Page 3 of Just Breathe

“Can I help you?” I turned around, startled, not expecting someone to be at the house. It was then that I noticed a work truck off to the side. A very attractive shirtless man stood before me with his arms crossed against his chest. He looked intimidating, with that scowl on his face, tattoos on his arms and chest, and the fact he was almost a foot taller than me.

“Uh sorry, I didn’t expect anyone to be at here. I’m Jane Ramos.” I extended my hand out for a handshake.

He eyed me with suspicion but shook my hand anyway with a firm grasp.

“I’m the owner of the house,” I said with uncertainty because his gaze was so intimidating. He looked like he could eat me for breakfast and not in the good way, or at least not in the way that I would want him to.

“Oh, you're Henry’s wife. I’m sorry I didn’t see him.” His deep voice sounded apologetic. “Did you have a meeting with Aiden? I can go get him for you.”

I was hoping the workers got the memo about his death, but it seems like life is just being extra cruel to me and thought I needed another reminder that my husband is dead. I guess I should have let them know, but that was a conversation I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for.

“I wasn’t supposed to….”

“Aiden!” he yelled waving over who I assumed to be Aiden and interrupting me before I could get an explanation out.

“Oh no, it’s ok.” I tried to stop him from coming over, feeling like a complete idiot.

“Can I help you?” Aiden walked up to us with his shirt off and holy moly, what the hell was going on? Was it a requirement to be hot to be a worker here? This man didn’t have an ounce of fat on him and even all sweaty I would be ok with licking his abs. I took another glance at the other man. And he might not have been as big as Aiden, but his abs and body were just as delicious.

I didn’t realize I was lost in thought until Aiden cleared his throat. Jesus Christ, I was staring, and I was just caught checking them out. I had only been a widow for eight months, and I was already drooling at a couple of men. This might have been a bad idea coming here.

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