Page 15 of Built to Last

ME: That was sneaky of you.

ALLY: You don’t deserve less than what you want, my friend. Don’t settle for some guy who doesn’t get your motor running.

ME: But maybe Chet would. If I gave him the chance.

ALLY: Think he would build your cats a patio?

ME: sigh…

I set down my phone and head into my kitchen to get Finn something to drink. Then I pad my way out my back screen door and find him, arms stretched above his head while he hammers something. He’s shirtless and glistening with sweat.

My mouth dries instantly.

He sees me coming and lowers his arms. “Hey,” he says with a lazy grin.

I hold up the big tumbler of iced water. “Thought you could use something to cool you down.” I hand him the water and he drinks half of it in one big swallow. “Or I could strip you down and spray you down with the hose.”

One brow cocks and I immediately want to disappear into a black hole.

I force out a laugh, trying desperately not to stare at the rivulets of sweat sliding down his muscular chest. I force my gaze away from his six-pack and onto his face. “I thought I’d order some pizza. Do you still like pepperoni and olives?”

“You remember,” he says.

“Well, it’s how I like my pizza too so it’s easy.”

“Ranch dressing?”

“Would we really be Texans if we didn’t dip our pizza in ranch?” I ask.

“Exactly.” He rubs his hand down his chest. “Maybe I should hose myself off before I come inside if I’m gonna eat with you.”

“You can use my shower,” I say.

He nods. “I think I have a change of clothes in my truck.”

“I’ll get the pizza ordered. Holler if you need me.” I turn to go back into the house and can’t help noticing that I’m smiling.

chaptereight

FINNEGAN

Spending the weekend with Sadie, even if I was mostly working in her yard, was energizing. Aside from keeping my hands off of her, she’s so damn easy to be around. It felt natural sitting on her sofa sharing dinner while we watched an old 1980’s rom-com.

After the pizza Saturday night, I went home, but was back to it bright and early Sunday morning. Everything is pretty well done except I need to put the screening in place. By the time I left her place last night it was like we were finding our own way of how to be together. No fake dating. Just me and her being ourselves.

I figure when I’m completely done with the catio, I’m going to tell her how I feel about her.

Sadie’s already at her desk when I get to the lab.

“Morning, Velma,” I say.

She looks up and gives me a smile so bright I swear it shines directly into my heart. “Good morning. I brought you a coffee.” She holds up a to-go cup. “Your sister said this is how you like it.”

I take it from her. “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”

“You spent your weekend building something at my house. I want you to feel appreciated.”

Something in her words makes a crack in the bubble we lived in all weekend.

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