It may be January in Texas, but last week it was forty-two degrees and today it’s already breaching sixty-five at nine in the morning. It will be eighty by the afternoon. Perks of a state with mood swings.
“Sure.” He glances behind me. “I like the house.” His eyes settle back on me. “Fits you.”
“Why? Because it needs a complete makeover?” I laugh. “The bones are good but the cosmetics…” My laugh trails off.
Because he’s not laughing.
He actually seems irritated.
His boots carry him across my overgrown lawn, then right up the sidewalk.
I’m startled when he reaches out to grip my chin between his fingers. “I don’t want to hear that out of your mouth. You’re still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, Laik.”
I momentarily lose myself in the unexpected compliment. In the feel of his fingers.
I clear my throat. “You can’t flirt with me, Parker.”
“I’m not flirting. I’m stating facts.” He shrugs before dropping his hand.
I roll my eyes, ignoring the way it warms me to hear him say I’mbeautiful.
But then I remember that his girlfriend is practically a freaking runway model.
There goes my mood.
I give him my back. “Let’s get started.”
Fifteen minutes. We only have fifteen minutes left of the session when the sound of an engine rolling into the driveway has me stiffening. I peer over my shoulder, my stomach twisting when Micky Mack’s plumbing truck slows to a stop.
Fantastic.
Parker leans up from the portable table I have set up in the yard, his eyes curious.
“Got plumbing issues?”
I don’t answer as my feet move swiftly toward Micky.
“Hey, Laiken.” Mickey climbs out of his truck, then spots Parker behind me and his eyes light up.
Great. I guess everyone thinks he’s God’s gift to Mayson Ridge.
“Parker.” He bypasses me and heads straight for him.
“Hey, Mick. Long time no see,” Parker greets before they shake hands.
I’m rushing to the duo, itching to get Micky inside before he blabs my business to Parker. Who will, in turn, tell my brother, who will either force me to move back home or try to fund the repairs. Either one is not happening.
“Micky, let’s talk inside.” I smile. “Parker, we’re finished for the day.”
He pulls his phone from his pocket. “We still have fifteen minutes.”
I grit my teeth. “Okay. Go run a few laps around the house.”
“Laps?” He glances at his feet. “I’m in boots.”
“Yeah. You said cardio is part of your normal routine. Let’s get some of that in.”
Parker eyes me before his gaze shifts to Micky. Then they narrow. I know that look. He thinks Micky and I are a thing. We aren’t, but for some reason, it gives me pleasure knowing it bothers him.
