Page 139 of Love Redesigned

So freaking tempting.

“Whoa. Put down the weapon and step away from the phone.” The tent flaps slap shut behind Dahlia.

I drop the hammer on the table. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“So you weren’t about to destroy your phone?”

I glance at her left arm. “You finally got your cast removed.”

“Smooth change of subject.”

I stay quiet.

She reaches for one of the wooden posts and assesses it from every angle. “This is…beautiful.”

“You think so?” I stumble over the words, soundingpathetic to my own ears.

“Your dad would be so incredibly proud of you.”

I choke on the ball of emotion building in my throat. “It’s nowhere near perfect.”

“You’re right. It’s far above.”

A surge of pride floods my system as she places the post back on the table.

My phone buzzes again, and my head drops back with a sigh.

“So, what’s going on?” She drags a stool out from underneath the worktable and takes a seat.

My eye twitches. “Having a few issues with scheduling.”

“Anything I can help you with?”

“Not really.”

Her gaze narrows. “Are you saying that because you don’t want to ask for help?”

“I’m saying that because no one can do what I do.”

“And what’s that?”

“Meet with teams, realtors, and committees each week. Discuss plans and permits and all that boring stuff.”

“No offense, but that’s not exactly rocket science or anything.”

I tuck my hands into the front pockets of my jeans. “No, but itistime-consuming.”

“Have you considered hiring someone to split your responsibilities?”

So many times I’ve lost count.“Yes.”

“And?”

“I haven’t found the right person for the job.”

“Have you searched hard enough?”

I go completely still.

---