AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I ran a hand through my hair. “How the hell did that happen?”
I hated to think it had anything to do with me being distracted, but it was a distinct possibility. We measured again, and I took notes of what we needed. “I’ll need to see when we can get another one.”
The floors and walls were done, and the cabinets and appliances were supposed to be installed today. Then we’d finish the lighting and fixtures.
I went to the backyard to make a call about the stove, but Sam was already there, drinking his water on the newly installed patio. “Everything okay?”
“The stove doesn’t fit.”
Sam’s eyes widened. “Seriously? That’s a rookie mistake. Who fucked that up?”
“I’m the one in charge.”
“Are you distracted by someone?”
“I might be.”
“I heard her ex is in town.”
“She met with him this morning.” But Carter had nothing to do with a missed measurement. I needed to focus on my job and not so much on the owner.
“How’d that go?” Sam asked.
“He said he just wants to see Delaney, but after seeing them together Friday night, I don’t think that’s right. He’s an idiot for letting Natalie go. Of course, he’s going to try to get her back.”
“But Natalie’s worried about Delaney’s father showing up after not seeing him for months. She’s worried he’ll disappear just as quickly. She’s worried about her daughter,” Sam said.
“I know that.”
“Do you?” Sam’s gaze was steady.
“What if she goes back to him?” I couldn’t help but express my greatest fear. I couldn’t ignore the possibility. I wouldn’t be blindsided again.
“What did Natalie say about that?”
“That it wouldn’t happen,” I grumbled.
“Then you have to believe her. You can’t have a relationship without trust.”
“I hate that word. Trust. What does it even mean? Blindly believing the person won’t leave you? That you’re enough for them?” I was emptying my biggest fears into the air between us. I’d never felt so vulnerable.
“There’s a certain amount of faith that goes into a relationship. You have to let go of the fears and doubts and believe in your love for each other.”
I shifted from one foot to the other. “We haven’t said those words yet.”
Sam dropped his chin. “But you do, don’t you?”
“I love her. But I don’t know where her head is.” My brothers always teased me that I fell too quickly. That I couldn’t know my feelings. Were they right?
“You want something long-term with her?”
I sighed. “It doesn’t matter what I want.”
“Because you’re a victim of circumstance?” Sam asked, his eyes narrowing on me.
“I can’t control how she feels or what she wants.”
“So you can’t go after what you want?” His tone was filled with accusation.
