Page 26 of Hard to Love

“I said it was on me. One’s making it an issue. I apologize, Thayer.” Hardy’s eyes switch between me and One.

“It’s fine. Next time we do better, okay? Let’s get the truck ready. Thayer, Hardy, can you stay behind for a few minutes?” One doesn’t even look at us when he asks.

“I have ten minutes; I got a late start,” I say, peeking at Hardy with a grin. He’s pale with his mouth ajar. I can’t help but snicker when Hardy glares at me.

“What? What’s funny?” One looks up from his papers to ask.

“Nothing. So what’s up?” I say, trying to move this thing on.

“Alright, so I’m not going out to Lea’s today. I, ahh, I’m not sure where we are, but I think I should stay here. When are you having lunch with her, Thayer?” One shuffles papers on his desk.

“Saturday. What’s up? Oh, God. You slept with her. You did. Oh, my.” One looks up at me from his papers, lips pursed.

“Thayer, please. Would you like to talk about this guy you’re seeing? I just need you to see if she’s okay, alright?” He pulls his brows down to look menacing, but it doesn’t work, and I begin to giggle.

“Recon, I got it. And if you have time, I’d love to give you an update about him.” I cross my legs as I get comfortable. Hardy’s green in the face.

“He back? Is he treating you better?” Now, Hardy’s face is poker red. Shit.

“We’ve talked. Things are good.” One relaxes in his seat as he sits back.

“Good. Don’t sleep with him until he can commit, got it?” Son of a bitch.

“One. Seriously.” Looking over at Hardy.

“Hardy would agree; you need a good man.” One nod at Hardy, who scratches his face.

“You do, Thayer. You need a good man.” He pretends to look out of the window.

“I have a good man. He’s not had it easy, but he understands we’re meant to be together. Now, if you’d both excuse me, I’m going.” I stand swiftly. One knows I’m mad.

“Thayer, I’m sorry. We understand he hasn’t had an easy life; we just want you to be careful.” He folds his hands together like Dad does when he’s about to deliver a lecture.

“I’m careful, One. I’ve waited twenty-four years; I’m not a fool. Besides, Hardy’s had a hard life; do you think less of him?” His eyes go wide as his face brightens.

“No. Hardy’s a good man.” Agreed. So I nod with a smile.

“Yes, he is. I need to go. I’ll call.” I exit the room with a smile of satisfaction.

I no sooner walk through my office door when my phone chimes. It’s Hardy. “Hey.”

“Hey, long time no see.” His voice is light while music plays in the background.

“Tell me about it, you good man, you.” After a long pause, he answers me.

“That was a trick question, Thayer, and you know it. You should have asked if dating me would matter.” He’s smug in his answer. I put an end to it.

“He’s still here; I’ll go ask.” I open and shut my door for effect.

“The fuck you will. Just hang on until we talk this evening, okay?” We both chuckle.

“Tonight. It won’t matter; I’ve already slept with you.” I laugh as I end the call.

The day goes steadily. I’m excited to see him. Hurrying home to freshen up, I change into a summer dress, sans underwear. Hardy was right about one thing; I didn’t sit all day. I’m not complaining, though, not in the least. Even after he told me, I thought he was exaggerating. He wasn’t. Nothing painful, but I definitely thought of him every time I tried to sit.

No sooner do I change when my favorite text hits my phone. I do my best not to run to the front door. I fail miserably. Throwing the door open, I watch him swagger over to me. Damn, this man is hot as fuck. His shirt is thrown over his shoulder, his pants riding low, heavy from the tool belt he wore today. His hair spiked everywhere from sweat.

“Hey, hun, I’m home,” he declares with a crooked smile. So he is.