A Reluctant Attraction

By Rosanna Leo

FROM AWARD-WINNING ROMANCE AUTHOR ROSANNA LEO

Book three in the Handymen series/b>

He was looking for an escape. In her, he found his home.

Contractor and Handymen host Nick Zorn needs a change. He's been feeling listless, and when his ex-girlfriend embarrasses him in a viral post by sharing private details of their sex life, he's downright ready to escape. When an opportunity to reinvent his career arises, Nick takes it, even though it might mean the end of Handymen. However, the team has one more project to tackle together first—a struggling cat sanctuary in dire need of renovation.

When Nick arrives at the shelter and meets its owner, a lovely widow named Claire, his life is once more thrown into disarray. Neither of them is looking for a relationship, but the attraction is fierce. As he helps Claire fix her workplace, he realizes he wants to help her in other ways too. Their flirtation sizzles, flaring into a friends-with-benefits arrangement.

But the more time they spend together, the more reluctant these friends' become to fight their deepening connection, even though they know their inevitable break will devastate them...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Apr 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781839434983

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

An Irresistible Force

Handymen

A RELUCTANT ATTRACTION

ROSANNA LEO

A Reluctant Attraction

ISBN # 978-1-83943-498-3

©Copyright Rosanna Leo 2021

Cover Art by Louisa Maggio ©Copyright April 2021

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.

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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 2021 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.

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Book three in the Handymen series

He was looking for an escape. In her, he found his home.

Contractor and Handymen host Nick Zorn needs a change. He’s been feeling listless, and when his ex-girlfriend embarrasses him in a viral post by sharing private details of their sex life, he’s downright ready to escape. When an opportunity to reinvent his career arises, Nick takes it, even though it might mean the end of Handymen. However, the team has one more project to tackle together first—a struggling cat sanctuary in dire need of renovation.

When Nick arrives at the shelter and meets its owner, a lovely widow named Claire, his life is once more thrown into disarray. Neither of them is looking for a relationship, but the attraction is fierce. As he helps Claire fix her workplace, he realizes he wants to help her in other ways too. Their flirtation sizzles, flaring into a friends-with-benefits arrangement.

But the more time they spend together, the more reluctant these ‘friends’ become to fight their deepening connection, even though they know their inevitable break will devastate them…

Dedication

For all the readers who’ve embraced the Zorn brothers and my Handymen series.

Thank you for all the love.

Acknowledgements

It’s been several years since the inspiration for my Handymen series first struck, and I’ve been so eager to provide Michael, Eli and Nick with their happily ever afters. I’m so grateful for all the support shown to me by the romance community, and for every reader who has held these stories close to their hearts.

I had a lot of help bringing these romances to life. I offer a hearty thank you to my amazing group of beta readers, all talented authors in their own right. Thank you to Anise Eden, Alana Delacroix and Allison Temple, my amazing A team.

Thank you to Rebecca Baker Fairfax, who has edited the entire series. It’s been such a pleasure working with you on it. Your input has made me a better writer and I look forward to more projects with you!

Thank you to the great team of people at Totally Bound Publishing. Your support is so appreciated.

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

Corningware: Corelle Brands

Green Acres: MGM Worldwide Television Group and Digital

Ikea: Stichting INGKA Foundation

Twitter: Twitter, Inc.

Chapter One

Nick Zorn opened the coffee shop door and paused at the entrance, waiting for the now-familiar giggles of ridicule. Releasing his death grip on the door handle, he took a hesitant step.

Luckily, no one noticed him.

This time.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he hurried toward the back of the café, and sat at a table in one of the darker corners.

Maybe it was time to start holding his head high again. He was Nick fricking Zorn, beloved TV star, businessman and friend to all.

A young woman at one of the other tables glanced in his direction. Her eyebrows shot up and she stifled a grin.

Beloved TV star. Yeah, right. And maybe it was time to start wearing dark sunglasses everywhere he went.

Seeing as his brothers hadn’t yet arrived, he pulled out his cell phone but didn’t turn to any social media apps. He just bowed his head and stared at his home screen, trying to appear busy.

Within minutes, Michael and Eli arrived.

What took you so long? asked Nick.

Uh, said Michael. We’re right on time.

Only when they sat, providing a buffer between him and the rest of the café customers, did Nick relax a little.

You good? asked Eli.

Yeah. Just dandy. Change the subject. Pronto. Hey, did Lacey tell you what this meeting was about? She was vague with me.

Me too, said Eli.

Lacey was typically the first to arrive for meetings. Of course, they usually held their meetings at the Inspiration Network offices.

For the last few years, Nick and his brothers had been hosting the Toronto-based TV show Handymen, as well as operating their own contracting business. On their show, they helped families realize their home renovation dreams, suiting them up with new appliances and teaching them how to tackle difficult renovation projects.

It wasn’t unheard of for Lacey to pull the brothers in for a meeting, rather than involving the whole crew, but there was an unusual air of secrecy about this tête-à-tête.

What about you? Nick asked Michael. She must have told you something.

Michael grunted. Why would she tell me anything that she didn’t tell you?

Nick and Eli just stared at him.

For God’s sake. I don’t have any more of a direct line to Lacey than you fools do. Michael frowned. Although she was acting cagey the last time I saw her.

Michael liked to pretend he and Lacey Styles didn’t have a special bond, but they did. Or at least, it was a different sort of bond from the one Nick or Eli had with her. Not only was Lacey their director on Handymen, she and Michael had had a relationship. It had been some time ago, and Michael was now very happy with his wife, Emily. His only present connection to Lacey was a solid working relationship, one based on trust and mutual respect.

That didn’t mean Nick and Eli hadn’t teased him about his ill-fated tryst for a good long time.

Not anymore. Nick had recently made a vow not to tease anyone about their relationship status, especially since his last one had ended up being such a clusterfuck.

Besides, they all cared about Lacey. She’d been good to them. She’d singlehandedly guided their TV careers, coached them on navigating the press and even taught three Neanderthal builders how to develop their presence on social media.

In Nick’s case, she’d also recently taught him the merits of keeping a low profile when needed.

Of course, most importantly of all, she had turned Handymen into a popular home renovation show. Their success was mostly in the Canadian market, but they had big plans. From day one, Lacey had made it clear she aimed to get the team a coveted timeslot on the Create Network, the biggest home improvement network around. It hadn’t happened yet, but Nick was hopeful. He knew they had the chops to break into the American market.

The shop door opened. Lacey spotted them and walked over. Dressed in her customary heels, a slim skirt and a frilly blouse, the brunette turned a few heads as she made her way to the table. Gentlemen. She sat down next to Nick and smiled. I appreciate you meeting me outside of our regular venue and time.

No sweat, said Michael. What’s up?

That was Michael. He never wasted a word, if he could help it. Nick stifled a chuckle.

Anyone want coffee? asked Eli. I could use one.

They all gave Eli their orders and held off on the official part of the meeting until he returned with four steaming cups.

Lacey grabbed her usual soy latte, took a sip and put it down. I have great news. Life-changing news, actually. She paused, looking at each of them in turn, creating suspense.

It only took a few seconds before Michael began to tap his finger on the table. Put us out of our misery. Please.

"All right, all right. So, guys, what has been my number one objective with Handymen?"

Has Create picked us up? asked Nick.

Not quite, said Lacey. "But it’s almost as good. As you know, I’ve always been focused on getting new viewers. A plan is in place to help us find a wider audience than ever before. A couple of days ago, I got called into a meeting at Inspiration. The executive producers were all there. They want to take Handymen in an exciting new direction."

Nick bit his tongue. The last exciting direction the producers had suggested involved the Zorn brothers wearing tank tops during their tapings, ones that would show off their muscles. Luckily, they had all ixnayed that idea into oblivion.

Basically, continued Lacey, they want us to take the show on the road.

Okay. Eli had a note of caution in his voice. "Define on the road."

Lacey’s smile grew tight. "I mean, on the road. Traveling. Visiting new cities. Tackling renovation projects in places like Vancouver, Montreal, New York, Boston. All over North America, frankly. The idea is that we would concentrate on a new city each episode. It would give us a chance to work with different styles of architecture, different gardening zones, even some historic properties. It’s a huge opportunity for some great exposure. Isn’t this wonderful?"

Nick kept a careful eye on his brothers. He didn’t need to hear them speak to know what they thought.

They hated the idea.

And he couldn’t say he blamed them.

Michael, for one, would never do it. He was married. Not only did Emily have a thriving business in downtown Toronto, he would never walk away from Zorn Contracting. It had been his idea to start the business, and he still saw it as his baby. They all did, of course, but Michael had always made it clear it was just as much of a priority to him as his work on Handymen.

Then there was Eli, who had just gotten married. His wife, Bernadette, known as Bernie, worked for a local not-for-profit agency. Her big project was to help administer a camp for children in cottage country, a couple of hours outside Toronto. It had become a passion project for both her and Eli, and because the camp only had one summer under its belt, Eli wasn’t about to ditch it.

Nick already knew neither of his brothers would take significant time away from their wives or their businesses. The first couple of years in a new business were crucial.

Well? prompted Lacey. This is the part where you say, ‘This is amazing. Thank you for sharing this incredible news.’

But we’ve already filmed next season’s episodes, said Nick.

This would be for the following season, which we have to start working on soon, explained Lacey. "As you know, our contracts only take us through the coming season. We haven’t been renewed yet beyond that, and it was a chance for the executive producers to make some changes. Change is good, guys. Tell me what you think."

Eli began, his face pinched. Lacey, I can’t. There’s no way I’d leave Bernie for that length of time.

It’s not like we’ll be gone for years. Just, you know, a few weeks here, a few weeks there. In total, maybe a few months out of the year. And you can travel back and forth as much as you’d like.

I’m sorry, said Eli. That’s not something I want.

She looked to Michael. And you?

He shrugged. No can do.

But, Michael…

It’s out of the question. Lacey, you know Em and I are settled here.

Look, I understand that the logistics will take getting used to, but it can be done, she replied. "You could talk to Emily every day, thanks to that handy smartphone I taught you how to use. It’s not like you’ll be communicating via carrier pigeon. And, guys, if we want to hit the big leagues of TV, we need to break out of Toronto. You know this. I hear what you’re saying. It would be hard at first, but it would be so worth it."

Worth it for the network, asked Michael, or worth it for us?

"Worth it for all of us. She turned to Nick. I guess you feel the same way?"

Nick’s face heated as the others scrutinized him. Of course, she’d assume he’d toe the Zorn party line. Sometimes, people didn’t credit him for having thoughts independent of his brothers, but he did.

Did he want this?

What did he want? Truth be told, he’d been considering it a lot lately, agonizing over it.

Frankly, the only thing he’d wanted for the last couple of months was a chance to escape.

He was proud of their contracting business, and would hate to leave it behind, but he loved working on Handymen. He’d always gotten more of a kick out of hosting the show than his brothers did. He was fascinated by what happened behind the scenes, and he loved that it allowed them to share best practices with a wider audience. Nick liked to think they’d helped a lot of people in their time, and he wasn’t ready to give that up.

He was only thirty-four years old and didn’t want to be tied down right now. He especially didn’t want to be tied down in Toronto. Although he loved living in the Big Smoke, it had grown more awkward for him since the fiasco with Kristy.

His ex-girlfriend, a TV morning-show host, had embarrassed him in a big way. She’d gotten drunk alone one night and had posted a video to her social media. In it, she’d gone on a rant about her ‘haters’, after someone had left a negative comment on one of her posts.

Unfortunately, she’d begun to ramble after that. Her rant had turned ugly for Nick when she’d exposed the fact that they were having trouble in the bedroom. Specifically, his recent issue with getting it up.

She’d even blurted out a hashtag and urged her followers to respond.

HashtagNicksDick.

The responses had been nothing short of vile.

Nick knew there was no reason for him to be ashamed, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t embarrassed. Kristy had revealed some very awkward private moments, and in some ways, he was still reeling.

So, yeah. An escape would be good.

Besides, if ever there was a moment in his life that he should get out and experience new things, wasn’t this the time?

Nick?

Actually, Lacey, said Nick, I think it does sound amazing. I’d love to take the show on the road.

Two sets of scruffy jaws fell open. Nick took a couple of swigs of coffee. Only then did his brothers stop gawking at him.

Really? asked Eli.

I’m not married, like you guys. There’s nothing keeping me here.

Michael’s forehead furrowed. You’re not still worried about that shitshow with Kristy, are you? You said things had died down.

They have. I just…I want more, you know? Nick shook his head, unsure of how to articulate the feelings he’d been experiencing. I’ve loved building the contracting business, and of course I’d always stay involved, but I’m ready for a change.

Are you sure? asked Eli. It would be a big step.

I’m sure. He turned to Lacey. I want to travel with the show. Like, tomorrow, if you want.

I’m glad to hear it, Nick, she said. And you don’t have to pack your bags yet. We have a couple of months. I just don’t know what the producers will say.

What do you mean? asked Nick.

Lacey gnawed on her lip. "Well, I think they want the package deal. We’ve built our show on being the Handymen, plural."

Right.

Michael, Eli, said Lacey, I want you to think it over. I’m going to email you all some details. Talk to Emily. Talk to Bernie. See what they say. For all you know, they might want you to do it. Let’s see if we can make this work in some way, together.

Michael’s finger drumming picked up in rhythm. Lacey, I’ve given you my answer.

And I appreciate your frankness. I just want you all to sleep on it. She stood. And, Nick, I’m really happy to hear the idea excites you. Talk to your brothers, would you? These chances don’t come along every day.

Nick nodded, although he already knew it was futile.

Lacey picked up her latte and left.

The three of them sat around the table, closemouthed.

Eli finally broke the silence and faced Nick. You okay?

Yeah.

What happened with Kristy…you can’t base your decisions on that.

Eli, I really don’t want to talk about Kristy.

Okay. We’re here for you, if you change your mind.

I know. Nick picked at his extra sugar packet, rolling up the edge. Thanks.

How could Nick explain it without hurting their feelings? He knew his brothers wanted to be there for him, and they had been the past few months. So had Emily and Bernie. Lacey, too. Lacey had been awesome, actually. Because of her prowess with social media and publicity, she had encouraged him to keep a low profile. It had helped.

Of course, he’d never forget the circus of those first few weeks.

Now, he just wanted to forget it had ever happened and move on. This was his opportunity to do just that.

He knew it would be hard for him and his brothers to part ways with the show. They’d always been so close. Of course, like any siblings, they argued from time to time, but they were tighter than most, as far as Nick could tell. He really enjoyed hanging out with his big brothers, even though they sometimes drove each other around the bend. Despite any flare-ups of ego or annoyance, they were still two of his biggest role models, and always would be.

But things had changed when Em and Bernie came into the picture. Nick loved his sisters-in-law, and he was thrilled to see his brothers so happy.

That didn’t alter the fact that he was often the fifth wheel. It sucked.

Nick wasn’t sad about the impending changes. He’d always known this day would come, and he also knew it was time to do his own thing. Michael and Eli both had their own side projects, thanks to the work they did with their wives.

Nick wanted a side project too, a new passion. Hell, he wanted some new experiences, period.

As far as he could see, this new venture was the perfect chance to start fresh and make something his own at the same time.

Are you sure you don’t want to try this new idea out? Nick asked. Like Lacey said, this is a great opportunity.

Michael rested his elbows on the table. Listen, I didn’t say no just because I’m stuck in my ways. There’s more to it. Em and I didn’t want to say anything right away because it’s early days. He broke into a smile. But she’s pregnant.

Dude! Nick clapped him on the shoulder. That’s awesome.

Yeah, said Eli. Congratulations, Michael. I’m really happy for you guys.

Thanks. We’re excited, and I’ve never been so damn nervous in my life. If I bring Em one more pillow to cushion her, she’ll probably smother me with it.

Is she okay? asked Eli.

Oh, yeah. Completely fine. Me? Not so much.

You’ll be okay, Pops, kidded Nick. Hang in there.

Pops. Imagine that, Michael mused. Anyway, if the producers had wanted us to travel a year or two ago, I would have found a way to make it work. But now? I’m not going anywhere. Em needs me. I want to be with her.

I feel the same way, said Eli. Bernie and I just got married. I can’t take off for months at a time. Sorry, Nick.

You don’t need to apologize. I get it.

So, said Michael, "I guess this means Handymen will be wrapping up soon. Are we good with that? I know I am."

So am I. We had a good run. Eli turned to Nick. But where does that leave you?

I’m going to pitch some ideas to Lacey, said Nick. I’m going to chase this opportunity. Maybe they can do the show with one host. He grinned. After all, I am the youngest and best-looking. I’m made for TV.

You’re made to be a pain in the ass, said Michael, chuckling. Are you sure this is what you want?

I’m sure.

Michael stood. Okay, then. You know you have our support. He polished off his coffee. Well, I’m going to go check on Em. She was feeling some morning sickness today. By the way, don’t tell Mom and Dad about the pregnancy. We want to wait a little longer.

Eli and Nick agreed.

Eli stood as well. You coming?

Nah, said Nick. I’m going to finish my coffee.

As his brothers left, Nick planned out what he would say to Lacey. It wouldn’t be easy convincing the people in charge that the show could be done with one host, instead of three. After all, Lacey always said one of the selling points of the show was the ‘trio of hot brothers’ angle. If he hosted the show on his own, it would mean he’d need to be three times as savvy and three times as charming.

He could do that. He’d never had an issue with being charming.

If anything, his brothers often accused him of being too charming.

As he considered the possibilities, his pulse raced. This idea…it excited him, and he hadn’t been excited in a while.

Handyman Nick. That might work for the name of the show.

Or maybe it could be about fixing decks, his specialty. Maybe he could focus on creating fantasy decks, the type one would find in a rock star’s back yard. Amazing, multilevel creations with built-in hot tubs, saunas, fire pits and professional cooking stations. Decks with Nick. Another good name. He could see it now.

Nick grabbed his cell phone and jotted down a few notes. With each new entry in his notepad, he became even more eager to meet with Lacey again. He just had to figure a few things out and he would have the perfect pitch.

With a swig of his coffee, Nick headed home, eager to make his dream a reality.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t all fizzle with the producers telling him he wasn’t good enough on his own.

Chapter Two

Runaway cat! Claire Brewer rallied her volunteers as she juggled two broken cat carriers.

Seizing its moment, one of the injured cats she’d rescued had burst out of its wonky carrier and now huddled near the wall of the sanctuary. The poor thing hissed any time one of the volunteers tried to get near it.

After gently setting the carriers on the ground, Claire pulled out a few cat treats from her pocket and sidled closer to the feline. It’s okay, baby, she crooned. I’m know you’re scared, and I can see your back paw is hurting you. We’re going to make you feel better, I promise.

Moving slowly, she made herself small by crouching, and neared the animal. When she was just a few feet away, she opened her hand and displayed the treats.

Hungry, the cat issued a pathetic meow.

As she inched closer, her volunteer David crept up behind the cat, armed with a blanket. Claire had faith that David would save the day. He was twice her age, but nimble, and he’d wrangled hundreds of cats in his time.

Although the cat was fully aware of the hulking man at its ass, its need for food won out. It hobbled toward Claire and her treats. Claire placed a few on the ground in front of the cat, and as it gobbled them down, David swooped in with his blanket and swaddled the ball of matted fluff.

She breathed a sigh of relief. The Haven Cat Sanctuary was surrounded by open fields, and if the injured kitty had run, they