Page 19 of The Darkest Knight

“I’m sorry.” She shrugged.

“Don’t be.”

“Thank you. I’m so excited. Where do we start?” There was a hitch in her voice.

“Well, let’s slow down a bit. There’s some legal papers to push around for this to get started, but I think we can begin by making simple plans and buying supplies to get these buildings up to standard. I hope you’re better with a hammer and paint brush than a wooden spoon,” he teased.

“You’d be amazed just how good I wield tools.” Her eyes dazzled.

“I’m sure I would be.” He cleared his throat, pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll get the materials we’ll need. Paint, hammers, wood, etc. I’ll call in a local contractor, some buddies I know, who can help with the renovations. And didn’t you say you had someone who is in the training business?”

“Yes. I can contact him, but I’m afraid I don’t have service out here.”

He nodded. He made his way to the desk, opened the top drawer and tossed her the phone. “That’s an extra. You shouldn’t have any problems getting service with that. Keep it.”

“Thank you again.” Her smile was gone and things were turning awkward. He wondered if she was still reeling from the hug? He was a cautious man, and entering this partnership with her had its risks, and he wasn’t talking money. The woman seemed open and honest, and genuinely pleased—or rather relieved—to have something to move forward with.

He had a feeling she was a woman with many layers and he was curious. Feeling focused on something other than the past was important and he understood that all too well. He’d seen a lot in his days in the military. More than should be possible. He’d guess she’d seen some of those same things. From mothers who’d send their children into soft targets with bombs attached to their stomachs because they were ordered to by terrorists, to others who’d steal, lie, cheat, and kill to protect their children from the inhumane bullies of the world. The horrors were impossible to wrap the brain around, even if one witnessed it firsthand.

This woman standing here was very similar to him. Although she was relaxed and making herself more at home, he could sense an underlying cautiousness and edginess, even after he’d approved the start of the project. Yet there was no doubt she was happy to do this.

Seth liked that he could give her that smile. And in return, he felt good. He’d been fortunate enough in his lifetime to have the means to help others, and although he’d gotten a lot of satisfaction by those actions, helping Reese was about as satisfying as knowing how many veterans they were going to help.

“I guess I should go make that call now.” She waved the phone and walked to the door.

He walked with her, leaning his arm against the door-jamb. “Let me know when we can meet with him.”

“I sure will.” She stepped out onto the porch and the worn wooden slabs creaked under her. Halfway down the dirt walkway, she stopped and turned to look at him. The sun’s rays seemed to make her eyes three shades lighter. “Thank you, Seth. You won’t regret this. I’ll work my bottom off.”

Abby brushed against his leg as she hurried to follow Reese.

“I hope you don’t.”

“You plan on working me hard?”

Did she realize how sensual her words sounded? Maybe he was just allowing his brain to work overtime. He needed to reel back into reality. Get his head back on straight. “You wouldn’t want me to take it easy on you because you’re a girl, now would you?” He smiled.

“Not in a million years.” She winked and continued on her way. “You should change out of that towel before you lose it,” she yelled.

At that second, as if she’d somehow made it happen, the knot loosened at his hip and the material slid down his hips. He caught the towel and held the cotton against his package.

He stood there for a long time and pondered their last words. He had no doubt that any woman could work just as efficiently and hard as any man, but he didn’t agree to the project to have her doing all the hard work. He wouldn’t expect her to build walls, roofs, and whatever else popped up, but he had a feeling she’d jump right in, ready to get her hands dirty. She was definitely different than the women he used to date who would shed a tear or two over a chipped nail. But those times were long gone. He didn’t date anyone now.

Closing his door, he dropped his towel over the couch, went to his desk and turned on the screen to his laptop with a mental list of the things he needed to get done.

Suddenly, he was looking forward to the project too.

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