Page 45 of My Undead Heart
You wish.
Her reply forces a chuckle to erupt in the back of my throat and catches the attention of the other guys on the job. I haven’t worked on one of my uncle’s crews since before my fighting career took off. I’m not scared of the hard work, or the early wake up call, because those are two things I’m no stranger to. But working under someone else’s thumb, having to ask for everything—including a trip to the john—is something I’m having to reacquaint myself to.
“Break time’s over, big shot,” the site supervisor calls over to me. He’s a condescending asshole and going out of his way to let me know who’s boss around here. I get it, I do. He doesn’t want me to receive special treatment simply because my uncle signs the paychecks, but he’s still a total dick about it.
“Don’t mind him. He gets his rocks off on feeling important,” one of the guys on the job says out of earshot. “I’m Jesse.”
“Matt.” I hold out my hand to return the shake. His grip is firm and I’d guess he’s about the same age as me, give or take a few years.
“Haywood, yeah. I’ve seen you fight before. You own that gym now, South Side?”
“That’s me.”
“Your brush strokes as good as your left hook?” He grins and nods across the room. We’ve spent the past hour prepping the space by taping down a shitload of plastic. The floor is huge and there’s more to be done, but boss gave us a fifteen-minute break before getting back at it.
“I hope not.” I chuckle at my own joke. “But I think I’m here for the grunt work anyway.”
“Good.” He nods over to our supervisor. The dude’s heading our way, splitting the crew into more specific tasks. “Carl,” Jesse says, and our supervisor glances over. “You mind if I bring him with me to get the paint? Seems like he could handle the fifteen gallons okay.”
“Yeah,” Carl nods, his lips ticking up with what must be his grin. “Grab him when you need him. ’Til then, Haywood, I need you prepping those offices. Start over there.”
“Yes, sir,” I say, but Carl doesn’t seem impressed.
Giving a once over that reveals his distaste for me, he nods back to Jesse. “Actually, Jesse. Why don’t you show him how it’s done? Don’t need some rookie wasting a bunch of supplies and having to do the work twice.”
I keep my mouth shut and follow Jesse over to one of the executive sized offices and listen as he walks me through how to tape up the room. No knock to his profession, but this isn’t the first time I’ve done this, and I know how to tape the windows and protect the carpet without a step-by-step instruction.
“Any questions?” Jesse says.
“Nah, man. I think I got it. Uncle Jimmy had me working for him since before I could drive.”
Jesse chuckles and shakes his head, peeks his head out the open door and drops his voice. “Carl’s a jackass sometimes, but he’s not all bad. Probably just worried Jimmy sent you here to take his job.”
“I’m not looking to do anything other than make a few extra bucks.”
He nods. “Then we’re all cool. Can you tape up the rest of these offices then come find me? I really could use your help loading the truck and bringing up the paint buckets.”
“You got it.” I already like Jesse and I’m okay with doing the heavy work, especially if it means running a few errands with him. There’s something about being stuck inside an office like this that makes me antsy. I don’t know how people come to the same building day in and day out, or worse, one of these offices with the floor to ceiling windows. Being tempted by the gorgeous view of the busy city beyond the glass, but chained to a desk job instead.No, thank you.
The morning goes by quickly as the crew works together. The workspace is being re-modeled by a new company so it’s nice that we don’t have to shuffle around furniture. The floor fills with the scuff of plastic sheeting laid out and taped down while AC/DC blares from someone’s Bluetooth speaker near the elevator banks. Before I know it, it’s time to find Jesse and head out to pick up the paint.
After a few final instructions from Carl we walk over to the elevator. It only takes a moment before the doors open with a ding. I follow Jesse inside but stop short.Holy fuck. Theresheis, owning the sexy library look with the same confidence she brings to any other outfit I’ve seen her in.Fuck me. This brings a whole new level of sexuality.
Surprise widens her big brown eyes the second they meet mine, but I’m just as taken aback to see her here. “Mia ... What are you—?”
“Oh, good Lord ...” The guy at her right, the same faux hawk friend from the bar, fans himself and repeats that staring thing that makes me slightly uncomfortable.
“Are you stalking me?” she says with such alarm it’s apparent that’s her actual conclusion as to why we’re sharing an elevator.
I can’t help but chuckle. “Yeah, I’m going incognito as a painter. How am I doing so far?”
Her jaw drops open and she assesses my clothing. Worn jeans, work boots, and a long sleeved tee with my uncle’s company logo across the front that readsHaywood Constructionmust pass the test. “You paint too?”
“Handy and built as fuck. Praise Jesus,” her friend says aloud and everyone inside the car, including Jesse, chuckles. He almost looks apologetic as Mia sends him a glare. “Sorry.”
The elevator comes to a stop and we all shuffle off. I step to her side. “Just for the next few weeks. My uncle needed extra help with his crew. I take it this is where you work?”
“Yep.” She nods.
