Some jobs take me to upscale neighborhoods and homes of wealthy folks, usually on a referral basis. On occasion I am asked to do something out of my normal activities, such as work on their cottage or summer home. I usually decline, due to time limitations, but for certain clients I will take on some smaller jobs.
This was one of those jobs...
*****
The cottage, as they called it, was actually a large two-story house on the shore of a popular lake. Its expansive front windows and vaulted ceilings took in a lot of natural light and offered a fabulous view of the lake. The boathouse and dock were below the hill and sat on the water, a short swim from the main beach that everyone frequented, and the five large bedrooms offered plenty of room for guests during the summer months.
Paul and Cassie met me at the door and gave me a quick tour of the beautiful mansion he called 'The Retreat'. I had done a few jobs for them at their luxurious home in the city, and Paul had offered a substantial payment for this service visit. The hot water tank on the main floor had leaked, warping the flooring in the laundry room and hallway, and when he called I had come out one day and replaced the tank. After taking pictures and measurements, I ordered the replacement flooring and had brought out everything I needed in my trailer. Paul had assured me the place would be vacant for the few days I needed and offered a bedroom for the duration.
Cassie was, as always, dressed to the nines, wearing a red sundress and heels. She gave her usual welcome when she greeted me, holding my hands and kissing my cheek, her beautiful eyes glimmering with mischief. On the last visit she had flirted heavily, touching my arms and chest numerous times, and commenting on how strong I was for a man my age. I had laughed and told her I looked older than I was due to my graying hair, and kept in good shape by working hard.
"Ready to work hard?" Cassie asked after kissing my cheek.
"As hard as I need to," I replied.
Her eyes dropped to my crotch and took in the bulge in my jeans.
"Did you bring your swimsuit? You can go for a swim in the lake anytime you want."
"I did," I answered. "I look forward to it."
"And feel free to use the boat or the jet-ski if you want," Paul added. "They are in the boat house, just help yourself to whatever you want while you're here."
"That's very generous."
"Well, I appreciate you coming all the way out here and taking the time to do this for us. Cassie didn't want anyone else."
"No, I want you. You are my Handyman," she giggled, poking me in the chest with her finger.
"I appreciate that," I replied, giving her a smile.
"Well, here are the keys for the doors and the boathouse. The keys for the boat are in that little cupboard over there. We are heading back to the city, so if you need anything just call."
"I hope you don't get too lonely here by yourself," Cassie pouted.
"Oh, I will be just fine," I assured her. "If I do get lonely, I'll go for a walk to the beach. I'm sure I can find some of your friendly neighbors there."
"He's fine, Cassie. Let's go, I don't want to be late for that meeting."
"Maybe I should stay?" she offered. "In case he needs some help or anything."
"You can come back out tomorrow if you really want to," Paul suggested. "Come on, let's get going."
Cassie pouted for a moment and shrugged.
"All right, Paul. We will let him get to work."
"Have a safe drive," I offered as they walked out the door.
I let out a deep breath once they left, happy to be alone to get to work, and started prepping the floor. By late afternoon I had everything ready and decided to take a break, putting on my swimsuit and heading out to the dock. Once done and dried off I returned to my work, starting in the laundry room. Cutting, trimming, and laying the floor went well, and by early evening I was further ahead than I expected to be. I quit for the night, enjoying some of Paul's whiskey while sitting on the dock, and enjoyed the sunset.
*****
The sun was high and the temperature soaring by eleven, and the sound of the waves hitting the shore and dock kept calling for me to take a break. I was nearly done, with only a few more boards to go, when the door opened and Cassie appeared.
"Hello!" she called out.
"Back here," I replied. "Watch your step."
Cassie came around the corner, dressed in a short black dress and heels, and I stood up to greet her. Her eyes travelled my body, taking in my shirtless torso and swim trunks, and she fingered the necklace hanging above her generous cleavage.
"You look really good," I commented. "Going out somewhere?"
"So do you," she replied softly. "Yes, I'm meeting the girls at the golf course for brunch."
"What do you think?" I asked, gesturing to the floor. "Almost finished."
"Really? I thought you would be here longer?"
"Oh, well, it's going very well."
"It looks great. I can't even tell the difference."
"I was able to match the flooring with a sample I took last time, so it's the same as before. You will never know the water tank had leaked when I'm done."
She stood quietly, chewing on her lips as she gazed toward me.
"You enjoy your brunch," I suggested. "I'll be done by the time you get back."
"Okay," she sighed. "I'll be back in a while."
Her eyes travelled my body once more, then she gave me a sly smile and left. I watched her shapely hips and curvy ass when she walked away, then turned my attention back to the floor. Once I was done with the flooring, I put the baseboards back on, rehung the laundry room door, and cleaned up. Satisfied with the finished product, I gathered up my tools, put them in the truck, and headed down to the dock for a swim. I was nearly dried off when I returned to the house and met Cassie coming in the other door as I entered.
"Well, how was your brunch?" I greeted her with a smile.