Page 6 of Tempting Tessa

“Thanks, does one pop out at you more than the others? I’ve eliminated the first and fourth options as I don’t think they match very well with the cabinets or trim.”

“I agree. My favorite is option 3,” Caroline says as she picks the sample up. “This one matches the best. It’s the same texture we have in our kitchen and I just love it!”

I laugh. “Sounds like option 3 it is. Everyone that has seen them has picked that one out.”

“Glad we could be of help,” Luke adds with a chuckle.

My parents head out as they are a little worn out after having Ty since last night. I know Luke and Caroline can’t stay for long as the boys all need to get to bed, but I offer her a glass of wine and Luke a beer. Maybe I will get the courage to ask Luke about Jake.

“So tell me the timeline again for the repairs,” Caroline says as she accepts the glass of wine and takes a drink.

“Jake said they have a large commercial building project starting soon. He said once the groundwork is done they will be starting and that is scheduled for late next week or the beginning of the following week. He said as long as I have the flooring picked out and he can get it ordered, they can squeeze in my job before that one starts. If that doesn’t work, then it would be the end of summer before they would be able to get over here. It was perfect timing when you texted him this weekend.”

“Amazing how it all worked out. Now tell me more about this attraction??” she says coyly.

“Caroline, I can’t even explain it. When I opened the door, I was just taken aback by how good-looking he was. He was so polite and accommodating. I would enjoy getting to know him more. Luke, tell me about him, is he dating anyone?”

“I don’t think so. He just moved back to town a few months ago to take over the construction company from his dad. I know he’s had a rough 6 or so years. He was deployed and got hurt and took his time getting back to civilian life. We’ve kept in touch online and just reconnected in person. He’s been so busy lately. Landing that commercial project was a huge thing for them.”

Caroline pipes up. “Hey, how about we have a barbeque this weekend at the house? We can invite Jake and you and Ty can come. Maybe you guys can get to know each other some more in a relaxed atmosphere.”

“I’m game for that. I don’t want to blindside the poor guy, but it would be nice to get to know him a little more.”

“Perfect! Luke, text him and invite him over Saturday for lunch and hanging out.”

“Will do, dear,” he answers her, smiling and shaking his head. I’m sure I hear him mutter something about playing cupid or matchmaker. What can I say? I love my best friend. She has seen me at my best and my absolute worst and would do anything for me that I needed.

The next morning I send Jake a text to let him know I picked the flooring so that he can get it ordered.

Tessa: Hey Jake, I’ve selected option 3 for the kitchen flooring. The code on the back is 2578.

Jake: Sounds good, Tessa. I’ll get it added to your paperwork and have someone in the office email it over to you with new the totals.

Tessa: Thanks so much. I’ll keep an eye out for the email.

An hour or so later I get the contract with the totals for them to fix all the issues. I’m surprised to see they could stay within the amount the insurance is paying minus my deductibles. I was expecting it to cost me more, so I’m thrilled.

Saturday rolls around and I’m so excited and nervous for today. I really hope Jake doesn’t feel set up. Caroline assured me that Luke talked to him and from the little he told her, it seems the attraction might be mutual. He apparently asked Luke a few questions about me too.

Ty and I arrive at Caroline and Luke’s house around 11:30, ready to have some fun today. We are getting out of my car when a truck pulls into the driveway. I recognize it right away as Jake’s truck and the butterflies start up again. I need to cool it. I don’t want to come across as a love-struck teenager for Christ’s sake. I’m almost 30 years old. Jake gets out of his truck and walks over to us with a huge smile on his face. I noticed his blue eyes the other day, and they stand out to me again now.

“Hey, Tessa, nice to see you today. Who’s this little man?”

“Hi, Jake, this is Ty. Ty, this is Jake. He’s the man who will be fixing our house up.”

“Nice to meet you, little man,” Jake says, offering Ty a fist bump.

Ty doesn’t have a shy bone in his body, so he fist bumps Jake back and says, “Cool! Can I help with all your tools?”

Jake chuckles at that. “I’m not sure, Ty, you think you can handle a hammer?”

Ty gets a huge grin on his face. “Yep! I’m the man of the house!” We all chuckle and Ty runs off before either of us can reply to him.

“Thanks for humoring him. He loves it when he gets to help. My brother told him a few months ago what it means to be the man of the house and he hasn’t let me forget since.” I smile up at Jake, making eye contact with him.

“No problem at all. Will he be around the house when my crew is there?”

“I was planning on him being at my parents’ or here at Caroline’s. I don’t want him in the way and believe me, he will want to be in the middle of everything! I have to work Tuesday through Thursday, so he will be at my parents’ those days for sure. They watch him for me when I’m working.”

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