Resurrecting Harry by Constance Phillips Page A

that. Whatever it is that you need me to do, I promise I’m man enough to take care of it.”
    A rush of warmth touched her cheeks, and she looked away. He probably spoke of his well-being, but his declaration of virility had sent Bess’s thoughts in an inappropriate direction. He’d ruffled her feathers in a way that Harry had only been able to do.  “Oh dear, Mr. Welch.  I-I-I it’s not a question of your manhood.”
    He chuckled as he stepped closer. He must have noticed her fluster, and now he was trying to set her at ease by getting back to the question of the hour. “Please, Bess, what do you need?”
    “You did a good job with that old furnace last night, and I’m sure you noticed it wasn’t the only thing broken in the house. I need someone who can help with maintenance, and you need a place to stay. I thought we might be able to trade services.” As soon as the last words spilled from her mouth, she second guessed them, but it was too late to turn back now.
    A huge grin showed his straight, white teeth. “You want me to move in with you?”
    “I have a long list of home repairs I need done in exchange.”
    “It sounds like a good deal for both of us,” he answered. “If you want to wait while I finish sweeping the dining room, I can walk you home.”
    She nodded and settled herself in a booth. “This is nothing more than a friendly exchange of services, mind you. Two friends, helping each other out.”
    “Of course.” Erich felt like dancing as he picked the broom back up and returned to the task Bess had interrupted.
    I’m going home with Bess .
    She could disguise it all by calling it “mutual favors,” but he knew the bond between their souls was being rebuilt. He’d convince her to forget the séances and the Coopers in no time flat.
    He finished his chores, put away the cleaning supplies and then took a napkin from the metal holder on the counter, scribbling on it with a pencil he found in the pocket of his apron. “Will’s gone for the day, but I can leave him a note in case he beats me here in the morning...to let him know that I found a place to stay.”
    He laid his hastily written explanation next to the cash register and left his apron on the hook on the kitchen door before crossing the dining room and holding the door for Bess. On the street, he twisted the key in the lock, not an easy task with the excited tremor in his hand.
    The moment he’d been longing for — escorting his wife home — had arrived. He offered his arm and waited for her to take his elbow.
    Her eyes narrowed as she twisted out of reach, continuing up the street without him.
    “Bess! What’s wrong?” He caught up to her and tried to take her elbow.
    She deflected his advance and pivoted to him. “I thought I was clear that this is a business arrangement. I’m a widow and have no desire for a companion.” She dropped her voice to a harsh whisper. “What would people say?”
    “I don’t really care! I only offered you guidance and stability.” He stepped back, but couldn’t help thinking of that old adage about protesting too much. Did this harsh reaction mean she was attracted to him? If so, she tempered it with equal amounts of guilt.
    She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “You are in my employ, maybe a friend, but certainly nothing more than that.”
    “Of course,” Erich said the words he guessed she wanted to hear, even though he didn’t feel them. He doubted she meant hers either. Everyone knew tough-as-nails Bess, but she had a vulnerable side that she’d only displayed to him. If she knew Harry’s soul lived in his body, she’d let him close.
    He’d give anything to have her hand glide into his as they walked together and hear her admit she hungered for his touch as much as he did hers, but he also knew she’d never be unfaithful to Harry or his memory.
    When making deals with Jaden, he’d never really considered what it’d take to make her trust him. He’d been so certain