Page 14 of New Year's Renovations

“Um, okay, I guess.”

“And it might get kind of loud. We’re using the wet saw to cut the tile for the bathrooms upstairs.”

“Great.” I smoothed my hair over my shoulder, took a deep breath. “I’m going to run out for a while. Need anything?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m good. Want me to text you when we’re done with the floors?”

“Please.” I shot him a smile, my stomach swooping when he smiled back, all dimples and perfect teeth. I hated to leave him, but I couldn’t bear the noise.

“Be safe.” Then he and his very fine ass disappeared back upstairs.

I gathered up my laptop, cell, and coat and ventured out into the early morning cold. Shivering, I climbed into my car and headed towards town in search of hot, strong espresso and silence.

Parking my car on the square, I walked the few steps to the local coffee shop,Bayfront Beans,pleasantly surprised to see it wasn’t busy. Too early for the mom crowd, too late for the working crowd, which meant I could snag a table and set up my temporary office for the morning.

I placed my order and waited for my triple-shot espresso at the end of the bar, half-heartedly scrolling through job posts. That’s when I spotted a familiar face: Jackson’s brother. I ducked my head, trying to hide behind my hair. I didn’t feel like chit-chatting at the moment, especially after he’d busted us making out over the weekend.

“Hey, it’s Harper, right? Of Bramblehill House?”

My cheeks burned as I swished my hair to the side and met his gaze. His eyes were a shade lighter than Jackson’s and he was definitely shorter and stockier. Still cute, but not my type.

“Yeah, hi again,” I said, trying to sound friendly.

“How’s the reno going? Looks like you’re escaping the mayhem.” He glanced over at my makeshift office.

“Something like that. They shut the water off and were cutting tile, so I decided to come here. For the coffee and free wi-fi,” I babbled.Why did I feel so unnerved? Get it together, Harper. Just make casual conversation.

“Makes sense.” Logan nodded, shoving a hand in his pocket. “Listen—don’t take this the wrong way—”

I swallowed hard over the lump in my throat, nervous now.

“I don’t know you at all and I have no idea what your intentions are and this is probably way out of line and Jackson would kill me if he knew I was having this conversation with you.” Logan fixed his gaze on me and I flushed, my heart suddenly pounding.

“What I’m trying to say is, my brother is a good guy. A great guy, actually. Last year was rough for him. Our mom got sick, so Jackson quit hockey and came home to spend time with her before she passed away.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that,” I murmured.

“Thanks. Yeah, it sucks. Anyway, his ex-girlfriend cheated on him while he was here. God, I probably shouldn’t have told you that—don’t tell him I told you, okay?”

“Um, okay, but if he asks, I don’t want to lie about it.”

Logan blew out a loud breath, scrubbed a hand over his head. “You’re already better than Kirsty. Anyway, to make things even worse, she cheated on him with his best friend. So, double-whammy.”

“Ouch. That’s terrible.” My heart ached for poor Jackson. He lost his mom, girlfriend, and best friend all at once?

“Like I said, bad year. I’m only telling you this because I don’t want to see my brother get hurt again. He’s finally out of that dark place and I don’t want him to go back there.”

I fiddled with my bracelet, not sure what to say. I had no intention of hurting Jackson, but I wasn’t certain of my plans—or anything, really—at the moment.

I cleared my throat, took a breath. “I understand. I’ve no intention of hurting him. That’s all I can promise. We’re not even in an official relationship.”

Logan chuckled. “I know my brother and if he asked you out, he’s into you. Jackson isn’t a player. I mean, he could be. He just isn’t.”

I blushed, suddenly warm all over. Not gonna lie, it was nice to hear Jackson was into me. I mean, the guy was gorgeous, with a capital ‘G.’ And I was into him, too, but what did that mean? As soon as I got a job, I’d have to relocate.

“Well, thanks for being honest with me, Logan. It’s nice that you’re looking out for your brother. He’s a great guy.”

“Order up for Harper!” The barista shouted my name as if we were in a busy coffee shop in downtown Boston, not small-town Starlight Bay one foot away from each other.

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