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Shane stood and laid his hand along her lower back. “Don’t mind Kendall. She has no idea what goes into a project you guys are talking about.”
She elbowed him. “I know a project that has your name on it when I hear one.”
Doyle looked between them. “I need it done within the week, son.”
Shane stiffened next to her. “The week? How far along are you?”
“We’re in the finishing stages. The frame and masonry are done, but I need the inside finished. Carpentry, organization, and whipping the men into shape. My current foreman ran off with my maid last Tuesday.”
“Theresa?” Maude sputtered.
“Yep. I knew that girl was trouble the moment Lucinda hired her. Too pretty for her own good. Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am.”
Kendall shrugged. “Shane’s been telling me the same thing all week.”
Shane’s fingers curled around her hip. “I’m looking for quick work. We had a little trouble with my truck and blew through our traveling money. Kendall was right about the relocating.” His chin lifted. “I’m starting over in New York but haven’t gotten myself established.”
“You aren’t Larry Justice’s boy, are you?”
Kendall started. Just how far a reach did Lawrence have?
Shane’s spine stiffened. “I am.”
“What are you doing out here? Justice Construction has most of the West Coast sewn up.”
“Things have changed.”
Doyle grunted. “I’ve heard of your father’s company.”
Maude snorted inelegantly. “Doyle here owns most of this part of Utah. He’s heard of just about everyone.”
“I know Bob Welsey.”
Shane’s jaw lost its granite stiffness. “Small world.”
Kendall looked up at him, then to Doyle. “I’m pretty sure I’m missing something here, but I bet I just heard an ironclad reference in there.”
Shane glanced down at her. His fingers skimmed the slice of skin between her shirt and khakis, then rested on her hip again. “Welsey is one of those clients Kain bought.”
Doyle’s brow lifted. “Oh?”
“My father passed away. Kainoa Construction has taken over most of his clients thanks to a buyout.”
Doyle’s face cleared. “I see. I’m truly sorry to hear that, son. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Larry Justice and his workhorse of a son.”
Shane inclined his head. “I’ve got some property in New York and want a change of pace.”
She clenched her jaw.Theyhad property in New York.
Doyle nodded. “I understand how that is. That’s how I started my ranch. Wanted out from under my daddy’s thumb in Montana. If you can give me seven days and whip those boys into shape, I’ll get you two to New York. You get it done sooner, we can talk a bonus.”
Shane tugged her ponytail. “Can you be away that long?”
“I’ll check in with Mom and Bells. As long as we get there by Thanksgiving.”
“I’ll get you there,” Shane said quietly.
Doyle stood up and held out his hand. “Finish your lunch, and I’ll show you the cow pie you just stepped in, Shane.”
