Page 6 of The Maestro and the Roofer

Such questions could keep her up at night if she let them.

He gestured to the back of the bar. “Up for a game of pool?”

“Why do I feel like there’ll be a wager involved?”

“Smart girl,” he purred. “What do you say?”

“I’m not a betting woman,” she said with a self-deprecating laugh.

At least she wasn’t any longer. The one time she’d taken a chance in her career, it had flopped miserably. Arrogance had gotten the better of her. From now on, she’d walk the straight and narrow in every aspect of her life, whether personal or professional.

And this man wasnotthe straight and narrow. He was a winding, twisting road to ruin.

Travis bit his lip in thought. “I’m not sure I believe that.”

“Believe what you want. Besides, I should get going,” she added after a quick glance at her watch.

“Ah, but the night is young.”

“And I have to get up early.” She gave him a knowing look. “My home will be invaded by a bunch of men before breakfast.”

“Fair enough,” he said with a bark of laughter.

She signaled for the bill, and Dee placed it on the bar in mere seconds, but Travis’s hand shot out to snatch it first. Their hands brushed, and Mia sucked in a surprised breath at how natural the caress felt against her skin.

Unaffected by the minor graze, he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. “I got it.”

“Oh, no you don’t.”

“Consider it thanks for lunch.” He threw several bills down onto the folio. “Now we’re even.”

A wise move on his part, as she never would’ve permitted the liberty otherwise. The last thing she wanted was to be in debt to him. No doubt, one day, he’d come to collect. But since this made things even, she conceded with a weary nod.

When she stepped off the stool, he also rose to his feet. Almost as if they were a courting couple of yesteryears, and it was his duty to see her off properly. But it also meant that their bodies became unbearably close, caught between the tight quarters of the stools.

Thanks to her height of five eight, there was no need to tip her head back to look at him, although her heart skipped a beat at their close proximity. Clammy hands grabbed her purse, throwing it over her shoulder as she attempted to act natural.

Clearing her throat, she stepped back to create more space lest she plaster her ample body against his athletic frame in a moment of madness. “Thanks for dinner.”

“You’re welcome.” He gave her a final once-over, leaning against the bar. “See you tomorrow.”

Tomorrow hadn’t meant much over the past few years. Another day of floundering, of feeling like a failure. Of not living up to the title bestowed upon her. But for the first time in a long time, the promise of tomorrow held weight. Her skin tingled as she departed the tavern, the heat of his gaze like an inevitable brand.

THREE

The crew arrived at eight sharp, soon after Mia chose an outfit. Pathetic that she spent twenty agonizing minutes trying to decide, but no one needed to know that but her. She kept it casual—another pair of jeans and a lightweight sweater—although the top’s striking V-neck perfectly emphasized her breasts.

Travis Flynn was the definition of shameless. Why shouldn’t she follow suit?

The Robinson & Sons Roofing pickup pulled into the driveway first, followed by Travis’s sleek truck. She watched from the kitchen window, nibbling on a protein bar as fresh coffee trickled into the pot. Apparently, she was gunning for the title of Connecticut’s Best Hostess, since she headed onto the porch with the pot and three mugs.

“Anyone want coffee?” she called out.

The guys nodded eagerly, while Travis’s look suggested he was more interested in drinkingherdown.

“What’s on the menu for lunch?” Eric joked as he poured himself a mug.

Conflicting emotions surged in her chest in response to the innocent question.

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