Page 271 of Show Me

Mark stares at me.

Travis looks physically offended. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters dramatically. “He’s gone full husband.”

I roll my eyes. “Relax.”

“No, seriously,” Mark says, pointing at me now. “Who are you and what did you do with Xavier?”

A soft sound comes from behind us. A throat clearing. Every single one of us freezes. Slowly, painfully slowly, I turn around. Ruby stands beside the stack of lumber holding a folder against her chest while trying hard not to laugh.

My dad stands beside her with zero help whatsoever on his face. Traitor.

Mark goes silent.

Travis mutters, “Oh hell.”

Ruby’s smile breaks loose. “You boys done gossiping?”

Mark looks at the roof like it’s going to save him from getting caught teasing me about Ruby when we should’ve been working.

Travis points at my father. “This feels like entrapment.”

Mark raises both hands. “For the record, I was supporting the relationship.”

Xavier shoots him a look. “By making fun of me?”

Mark shrugs. “That’s how we support people.”

“She asked where Xavier was.” Dad shrugs calmly. “So, I brought her here.”

Ruby walks toward us, amusement dancing across her face. “I didn’t realize construction sites turned into the retired men’s table at the café.”

“Thank you.” Travis points at her. “That’s what I’ve been saying.”

“You started the conversation,” Mark shoots back.

Ruby laughs while handing me the folder. “I need this signed.”

I take it, but my attention’s already on her. Not that she’s ever out of my thoughts, and clearly, I’m not doing a very good job of disguising it. “You, okay?”

Her brows lift. “You asked me that this morning.”

“And?”

“And yes, I’m okay.”

I slide my hand lightly against the small of her back. She shifts her weight toward me. It’s a tiny movement. Most people wouldn’t notice. I do, and it warms every inch of my body.

Travis watches the interaction with open fascination. “Oh, he’s got it bad.”

“Travis,” I warn.

“No, seriously.” He turns his attention to Ruby. “He argued with the electrician yesterday because the temporary heat wasn't working.”

“It wasn’t that cold.” Mark braces his hands on his hips.

“It was twenty-nine degrees.” I tuck the blueprint and folder under my arm, and when she comes out to the site, she needs to be warm. “Ruby gets cold.”

Silence. Travis grins. Mark shakes his head as Ruby presses her lips together. Dad nods once like this confirms something for him.