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A dull thud sounded from overhead.
“What was that?” Braxton asked, glancing toward the high ceiling.
Zach shook his head. “Not sure. I’ve heard a few things when I’m alone working. I figure it’s the old house settling. I’ll go up and check. Who knows, maybe another stray followed me.”
Sophie laughed as he walked away. He loved hearing her laugh, loved seeing her smile. To know he caused either of those made his heart swell with an emotion he couldn’t label because if he did, he’d have to admit that Sophie meant everything to him. Absolutely everything.
As he climbed the steps, he heard the murmured chatter of Braxton and Sophie, but he tried to focus on any sounds from above. The random noises were so few and far between, he’d assumed they were all due to the old house. But you never knew what you’d find in an abandoned house.
The second floor was actually in better shape than the first floor. Whoever had lived here last, and that was decades ago, hadn’t bothered doing anything up here. Other than the thick layer of dust, grime, and the outdated decor, the second story wasn’t terrible. Ugly, but workable.
Zach glanced into all of the six oversized bedrooms, the bathrooms, and even the large linen closet. Not a stray animal or a rodent to be found. Spiderwebs the size of a Volvo, but nothing that would cause a sound. Damn, he hated spiders, though.
When he went back down, Sophie and Braxton’s heads were tipped in toward each other. They were talking in low tones and Zach hated the surge of jealousy that spread through him. Why was he jealous of Braxton? Sophie had never shown any interest in his brother that way.
But Braxton was that silent ladies’ man. He was quiet, had that whole professor thing going for him, and women found brains sexy . . . didn’t they? Braxton had a master’s degree, he was an overachiever, and he probably polished his silverware for fun and put it all back in nice, neat order when he was finished.
Braxton was the type of man Sophie would end up with. Someone with a classy, honest job that required dress pants and a shirt with a collar. She would find a man who didn’t come home from work with new holes in his already tattered jeans. She’d have a smile on her face and greet him at the door with a kiss.
Zach’s hands fisted at his sides as he stepped off the last step and crossed the spacious room.
“You look pissed,” Braxton stated. “What did you find?”
Reining himself back in, Zach shook his head and forced himself to relax. “Not a thing unless the spiders weaving those webs are bigger than we think.” He shuddered at the thought.
Sophie slid her phone back into the pocket of her skirt. This one wasn’t fitted like her others. This skirt stuck out from her body just enough to make her legs look even more appealing. Not that they weren’t appealing in any state of dress . . . or undress.
“I was telling Braxton that I stayed up last night and filled out all the forms to apply for this grant.”
The night before she’d been up most of the night too.
“You can’t work yourself to death,” Zach told her. “Tell Braxton what needs to be done. He’s a nerd, he’d love to fill out forms.”
Braxton’s punch to his stomach caught Zach off guard, but he retaliated by turning slightly and sending an elbow straight into Braxton’s abs.
“When you boys are finished, I have more to say.”
Sophie’s bored tone made him smile. Damn, she was even cuter when she didn’t put up with his nonsense. She’d been around his family enough to know they oftentimes threw fists, elbows, whatever, and discussed after the fact.
“Just because I teach history and econ doesn’t mean I’m a nerd,” Braxton said, rubbing his stomach. “The ladies happen to find my intellectual side sexy.”
Zach snorted. “Yeah, they’re totally into you when you recite Chapter four of the ancient history textbook.”
“Can we focus?” Sophie asked, her voice rising to get their attention. “Some of us have another job to get to.”
Zach cleared his throat. “Sorry, Soph. What were you saying?”
She stifled a yawn. “A rough estimate is thi
rty days, but I’m hoping to hear something sooner. All the paperwork is done and sent. Everything was electronic, so once I started I kind of just went with it. I really think we have a good shot at this because we meet all the criteria. Small town, new business that will generate income and boost our local economy, plus the house is over one hundred years old, so they want it preserved.”
“So does this mean you’re not selling?” Braxton asked Zach.
Sophie smiled. “It means he most likely won’t have to. As much as I was looking forward to that commission, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn’t sell.”
Braxton picked Sophie up and spun her around. “This is awesome.”
“Put her down.”
