Page 66 of All My Heart

“That's too bad. I haven't seen you with a woman like that in forever. You were never the kid we worried about finding in the barn with a girl.”

“I was too smart to get caught,” I teased, but the reality was I was always wary of relationships. I knew what happened when you loved and lost. It sucked, and the pain stuck with you for a lifetime. No woman was worth that risk.

“Luna was a good time. But she doesn't want more than that.”

“If you say so,” Teddy said as he moved to clean up our mess for the night.

My fingers were nicked here and there from when I forgot to put on gloves, and I reveled in the pain. I preferred physical pain over thinking about what would happen when Luna went back to Florida.

CHAPTER 17

LUNA

Ididn't know what to think ever since Teddy had shown up. He was here most days, helping out at least for a few hours.

In the mornings, I stayed in my cabin, catching up on work for my dad. He was having me evaluate the health insurance policy for the employees again. I had a feeling he was giving me busy work so I didn't have time for a side business.

But that was only going to push me away more quickly. The design business was important to me.

For the first time, it was a real possibility, and I wasn't going to let my family stand in the way. I was convenient for them. When Mom retired, I could step into the position. They didn't have to train anyone, and they could trust me.

But that didn't mean I had to take the job. Especially when there was no room for advancement. Dad had shut down my dreams. He couldn't see what I did. That he was missing out on an easy opportunity to make more money and a way to help me.

It might be harder for me to go out on my own, but I'd do it.

I'd put off working on the wall in the bedroom long enough. I hadn't even seen much of Axel in the evenings because Teddy stayed late to work, and then they drank beers on the porch.

I hadn't wanted to interrupt their bonding time. Our relationship seemed trivial compared to bridging the gap with his family.

I missed him, but I wasn't sure if he felt the same way.

That afternoon I knocked on the door. I didn't feel comfortable walking in anymore.

I heard the heavy steps leading to the door. Teddy opened it.

“I'm here to work on the wall in the bedroom.”

“The boxes are ready for you.”

“Great. Thanks.” We walked past the bathroom where the toilet and shower were now installed.

I couldn't stop myself from getting closer to see the progress. “Wow. This looks great.”

Axel smiled proudly. “We just need to do the vanity. Then we can move onto the floor in the kitchen.”

I grinned. “That should be a breeze after tiling a bathroom.”

I exchanged a smile with Axel, wishing it was just us working on the cabin. Then sensing Teddy watching us, I stepped back. “I'd better get to work on the bedroom.”

I got out my tools and supplies, then laid out a few of the squares. I'd never done this before, but I'd watched a million DIY videos online. I could go through the motions in my sleep. I just hoped it worked.

Axel had already removed the baseboards for me and pulled the king bed from the wall. I just needed to make sure the rows were level and adhere the boards to the wall. I went slowly and methodically, making sure it was straight before securing each block.

When I completed one row, I stood back. Sweat dripped down my back, and my shoulder muscles were sore from being so tense.

I wiped my forehead with my sleeve, relieved that it looked fine. I couldn't wait to see the final effect. By the time it was dark, I'd gotten halfway done.

I heard a throat clearing in the doorway. I turned to see Axel.

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