Page 31 of Bradley

We pulled back after the kiss was over and smiled at one another. “Thank you,” I told him.

His brow furrowed as he stared back at me. “For what?”

“For everything. For being here, and calling your friends in, and for just helping me with all of this.”

He gave me a gentle smile that lit up his eyes. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I can help.”

“Brad!” Kayley shouted from the other room.

He winked at me before he turned and walked out of the laundry room. “Yeah.”

“Chester is here.”

“Who is Chester?” I asked as I followed him and came to his side.

“Another friend of mine. You mentioned that you wanted stone in your entry. He does masonry.”

I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly. “You really are my new best friend.”

His chuckle vibrated through his chest, and I was tempted to nuzzle my face against his torso. He felt so good to hold on to, but I forced myself to step away.

“Hey, I thought I was your best friend?” Kayley pretended to be hurt.

“You are, but he is too, now.”

“Alright, fine,” she muttered and then grinned widely as I turned to meet the new guy.

Chester was built like a brick himself and covered in tattoos. Brad made the introductions, and I found myself staring at all the ink on his arms.

“I bet every one of those has a story.”

He gave me a smirk as he checked me out, his blue eyes dark. “Yep, they do. Maybe someday, I can share them with you.”

Brad put his hand on my shoulder. “Some of those stories might scare you, Nolan.” I looked between Brad and Chester for a second. Was there some private conversation going on? Chester shifted back slightly, and then Brad let his hand fall to my lower back as he pointed toward the front entry. “I’ll show you where the work will be done.”

I glanced at Kayley, who had a brow up. So, I wasn’t the only one to notice the possessive movement by Brad. Well, that was interesting. I wasn’t sure if it was good, but maybe he knew something about his friend that I didn’t.

Once in the entryway, Chester and I discussed my thoughts and his suggestions. Brad remained quiet but right at my side. As we talked, another man came in, and Brad introduced me to Chad.

Brad told him that Milton was upstairs, and Chad made his way up the stairs, curiously checking me out. This time, Brad didn’t seem bothered by it and had already returned his attention to Chester.

Chester commented that he would bring over samples next week and could probably get the job done in a few weeks as he was backed up with other jobs. He left as quickly as he came, and Brad seemed to relax once he was gone.

Everyone was working, and I was walking around supervising more than anything else. When Mr. Townsend explained what needed to be done, I knew that, while expensive, it was vital and would add equity and soundness to the home. He would start on Wednesday, and I told him I’d get a key over to him since I’d be working.

Chad and Milton were up in my bathroom, tearing out the old fixtures. I watched in awe as the bathroom was dismantled. I felt a little sad that I hadn’t gotten to help, but I was glad that I had people here to assist me get so much done.

It was almost one when Kayley’s parents arrived, and with them were two children. I knew that they were Brad’s kids, as they both had his dark-brown hair and cinnamon-colored eyes.

Tonya stared at me for a moment as if surprised to see me. “Hi, Ms. Nickels. I didn’t know we were coming to see you.”

“Hi, Tonya. Welcome to my new home.”

“Wow, I can’t believe my dad is helping you.”

“He is,” I replied. “I heard you were at the soccer game yesterday. You have any interest in playing?”

She looked away nervously. “I’m not very good.”

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