Page 41 of The Roommate Remodel

I reach across the table and touch her arm. “You know my family would take you in. Mia always wanted a sister.”

A corner of her mouth curves up. “That’s what I was hoping for when I bought Granny’s house—to hold on to a piece of my history. That’s why I can’t let it go, even if it’s a renovation nightmare.”

“You know I can help,right?” I offer.

She waves me off. “You’re too busy.”

“So are you. Who do you think helps my mom fix her house? Ever since Dad left, Vale and I have done most of the handyman work.”

Jaz tilts her chin down and gives me a look. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t let you take on more work. Plus, I’ve found the sweetest retired man to help with remodeling for a very reasonable price. I’m hoping he can transform my downstairs and remodel my bedroom with some dreamy floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.” She pulls out her phone and shows me some pictures she has saved of paint colors and her dream bedroom.

I lean my elbows on the table and study the navy bookshelves and built-in desk with gold accents alongside an incredible window seat. “I could do that for you. I like working on houses. Vale and I renovated my mom’s kitchen this summer. It was her birthday gift from us. She bought the materials, and we provided the labor.”

She gives me a quick glance, then shakes her head. “But you know things are going to change. Once you move or find a girlfriend, there goes your free time.”

I frown. “I’m not looking for a girlfriend, if that’s what you’re trying to hint at.”

“I wasn’t trying to get at anything,” she says quickly. “Although I wonder why a guy like you doesn’t have one. Look at you.” She waves her hand toward my body.

“What?” I ask with a curious smile.

“That.” She points at my shirt. “Especially when you wear shirts that show off your arms.”

I glance down at my fitted T-shirt and smirk. “Ms. Summers, are you looking at my biceps?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Just pointing out that when you’re built like that, women notice.”

“Some women notice. Doesn’t mean I want them.” I shrug. “I’m not dating because I’m not looking for just anyone.”

She rubs her teeth over her lips like she’s thinking about this. “Because of your hockey schedule?”

“That’s part of it.” It’s hard when you compare everyone to her. “All I’m asking is that you let me help with the house. Stop being so stubborn. For Sloan’s sake.” I finish my sweet tea and wait for an answer.

Sloan is the trump card, the reason Jaz would sacrifice anything. No matter what’s happened between us, this is the only way she’ll let me help.

“You can help within reason,” she says slowly. “But I still want to hire Joshua so it doesn’tallfall on you. You’ve got games to win.”

I smile. “Fair enough.”

“And you have to dance tonight,” she says, grabbing my hand and tugging me toward the dance floor.

I give her a look. “You know how I feel about dancing.”

“Would you like me to ask Tate instead?” she asks sweetly. “How about Leo?”

“Jaz.” I say it like a warning, squeezing her hand harder. I don’t want her dancing with Leo. Or anyone else.

“Don’t think of it as dancing, Brax. Think of it as a competition. You’re an athlete. Winning comes natural to you.”

She still doesn’t drop my hand, and it’s incredibly distracting. The warmth of her palm, how soft her skin is. I’d dance with her just to have more of this.

She gives me a look of challenge. “Whoever lasts the longest wins.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Are you daring me to stick it out longer than you?”

“Pretty much,” she says, giving me that devil-may-care smile. “If you accept the challenge.”

“What does the winner get?” I ask, not letting her hand go. It feels too good in mine.

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