Read Online Love of Steel [The Callens 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Melody Snow Monroe - Free Book Online Page A

last year, by a long shot.”
    As much as she would have loved to spend time with April, her to-do list was overflowing. “You have something to show me?”
    April pulled out a picture of a shovel whereby the metal was made to look like lace. Her breath hitched. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”
    “I know it’s totally impractical, but I thought Mom could lean it against the railing leading to the back porch. It would be a decorative item. I know she’ll love it.”
    “When’s her birthday? I’m sorry, I can’t keep track.”
    “You? Neither can I. I put everything on my calendar. I was good with my brothers and sisters, but with so many cousins and now a nephew, I’m lost without technical aids.”
    She loved April. She was fun but practical at the same time.
    “It’s in ten days. I know that’s a short time, but can you do it?”
    I have no time. “I’ll do my best.”
    April hugged her. “I have a new shovel in my car. I’ll run out and get it.”
    Maybe Jade needed to turn off her cell, drag a refrigerator in here and never leave until all the work was done. April returned with the shovel and placed it by the door.
    “I can see you’re busy. Call me when it’s done.”
    “Will do.”
    April slipped out, and all chance of spending time with Logan or Parker disappeared.
    As she heated the iron to start the grillwork, she planned her week. Procrastinating to do the taxes wasn’t an option. She figured the Fitzpatricks wouldn’t complain too much if they had to wait a little longer, but the play and her aunt’s birthday were dates that wouldn’t disappear. And people always asked why she was so thin. It was called too much work and not enough time to eat.
     
    * * * *
     
    By the time Jade showered and crawled into bed, it was a few minutes before 3:00 a.m. When her alarm went off at 6:15 a.m., she grumbled and rolled over. Taxes had to come first. Then she’d split her day between the birthday shovel and Parker’s set. Repeat as needed. Within the week, she figured all three projects should be good to go, assuming there weren’t any more interruptions.
    After she nearly drowned herself in coffee, she went into her office to start her chore for the IRS. Her mind refused to focus. Dakota’s question about sharing her men kept rattling around in her brain. Logan was sophisticated and fabulous. He appreciated her work and was the most considerate man she knew. Parker seemed to understand who she really was. He was an artist with a vision who got her need to create. From when she’d watched him work with the actors, she knew how he loved to talk about what motivated people and then tried to draw out the best in them.
    Why they wanted her, she didn’t know, but right now she didn’t have time to dwell. The IRS wasn’t going to wait.
    Before she knew it, her downstairs bell rang indicating Dakota was on her way up from the store. When she glanced at the clock, she was shocked and a bit dismayed to see it was after five.
    “I brought you some food. Have you eaten today?” Dakota waved a bag from the Eatery, which was one of her favorite places to eat.
    “I knew there was a reason why you were my best friend.”
    “I’m your assistant, too.” Dakota laughed. “I got two sandwiches. One for me and one for you. Have you been here all day? No sounds were coming from the workshop.”
    “Yup.” She yawned. “I’m almost done, too.” She waved a finger in the air. “After dinner, it’s off to work on a birthday present for my aunt and to make the second balcony.”
    “You’ve made progress, but don’t forget the staircase for Logan.”
    She groaned. “I know.”
    She was pleased she was able to fashion something that looked like an authentic New Orleans balcony. While it lacked the detail compared to the real ones, for a community stage play, it would suffice.
    “Did you get any sexy phone calls today?” Dakota bit into her sandwich.
    “No. No calls.”
    “Well, it has