“Looks like Archer’s got something on his mind,” King says, dragging my attention back to the table. He’s licking syrup off his fingers, his plate already clean. “You thinking about that inn or the woman who bought it?”
Creed’s smirk deepens, and he leans in like he’s about to get to the bottom of my thoughts. “I’m guessing it’s the woman.”
I roll my eyes, but hell if I can deny it. The idea of meeting her, seeing what kind of person buys a place like that, it’s got me curious. She’s got to be tough, or maybe just a little crazy, to take on that kind of project. Either way, I can’t help but wonder what she’s like.
Arrow looks up from his phone, finally joining the conversation. “You planning on sticking around long enough to find out?”
The question hangs in the air for a second, and I take a long sip of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through me before I answer. “I’m not planning anything. Just taking the job.”
“Yeah, sure,” Cruz mutters under his breath, his grin barely contained. “That’s what they all say.”
I toss a crumpled napkin at him, shaking my head. “You all need to chill. It’s a job. Wiring, maybe a little electrical work. Nothing more.”
But as I say the words, even I don’t fully believe them. There’s something about the way Betty winked at me, the way she said one day. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s just my brothers getting in my head, making me second-guess myself. Or maybe... maybe this job really is different.
I glance out the window again, my eyes tracing the outline of the mountains in the distance. Tomorrow, I’ll meet her. The woman who decided to take a chance on that old, rundown inn. And as much as I try to shrug it off, the anticipation builds, gnawing at the edges of my usual calm.
I’ve never been one to chase after romance. The Steele brothers have a reputation for being bachelors, and I’ve worn that badge without hesitation. But lately, I’ve been thinking. Not a lot, just enough to make me wonder if maybe, just maybe, Betty’s right. One day, huh?
Barron’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You gonna sit there staring into space all day, or you gonna tell us what you’re really thinking?”
I smirk, leaning forward as I plant my elbows on the table. “I’m thinking I’ve got better things to do than sit here listening to you all bust my balls. I’ve got work to do.”
Creed shakes his head, chuckling under his breath. “Work, huh? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
I don’t take the bait. I just down the rest of my coffee and stand, ready to leave the cafe behind. But as I walk out, the bell jingling overhead again, I can’t shake the feeling that tomorrow isn’t just another job. Tomorrow, something’s going to shift. I can feel it in my gut.
Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s just a woman who needs her wiring fixed.
But maybe… maybe it’s more than that.
Chapter Three
Bella
The knock is sharp, commanding. For a second, I freeze, my fingers resting on the edge of the kitchen counter. This is it—the electrician. Just a job. No big deal. But I can already feel my nerves tightening.
I swipe a hand down my blouse, smoothing out invisible wrinkles as I approach the door. With one last deep breath, I swing it open.
And then promptly forget how to breathe.
He’s massive. Tall and built like the side of a mountain, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, a toolbox casually slung over one arm like it weighs nothing. His hair’s a little too long, curling just at his collar, and his blue eyes lock onto mine with a smirk that says he’s already figured me out in the first five seconds.
“Well, damn,” he drawls, voice rich and slow, “Looks like I didn’t get the memo that I’d be fixing wiring for a goddess today.”
I blink, totally caught off guard. My pulse kicks up, and I suddenly feel ridiculous standing here in my cute-but-impractical heeled boots. “I—uh—" My brain scrambles toreboot. “Bella,” I manage, trying to sound composed. “I’m Bella. You must be Archer Steele?”
“That’s me,” he says, his gaze trailing down my body like a casual inspection before meeting my eyes again. “So, Bella... what’s the problem? Electrical issues, or did you just need an excuse to get me over here?”
I stare at him, half-laughing, half-tempted to slam the door shut. “It’s definitely the wiring,” I say, folding my arms, trying to regain some semblance of control.
He grins wider. “Right. Wiring. Let me take a look.”
I step aside, watching as he strides into the foyer, and for a second, I swear the room shrinks around him. He glances around, taking in the peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster. “This place has seen better days,” he comments, smirk still in place. “But I’m guessing it has a lot of hidden potential. Kind of like its owner.”
I can’t help it. I laugh. “You’re smooth. I’ll give you that.”
“Just calling it how I see it.” He sets his toolbox down with a solid thunk and turns to face me fully. He’s closer now, too close, and I have to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. The playful gleam in them hasn’t dimmed. If anything, it’s sharper.
