Page 60 of Show Me

My chest tightens. The other night? Were they together then? Did he leave my place to go meet her?

Stop. That doesn’t mean anything. He talks to people. Helps people. That’s what he does. She’s just another person. He’s just... my boss. Nothing else.

“He’s good.” My voice is steadier than I feel, but I have no intention of losing this job, which means I’ll have to talk to women who are interested in Xavier. “You’ll like working with him.”

Her eyes move over me again. Slower this time. “And you like working with him?”

I straighten my spine and clear my throat. “I just started working here, but I do like working for Mr. Cole and Xavier. They’re very knowledgeable.”

“That’s a relief to hear. Well….” She steps back, preparing to dismiss me. “Have him call me.”

“I will.”

She turns toward the door, then pauses and looks back at me. “Do you live around here?”

“I do.”

She nods once. “Must be nice to live close to your job.” The bell jingles again as the door shuts behind her.

The office goes quiet. A chill slides down my spine. I rub my arms once, shake it off, and turn back to the computer.

A minute later, Mr. Cole steps out of his office. “Customer?”

“Yeah.” I hand him the note with Lindsey’s details.

He glances at it. Then grunts. “Xavier can handle it.”

Yeah, he can handle it. I nod and go back to work.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Xavier

Several Days Later

I don’t plan to stop by, but I end up pulling into her driveway anyway. The storms tore through half the county, and the last several days have been nothing but insurance calls, bids, and rearranging crews to handle the backlog. By the time I make it to the office, she’s already gone.

Every time. Which is fine. It should be fine. I cut the engine and sit there, staring at the house. Lights on inside. Porch light glowing. My hands stay on the wheel a beat too long.

I grab my tools, climb the steps, and knock once as I wipe my boots on the mat. She twists the lock and moves to the side. “Don’t step–”

Too late. I stop inside as Samson lifts his head. He doesn’t get up this time. Just watches me as if he’s deciding whether I’m safe enough to be around his family.

“Easy.” Ruby wipes her hands on her jeans, a streak of dust along her forearm. “You’re getting better at that.” She nods toward my boots.

“I’m learning.” One corner of my mouth arches upward. “And it’s still muddy out there.”

Samson settles again, satisfied. Squirt darts across the floor, hooves tapping against the wood, weaving around my legs before disappearing into the kitchen.

“Still no fear.” I step farther inside, taking in the space. The section we worked on last time is finished. Trim clean. Lines straight.

“You got the wall done.”

She shrugs like it’s nothing. “Watched a video.”

I tap my fist on the sheetrock. “It’s solid work.”

“Thanks.” Her cheeks tint pink as she glances behind me. “I think the office is running smoother,” she says, like she’s changing the subject. “Your dad is yelling less.”