Page 61 of Idle

Why is she being so chummy? Considering my choices are talk with her or my downtrodden partner, I choose her. “This has been a fantastic opportunity. Thank you for choosing us, Quinn.”

She smiles. “Have to admit, I championed your application the moment it crossed my desk. I love the zing you two have. Also, since neither one of you has been in the industry before, your ideas are fresh. That’s a plus.”

“Thanks.”

“Paige, I want to put your mind at ease.” Our gazes meet. “No new news has broken about your father.”

Why is she so focused on Father? She’s probably simply trying to relieve my mind. I bring my lips upward. “I appreciate your letting me know.”

While Quinn’s talking, Jesse has moved himself into the kitchen and took one of his beers out of the fridge. More-or-less day drinking. Oh joy.

Quinn watches my partner for a minute, then claps. “I’m going to visit with Bo and Mary Ellen. Do either of you have any questions for me?” When we both answer in the negative, she and the camera crew leave.

The room falls silent.

Wanting to pull Jesse out of his funk, but not in a particular hurry to be the butt of his snarls again, I pick up my design book. “I think we did a lot today.”

He tips the can to his mouth. “I guess.”

“Got the side tables done and I’ve started working on the millwork design.”

“That’s great. Good job.”

At least I earned a pat on the back. “What are your thoughts about dinner?”

His shoulder rises. “I’m not hungry. You can get what you want.”

Annoyed, I snip. “How about I want to rewind this day and start over in bed with you?”

His response is fast. “Not going to happen again. That was a mistake.”

My fists ball at my hips. “I didn’t think so.”

19

Jesse

The stricken look on Paige’s face almost makes me recant my statement. But Homer’s mental assaults all day keep my lips locked.

You’re not good enough.

You’re going to make a laughingstock of yourself in front of the whole world.

You’re too smart for this.

And then the kicker.Career before love.

Turning my back on the beauty with fire in her eyes, I finish my Guinness and crumple the can. “I’m going back to the ViewPad.” She can follow me or not. I start toward the front door.

When my hand lands on the knob, she says, “You’re better than this.”

Slamming my eyes shut, I take a deep breath through my nose. Bowing my head, I admit defeat. “No. I’m not, Paige. I don’t know how to carve a headboard. I’m going to lose this competition for us.”

A touch on the back of my shoulders makes my shoulder blades bunch. Her fingers play at the bottom of my hair. “You’re doing your best. So am I. Don’t give up now.”

I open my eyes but remain staring at the dark stained hardwood. “I’m not—I’m only admitting reality. If you were paired with Bo, I’m sure the room would be in much better shape by now.”

“Maybe.” She runs her fingertip down the center of my spine. I try not to react to her touch but can’t help leaning into it. “But I’d be miserable dealing with his chauvinistic comments. Plus remember—he didn’t think I could handle the side tables.”

---