Chapter 1
Phil studied the old building and made his way slowly through the hallways. It was run down and would need plenty of work, but it could certainly be redone as the new home of Supporting Humans with Ideal and Loyal Dogs or simply SHIELD. He could picture it. The main floor with offices to interview potential owners. The second floor to be redone as a place to train the dogs. The third floor as rooms for the dogs and the trainers that would live on-site or stay overnight with them.
Phil knew that Nick and Maria had started the business in the own home and it had slowly expanded. Now they wanted a second location and Nick had put Phil in charge of the renovations. The outside would need some work as well, but Phil pictured that looking more like it did back in the day.
Phil preferred the aesthetics of the past, but modernized. A modern kitchen would be necessary along with updated plumbing. Plus Phil knew wi-fi would be a must, especially if he wanted Darcy to live on-site or even be willing to take a turn to stay overnight.
Phil heard a door slam and he moved to step onto the stoop. They’d need to find a way to install a ramp or lift. Maybe in the garage/basement?
“Phil?” the man asked.
“That’s me,” Phil said, coming down the steps. He extended his hand. "You must be Clint.“
Clint took his hand and smiled. "Yeah, hi.”
“Thanks for coming out here.”
“Not a problem. This it?”
“Yeah,” Phil said, stepping back, so Clint could get a good look at the building.
“So tell me what you were thinking?”
Phil filled him, guiding him inside and discussing the needs of SHIELD and what he thought could be done. Clint had his own ideas, which included some money savings one as well. Phil had a few more meetings with other architects, but he had a gut feeling that Clint was going to be in charge of remodeling the building.
*
“I think it looks good,” Nick said, nodding his head as Phil and Clint trailed behind him. Behind all three of them Lucky the street dog that Clint had somehow adopted trailed behind them. “Everything is up to code?”
“Inspector was out earlier today,” Clint stated. "Paperwork is on Phil’s desk.“
"Sounds like you’re all set, Cheese,” Nick stated, giving Phil a smile.
Phil didn’t need to look at Clint to know he was mouthing, ‘Cheese.’
“Well, as long as I can steal some of your staff."
"Darcy?”
“Melinda and Trip.”
“Anyone else?”
“Fitzsimmons.”
“Not Darcy?”
“Nah, I found my own assistant.”
“Who?” Nick asked.
“Hey AC!” Skye’s voice called from the front. "I parked my van out front, I hope that’s okay. I couldn’t get the garage door up.“
"That’s because I changed the code,” Clint yelled back at her.
“Oh, Hot Guy is here! Come help me, I could use your gorgeous muscles,” Skye called.
Clint rolled his eyes, but headed toward the door to help her.
“AC?” Nick asked once he was gone.
“Agent Coulson, because I apparently look like a secret agent.”
“Where’d you find her?”
“It’s a long story,” Phil said.
“I got time, Cheese.” Nick said taking a seat. "I mean until I pay Barton, you can’t ask him out and I know you’re chomping at the bit to do that.“
"Lucky caught her squatting here. She was trying to slow down the renovations.”
“Lucky?” Nick asked, glancing at the dog.
“That one is Clint’s story,” Phil said, glancing at the dog. "I’m just training him.“
"Training him?”
“Clint could use a service dog, but he doesn’t want to admit it,” Phil admitted. “But he’s doing better now.”
“Good,” Nick said.
Phil fell silent as Skye and Clint came through. Skye with a laptop bag and Clint with a box. Clint flashed a smile at Phil, before he disappeared up the set of stairs. Phil couldn’t help, but watch Clint leave, because the other man was wearing tight jeans and his ass was incredible. He’d been trying to deny it while Clint had been working for him, but Clint was going to be paid for his work and then, then Phil was going to ask him out to dinner.
“Yeah, I better pay this guy,” Nick said. He pulled out the check and started filling it out.
“You…” Clint said when he came back downstairs, slipping into Phil’s personal space. "Are going to get hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit with that girl.“
"I’ll get her to tone it down,” Phil promised. “Do I want to know what she did?”
“She wanted me to help test her new bed out.”
“She’s a pretty girl.”
“Yeah, girl, bit too young for me, besides I like 'em older.”
“Do you?” Phil asked.
“Oh yeah.” Clint purred, running his eyes over Phil.
Nick cleared his throat. "Here’s your check Mr. Barton.“
"Thanks,” Clint turned slightly to take it.
“That means our business is officially concluded. Now your flirting my actually go somewhere.”
Clint blinked, before looking at Phil and arching an eyebrow.
“Dinner tonight?”
“Can’t, best friend is in town. How about Friday?”
Phil agreed. "Friday works.“ He hesitated, before leaning in and kissing Clint. The other man tensed briefly, before pressing him back against the wall.
"No, AC! I called dibs!” Skye whined
“She is so not allowed to meet Darcy,” Nick declared. "I’ll see you later, Cheese.“
"Bye Nick,” Clint stated.
“Wait, who’s Darcy? And why can’t I meet her?” Skye asked. "Why am I banned from meeting someone else!“
"You can’t meet me Kate, because I need to keep my sanity, and I won’t if you do,” Clint explained.
“Much the same for Darcy,” Phil added.
Skye looked between one, before scowling. "Ugh, you’re probably perfect for one another.“
"We’ll see,” Clint said. "I mean, I hope so.“
Phil smiled. "Me too.”