Page 77 of His Choice

The two of us glanced Brighton’s way, just as he took off his shirt.

“Damn,” Aaron muttered. “The guy has it going on.”

“I told you,” I reminded him. “He looks thirty-four or so at most. And he’s probably considered one of the most handsome men in the world.”

Aaron sneered. “Don’t start falling for him now, too.”

I was surprised by the conclusion he reached. “I’m not. I’m just saying, you were so quick to dismiss the one who’s probably the strongest contender just because of his age. He’s showing you that forty can outperform twenty-seven.”

“Doubtful. Not in the bedroom, anyway. And likely not when it comes to the stamina needed for construction.” Aaron flexed his biceps with a grin.

I looked away so I wouldn’t become obsessed with Aaron’s body again. Unfortunately, that had me back to observing Brighton. The man was jacked—not like Cliff, but his six-pack was a thing of beauty. I began to doubt I’d be able to keep up with either him or Aaron when it came to impressing Cliff with demolition abilities.

Adding to my insecurity, Cliff, Alex and Ted removed their shirts, too. It was a smorgasbord of male flesh, and I felt like the least appealing dish. Even though the mayor kept his T-shirt on, he was hot, too. It was like I was surrounded by gods who had descended from the heavens to refurbish a house in White Pines.

“Just great,” I muttered when I saw the mayor’s hunky husband enter the scene, lifting a sledgehammer to help in the effort. He was followed by the equally handsome chief of police and his stud boy who worked at the diner. At least they all kept their clothes on.

Cliff’s friend Simone approached him and gave him a hug. “Ezra had to finish up some work at the office, but he said he’d stop by later to help, too.”

I remembered seeing Simone’s boyfriend, Ezra—another hunk. I was about to grab a nail-gun and shoot myself in the head.

“Simone, you shouldn’t be in here without the protective gear,” Cliff warned.

“I know,” she replied. “I was going to ask if you want me to help, though. I’m strong and would be able to contribute, but maybe there’s getting to be too many people in here.” She fanned herself, as the closed quarters, camera lights, and body heat were making for uncomfortable conditions. Or perhaps she was overwhelmed by the view. “I swear, there are enough manly men in here to build another Egyptian pyramid today.”

Cliff kissed her cheek. “Thank you for the offer, but I think we’ve got it covered between the contestants, our friends, and the Help with Homes crew. Why don’t you head back outside before the stench of men gets on your clothes?”

She laughed as she looked around the room. “Oh, I think I’d survive. Mm-mm, this is like a Chippendales show in here.”

“Ezra, remember?” Cliff teased. “The man you love?”

Simone waved a hand through the air. “Please! Have you ever seen my man’s face when Beyoncé is on the television screen? Women get to check out the opposite sex, too. Besides, Ezra will appreciate that I’m getting inspiration for a night together. I think I’m going to run over to Jensen’s Hardware and buy him a toolbelt.”

Cliff narrowed his eyes. “I don’t need to hear about that. Ezra’s my cousin, remember?”

She laughed and patted his arm. “You sure have lots of fine-looking men to choose from, Cliff Walker. I can’t wait to hear your decision tomorrow.”

I could. I was becoming more certain it wouldn’t be me.

After Simone exited the building, Marv alerted everyone that they were going to resume filming. He suggested his crew spray water on most of us first to create the illusion of sweat. I imagined if he just waited a few minutes, he’d have plenty of the real thing.

“Get more on my pecs,” Aaron said to the woman with the spray bottle.

I couldn’t help but watch. I started to get hard, and that discomfort continued when she proceeded to make Cliff’s muscles glisten. She even wet down Cliff’s friends until you could make out nipples beneath their T-shirts. This was becoming soft porn. I winced as I imagined my parents watching this segment.

“Ready? Action!” Marv yelled.

Mayor Tilson walked us through the various tasks that needed to be completed during our time together, explaining that an experienced individual from Help with Homes would be overseeing the crew for each project. He then asked us to volunteer for assignments. Once Cliff offered to conduct demolition in the kitchen, I shouted out that I wanted to do the same before anyone else could. Daryl glared at me, then grabbed the third slot for that work before Aaron could. I looked over to my friend, and he seemed annoyed. I should have called out that both he and I would help Cliff when I had the chance.

“Sorry,” I mouthed his way.

He half-shrugged, then agreed to a demolition assignment in the living room with the mayor and his husband.

* * * *

Two hours into the demolition, the water-spritzing lady had become the towel carrier. Nobody was even bothered anymore about wiping themselves down with a towel someone else had just dampened. Shamelessly, more than once, I grabbed the one Cliff had just used before it could be taken away instead of taking a clean one that was offered. It didn’t really dry me, but that hadn’t been the point.

Dani had spent the first hour snapping photos of everyone—mostly of himself. He had stripped down to a pair of yellow briefs, which he thought looked cute paired with the work boots, hard hat and work gloves. After the producers told him he had captured enough material, he had volunteered to be the water bottle distributer.