Page 31 of Lonely Heart

“What’s going on?”

“I was planning to start laying the tile in the bathrooms today, but it turns out we were sent the wrong ones.”

“Like, we were sent the wrong pattern? Is that what you mean?”

Shaking his head, he explained, “I wish that was the issue. No. Unfortunately, the size is completely wrong, and I am not going to attempt to cut these tiles to make them work for what we need.”

I could only imagine how much additional work that would be for him. “So, what are you going to do?”

Marco looked to be less than thrilled. “I’ve got the lovely task of selecting a new tile, because the manufacturer is currently backordered on the one that we need. They don’t have enough to cover the job here.”

“That doesn’t seem so bad.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Yeah, if you’re into doing that sort of thing. I’m not exactly what I’d consider an interior designer.”

Tipping my head to the side, I reasoned, “I’ve seen the work you do, Marco. You’ve got an incredible eye.”

He smiled proudly at me. “I can build stuff and put things together, Ivy, but selecting colors and patterns isn’t really my thing.”

Understanding dawned. “I see the problem.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

Marco’s eyes swept down my body and back again. “You’ve got a great eye for what looks good. You’re always dressed well and would likely have a better idea about which pattern or color would be best. Is there any chance I’d be able to convince you to help me select the best pattern and color for the new tiles?”

I couldn’t remember a time Marco had ever complimented me the way he just had. Sure, he’d offered praise on occasion, but it hadn’t ever been anything pertaining to the way I looked, nor had it ever been paired with the sweeping gaze.

A shiver ran along my spine, and it was everything I could do not to visibly shudder. Why did I like the way it felt to have him look at me like that so much?

“Um, yeah, sure. I can help. Do you want me to come out to the villa with you?”

Marco shook his head. “No. I know that’d probably be more convenient, but I don’t have a list of what’s available yet. Per the meeting I had with your brothers, we want to make sure we stay ahead of schedule, or at least complete the project on time. I need to contact the tile manufacturer again to find out what’s in stock in the sizes and quantities we need, but I was hoping to do that later. And since we don’t want to fall behind on this project, I was hoping you’d be free later, after I’ve finished with work. Do you have plans for tonight?”

“No. No, I don’t have anything pressing going on,” I answered. “Unless you consider rearranging furniture as having plans.”

He sent a pleading stare my way. “What are the chances you’d be okay with me swinging by your place with a list of available options, so you can choose something that won’t look hideous? I really don’t trust my own judgment on something like this.”

I could think of nothing I’d have loved more than to know I’d have some company tonight. Ever since I’d been assaulted and robbed, I’d really been spending my time at work or home. And nobody had been to my place in a few days now—not since Ava had visited. To have Marco over, even if only for a work-related task that would likely take us a mere fifteen minutes or so, would be wonderful.

I’d spent so much time thinking about how much I’d enjoy having him over that Marco presumed the worst and had resorted to bargaining. “I’ll make a deal with you. Since the thought of having to choose this tile and it turning out wrong terrifies me so much, I’m more than willing to trade services with you. If you help select the new tile, I’ll happily move any furniture you need help with tonight.”

Maybe I’d get more than just fifteen minutes with him. “In that case, there’s only one question that remains.”

“What’s that?”

“What time are you leaving work?”

Marco grinned, his shoulders sagging slightly with relief. “Thank you so much, Ivy. I don’t think you realize how big of a help this is for me.”

I cocked a brow and teased, “You don’t understand how much furniture I have that needs to be moved.”

He chuckled. “Moving some furniture sounds far more relaxing to me, so this is perfect. I’m planning to head out ofhere around five or so. I’ll probably be covered in dust, so I’ll run home quickly to shower and change. I can come to your place right afterward, if that’s okay with you.”

“That works perfectly for me. I’ll be leaving here about thirty minutes after you, so I think the timing will work out great.”

Marco patted his hand on top of the counter twice, the relief etched into his features. “Awesome. Thanks again, Ivy. You’re really doing me a huge favor here.”

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