Whispers of the Heart Read Free Page A

you were moving your offices. You coming into this building?”
    â€œI’m across the street. You men still working for Lenny?”
    â€œYeah, he’s got us doing the go-backs on all the finishing work,” Josh, the slight, dark-headed one said with some disgust. “You still doing your house renovation?”
    â€œNo, it’s complete. Got a couple of new projects I’m doing.”
    Autumn cleared her throat. Couldn’t these men chew the rag another time? All she wanted were her bookshelves. She’d already waited all day for them to arrive. Well, most of the afternoon, anyway.
    At the sound of her bid for attention, Josh turned her way. “You the lady who wants shelves?”
    â€œYes, that’s right,” she replied, flashing a slight annoyance Brent’s way. “Won’t you come in? I’d like you to get started.”
    â€œI’ll let you boys go to work.” Brent nodded and stepped into the elevator. “See you around, Autumn. Stop over when you wrap it up, if you’ve a mind, guys. I might have something for you myself.”
    â€œSure thing, Brent,” Josh agreed.
    Autumn retreated into her apartment, the carpenters following. An hour and a half later, she barely heard a light bell over the sound of pounding hammers. Her doorbell?
    At least this time she wore her shoes. Brent’s smile, only a tad apologetic, gave her the feeling he might have been born with it in place.
    â€œSorry. My last time to interrupt you. At least for today.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œSam’s phone isn’t working. His wife is having a baby and he’s needed. Lenny—his boss—called my place. It seemed just as easy to trot across the street as to find a new phone listing.”
    â€œOh. Well, come in.” She swung the door wider and stepped back. A break in the noise gave her a chance to call over her shoulder. “Sam?”
    â€œYeah?” Spotting Brent, Sam laid his power drill down and came forward, his blue eyes questioning.
    â€œLenny’s been trying to reach you,” Brent told him. “Guess your phone’s on the blink and he missed you before you left the truck.”
    â€œYeah, my two-year-old dunked it in the bathtub last night. What’s up?”
    â€œYour wife called. Lenny says not to worry, her mom’s with her, but Ashley wants you to meet her at the hospital. Seems you’re having a little girl this time?”
    â€œYou’re joking me. The baby isn’t due for another month!”
    â€œDon’t know about that, Sam, but this is no joke.”
    Near panic in his eyes, Sam turned Autumn’s way. “Can I use your phone, miss?”
    â€œCertainly.” The worry in the young man’s gaze tugged at her heart. She pointed to the slim white cordless phone. “There, on the kitchen table.”
    As Sam bumped into an overstuffed chair in his hurry to get to the kitchen side of the room, Josh joined them, his hammer dangling from one hand. “What’s happening?”
    Brent explained.
    â€œOh, man. Ashley’s had nothing but problems with this kid and it ain’t even born yet. Sam’s been chewing nails.”
    Sam ended the phone connection, his gaze clouding. “Josh, we have to go. Gotta pick up my truck so I can—”
    â€œDon’t waste time, Sam,” Brent said, taking a key from his ring and tossing it. “Here, take this. My car is the red sedan right behind my building. You’ll recognize it, it’s the same one I had last year whenyou fellows did that work for me. It has a phone. I’ll find you later.”
    â€œThanks, Brent,” the blond giant said, catching the key out of the air. “I owe you one, buddy. Josh?”
    â€œNever mind me, man. Brent’s right, just get going. We’ll catch up with you later.”
    For a moment the apartment was silent as the three of them listened to the