Sophie had been watching him work all day, and didn't mean to keep him; but there was a lot to do at the house. It was her dream house, but not quite yet. When she embarked on this new life, she had to take what she could get.
Nick had moved to the property next door a few months ago. They had been friendly at the mailbox, but not much contact until the big storm blew through and he stopped by to help re-secure her gutter and cut up some of the bigger limbs.
When her basement flooded, she felt comfortable enough to call and ask if he would take a look. About 10am that morning he arrived, tools in hand and fixed the plumbing; in about 15 minutes.
She was very disappointed, thinking that he was already going to leave; she actually enjoyed talking with him as he worked. When he was done he stood up and she saw him face to face after staring at his crotch the whole time he'd be under the sink.
Trying to act nonchalant, she offered him a lemonade and he followed her into the kitchen. From there she has created out of thin air a long list of things that could be addressed. If he didn't mind of course.
And he didn't mind, she was intelligent, inquisitive, and had this confidence about her that was just under the surface. Sophie had caught his eye months ago; he was just too chicken to take the risk and ask her to dinner. She wasn't the only one finding things on this magical list to draw out the day.
It had been a few hours of adjusting hinges, hanging light fixtures, and generally tweaking everything. Conversation was becoming easy at this point. Nick enjoyed the help and Sophie loved helping.
The chemistry was there, but who was going to make the first move? It had been since either of them saw this crossroads.