Rocky Mountain Angels by Jodi Bowersox [romance] Page A

“Mari, what’s the problem?”
    “I’m not sure, but I think my disposal broke. Anyway, water goes everywhere under the sink in the kitchen.”
    Joe reached past her to take his coat off the hook. “Let’s go have a look.” He slipped it on, and the two started across the lawn following a now well-worn trail in the remaining snow.
    “I’ve never actually met my landlord; I’ve just dealt with a real estate company. So I’m not really sure if he’s the kind that takes care of problems like this or not.” They stepped up onto her small porch landing, and Mari opened the door and stepped in with Joe following close behind. She kicked off her shoes by the door.
    “Your landlord is Walter Merriman, and he’s a real nice guy.” Joe hesitated on the rug. “Do you want me to take mine off?” He was pretty sure that would be a bad idea. He wasn’t known for the sweet aroma of his feet.
    “No, you’re fine,” she assured.
    Relieved, he wiped his feet diligently before taking any further steps. “Anyway,” he went on, “this little house was the first house he and his wife lived in after they were married.” Joe slipped out of his coat, and Mari hung it and her own on the standing coat rack. “I don’t think he could ever bear to sell it, so he rents it out. He’s probably in his late ninety’s by now, though, so he doesn’t do repairs himself anymore.” Joe grinned. “Guess who he hires?”
    Mari’s eyes widened. “You?”
    Joe nodded and headed for the kitchen. The cupboard was standing open, so he squatted down to see if the problem was obvious. Taking hold of the disposal, he gave it a small shake, and the whole thing came off in his hands—a jagged edge of rusty metal rimming the top. He heard Mari’s small gasp of surprise and pivoted on his heels. “This is definitely done for.”
    Mari scowled as Joe rose to his feet. “Rats. Is there someplace still open to get a new one?”
    “Probably.” Joe looked around for somewhere to set the defunct disposal. Mari took it and put it in her trash can. “But coincidentally, I just bought a new one for our kitchen this afternoon. I can install that one here and pick up another one tomorrow.” He headed out of the kitchen. “I’ll run back and get it and my toolbox.”
    Mari followed. “But what if yours springs a leak? I’ll feel terrible.”
    Joe looked back before opening the door. She really is a cute little thing, all big brown eyes . He smiled. “Ours isn’t that far gone yet; it’s just not chopping like it should. It’ll last until I can get a new one.” He winked and closed the door behind him.
     
    Mari crossed to her settee and plopped down. Dazzling Joe, angel of maintenance. She giggled until it turned into a laugh then slid onto the floor and laughed till she cried. These angels of hers were practically moving in.
    Having nothing on her windows, she was aware when Joe came striding back across the lawn, a large metal tool box in one hand and a box under his other arm. The streetlight glimmered off his blond bare head. Mari pulled herself up and took a few deep breaths before opening the door.
    Joe went right to work, ridding her sink of the remaining piece of her old disposal. Mari sat down on one of her wrought iron chairs to watch, her hands wrapped around her hot mug of tea. He wore a navy t-shirt, and Mari was mesmerized by his muscles in action. Joe looked back at her. “If you have something else you need to do, don’t feel like you have to keep me company.”
    Mari started to rise, feeling as if he were privy to her thoughts. “I’m sorry. Would you rather I didn’t watch?”
    Joe laid the rusty rim on the old towel he had laid down to protect the floor. “No, you can watch if you want to. I’m just thinking you may have more important things to do.”
    She sat back down. “Not really. Being new to town, I don’t have much of anything to do until the school semester starts, and I’m not much of a TV