Page 41 of Unexpected Love
“That’s perfect,” she says, dropping the conversation without pressing for more.
We go about the day. I frame the wall, and with her help, we stand it up and get it secured. I field calls from Nate and his electrical guy; Jules organizes supplies and counts inventory. We work well together, and the day goes quickly. By the end of it, the bathroom wall is studded, soundproofed, and ready for covering, and there’s visible progress made.
“Nancy invited us to dinner. If you want,” she says as we wrap up.
At this time of day, we’d normally say our goodbyes, and I wouldn’t see her until the next morning in the shop. But we’ve had a good, easy day, so much so that the residualeffects of hand, foot and mouth have almost magically healed. That, or she’s been an excellent distraction.
And I don’t want it to end.
“Yeah, sure. I’d be down for that. Do I have time to grab a quick shower?” I’m covered in sawdust and probably smell bad.
“Yeah, sure. Come get me whenever you’re ready.”
I rush through a cold shower and am back in a matter of minutes. “We can take my truck,” I offer after she locks up. Fighting the urge to place my hand on the small of her back, I lead her to the alley behind the shop.
“This is your bike?”
She’s eyeing my Harley, and I can’t get a read on her expression.
“Yeah, though I haven’t had a chance to ride since Charlie came along.”
“That’s a shame.”
I am the world’s biggest goofball as I attempt to be a gentleman by helping her into my truck. We aren’t on a date, so why am I opening doors and being all chivalrous? I wouldn’t be mad if this were a date, though. And as we hit Main Street and head out of town, I let myself imagine what it’d be like if we were on our way to a fancy restaurant instead of dinner with her family.
“You know, just because Charlie is here, doesn’t mean your life has to end.” She breaks the silence, watching the world go by outside. “But then again, I’ve never had kids, so I’m not really one to talk. Steve and Nancy sure let the kids become their world when they started their family.”
“Is that why you don’t have any?”
Her head joggles from side to side as she thinks about her answer. “Not really.”
She picks at a rip in the denim covering her legs, and Istruggle to keep my focus on the road. Not wanting to interrupt when it feels like maybe she’s having a moment. She’s seen me through a couple of my worst times now, so the least I can do is sit silently.
“I have four brothers. I’m the baby of the bunch. There was never a quiet moment in my house growing up. When I left Steve’s, I wanted a break from the chaos. Plus, I’m getting too old to start thinking about kids and a family now. So the coffee shop is it for me. That sounds a little whiny and a lot pathetic, doesn’t it?”
I glance over at her. Soft hair and glowing skin highlighted by the setting sun. She’s stunning.
“Nothing about you makes me think whiny and pathetic.” I’m honest, even if I am showing all my cards here. Jules intrigues me—turns me on. She’s way out of my league, but damn, am I attracted to this woman.
“Maybe I’m just selfish?”
I huff a laugh. “Jules. The very last thing I think of when it comes to you is that you’re selfish. You’re playing part-time nanny for a guy you barely know. You could’ve told me no and found someone else to finish the construction.”
We’re almost to Steve’s house, so I slow, because I don’t want this conversation to end. Even as I hit the signal and make the turn into her brother’s neighborhood. “I think you might even be too nice sometimes. It’s okay to have priorities and goals and to put yourself first.”
“Yeah. Maybe that’s the problem.”
I don’t understand what she means, but we’re pulling into the drive. I shift the truck to park and drape an arm over the steering wheel. “Not that I don’t absolutely appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Because right now”—I meet her gaze—“I’d do pretty much anything you asked.”
Chapter 17
Jules
Kiss me.
Cal delivers his vow, and that’s immediately where my brain trots off to. I remind myself that he meant anything related to Charlie and the store, and I’m being overly horny. But the heat in his eyes makes me think that maybe he does want me to ask him to kiss me.
I don’t have time or energy for a romantic anything right now. But Icouldgo for a solid hookup. Get this sexual frustration out of our systems, just a one and done so we can both move forward.
