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“Sounds good to me. Need any help with it?”
“No. I’ll fix something while you work on putting the new frame up.” Heading past the tarps into the kitchen, I tug my filthy shirt off, and toss it into the connecting wash room, then brush as much dirt as I can out of my hair. After washing my hands and face twice, I search through the fridge.
Luckily, I had some time this morning to unpack the essentials in here and go grocery shopping. Pulling out a few steaks and veggies, I get started on some kabobs, then head out back to the patio.
My shoulders relax as I breathe in deeply. The inside and driveway might be a mess, but at least the porch looks good. A new grill, some lounge chairs, a patio table, and portable fire pit fill the dark-wood space.
I set to work, starting the grill, and then grab a beer while I cook. A cool breeze floats up from the beach, relaxing all of my tension.Yep, all this work will definitely be worth it, especially if I get to enjoy this every night.
I have four days left until I have to start my job, again. I was hoping to have this place finished and everything sorted by then. Looks like we won’t even be close. At least I’m working from home now and won’t need to wear any of my suits for a while.
I flip the kabobs and stare back out at the ocean. A few birds fly overhead, a few more splash in the surf. Maybe I’ll just work out here while Brendan’s finishing the place. I’ll be less distracted, and you can’t beat that view.
Heading back inside, I grab another beer, then search for my brother.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” I call out when I find him framing the space for his closet.
He finishes screwing in the last plank, not even turning my way. “That was fast.”
“I aim to please.”
“Funny, that’s not what I heard.”
“Go fuck yourself.” I take a swig of my beer before turning. “Should be done in about five. I figure we’ll eat outside on the patio tonight.”
“Sounds good.” He examines all the sides of the stud before adding one more screw to the top.
Heading back outside, I check my kabobs again before relaxing against the railing. A noise from the neighbor’s house draws my attention. Turning that way, I watch a blond heading down the back steps toward the beach.
“Evening,” I call out, holding up my beer.
She smiles and starts to wave, then turns to face me. Her smile wavers into a grimace.
Shit. Guess all our construction mess and noise are already taking a toll.
“Hey,” I pretty much hop down the steps and cross the yard, standing beside her fence, “I know we just moved here, but I want to reassure you, we’re never this messy or loud. We’re just renovating the inside a bit. I promise, all this,” I gesture toward the wrap-around driveway, “will be cleaned up in a week or two.”
She shakes her head and laughs. “You’re not the one from the bar.”
I take a step back and blink. Something about her seems vaguely familiar. Her hair. Shit, the blond from the bar our first night here. “No, um . . . That was my brother.” I hold out my free hand. “I’m Breckin.”
“Vivian.” She smiles and steps closer, shaking my hand.
“Nice to meet you, new neighbor.”
“Oh,” she pulls her hair back behind her ear, “I don’t actually live here. I’m just on vacation with my friend.” She glances behind her. “It’s her house.”
The brunette. She lives right beside me. My cock stirs in my pants, and I have to force myself not to readjust from just the thought of her. “So, why are you out here all by yourself?” I ask, trying not to sound like a creep.
“Asie, Asra,” she gestures toward the house, again, “my friend’s taking a nap right now.” She shrugs. “So, I guess I’m by myself all evening. Figured I’d take a stroll, hopefully find a good restaurant.”
Asra. The fucker in my pants stirs, again. It’s dark and mysterious, just like the brunette.
I don’t need to be interested in anyone right now. I need time to myself. Time to heal. But seeing as my dick has a different opinion on the matter, I decide to jump at the opportunity. I might not be able to see her right now, but I can learn a few things about her. “Why don’t you come on over. I’ve just about got dinner ready. There’s plenty to share.” I smile and point toward my grill.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“Come on, it’s gotta be better than eating by yourself.”
