Page 32 of Wrangled Love

A clatter of metal echoes beneath the sink as Jensen drops whatever tool he was holding.

“Shit,” he mutters.

He grabs the tool from the ground before moving out from under the sink. As he stands to his full height, that’s when I realize he’s shirtless. Every ripple and curvature of his bare chest is on display, a light dusting of hair trailing over the firm planes of his torso. His body is a sculpted piece of art and far more impressive than anything I’ve ever seen. My eyes drift to the waistband of his Wranglers.

Wait. What?

My jaw falls open, and I do a double take when I realize he’sactuallywearing a pair of worn-in blue jeans. Not the designer brand he’s favored since he got here. The switch from his usual polished style makes my pulse quicken. It’s absurd how sexy he is, and suddenly, I can’t help but imagine him on horseback with a hat, every bit the cowboy he once was.

He clears his throat, and when our eyes meet, a smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “Something catch your eye, Briar?”

I force a laugh and avert my gaze, pretending I wasn’t just ogling my shirtless roommate—who also happens to be my boss and my brother’s best friend.

“What? No,” I rush out. “I was just wondering how the kitchen floor turned into a splash pad while I was out.”

“A pipe burst under the sink while I was upstairs putting Caleb to bed.” He motions to the mess around him. “I came down to find water shooting out from under the sink like a fire hydrant. I watched a few tutorials online, figuring I could fix it before you got back,but it turns out I’m better at patching broken code than busted plumbing.” He rubs the back of his neck with a sheepish shrug.

I nod to the tool in his hand. “Guess that explains the non-adjustable wrench.”

He raises his hand in mock surrender. “It was either this or duct tape.”

“And here I thought your most questionable decision was pineapple on pizza.” I toss my purse on the counter and gather my hair into a messy bun. “You’re in luck,” I say, pulling out a hair tie. “I’ve fixed enough busted pipes to earn a gold star in plumbing disasters—no duct tape necessary. This is a walk in the park compared to when I had to crawl under cabin four during a snowstorm, with a raccoon giving me the stink eye like I was the intruder.”

He arches a brow, intrigued. “A raccoon in a snowstorm? Sounds like something straight out of a movie.”

If that’s the case, I can only imagine what he’d think of the chicken rescue mission my friends and I managed earlier tonight. But I’m keeping that little adventure to myself for now.

I slide under the sink, my eyes adjusting to the dim light as I survey the pipes. Water’s still dripping, so I grab one of the towels and blot the area dry. “Can you pass me the plumber’s tape?” I call out to Jensen. “It’s the silvery, fabric-like roll in the toolbox. Oh, and I’ll need a clamp to stop the leak.”

The toolbox lid clicks open, followed by the shuffle of footsteps. I’m not expecting Jensen to drop down next to me, the space between us shrinking as he holds out a flashlight, casting a beam on the pipes.

He holds out the plumber’s tape and clamp. “Here.”

“Thanks.”

With the cold floor pressing into my spine, I crane my neck toward the pipe. My fingers tremble slightly as I thread the tape around the pipe, distracted by a shirtless Jensen lying beside me.He’s holding the flashlight like it’s no big deal while I’m trying not to sneak another glance in his direction.

My heartbeat quickens when he tilts his head, his breath grazing my cheek as he leans closer.

“So, what’s the damage?”

“Um… the joint’s cracked, so I’m patching it temporarily. I’ll replace the whole section tomorrow.” Why is it so difficult to concentrate on the words coming out of my mouth?

Jensen smells like cedarwood and mint, and it’s criminal how intoxicating it is. I don’t notice that I’ve shifted closer until his bare chest is pressed against my arm, and a spark of electricity shoots through me. Thank god the flashlight’s aimed at the plumbing and not the way I’m blushing like a teenage girl with her first crush. I remind myself I’m here to fix a broken pipe, not climb this man like a tree.

I only had one drink tonight, and that was hours ago—but with the way my body’s reacting, you’d think I was tipsy and desperate. It’s been way too long since I’ve gotten laid. Maybe I should take Charlie up on her offer to set me up with the lawyer. He’s successful, charming, and most importantly,notthe insanely attractive single dad currently watching me fix a leaky pipe like it’s the hottest thing he’s ever seen.

Yup. I definitely need to get laid.

I tighten the clamp, giving it one last look before wiping my sweaty palm on my jeans.

“That should hold until I can do the full repair in—” The rest of the words get stuck in my throat as I turn and catch Jensen staring at my mouth. The flashlight in his hand casts soft shadows across the cramped walls of the cabinet, highlighting the sharp cut of his jaw. When I shift, his gaze drops lower, lingering on the curve of my chest. I took off my flannel before getting to work, leaving me in a tight black tank top.

“That was kind of hot,” he says, his eyes still locked on me.

I tilt my head, smirking. “Are you referring to the temperature of the space?”

His head jerks in a nod. “Yeah. That.”

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