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Joni rubbed the back of Everett’s back as he slept pressed against her. “Can I say that I love that you know about this sort of stuff?”
“Goes with the territory,” I replied as I followed her out of the attic and down the stairs. “My dad was relentless in showing me his job sites. Taught me a little bit of everything.”
“He teach you anything about electrical work?”
“A little. Not a lot. I can put in dimmer switches, and that’s all I really feel comfortable with.”
“Plumbing?”
“I can replace a toilet. Though I’d prefer never to do it.”
She chuckled. “I don’t blame you. So, what do you say? Will you help me come up with a vision for this kitchen and turn it into place I love instead of loathe?”
“I’d be happy to.”
“Now I have to find a contractor who won’t hose me.”
“Before you sign off on the project, show me the quote. I can tell you if he’s hosing you or not.”
“You’re the greatest.”
“I haven’t even shown you my real skills yet. Wait until I give you a mockup of how this kitchen is going to look when it’s done. Then you’ll really think I’m the greatest.”
I left Joni’s house and got into my car. Joy bubbled to the surface and I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. My old life was slipping away. With each smile, each laugh, each step forward, I felt like I was shedding the old me. The me that primped and polished her hair and face. The old, fearful me was disappearing in the rearview mirror and I was building a new life for myself.
And Smoke.
Whatever he was to me…
No.
He couldn’t be anything to me. Even if he wasn’t Tavy’s father, it was too soon to jump into a new relationship. I needed time by myself. Time to figure out what I wanted. Time that I didn’t owe to anyone except myself.
But Smoke had never done anything to demand my time. He’d come to me because he wanted to spend time with me. Not because he expected it. And he’d even attempted to stay away.
We both had.
Something kept drawing us back together.
The sex was out of this world. Maybe that was all this was. But if that was the case, then why did we laugh together? Why did I have so much fun with him, watching him do the dishes after sharing grilled cheese?
I was not built for casual sex.
My phone rang, jarring me out of my thoughts.
Thank goodness for that.
I pressed a button on my steering wheel. “Hello?”
“Hey!” Rach greeted. “I’ve got a bone to pick with you.”
“What did I do?” I asked as I stopped at a red light.
“You haven’t come over for dinner yet. And you haven’t met Cash.”
I let out a laugh. “I’m sorry. It’s been sort of crazy.”
“Uh huh. Well, I heard you went out with Brielle, Jazz and the Jackson boys for dinner. And then you went over to Brielle and Jazz’s for breakfast. That’s two meals already, so…”
