Page 38 of The Contractor & the Entrepreneur

They loaded everything into the open apartment above the four-car garage. The studio was bigger than her apartment in Vegas, everything open and spacious. Only the bathroom was closed off. The view and surrounding area was as beautiful as her father’s landscaped and exclusive home and neighborhood in Scottsdale. This location felt much more genuine and welcoming, and she relished the green. The red of her childhood and teenage years was a different kind of beautiful, but she’d seen enough red dirt to last her a lifetime.

They went to Smith’s for groceries. He filled his own cart alongside hers, talking her into coming over to his house for dinner that evening. She was anxious to see where he lived and what his house was like—a bachelor pad or a testament to his quality as a home builder? She’d see tonight.

He helped her carry all her groceries in but then excused himself to head back to the job site, promising to come pick her up at seven tonight.

Sloan got everything put away, relishing the ability to finally unload her suitcases. She dealt with emails, thrilled to see two prospective buyers had reached out about her development. Showering and getting ready for dinner, she wondered what to wear. She settled on a long maxi dress, fitted jacket, and heels. Rhett might tease her about the heels, but he was tall and she liked being closer to his height.

Waiting impatiently for Rhett to knock on her door, she heard voices out front. She edged to the front windows and could see Rhett talking to a thirty-something lady in the driveway. She watched, admiring the way he filled out his button-down shirt, black jeans, and cowboy boots. Of course he had the cowboy hat on his head. She loved the way it looked on him.

His gaze flicked up to the window. She was certain she was outlined by the light behind her. Lifting a hand, her fears were founded as he grinned and raised a hand as well.

She hurried to the bathroom to check her lipstick and spritz with her favorite gardenia splash one more time. Putting a hand to her abdomen, she realized she was nervous. She wanted to connect with Rhett but this was unfamiliar ground for her. She said a prayer for guidance and clarity. She wanted to stand on her own, but she wanted to stand with Rhett too. Was that possible?

A rap on her door made her want to squeal with delight like a young teenager. Her father had been so controlling she hadn’t dated as a teenager. She needed to make sure she didn’t let her heart and emotions carry her away right now. She was like a newborn in relationship knowledge. What was Rhett? Did he have women chasing him? She could imagine he did.

She hurried to the door and pulled it open.

Rhett took off his hat, gave her a slight bow, and extended his hand. “Good evening, Miss Jensen. I’m here to escort you to dinner.”

She laughed at his formality and placed her hand in his, marveling at how right it felt. His wood shavings, pine, and vanilla scent washed over her. The yearning in his glorious blue eyes made her quiver.

“I’d be honored, Mr. Coleville.”

He grinned, replaced his hat, and escorted her out of the door and onto the landing. She typed in the code and the door beeped locked.

They walked hand in hand down the stairs where the lady she’d seen him talking to was waiting on the driveway. For the first time since Sloan had driven into the valley, it wasn’t raining. The sky was still gray, but the road was dry. Thank heavens, as she’d tried to tame her curls tonight.

“Hello.” The woman beamed.

“Sloan Jensen,” Rhett started. “Meet Carmel Hammer, your landlord.”

“Oh.” Sloan had to release Rhett’s hand to shake the lady’s hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you. Your house and property are outstanding. I love it here.”

“I’m glad to hear it. With this handsome guy around, you should love it even more.”

Sloan smiled even as Rhett’s cheeks darkened. “Carmel,” he said in a half-teasing, half-embarrassed voice.

“Oh, don’t give me that humble look and pretend you don’t know how handsome you are. All the girls at church die over this one and fight for his attention,” Carmel confided to Sloan with a conspiratorial wink.

“I don’t doubt it,” Sloan replied even as her stomach filled with an unfamiliar sting of jealousy. She’d never dated anyonelong enough to feel jealous. She shouldn’t think she had any right to feel it with Rhett, but she did.

“Okay, Carmel, good to see you. I’ll see you Sunday,” Rhett said firmly.

“I don’t know,” Carmel teased, looking between them and at their joined hands. “I think I might see you sooner than that.”

“We’ll see.” Rhett looked to Sloan as if the answer to that was in her power.

It was only Thursday. She wouldn’t mind him coming for her Friday and Saturday as well. Could she go to church with them on Sunday? That would be moving at lightning speed for her.

“Nice to meet you,” Sloan said.

“You also. I’m thrilled you’re here. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Rhett directed her away from Carmel and down the wide driveway.

“Where’s your truck?” she asked, looking around and then realizing just as quick that her Sonata was parked on the curb. “You got my car here. Are we driving it?”

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