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Before I get in the truck, I text Diesel and tell him our job for the day and where to meet me. I have no doubt we’ll be able to finish even sooner than expected.
As I drive over, the early morning sun starts warming everything up. It’s going to be a hot one, so I start chugging water because dehydration out here can be deadly. And I don’t want my mother to worry.
It’s just past seven by the time I make it to the barn, and Diesel’s already removed his shirt and is sweating his ass off.
“’Bout time you showed up,” he harasses. “I’ve already got all the metal cut and ready to place if you can just help me get this corroded shit removed. It practically crumbles when it’s touched.”
“On it,” I say, putting on my work gloves. After I carefully remove the sheets, he puts the new ones in place. The bright silver metal is much newer, so the barn’s gonna need a fresh coat of paint. We’ll have to save that for another day, but I know Grandma Bishop won’t allow the eyesore to stay like this for long.
Just as Diesel and I attach the last of the metal, I see long legs heading our way. It’s not uncommon for tourists to book the B&B for a real country escape, but I could recognize those legs in the dark. Zoey.
I remove my gloves and wipe the sweat from my brow.
“Hey, husband, it looks like you’re working hard.” She unscrews the top of the bottle of water she’s holding and hands it to me. I run my eyes down her body, admiring the tempting curves I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. Right now, she’s the only thing I want to drink.
“Thanks, wifey.” I flash her a wink before removing the steps between us and planting a sweet kiss on her lips. She sinks into me, and I have to force myself to pull away because if I don’t, I won’t stop.
“Mmm,” she hums against my mouth, wrapping her arms around me.
“Arizona!” Diesel calls out with a half-cocked grin. “Where’s my water?”
I take a sip of the one she gave me and then hand it to Diesel, who drinks it in three gulps.
“We’re almost done here. I gotta call my sister and shower, then we can go to the bar where they’re setting up,” I tell her, my fingers brushing against hers, tempting her to kiss me again.
“I’m really nervous,” she admits. “What if they all hate me?”
I snort-laugh because that’s not possible. “What if they all love you, then you leave me? That’s what you should be more worried about.”
The truth seems to fall out. Her smile fades, and she searches my face. “The last thing I want to do is hurt you, Riley.”
“Get a room!” Diesel yells, interrupting us. “And come help me finish up this bullshit!”
She leans forward and slides her lips across mine. I love how freely she shows affection. “Better get back to it.” She nods at Diesel, who’s growing more frustrated.
“I’ll pick you up in an hour. Be ready to meet the entire town,” I warn with a laugh, but I’m not joking.
“You’re not helping my nerves!” she shouts as she walks toward the B&B.
“I’m gonna kick your ass,” Diesel tells me.
When she’s out of sight, I get back to work, and we finish the task. I suck in a deep breath, realizing I’m anxious to make the announcement. It’s scary bringing a girlfriend around everyone, but it’s absolutely terrifying to introduce my wife. The word almost seems foreign, but damn, it feels so right.
After we’re done with the repairs, I text Dad and let him know, then we head straight to the house to shower. While Diesel hogs the hot water, I make a sandwich and call Rowan.
“Whatcha doin?” I ask, purposely not mentioning her birthday. Every year, she thinks I forget, but I never have.
“Nothing much. Putting away some laundry and cleaning. Why? What’s up?”
I focus on giving the best performance of my life. “I just finished talking to Uncle John, and he said they were doing inventory for the bar around two since it’s a slow time. He mentioned you wanted to learn how to do it, so he told me to let you know.”
She laughs. “That means I need to be there.”
“You know they don’t really give us a choice to do anything, right?” I’m smiling, and I know she can tell.
“Mmhmm. Got nothing better going on other than maybe watching paint dry or something.” She sounds somewhat disappointed, but what she doesn’t know is fifty people will be waiting for her to show up today.
“I understand. Anyway, I gotta eat. Talk soon, okay?” I make sure to keep my tone chipper.
“See ya,” she says, then hangs up.
