Page 13 of Summer Love

I wondered where the instinct to flirt was coming from. Elena was supposed to be irritating, not intriguing. I'd have to watch my step with her.

ChapterFour

ELENA

There was something about a man with a tool belt strapped to his waist, who was covered in a layer of dust. Hudson had this raw masculinity, and it made me wonder how his calloused fingers would feel on my skin. The thought sent a tingle through my body, and an ache settled in my core.

I fanned myself. "Is it hot in here?"

Hudson moved to the window, lifting it. "This might help a bit."

I wiped the sweat from my brow, wishing I'd dressed in a tank top and shorts but knowing that wasn't safe at a construction site.

Hudson handed me another water. "Drink. You'll need it working up here."

It wasn't the temperature or the room; it was Hudson. It was very clear that my childhood-sized crush had morphed into an adult-sized one, complete with the new urge to see what he looked like under those clothes.

His muscles stretched the limits of the cotton fabric, giving me an idea of how impressive his body was underneath.

He handed me a granola bar. "You eat breakfast?"

"Yogurt and granola."

"That's something, but you'll want to bring some snacks with you. Physical labor will make you hungry."

I tore off the wrapper and took a bite, grateful for the sustenance. Maybe I was just lightheaded from hunger and the heat, and it had nothing to do with the man who stood in front of me now. "I'll be ready to go in a minute."

"I don't mind taking breaks. I'll check in with my crew." Then he was gone, and I took the time to look at my phone.

Kinsley: How's it going with the hottest Kingston brother?

I fumbled with my phone, finally getting control of it before it fell to the floor.

Elena: Hudson's the hottest?

Kinsley: You think so.

Elena: I'm only talking to him for work-related reasons.

Kinsley: Keep telling yourself that. Gotta go. Mr. Kingston needs a report.

I was supposed to be thinking about how Hudson was different from his brothers. Why was Hudson more reserved? Was it the responsibility of the family business, the weight of his father's expectations, or something else?

I allowed my curiosity to bubble to the surface. There was a story here, and I was going to get to the bottom of it. I wouldn't be distracted by large muscles or his tasty snacks. And I wouldn't be swayed by the interest he showed in my life.

I wouldn't let this man hijack my attention. This was purely business. Determined to focus on my job, I finished the granola bar and threw out the wrapper. Then drank water to ease my dry throat. The dust seemed to settle in every crevice. I would love to go for a swim.

Hudson returned. "Ready to get back to it?"

I stood. "Absolutely. Sorry to slow you down."

He shrugged. "I figured this might happen, and I adjusted the schedule accordingly."

I should have been insulted by that, but it jived with what I knew about Hudson. He was a type-A personality, driven and organized. Maybe he didn't have time for women because he put work and family first, an interesting combination. Is that what all the Kingston boys did?

He paused and looked at me. "You're quiet."

I frowned, tipping my head to the side. "I thought you preferred solitude."

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