Read Her Backup Boyfriend (Entangled Bliss) (Sorensen Family) for Free Online Page A

qualifications are? Do you have any references? Other than your aunt.”
    He smiled, not at all offended by her question. He’d have been worried if she hadn’t asked. “Been helping my dad with his construction business since I was twelve. Like Glenda said, Sorensen Construction focuses mainly on commercial projects, but there are the odd jobs we’ve taken on in the off-season that, over the years, have given me experience in residential. You could say I’ve developed a special interest in home renovation and restoration. This isn’t my first freelance job, I promise. I can get you the numbers of some of my past clients.”
    She nodded and stared down at the sheet. His bid was half the cost of the other one. He could almost hear her thoughts as she weighed in that fact along with the fact he was offering to get started this weekend. Not in another month or in the new year, as would likely be the case with most other contractors as they wrapped up existing projects.
    She gave a quick nod, as if coming to a decision. “All right. Deal.”
    “Deal it is.” He smiled, the right side of his lip curled a little higher than the other, something he’d been told had a certain charm to it. “Why don’t we start first thing Saturday morning? I’ll pick you up at eight?”
    She scrunched up her brows. “Pick me up for what?”
    “Thought I could take you to Home Depot. Look at some paint swatches and cabinets to get a feel for what you’re looking for. Maybe even buy a rake or two.”
    “I usually spend Saturdays putting in a few hours of work, but…” She sighed. “You make a good point. Okay. It’s a date.” She stopped, a fusion of blood rushing to her face. “I don’t mean date date. I just meant—” She paused again when she caught him trying to contain his own smile. He was enjoying her discomfort. More formally, she said, “See you Saturday.”
    “See you Saturday, Kate.”
    This was going to be an interesting job, to say the least.
    …
    “Hey, Kate. Have a minute?” her boss asked from her doorway, a smile on his face and a few sheets of paper in his hand.
    “Of course. Come in.” She noted the time on the brief she was reading and set her pen down, crossing her hands in front of her.
    Tim shut the door and took a seat. Kate tried to fight a rising panic. Usually Tim stood by the door when he had a question or wanted to make a few comments on a brief. Entering into her office for an unscheduled visit and closing the door? It was unprecedented.
    “Have any plans for the weekend?” he asked easily.
    Tim wasn’t here to discuss weekend plans, even if it was Friday. But she’d play along. “I’m going shopping for some things for the house, and then I’ll probably put in a few hours on the McKenna case.”
    “Kate, how long have you been with Strauss? Five years?”
    Clearly the small talk was over. She nodded. “Five years last June.”
    “I’ve been watching your progress with the firm for some time, and I’ve always been impressed. Your work on the Landers settlement last month was exceptional. You’re a great asset to us, and I said as much at the last board meeting.” He paused and studied her carefully. “When I recommended you for junior partner.”
    The knot of anxiety tying up her stomach started to loosen, and she felt almost buoyant. This was exactly what she’d been working for since she first walked through those doors. Partner. “Thank you. I sincerely appreciate it—” She stopped when he held his hand up.
    “I recommended you. But the decision is still theirs. I’ll be honest with you. Most associates who attain this distinction have a different profile than you, Kate. They’re married. Have a family. A life outside of the firm.”
    The knot began tightening again.
    “I know what you’re thinking. It’s ridiculous. But keep in mind, an attorney with a vast background of friends and family also tends to have strong roots in the community. They or their spouses