Page 21 of By Your Side

Parking next to Adeline’s little SUV, I admire the work that has been accomplished since her spill. The house looks brand new. The week following the porch rebuild her new windows and doors were installed. And last week her siding and gutters were all replaced.

The previously dirty white siding is now a beautiful sage green. It fits incredibly well into the property, and you would never know it is the same house.

Adeline comes rushing out of the house, her grin so wide as she bounces on her heels. Looking at her, there’s no sign that a few weeks ago she could barely walk.

She braided her hair so it’s not in her face and she’s wearing overalls over a tight tank top. I never knew overalls could be sexy until Adeline.

I take a deep breath before opening the door to my truck.

“You’re finally here!” The enthusiasm in her voice strikes me straight in the gut. I know she’s excited that she finally gets to help with the renovations but tell that to the stupid part of my heart that’s let her in a little.

Pointing at my watch, I smirk, saying, “Right on time.”

She rolls her eyes and runs back into the house with a demand that I hurry.

The day passes quickly as I teach Adeline the proper way to remove old flooring. We’re starting in the small bedroom upstairs and her aptitude and eagerness impress me.

By the time we wrap up, I haven’t heard her whine or complain about being sore or tired, but it’s apparent she’s feeling the work as she opens the door to let Nora come in to explore.

Adeline sits on the subfloor we’ve revealed and leans against the wall with a sigh. Nora prances over to her, purring up a storm. She’s graceful, even without her one back leg, and she’s grown into a small but mighty cat.

“You did good today.” Leaning against the wall, I watch her soak in my compliment.

Her smile is pure joy as she scoops up Nora, holding her close. “Thank you.”

I pack up my tools, gesturing for Adeline to stay seated when she starts to put Nora down to help. “Sit, rest. I’ve got this.”

I can feel her eyes on me as I finish up, setting aside my toolbox.

“I would invite you to stay, but I’m pretty sure the only thing I’m capable of doing tonight is showering and crashing.” She tucks some stray hair behind her ear, worry coloring her tone.

“You don’t need to feed me, it’s not part of the deal.” She opens her mouth to protest, but I stop her. “I have dinner plans anyway. I’m gonna head out. Tomorrow will be another hard day of pulling up flooring, so get your rest.” Eager to get some space, I turn on my heel and go down the steps two at a time.

The fresh air hits me like a brick. Being in those close quarters all day was painful, but not in the way I expected. Adeline’s sweet, citrusy scent filled the room, surrounding me all day.

The way she would watch so intently as I explained things, her eyes on me until it was time for her to work and the intense focus that she attacked the hard work with was impressive.

“Fuck.” Rubbing my hand through my hair, I groan.

An hour later, Young Jae is handing me a beer and a plate to help myself to some pizza.

He drops onto the couch, taking a bite. “How did it go today?”

Loading my plate up, I shrug. “Fine. She stuck to it and did a good job. I have a feeling that the hard work isn’t going to turn her off from helping like I hoped.”

Scoffing, he narrows his eyes at me. “You’re full of shit. She’s a beautiful woman and if you didn’t want to show her what to do, you would’ve fed her some line about insurance and been done with it.”

My lips pull into a grin. “Maybe I didn’t think of it.”

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Tell yourself what you need to, but you like her.”

This time I don’t smile. “It doesn’t matter whether I like her, as long as I work for her nothing would happen. Besides, her husband passed away less than a year ago. I’m not a piece of shit who swoops in on a grieving widow.”

Accepting this, Young Jae switches on the tv, finding a movie.

“Oh, before I forget, my mom sent me home with food for you. She said that every time you come to their house you make it better.” He finishes his plate and hops up to grab more pizza. “I’m pretty sure she’s trying to find someone to set you up with.”

Snorting, I shake my head. “She offered to set me up with Ari after I told her Adeline isn’t my type.”

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