“Just making sure you stayed safe. There are a lot of moving parts in there when everyone’s working.”
Hot and thoughtful. “Thanks, Big.”
We stand there, alternatively staring at each other and the ground. I sort of want him to kiss me, but I also don’t. Not now. The moment has passed, and the guys are watching through the unfinished build behind us. And the rational part of my brain is finally getting louder. I need to think long and hard about getting more attached to Mack.
I know darn well a kiss would take me to a place I couldn’t return from. Would it be a blissful, wonderful, magical place? I have a good feeling about it. But it’s not a good idea.
Lou and the guys did me a favor. Saved me a lot of angst.
I’m going to keep telling myself that, even though being so close to kissing Mack only to have the opportunity ripped away from me makes me want to whimper like a sad puppy.
I pull myself up straighter. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. “I should go.”
Mack nods. “Thanks for lunch.”
“Thanks for showing me around. It was—”
“Hot,” he says.
And then the man winks.
It takes everything in me not to jump him right there.
He takes two steps backward, staring at me with a lazy smile hanging from his lips.
I’m too stunned to say anything.
“See you later, Boo.”
I watch him turn and stride back to work like he owns the place, which in my mind, he totally does.
I’m pretty sure my chances of finding any other man attractive after this run-in with Mack just died a slow, slow death.
I check my watch.
Time: One o’clock.
Cause of Death: Hot electrician. His drill. His back. His arms. His mind.
Rest in peace, me.
24
Ghost Jokes
Mack
“Theylookthesameto me.”
Poppy shoots me a sidelong glance and gives an exaggerated sigh.
We’re standing, facing the long wall in the living room on her side of the duplex. The place feels so much different since she and Rose moved in. Sure, there’s all the décor they brought along, all frilly and bright, but I’m talking about Poppy’s presence. When she’s around, the air hangs in a different way.
Like it’s bursting with suspended bubbles, all sparkly and full of possibilities.
“Big. Work with me, will ya? Put your Chip Gaines goggles on.” She makes circles with her hands and holds them in front of my eyes.
I squint at the wall where she’s painted two giant squares of gray paint. She’s finally worn me down, and I’m letting her help me with some remodeling projects.
