Page 4 of Sturdy & Dirty

“Oh yeah? Your brother doesn’t like the name I came up with for the masculine segment of Chub Club?”

“Keep in mind, he thought the original was pretty crazy too until… well, let’s just say he saw the benefits.”

They shared a nod of agreement.

“Okay, but none of this explains why you’re not interested in hot Mr. Brick Mason,” I cut in.

And again, Ivy avoided my gaze.

“If I’m not mistaken…” Kimmie’s voice held a teasing edge. “Your sister has her eye on a different Chunk. Raven hair instead of ginger?”

I blinked as I watched Ivy’s eyes go wide before quickly focusing back on her task.

“What can I say,” she muttered. “I’ve always preferred the dark mysterious ones, while Holly’s got a thing for gingers.”

Wait.

My fingers froze on Kimmie’s hair.

Ginger.

Gentlemanly type.

At the gym during Chub Club hour… when I was usually leaving.

Could this be my burley door-holder that I’ve had my eye on? I felt a grin slide up my face at the possibility.

Looked like it was about time for a visit to the job site. I needed to look in on things after all. It was the responsible thing to do.

And it was as good a time as ever to see if my sister was right about Mr. Hot Brick Guy.

Austin.

Last name to be determined.

Chapter Two

Austin

How did I get here? Like this. Mortified and frozen to my spot. Unable to take the obvious action needed to redeem myself.

It all happened so fast.

I’d hefted a bag of mortar mix onto one shoulder and was making my way back to the front of the build to work on my project when all of a sudden, I slammed into something in my path.

Or rather, someone.

And not just anyone.

Holly James. The owner of this build.

Everyone around town knew the James sisters. Holly and Ivy. Both were cute, friendly, and perpetually single. Which meant every available guy I knew wanted to shoot their shot.

It was rumored that many had tried—especially with Holly—and most had failed. At least none of them had stuck, because both ladies were still living the single life.

I’d put myself at the back of that metaphorical line of suitors.

Why? Because even though I was lonely as hell and more than ready to settle down, I wasn’t about to compete with all the bachelors lining up.

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