Page 13 of Forbidden Love

“You’re going to build the dugouts,” I said, letting the disbelief I felt tinge my voice.

“Me and my brothers, along with our crew.”

“Are you serious?” I asked, my heart thumping. I thought I’d raise some money and give it to the teams. I hadn’t planned on being directly involved with building anything, but the idea had merit. I loved being involved in these fundraisers, but what better way to be involved than to build exactly what they needed? I could see the project through to the end.

“I never lie about construction,” Tyler teased.

“You realize this is a nonprofit. I can’t afford to pay you for the labor. Even the lumber might be pricey.” I wasn’t sure how much we could raise, or if anyone in the community would even be interested in helping. Building dugouts would be an expensive proposition. It’s why I was inclined to provide equipment first.

“I thought you wanted the teams to have the same amenities as others.”

“I do, but building dugouts is expensive and labor-intensive.” I didn’t have to crunch the numbers to know lumber was expensive, and labor more so.

“If we’re going to do this, we want to contribute directly. You mentioned that not every team has dugouts. They protect the players from the weather and allow them to be together instead of seated with the fans. I think it’s a worthy cause, but we’re in a unique position. You need the labor that we can provide.”

I tipped my head to the side, still not quite believing him. “And you want to do this? You want to volunteer your time to provide this at no cost?”

“Is that so hard to believe?”

“A little. I know you’re busy. Mac and Sam have families to think about.”

“You can help too.”

Was he asking me to help with the build? I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. “I was planning on raising the money. I’m good at planning events, marketing, and getting people behind a cause.”

“I have no doubt, but I think you need to get your hands dirty. You could even learn a new skill.”

My eyes widened. “You want me to help you build the dugouts?”

He shrugged. “Why not? You contribute, learn a new skill, and the kids get their dugout. It’s a win-win.”

I didn’t like the idea of working with Tyler, especially when I knew Mac’s and Sam’s availability had to be limited. But it spurred other ideas for the fundraiser. “What if we reach out to teams, ask if they need one, and get the team involved in the fundraising?”

He smiled widely. “You want the team to help build the dugout?”

“I mean, there are insurance issues to consider, parents’ permission, and we’d have to be careful, but I kind of like the idea.”

“I love it. We’ve always wanted to work with the community and help kids. This is perfect.”

It would make for a great cause. “Those who donated would be able to come to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to see the final product. We can post online and even get the newspaper involved.”

Tyler smiled. “I’m full of great ideas.”

I was too excited about it to take offense at Tyler’s cocky smile and the way he relaxed back in the chair, one arm thrown over the booth behind him. He looked relaxed and confident.

“So, we’re doing this?” I asked, my stomach fluttering with excitement. “Can you run the numbers? Let me know how much lumber and materials will cost and how many hours of labor will be needed. Even though we’ll have a lot of hands, it might not be the skilled labor you’re used to.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

My cheeks heated. “I think we should talk about what happened. Clear the air, so to speak.”

“What about?” he asked curiously.

I looked away from him, suddenly uncomfortable. “You know that night we got stuck in the hotel room together.”

He chuckled, and it went straight through my chest. “We didn’t get stuck there. I locked us inside so we could be by ourselves.”

Now my cheeks were hot because I hadn’t told him we should do that. I’d finally gotten Tyler right where I wanted him, and I wasn’t going to walk away before I got the kiss I wanted. I got a hell of a lot more than that too. It was my best memory and my worst because he never called after that. “The reasons and circumstances don’t matter. But we’re going to be working together. I don’t want to have anything unresolved between us.”

---