Page 48 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Just leave them at the top of the steps. There’s nothing in there Alec would want, right?”

“Mom. When’s the last time you saw him read a book on purpose?”

He’s not wrong. “Your brother is a little too high energy for reading. Not like you and me, buddy. Unless it’s an excuse to stay up a few minutes more, he can’t sit still long enough for books. That’s most of what’s in there?” I ask, lifting my chin toward the heavy bag he’s been dragging down the hall with two hands. “Books?”

“That and my old solar system project. And my rock collection.”

Ah. That’s why it sounds like he’s dragging dead bodies down the hall.

“Hey, do you have any idea what Alec is doing with these?”

His face notably changes to a paler color than his usual rosy complexion, but he quickly changes tack. “No. Whatarethose?”

I can’t help but narrow my eyes at him. He’s hiding something. I just know it. But I don’t want to do anything to put a strain on his relationship with his brother. So, I’ll dropit for now. The items look innocent enough. “They look like salt and pepper shakers. Like you’d find on a restaurant table or something.” I jiggle them around in my hand, the glass and metal making a tinging noise as they rub together. Placing them back where I found them, I attempt to watch Justin’s expression out of the corner of my eye but realize he’s already started dragging that bag of bones… I mean, rocks, down the hall to the top of the steps.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Just as I close the top drawer of Alec’s dresser, the phone dances across it, and I worry I’ve pushed the drawer too hard on this yard sale furniture item. Until I realize it’s moving because of an incoming call, not from force.

“Hello?”

“Hi. Harlow?”

“Yes?” A smile instantly warms my face as I recognize the sexy deep drawl on the other end of the line.

“It’s Harrison. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“No. What’s up?” Stay cool and casual, Harlow. Don’t let on that you want to squeal with joy that he’s called you. It’s the first I’ve spoken with him since the day he dropped me off at The Conch House.

“I, uh. I wanted to see if there was any chance you were free this weekend. Or, tonight, actually.”

Hmmm.This gives me pause. This is exactly how all the men in my life have always treated me. Like a last-minute fill-in when they have nothing better to do. Am I not worthy of a real date? One where you ask someone out and plan a big night?Ugh.

I really hoped he’d be different. But maybe that kind of thing is just in romance novels. “I don’t know, Harrison. I don’t have anything monumental. But not sure I want to change my plans.” It’s only pizza with the boys. But he doesn’t need to know that.And if I teach someone it’s all right to treat me this way, what’s to stop them from making it a habit?

“No, you’re right. I’d never want you to change your plans for me. I’ve just been trying to get up the nerve to ask you on a non-date and couldn’t quite figure out the best approach. So, I let my work distract me until time got away from me.” There’s a rustling sound over the phone as if he’s changing hands, but given one is still in a cast, that’s not likely. Hearing him is pulling at my heartstrings. Gah, I’d give anything to see him tonight.Well, almost. I’m not giving away my dignity.

“I miss you.” His voice is low. Is he somewhere someone could hear him?

Deciding to needle him, I say, “I’m sorry, what was that?”

He clears his voice. “I miss you.” It’s louder this time, but the tone still reserved.

This isn’t smart, Harlow. You’re thinking like the girl from years ago who threw caution to the wind. Only to have it blow back in her face. I can picture his green eyes twinkling in the summer sun as he holds the phone to his ear. “No, I meant the non-date part of the conversation.”

“Oh.” He chuckles. “I wanted to hang out and get to know you better. No dressing up, fancy meals, or thoughts of naked Twister to distract us. We’re both adults. We know the chemistry is there. But I want to reallyknowyou. I have a lot of baggage, so I don’t let many people in. I’d completely understand if you weren’t interested. I know it’s a lot. But?—”

“My baggage isn’t much lighter, Harrison.” I pause. “Is it okay to say I’m scared? I really like you.

“I like you too,” he blurts almost before I can finish my statement. Hearing it makes me swoon like a kiss from your high school crush on prom night.

“I’m worried our bags might not pair well. Like it might be too much. For both of us.”

The line again grows quiet. “Do you have a date tonight?”

What?Oh, my plans.I wasn’t expecting that. “No. There isn’t anyone else I’d want to non-date but you,” I tease.

“Good.” I can practically hear him grinning through the receiver. “Well, if your plans fall through, give me a call. Bring your baggage with you and we’ll sort it all out together. Somehow, I get the feeling we’ll be a matched set.” His chuckle is a little less hearty, but it’s still making me consider things I shouldn’t.

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