“Mr.Ward.I assure you, we’re on budget.And I’d already planned two tractors to speed this up a bit.It was in the original bid.”
I held my hands out to placate him.“I get it.I, uh, sorry.I don’t know how all this works.”
“And you don’t trust other people when it comes to your Momma,” Godwin added.
I felt the blush creep up my neck to my cheeks.“Yeah.Something like that.Nothing personal.”I didn’t really give a shit about the money.I was only looking for an angle, a reason to keep him talking.
“I get it.I do.If this was for my mom, I’d probably be the same way.But you can trust me.I’m not in this to gouge pockets.I buildhomesthat people will love for generations to come.That’s what’s important.”
Momma patted Godwin’s arm and leaned around him.She was wearing a hard hat, too, which was completely adorable., though I had no idea what Godwin thought would be falling on our heads.“I love that sentiment Mr.Ellis.That’s all I’ve ever wanted.I don’t need a big fancy building.I want a home where everyone can feel safe and loved.”
I nodded, agreeing with them completely.
His care and concern with his company and what they did was the same feeling he gave off, even over the phone, that had me choosing his company over three others in the area.“I know.”I bit at my lip, hoping he understood that I appreciated that.“Sometimes I don’t say the right things.I like the work you’re doing.You certainly didn’t have to accommodate us and let us come out today.”
“It’s probably better that you’re not constantly out here, but I thought we could at least show your Mother.”He winked at her and smiled.I wondered what he was thinking.In the Alabama sun, his eyes glimmered with bronze over a deep green.“It’s all good, Derby.Come on.Let me show you this.”
He spent the next twenty minutes walking us around the site, explaining what was happening and pointing out where the future home would be.He was warm but still practical.He was confident and obviously knew what he was doing.That commanding vibe had my butterflies dancing again.I needed more of him, and I would take any little bit I could get.
When the tour was over, we got ready to leave.I helped Momma up into the backseat of the SUV, then moved around to the front before Godwin could get in.I grabbed his sleeve, and he turned to face me.That zing raced through me again.He definitely had my volcano going off, and I could sense a familiar attraction.There was no way he didn’t feel it, too.
“Thank you, Godwin.”I moved a little closer and let my arm slide against his.He didn’t pull away, so I pushed forward, closing the distance.“Uh, I like you, Godwin.A lot.Not just because I know you’re taking care of my momma’s house.I likeyou.”I risked gently squeezing his arm.
“Um...thank you, but let’s keep this professional.You’re a client.”
I slowly withdrew.He was right.No matter how we felt.I was stupid to have pushed that much, but I was the kind of guy who always jumped right in before checking the water.I gave him a brief nod.
“Let’s head back to the office.”He jerked his head toward his SUV, then opened the door.
I didn’t watch him get in.I’d let myself get carried away.That had to stop right-the-fuck-now.I silently circled the vehicle and got in on the passenger side.
We didn’t talk on the way to the office.The silence felt like a punishment, but maybe I needed it.I’d gotten too cocky.Like that ever happened.Ha!I was secretly happy Momma wasn’t putting in her two cents.Yet.
Back at the office, I wanted to get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.I’d made a pass at my builder, and I was totally embarrassed.I knew Momma had probably clued in when I helped her out of the vehicle.She stared at me and pursed her lips.“I’m going to wait for you in the car, Derby.”Then she looked over my shoulder.“It was nice meeting you, Mr.Ellis.Thanks for the tour.”
“Please call me Godwin, and the pleasure was all mine.”He gave her a nod, then waited for me by the front door to his office.I had to go in and say something to him, but I would have rather ran away.
I sighed and followed him inside.“Godwin, uh...Can we—”
“Forget that conversation happened?I don’t know.We can try.”The look he gave me was smoking hot.
Maybe my head was directly attached to my heart.Or my dick.“Yeah.I don’t think I can.”I licked my lips, involuntarily.I wanted him.
“Let’s try.”He grabbed a card off the desk and stretched it out to me.
I made sure to slide my fingers over his as I took it.Electricity pinged through my body.“Can I call you?”I asked, tucking the paper square in my pocket.
“About the house—yes.”
I winked at him.“We’ll see.”
After that, I turned and high-tailed it back to the car.I was an idiot, but at least I was one that liked to go after what he wanted.And I certainly wanted Godwin Ellis.
