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His deep sigh of resignation echoes off the high ceiling. “I haven’t been able to go into my dad’s woodshop since he passed away.”
My arm drops like a dead weight.
Julian continues, “I’m not sure why I’m telling you this.” He pauses for a brief second. “I mean, I knowwhy. I feel shitty for snapping at you earlier, and this is my way of making up for it.”
“I appreciate the thought, but please feel free to stop sharing at any time.” I keep my voice flat despite my rising heart rate. Julian confessing his deepest feelings isn’t part of our arrangement.
Neither is you feeling sorry for him in light of it.
The crease between his brows disappears. “So I’m forgiven?”
“I forgave you after you stopped me from walking into a spiderweb, so yeah, we’re good so long as you don’t do it again.”
“Deal. Now, will you explain what you said earlier?”
“About opening up the kitchen so more natural light can come through?”
He scowls. “Déjate de tonterías. What did you mean about hearing worse comments?”
“Oh. Pass.”
He makes a noise in the back of his throat. “Don’t make me resort to extreme measures to get the information out of you.”
I scoff. “Nothing you say or do will get me to open up to you about that part of my life.”
“Wanna bet?”
It’s funny how two words can open a floodgate of memories I banished. From money to bragging rights, Julian and I spent years wagering bets.
Julian’s phone rings. He looks down at the screen before cursing to himself. “I need to take this.”
I wave him away. “No problem. I can finish up the last room on my own and lock up after.”
“You sure?”
I fight the dryness in my throat as I nod. “Yup.”
He ignores his annoying ringtone. “I’ll give Sam your information, and he can coordinate the meetings.”
“You’re willing to let me speak to your assistant after last time?”
“Of course. I had him sign a new contract with a nice payincrease and a promise to never work for you so long as he lives.”
Déjate de tonterías:Stop fooling around.
“I hate how you’re always one step ahead of me.”
He laughs for a second time today, throwing me off. “There’s a reason I always kicked your ass at chess.”
I flip him off, and he says goodbye with a smile on his face that remains with me long after he leaves.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Dahlia
Although I planned on heading home after finishing up with the final bedroom, I quickly changed my mind once I found a set of stairs leading up to the attic.
I love exploring attics, although not many people understand, thanks to their bad rep for being creepy and haunted. There is something special about appreciating a home’s history, whether it be old diaries, letters to a lover, or a discarded trunk full of worldly treasures.
