8
Bo
* * *
“Your maid?” she asks in a wavering voice. Shit, was I too harsh? But I force myself to keep an even expression.
“Yeah. It’s simple. There are a few chores around the house, and you’ll also whip together meals of course. That’s it.” I didn’t really see it as a big deal, but evidently, Haley did.
“But this place is filthy,” she said, looking around. “You need a professional with a steam cleaner and industrial grade disinfectant. I can’t clean this cabin!” I had to admit that Haley was right. My property was looking worse for the wear, and even the walls appeared dingy and stained, come to think of it. I take a deep breath.
“You’re right. Let’s scratch the deep-cleaning. Just light housework is enough, but the cooking is non-negotiable. Besides, you’ll be bored if you have nothing to do. A whole week idle? That would be pure hell.” She looks like she’s about to speak again, but I continue. “Besides, I’ll make it worth your while. I’ll pay you triple your original rate with the agency. How does that sound? A week making triple pay?” Haley’s eyes widened and I knew I’d won. All I needed was one more slight nudge and she was in.
“You don’t even have to tell People Assist, come to think of it. How about if I pay you in cash? It’s fine. They’ll never know, and you’ll be able to keep the entire fee without giving them a cut.” Haley looked troubled, but sure enough, she nodded.
“Okay, if I say yes, and that’s a big “if,” then what exactly would being your maid entail? What is, quote-unquote, light housekeeping?” It was obvious that she was still skeptical. I had to ease her fears and doubts as much as possible. Fortunately, despite my rudeness, I can be very persuasive if need be.
“It’s just cooking and some laundry and vacuuming. Seriously, that’s it. Plus, my study is not to be touched, so that’s one less room to cover.
Haley bites her lip and as she mentally weighs the pros and cons, but I can tell what she was thinking.
“Okay, fine,” she says, and I nod.
“Good. I think you’ve made the right choice because we have no TV, and the internet might get worse if the snowstorm persists. So you might as well make some cash while you’re here, instead of sitting idle.”
She shoots me a sideways smile.
“Yes, but you have lots of books in the cabin. I could even read your books,” she says in a rueful tone.
I laugh and nod.
“You’re right,” I say, standing. “But for now, let’s get started. There’s the broom closet and inside, there should be a mop and bucket,” I say, gesturing to a door next to the pantry. “There are also supplies beneath the kitchen sink, and I think some rags in the laundry room too. Let me know if you need particular ingredients for meals. I’m not sure how we’ll get them, given the snow storm, but I can add them to a list. Oh, and I expect lunch at noon.”
Haley’s pretty face darkened, and I could tell she was getting pissed at the orders, but it’s endearing because she looks cute when she’s mad.
“After that, you can take some time for yourself if you like,” I say with a smirk before disappearing into my office. “I don’t want to wear you out.” And before Haley could get a word in, the door shut, and she was left to her own devices. I sat down to work with a big smile on my face. The pretty brunette had her work cut out for her, and now, it was time to turn to mine.
9
Haley
* * *
That asshole! Bo just barked commands and then breezed off, like it was no big deal! Ugh, I was so angry. I needed to vent but I definitely couldn’t scream at my employer, so I called Jess instead. Thankfully, she picked up on the first ring.
“Hey, it’s early girlfriend. What’s up? You’re lucky I’m awake. Pebbles had an accident, so I had to take her out.”
I sigh. Pebbles is Jessica’s designer French bulldog, and my friend caters to her pet’s every whim.
“I’m stuck here for a week!” I moan. “A whole week!”
Jess giggles. “That gives you a week to hook up with Bo North. OMG, did you do it last night?”
I snort. “No, I didn’t! This guy is an asshole, don’t you remember?”
Jess laughs again. “Yeah, but that just makes the sex better, not worse. So what are you going to do for a week?”
I sigh. “He’s paying me to be his maid cum chef. He said I might as well make money while I’m here, and offered triple my usual rate. In cash.”
My friend lets out a squeal. “OMG, are you serious? That’s so much! Weren’t you making something like thirty dollars an hour as an editorial assistant?”