Page 36 of Finding Her Strength

“Oh, I have no doubt we’ll get her into top shape. I’m just glad you’re the one doing the work.” Max laughs.

“Let’s start on my reno plans. The demo alone is going to take a while, so I’d like to get your opinion on what we can get started on now.”

Max walks over to the sawhorse table I set up in the middle of what will be the living room. He lays out his preliminary drawings to discuss everything that will andwon’t work now that he’s seen the space in person. It’s a little surreal to have this dream finally become a reality. I’ve wanted to do this since I started the construction company, and to be taking the first steps is unbelievable.

I’ve always had a love of restoring houses. There’s something special about taking an unwanted place and making it beautiful again. Now, I’m finally getting a chance to create my own vision instead of someone else’s.

Looking around this house, I see what it could be one day. A place for my family to be safe, happy. To create memories that will last forever. It’s a dream I’ve harbored since I picked up my hammer on my very first job site. Having met Hope, I can see my potential future a little clearer than I’ve ever seen it before.

A little niggle of doubt sneaks into my stomach at the idea of a future with Hope. Am I really going to be able to give Hope what she needs? She deserves the world, and I’m not entirely sure I’m the best choice to give it to her. I’ve made a lot of stupid choices when it comes to dating. How the hell am I supposed to navigate this minefield of unknowns without a map?

“Levi?”

“Huh?” I snap out of my distraction, realizing Max asked me a question.

“You okay, man? You’re not normally this distracted when we’re on-site.”

A sigh falls from my chest, knowing he’s right. I hate when my brain goes into overdrive like it’s doing right now. “I’m fine.”

“Thinking about the woman you were talking about at dinner? Have you asked her out?”

“Yeah, I did. We went out a few nights ago, and it was… I don’t even know how to describe it.”

“Based on your grin, I’d say it went pretty well.” Max chuckles, waggling his eyebrows. I realize he thinks we hadsex. In any other circumstance, that would probably be true. Now, for the first time, I feel guilty about my dating history. Hope is so much more than a quick fuck. She’s brilliant, stunning, and more than I ever expected her to be.

“It was phenomenal, but we didn’t sleep together.”

Max’s eyes bug out. “Holy shit. She really is different, isn’t she?”

I nod my head because there’s nothing more to say. He’s right. Hope is so different from anything I’ve experienced before. I also want her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone else. For both her mind and body.

“I thought she might be when you brought her up, but seeing you now, I know for sure. I’m happy for you, man.” Max’s smile is knowing and full of something I’m not sure I can interpret.

“But I’ve never been in a relationship. I’m a glorified playboy, Max. How do I do this without fucking up?”

“We all have pasts, Levi. Ugly parts of us we don’t want others to see, but the key is knowing when you’ve found the person you can trust with those ugly parts. None of the women you went out with had the qualities you needed for a relationship. I’m sure they were great people, but you needed someone specific, someone special. It sounds like Hope could be that person, and if so, you’ll know what to do because she’s the right one for you.”

Something in Max’s words resonates deep inside my chest. None of the women I went out with were the right fit for me. I always thought I didn’t have the right qualities for a long-term relationship, that something was wrong with me. Looking back, I know it’s because the women I went for weren’t the ones who were capable of taking me seriously. If I’m being honest with myself, I think I sought them out specifically for that reason. They didn’t fit into the puzzle I’d been building, which kept my heart safe.

But Hope does.

I knew she was different the minute she didn’t fall for my typical lines. I was so caught up in her magnetism, I fell back on my typical ways of getting a woman, thinking it was the easiest route. When she didn’t fall under my charms as most women do, I knew I’d found someone who finally deserved more from me.

I may not do everything the right way, but I’m going to put everything I have into making this the best thing for both of us. “Thanks, Max.”

“Can we get back to work now and stop gabbing like teenage girls?” He winks at me, and a guffaw flies out of my mouth.

“Asshole.” I punch him in the shoulder, then turn back to the plans. I’m not used to having to ask for dating advice. I’ve never needed it before, but knowing my friends have my back, no matter how much they tease me, eases a little of the pressure in my chest.

With so many unknowns still in my future with Hope, it’s reassuring to have my best friends standing behind me to give advice whenever I need it. We’ve always been there for each other, no matter the circumstances, supporting each other through all of life’s challenges.

It makes me want to bring Hope into the group so she can experience the same comfort. To know that, no matter what, she has friends who will be there for her. Even if we don’t work out in the end.

The thought of us ending makes my stomach turn. I don’t even want to think about never getting to see Hope again.

I need to text Quinn to make sure they make plans to go out sometime soon. I’d venture to guess Hope doesn’t have many friends here, based on how she first interacted with me. Plus, I remember Mom talking about how no one could get the full story on the new flower shop owner when Hope first moved here.

Knowing she’s shared more with me than any otherperson makes me feel incredibly special. Despite how much we shared on our date, she’s still pretty closed off, which is understandable. It’ll take time for her to feel completely comfortable with me, to trust I’m not going to hurt her. Every ounce of effort will be worth it when she’s able to be fully open.

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