Page 35 of Tiers of Joy

“I love ya too.” I say then disconnect.

Chapter Nine

Bob and his apprentices came back to work the next day. I didn’t say anything; Bob just walked right up to me and pulled me in for a hug.

“Next time someone speaks to you like that, you tell me and I will give them a piece of my mind. Oh, and the wife baked you a pie.” He says reaching over and handing me a pie. I smile and laugh.

“Well thank you. You’ve definitely made me feel better. Oh and thank you for the pie.” I say smiling.

“Now do you need me to run any errands for you today?” I ask.

“No, no, we will manage just fine.” He says giving the guys a side glance.

“Bob? What is it that needs doing?” I ask.

“I'm not having you go there, I will go myself.” He insists.

“You need something from the lumber yard.” I state, guessing exactly why he didn’t want me going.

I sigh.

“Bob, it’s fine. He can't say anything worse than what he has already said. Give me the keys.” I hold out my hand. Bob relents and hands me the keys.

“Fine, he should have the order ready so you won’t even need to get out of the truck.” He states.

I nod and leave, refusing to acknowledge the butterflies and feeling of dread in my stomach. I follow the directions Bob gave me and spot the sign up ahead. I turn up the dirt track road to the yard. I pull up and park. I notice a house just off to the left, I'm guessing that’s where Gaige lives.

I sit for a moment longer. There’s no sign of Gaige. I sigh and jump down from the truck. I search for him.

I walk around outside but he’s nowhere to be seen. With no other options I walk up the steps up to his house. I knock but there's no answer,

I open the door.

“Hello?” I shout as I stick my head in the door.

I look around. Wow, this place is beautiful.

I hear movement towards the back of the house. I follow the sound. I turn around the corner and see Gaige shirtless. He’s kissing Amy who is sitting on the kitchen work top wearing one of his t-shirts. My stomach recoils. I step back and knock into a chair which brings their attention to me.

“I'm sorry, I was out front, Bob sent me. I did knock. I'm just going to go and wait out front.” I scramble as fast as I can to get out of there.

“Esme, wait.” Gaige calls.

I stop and turn around and hold out my arms.

“Go on then, throw it at me, whatever insult you want. Here’s your open target. I'm tired Gaige, I just want to pick up what Bob ordered and go, okay?” I sigh.

He comes to a stop just in front of me. I try to ignore his perfect muscled body. I keep my eyes cast down and refuse to look at him in the eye.

“Esme.” He says as he lifts my chin, forcing me to look at him. He sighs.

“I…I just.” He tries to say what’s on his mind but I just stare blankly back at him.

“Bob’s order is over there.” He states.

I step back and his hand falls away.

“Great. Thank you.” I mutter.

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