Page 4 of Love Under Construction

“Uhm, working?” I quirk a brow. “What about you? I had no idea you lived here,” I lie.

“Right you had no idea that I moved to New York and lived at 425 Madison. Out of all the places in the city,youhappened to end up here,” she puts a hand on her hip. “I’m not buying it Jameson Phoenix.”

“Ah, I always did love it when you called me by my full name,” I reach out and push a strand of her blonde hair out of her face. She quickly smacks my hand and steps back.

“Knock it off. Just tell me why you’re here.”

“I told you for work. I had an offer come through for a construction job on a new private school that a local developer wants to build. Let’s say; it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.” That muchistrue.

Shock is written all over her face, “Whatever. I still don’t believe you.”

“You never have, darlin’.” I’ve known Olivia my whole life. We grew up more like siblings, with our parents being the best of friends. I’m two years older than her spirited twenty-eight, and she’s hated my guts since the day she was born.

Our parents, or our fathers really, have been drilling it into my head since the beginning that it was my job to protect her. To look out for “family.” Didn’t matter, Liv has never trusted a word I have to say about anything. Even when I try to tell her something for her own good.

Like that time Timmy Tolson made a bet that he’d steal her virginity before anyone else could. I heard the whole thing. Did Olivia believe me? No. Blamed me for ruining things when I caught Timmy trying to force his way on her and I beat him to a bloody pulp. It probably didn’t help that the next day I planted a box of condoms in her book bag and a note reminding her to always be safe.

Or the time I tried to stop her from driving home after one too many at Parson’s Bar. She’s damn lucky no one was hurt that night. At least she learned her lesson, and I was able to call in a favor and have her Daddy’s car fixed up before he noticed the scratches from her little off-road excursion.

Nothing’s changed. I’m here now because, of that same need to protect Liv. And to finally claim her as mine,maybe, one day. If she’ll let me.

Yes, I’m working a construction job an hoping to expand my business, but I’m also here because her mom and dad begged me to keep an eye on her. For reasons that I haven’t figured out, but I sure plan on it.

I wouldn’t have done itthis timeif I didn’t feel this strange pull to be near her.

“Do me a favor? Stay out of my way while you’re here.” Liv points a finger at me. “I mean it. No meddling in my life, Jameson.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I lie. Again. I’ll be doing my fair share of meddling, making damn sure that she’s safe and has someone to lean on.

Olivia huffs before turning on her heel and stomping away. I do my best not to laugh at her hasty retreat and go back to enjoying my food.

I’m not alone for long though. Turns out that the residences of 425 Madison, are a friendly bunch - especially Ms. Jenkins, the cougar who once had a thing for poor Jake. I can only hope she hasn’t set her sites on me now. Shew! She is a peach, I tell ya. I’m pretty sure she’s squeezed my arms at least five times, and she tried for an ass grab too, but I was able to turn away just in time.

Chapter 3

Olivia

This really can’t be happening.

Jameson Phoenix is here. In NYC. Fuck.

And I let him drive me back into hiding, leaving the cookout earlier than I intended.

As soon as I stepped back into my apartment, I pulled up my laptop and did some research. Imagine my surprise when I found a press release that I somehow missed, stating that J.L. Phoenix Construction was taking over the build on The Mason Center. A project that had initially been my brainchild. A project that I sat on the board for. How in the hell did I miss this bit of information? Did I agree to this and not realize it was the same company that someone I hated, owned? That can’t be possible.

He may be the best damn fit for the job if his work in our hometown is any proof, but the last thing I need is to have Jameson here in New York, making a mess of the life I’m trying to build for myself. I thought that I’d left him behind when I moved from Georgia. I really cannot believe he followed me here, though I shouldn’t be shocked. Jameson has always been a pain in my ass.

A sexy as sin, well defined, pain in the ass.

I don’t know what his obsession is with me, but he always shows up - whenever things are going right in my life, and attempts to wreak havoc. It’s what he does. He’s got some messed up idea in his head that he’s supposed to be my protector, and his misguided attempts at saving me, always end in disaster.

Like the time he beat up Timmy Tolson in eleventh grade because he thought Timmy was trying to steal my virginity. Little did Jameson (or Timmy) know, I’d lost my V-card before the start of the school year with a guy that I thought loved me. Yeah, yeah, I know — typical teenage stupidity. At least, I didn’t go around whoring myself out like some of the other girls in school. And, once Jameson sent Timmy to the ER for a broken nose, all the other boys pretty much avoided me.

That’s not the only thing Jameson has messed up for me either. Though, if I’m being honest, he did save my ass ONE time. When I thought at 22, it was a good idea to drive drunk. The biggest mistake I ever made. One that could have ended up so much worse. I shudder just thinking about what could have happened that night. That’s one time I can say; I should have listened to Jameson.

Sitting up in bed, I pound my fists into my pillow again.

Between Jameson’s appearance and Harley’s new roommate having way too much fun next door, sleep seems inevitable.

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