Page 40 of Thinking It Over

The inside of the house had already had a fair amount of work, but the guy I’d previously used, a little over a year ago, had since left town. Two names were recommended to me by colleagues, and this guy was the first to stop by.

I stepped fully out of the house and headed down the front porch steps.

The man’s eyes settled on me. He was tall, built in that rugged, hardworking way. I reached out to shake his hand. “Hey, Tanner?” He nodded and offered a polite smile. “Thanks for coming around on a weekend.”

“Not a problem.” He shook my hand, saying, “Austin, right?”

“Yes, that’s me.” I released his grip and followed his gaze back to the house. He seemed to be taking it all in as I side-eyed him.

“Been here long?”

“A few years now. I’m hoping there’s just a few more jobs to be done, and then it’ll finally be completed. It’s been a work in progress.”

He nodded. “It’s a beautiful property.”

I grinned, pride puffing out my chest. “I think so.”

“Want to get started?”

“Absolutely. We’ll head inside first, then I can show you outside.”

“Sounds good,” he said, his tone friendly.

Together, we headed to the front door, and I led him through. Immediately, my gaze landed on Jasper, and my smile lifted my lips with ease. He smiled back, only for his eyes to spring open wide when they landed on the form behind me.

“Tanner, hey, I didn’t realize you were the contractor heading over.” His smile was wide, the sight making my heart flip while a shot of jealousy that someone else drew that reaction from him hit me. Jasper walked over and shook Tanner’s hand as they pulled each other into a quick back-pat hug.

Confusion tugged Tanner’s brows low when Jasper stepped away to my side. There was no hesitation in my claim as I curved my arm around his waist, my hand settling on Jasper’s hip.

“It’s good to see you, Jasper,” Tanner said. “Unexpected but good.” His focus drifted to me, my hand, then back to Jasper. “So, you guys obviously know each other.” Careful curiosity filled his words.

When Jasper angled his head my way, I looked at him, happy to see the smile on his lips. “You could say that,” he answered, refocusing on Tanner. “We work together.” Pleased he didn’t simply state I was technically his boss, I wondered how he’d explain our relationship. “And we’re dating.”

My fingers twitched at his waist, gripping a little firmer. I hoped he understood I was more than happy with that description. While we hadn’t discussed our future or relationship status, we’d said enough for us to understand this wasn’t casual.

“I heard about the new job,” Tanner said, his voicepleasant. “Carter told me it’s here, right, in town?” Jasper nodded next to me. “That’s great news. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s such a great position. I’m lucky to have grabbed it,” Jasper answered.

Tanner responded immediately, “I’m sure they’re the lucky ones. Everything I know about you, I’m sure you’re an excellent addition. I know Davis is missing you but is so happy for you too.”

“We are the lucky ones,” I added. Tanner flicked his attention to me. Curiosity once more in his gaze. “And Davis owns the café in Kirkby, right? The one getting married next weekend,” I asked Jasper.

“One and the same,” he answered.

“So you’re a teacher?” Tanner asked.

I nodded. “Science,” I answered with a grin, omitting my position at the school. It was a deliberate response. Tanner’s focus unnerved me a little. It was clear he was friends with Jasper and their larger friendship group, and I was all too aware of possible reactions to my relationship with Jasper, not only because of my status, but also our age difference. The omission didn’t sit easily, though, and with Jasper’s confused expression now intent on mine, I quickly recognized I had to get over myself. “I’m now the principal, for better or worse,” I joked, watching for his reaction carefully.

“And he’s pretty damn good at it too,” Jasper praised, leaning into me and dotting a peck on my cheek.

Ease settled over me. What Jasper thought and felt was all that was important.

“I’m making coffee. Would you like one, Tanner?” Jasper asked.

“No, thanks.” Tanner’s attention settled on me. “We good to start?”

“Absolutely,” I said, relieved that the impromptu chat was over.

---