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She had to believe that was true. That at twenty-two she still had time to find her purpose and get past the damage done by irresponsible and cruel men.
But that was something to ponder another time. Another day. Now, she had a job to get to. People who counted on her and appreciated her. Two things she hadn’t experienced in a really long time. Both might be small tokens to someone else, sentiments that were taken for granted or cast aside in favor of complaints about aching feet and hatred of washing dirty dishes.
Not to her. They gave her life purpose. Filled her with pride and satisfaction and the knowledge that she was more than the men in her life had made her believe. She was worth a damn, and she’d never forget that again.
Cold air blastedfrom the overhead vents in Cade Sulley’s office. The chill fought against the oppressive heat trying to seep inside, but he didn’t have time to focus on either. He scanned the columns of the spreadsheet his business partner, Matthew Metcalf, had sent over. The financial report didn’t make a lick of sense.
A rap at the door lifted his head. Matthew stood in the doorway, a bemused smirk on his lips. “Looks like your head’s about to explode.”
Cade snorted. “Numbers, man. I freaking hate numbers.” He shifted his laptop so Matthew could see the computer screen.
Matthew laughed and plopped down on the lone chair in front of the desk. “That’s why I do the finances, you manage the job sites.”
“Fair point.” Cade pinched the bridge of his nose and flipped the computer back toward him. Columns and rows littered the screen, adding up figures and projections of past projects.
“And luckily I can handle those finances while I’m out of town.”
“Excuse me?” With his head pounding, Cade swiveled away from his computer and stared at his business partner.
Matthew had been his best friend since they were kids. They’d spent countless hours in the woods, building treehouses and looking for ways to stay out of trouble. A little mischief might have found them, but the creative hours spent using their hands and brains had led them to owning a construction company. A career where both of their strengths were used.
Matthew smiled wide, showcasing the dimples in his baby face. “I know it’s last minute, but something’s come up.”
Cade frowned and waited for more information. “How long will you be gone?”
“Not sure. Brandon and I need to handle something.”
“Handle something? Right before starting a new job that’s just as important to us as it is to our community?”
“Sorry, can’t be helped. But no worries. I thought I’d ask Laura to help with things in the office. Give her a chance to make some money. And who knows, maybe it can lead to something more stable for her. We’re always bitching about needing to hire someone else around here.”
The muscles in his gut clenched. Being in close quarters with Matthew’s baby sister was a horrible idea, but he couldn’t exactly tell his friend why. If he confessed how much he wanted to be near Laura, it’d surely result in a punch to the face. “We need help from someone who knows how to do the job. Not someone looking for a handout from family.”
The lines in Matthew’s face tightened. “A handout? Seriously?”
Cade winced and lifted his palms. “I meant we need someone who can step in and do the work. Not someone who’s never been in this environment and will need tons of training. I don’t have time for that.”
Matthew moved his jaw back and forth. “She’s smart, and she can help with the numbers and around the office while I’m gone. When I get back, we can discuss if it makes sense long term. If you don’t think so, I won’t push.”
They could discuss Laura’s place in the company as much as Matthew wanted, it wouldn’t change Cade’s mind. He’d made it a point to keep as far out of Laura Metcalf’s path as possible in recent years.
When he’d joined the Army right out of high school, Laura was just an annoying kid who always followed him around. She’d been gangly with stringy blond hair and giant blue eyes too big for her face. But when he’d left the service, he’d found a grown-ass woman who took his breath away.
One who was more forbidden than the juiciest apple in creation.
Not only was she ten years his junior, but Matthew would kill him if he had any idea the kinds of thoughts that coursed through his mind any time he saw her.
Then there was her asshole of a boyfriend.
He fisted his hands on his thighs. He wasn’t blind, nor was anyone else in town. He’d fought the urge to beat the abusivejerk into the ground numerous times, choosing to use his limited contact with Laura to offer kindness and reassurances instead. Useless gestures that didn’t do a damn thing.
And now she carried the bastard’s child. Heat flooded his veins, singeing his cheeks.
“Are you that upset about Laura working here while I’m gone?” Matthew asked, cutting into his thoughts. “I figured you’d be relieved. I swear, Laura’s always been good with math and spreadsheets. She’ll be a big help until I get back.”
The subtle dip in Matthew’s voice straightened his spine. “You and Brandon haven’t left town since your honeymoon a couple years ago. What’s going on?”
Dropping his gaze, Matthew shrugged then jumped to his feet. “Tell you if I could. Just know we have no other option but to go.”
