceled after that.

Eli had felt badly for his old mentor when he’d heard about the incident. He didn’t excuse his bad behavior, but it was clear the demands of fame had worn on Peter. Anyone could crack under that kind of pressure.

Although Peter had been out of the public eye for the last few years, he’d remained a behind-the-scenes force in the landscaping world. As publisher of the magazine Canadian Gardens, he was still easily the biggest name in the business in Canada. His appearance on Handymen was his return to TV, and a highly anticipated one at that. Their executive producer had made it clear he wanted the project to go off without a hitch.

Okay, said Lacey. As long as everyone understands we can’t afford to do this half-assed.

Lacey. Eli stifled a groan. Have we ever done anything half-assed?

"No, of course not. I am concerned about the landscaping piece, though. Don’t forget about Canadian Gardens."

Eli bit his tongue. He needed no reminders that the magazine planned to do a spread on his work here. I haven’t forgotten. Remember who designed this garden? Believe me, I haven’t lost track of our timeline.

Yeah, but our timeline is tight. According to the weather guy, the ‘storm of the century’ is supposed to hit in a couple of days. I want the demo done before the rain starts.

There’s no reason we can’t demolish this building today. It’s going to be okay.

Lacey grimaced. I’m wigging out, aren’t I?

You’re entitled. Eli didn’t blame Lacey for worrying. Everyone looked to her. If they messed anything up, it would be her butt in the executive producer’s office.

Plus, with Peter on set, his keen eyes always appraising, the stress level was high for everyone.

So we’re good?

We’re great.

Perfect. See you in five. Lacey marched toward one of the cameramen, no doubt to tick another box on her to-do list.

Breathe. Lacey’s the director. Checking on you is her job.

Rochelle released Michael from his makeup dungeon and crooked her finger at Eli. Baby boy, sit yourself down. Let’s cover up those dark circles.

Eli sat dutifully in the makeup chair. He might be thirty-four, six-foot-three and the middle Zorn sibling, but Rochelle persisted in calling him ‘baby boy’. She had since day one of their show, but he’d never pointed out the discrepancies. It was meant as a term of endearment and he didn’t believe in raising a stink over little things.

As Rochelle dotted some sort of potion under his eyes, his mind drifted. For a second, it meandered back to the dark places it had inhabited for the past couple of months.

As a contractor, he’d spent the better part of his life fixing things. Even as a kid, he’d always been a fixer.

When their mom had had her cancer scare, he’d realized with aching clarity there were things he couldn’t fix. The sense of helplessness still kept him up at night.

Enough. You need to stop obsessing over this thing. The lump was benign.

As long as it stayed that way.

There was no time for worrying now. He had a big job ahead of him and, goddammit, he would do it.

Handymen was a popular show, but as Lacey liked to remind them on a regular basis, the viewing audience was fickle. Some might say they’d already scored a place in the big leagues of Canadian TV, but Peter Nolan’s collaboration would ensure they stayed there.

Aside from the buzz, this build would showcase Eli’s skills better than any he’d ever done. Once they demolished the old cottage, they would create a fantasy cottage worth millions of dollars, complete with a sprawling garden and multilevel deck.

As the landscaping expert on Handymen, this was where he would shine. He could already envision the design he’d spent hours perfecting. The pergola would stand in that shady spot at the far end. Morning glories and clematis would hug its beams and eventually become part of its architecture. Lilac bushes would act as focal points along the meandering walkways. Although he’d put thought into where each tulip and daffodil would go, they would appear unplanned, as if the bulbs had been deposited at random. There would be an intricate water feature, of course, a pond built on slabs of gneiss, the iconic rock of Muskoka and Ontario’s Georgian Bay. By the time he was done, it would be the cottage garden of any Canadian’s dreams.

Not only would it be captured on Handymen, it would shine from the pages of Canadian Gardens magazine as well. When the magazine had approached Eli months ago, wanting to spotlight his garden, he’d had to pick his jaw up off the floor.

He’d done special events and home shows with Michael and Nick before, but this was the first time someone had wanted to concentrate on his work alone. The Canadian Gardens spread would be the greatest honor of his career thus far, and he had Peter to thank for it.

Rochelle stepped back and admired her handiwork. There. Handsome as ever. Go get ’em, baby boy. With a quick squeeze, she released him, her eyes crinkling with sympathy.

When would people stop looking at him like that?

They mean well.

His throat tight, Eli slid off the chair and headed over to his parked pickup truck to get his work gloves. He needed to get his game face on.

Peter emerged from his trailer, beaming. They didn’t normally offer their guests trailers, but when Peter had requested it, they’d figured they couldn’t begrudge him a bit of VIP treatment. The gardening icon rubbed his hands together in excitement, his blue eyes sparkling. As he approached Eli, Michael, Lacey and Nick, he opened his arms wide.

Well, said Peter, gesturing around the expansive property, "wasn’t I right? Isn’t this the perfect job for Handymen?"

Yep, said Michael.

Peter clapped Eli on the shoulder. Eli, I can’t wait to help you in the garden.

Eli chuckled. It’s always been the other way around. If it hadn’t been for you, Peter, I wouldn’t be here right now.

Now, now, son. Don’t be modest. You’ve got talent and I always knew it. That’s why I picked you for my team all those years ago. I’m proud to have you and your brothers tackle this mess of a property. It’s about time this old junkyard came down.

To be honest, said Eli, I hate to see it demolished.

I don’t understand, said Peter. Second thoughts?

Not at all. It just has so much character. Eli could understand why Peter wanted stainless steel and granite counters. For all his time digging in other people’s yards, Peter liked nice things. Hell, he was a Member of the Order of Canada. Eli didn’t imagine he wanted to entertain his friends in a rustic cottage. Anyone in his situation would want a shiny new cottage, one with all the modern conveniences of a city penthouse.

And yet Eli still felt some sadness at taking down the modest building. Sure, lots of people now built enormous mansions in Muskoka. Even Hollywood celebrities had property in the region. But there was something to be said about this cottage and its homey dimensions. Comprised of weathered wooden beams, gingerbread detailing and huge windows that looked out over the lake, it had all the hallmarks of a DIY build.

My grandfather bought this land and built this place himself, said Peter. "It’s been passed on to the eldest son of each new generation. My younger brother Jerry, God rest his soul, loved this cottage. To me, all I see is a burden. Because I was always so busy on Peter’s Backyard, I didn’t have time to replace my own chipped floor tiles and sagging gutters. When Jerry was around, he handled most of the general upkeep for me, but now he’s gone. I’m glad the Handymen team can come in and turn this place around. I don’t want it to feel like a burden anymore. When the cottage passes from me to my son, I want him to appreciate it."

Eli wasn’t about to argue. For this project at least, Peter was their client, and an influential one at that. If the man told him the sky was falling, Eli would probably have ducked and run for cover.

It’s too bad we can’t at least incorporate some of the old features. Michael cast a discerning eye over the strong frame. This place has good bones. It just needs some work.

Guys, warned Lacey. We’re about to tear the place down. This isn’t the time to start fantasizing about renovating it. She turned to Peter, worry in her eyes. Unless you’re having second thoughts too.

Not me, said Peter.

You’re sure? she asked. I don’t want to be the one who took away your only chance to preserve some valuable family memories.

This old dump holds no charm for me. Take it down.

Eli thought he detected a mercenary tone in Peter’s voice when he talked about the cottage, almost as if he had something against the place. It had been a surprise to hear about the cottage at all. In his time working with Peter, he’d never once heard him mention it.

Of course, Peter had never been the sort to discuss his private life at work. All these years, and Eli didn’t even know much about the man’s family. He knew Peter was divorced and had a grown son, but that was about it.

Then it’s settled, said Lacey. I want to take one last look inside, in case any mama raccoons decided to hole up there overnight.

They walked up the stone pathway to the front door. First in line, Eli pulled open the door and walked in. The tiny entryway, lined with a worn carpet, led to the large living room. It housed a few leftover bits of old furniture, ones they would soon deliver to the charity shop.

Also inside was a woman.

Where did she come from?

She sat cross-legged in the middle of the room on the carpet.

And she was wearing handcuffs. One of the rings was attached to her wrist, while she kept her other hand free. The cuffs were attached to a chain which was secured around the supporting middle pillar of the cottage.

What the…? Eli stopped short and the others plowed into him.

Hmm. The woman smirked. Entering without knocking. Not very polite, Handyman.

Chapter Two

Who are you?

Just think of me as a little old monkey wrench in the works. The woman waved them in with her free hand. Seeing as you’ve already barged in, please have a seat.

Peter pushed ahead of the others and stopped short. A flash of fury darkened his eyes, but he schooled his face. Bernadette! What a surprise. It’s good to see you.

Liar.

Whoa. Eli looked back and forth between them. What is going on here?

Peter cleared his throat. This is my niece, Bernadette Nolan. My brother Jerry’s girl.

Her face and tone remained placid, almost friendly. If I’ve told you once, Uncle Peter, I’ve told you a hundred times, I prefer Bernie.

"Bernie. Peter’s lip curled. Of course."

It’s a nickname. You know, used by people who actually like each other.

Lacey clicked her long fingernails together in agitation. What’s going on here? We’re about to demolish this place.

Bernie sat up straighter. "Gosh. This is awkward. Thing is, this is my family cottage, just as much as it’s his, and you will demolish it over my dead body." She smiled and hummed, as if happily picking out scones at an afternoon tea.

Wait, said Michael. "Whose cottage?"

Everyone turned to Peter for an explanation, but Eli only had eyes for the mystery woman. Her brown hair was pulled into two ponytails. The shadows in her dark brown eyes were the only hint she was angrier than she sounded. A touch of pink to her bare lips gave the impression she’d been gnawing on them. Wearing cut-off denim shorts, sneakers and a sleeveless black T-shirt, she might have been a teenager playing hooky from school. However, the sexy red bra strap peeking out at her shoulder hinted at the thirty-something woman underneath the youthful clothing.

She was cute, even though she wore an air of petulance the way Mona Lisa wore her smile.

Unfortunately, she was also in the way.

Go on, Uncle Peter. Bernie nodded at him. Why don’t you tell everyone what’s going on?

I haven’t the faintest idea, muttered Peter.

You never mentioned you had a niece, Peter, said Eli.

Oh, he doesn’t talk about me, said Bernie. My dear uncle only mentions the people who are useful to him. He’s a bit of a name dropper. If you can’t help him in some way, then you aren’t welcomed into his exalted sphere.

Her harsh words shocked Eli.

Bernadette, ground out Peter, you’re making a fool of yourself.

No, I’m taking a stand.

Eli pulled Peter aside. What’s this about?

Peter didn’t bother to lower his voice. You’re seeing firsthand the antics of a troubled young woman. My niece has always preferred to express herself through hysterics.

There was nothing in Bernadette Nolan’s measured tone that struck Eli as particularly hysterical.

Ah, the old ‘hysterical woman’ argument, she replied. I remember you using those exact terms to describe Aunt Joyce when she got tired of your cheating.

Cheating? Eli hadn’t heard that one before.

Now, listen here, young lady. Peter stepped forward, his hand shaking as he pointed at her. I won’t have you badmouthing me to these people. I had hoped you would have grown out of your foolishness, but I see it’s only gotten worse.

Hey. Eli softened the sharp tone in his voice. No need for that.

Bernie shot Eli a look, not of gratitude, but of disdain. I don’t need you to defend me, Handyman. In a nervous gesture, she tugged on one of her ponytails and twirled it around in her hand.

Eli’s thoughts strayed for a sliver of a moment and he imagined his hand wrapped around Bernie’s ponytails. When he was a little kid, he’d gone through a ponytail-pulling phase. It had driven his female classmates up the wall. Eli wanted to tug on this woman’s hair as well, but definitely not the same way.

Look, continued Bernie, all you people need to know is I have a right to be in this cottage and I expressly forbid any work to be done on this property.

Rights? Peter scoffed. The cottage is mine, Bernadette. I can do whatever I want with it. When are you going to get used to it?

Let’s see…never.

Why can’t you be more like Polly? Peter continued to snip, pacing. Your sister never complains.

That’s a lie and you know it. I know for a fact she emailed you again last week, begging you to reconsider. But because Polly lives in Vancouver, she can’t be here to keep an eye on you. Bernie inclined her head, her lips once more curling up in the smile that seemed programmed to drive Peter nuts. Seeing as I’m local, I get all the fun.

Nick whispered to Eli, I give it ten seconds before Lacey erupts.

Sure enough, the director stood still, her only movement a twitch of the eye.

A Lacey meltdown was inevitable. In fact, the Cheshire Cat grin on Bernie Nolan’s face pretty much guaranteed it.

That mouth was giving Eli all kinds of ideas too, none of which were appropriate to the situation.

Forget that. Last he checked, photo spreads in Canadian Gardens didn’t feature women in handcuffs.

Look. Lacey gritted her teeth and finally stepped in. I have a schedule to maintain here. But because this seems to be an emotional situation, I’m willing to give you five minutes to apologize and move along.

Bernie made a tsk tsk noise. Aw, thanks, girlfriend. Aren’t you a peach? Sadly, it’ll take more than a few minutes for Uncle Peter and me to solve our problems.

Lacey’s flashed one of her famous ‘screw you’ smiles. You get five minutes.

I’ll fix this, said Peter, pulling his cell phone out of his pants pocket. I’ll call the police and have her removed.

Gee, Uncle Peter. I’ve never known you to be in such a hurry to call the cops. If anything, you’ve always gone out of your way to avoid them.

Peter averted his gaze.

Wait a second. Eli gently extricated the phone from the