Page 35 of All My Heart

I raised a brow as he handed me his glass. “You still want to help?”

He rubbed his hands together. “I don't have anything else planned for the day. And we still haven't decided where to start on the renovations with my cabin.”

I smiled. “We can talk about it while we work.”

I had a feeling he was lonely even though he'd purposely moved out here to get away from people. He obviously needed some interaction with others. Or was there something special about me?

I hoped it was the latter even though I knew we were a bad idea. There was a specific end date to this relationship, and I'd just come off a breakup. Neither one of us was in a position to start a relationship. I doubted he even wanted one.

I'd enjoy this time with him. Then we'd go our separate ways. Hopefully, working on his cabin would give me a much-needed confidence boost. I could go on my own and live out my dreams.

I bundled up again, and we headed outside with the boxes of garland and lights. We each took one side of the porch and easily completed the task.

When we were done, Axel stepped off the porch to get the full effect. “You know no one will see this.”

I grinned. “But you will, and I can sit on the porch in the evenings and enjoy it.”

“Should we meet here tonight to turn on the lights?” Axel asked.

“I'll bring the hot chocolate this time. Oh, and I have the projected timeline for your renovation. Let me grab that.” I hurried inside not expecting him to follow me.

I grabbed my tablet from my desk, and when I turned around, I smacked into him with a thud.

He grabbed my arms, bracing me.

I had to look up to see his face, feeling breathless. “Sorry, I didn't realize you'd followed me.”

His jaw was tight. “It's my fault. I should have made more noise.”

“You are quiet for such a big guy.” Any time I was near him, every nerve in my body was on high alert. I wanted him to lower his head and kiss me. But I wasn't sure he was feeling the electricity between us.

He patted my arms before stepping back. “It's probably my military training.”

“Right. Anyway.” I opened the cover for my tablet and pulled up the list I'd made last night. I was so energized after our conversation; I couldn't sleep. I wanted to get to work on the plan. “I figured we could rip out the linoleum first. I'll order the flooring, cabinets, and appliances you'll need in the meantime. I can also take a closer look at the wood floor, see if any of the planks need to be replaced.”

“I'll get started on that this afternoon.”

“I wanted to help you, but I have to work on the day job since I took the morning off.”

“I don't mind doing it by myself. It gives me time to think.”

“That works. Do you have preferences for appliances?”

“Whatever the best brands are is fine.”

I nodded, loving when I had leeway in ordering. “I can research it and send you the prices.”

“That works.”

“Great. I'll see you tonight then.” I was still grinning when Axel turned and headed into his cabin. I had something to look forward to: our date night on the porch and our renovations for the cabin.

He was helping me with so much, and I didn't think he had any idea the effect he was having on my life.

For the first time in a long while, I felt excited about the future. And it had nothing to do with my family's company. This was something I was creating on my own. I'd make Axel's cabin look amazing, and hopefully, he'd let me share the pictures online so I could get my design business off the ground.

I might not have the money for my own flip yet, but I could design for other people. I didn't have to wait for my family to get on board. I wondered if I should offer my services to the customers who asked about it.

I was positive my family would hate it, but for once, I was going to do what I wanted.

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