Her SUV rolls around the curve and pulls into her spot like nothing’s changed.
But something has. At least in me.
Before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m on my feet and crossing the grass.
She hasn’t even cut the engine yet when I’m at her car door.
Waiting.
Chapter 12
Tessa
Ibarely have time to shift the gear into park before I see him. Liam is at my car door, standing there like some mountain-sized sentry in faded jeans and a T-shirt that fits him like it was custom-made. His eyes meet mine through the window. They’re unreadable, but intense. I blink. Then slowly cut the engine.
He opens my door before I can reach for the handle. “Need help with anything?”
I hesitate. “Uh … yeah. There’s a bag of joint compound that weighs more than I do inthe back.”
He nods and moves without another word, rounding the SUV like he’s got something to prove. I scramble out of the driver’s seat, still trying to catch up to whatever this is. It’s not like he hasn’t helped me before. But this feels … different.
He grabs the heavy bag like it’s nothing and glances over. “Where you want it?”
I gesture vaguely toward the porch. “Cabin … kitchen, I guess.”
He heads that way, and I follow, my mind scrambling for normal conversation.
“I went to town for supplies. Third time this week. I’m pretty sure the guy behind the counter thinks I’m starting a side hustle in construction repair.”
He chuckles softly as he sets the bag down. “Welcome to home ownership. Frequent flyer cards at the hardware store are a real thing.”
“I believe it.”
I glance at him, but try not to let my eyes linger. Liam’s tall, muscular stature fillsthe room. He almost looks too big for this kitchen.
“You know,” he says, stepping toward the porch again, “that roof overhang isn’t going to fix itself.”
I blink. “You mean the one hanging like a drunk on a barstool?”
“That’s the one.”
I cross my arms. “I have to admit it’s beyond what I’m capable of. I was thinking of hiring someone to do that part. You offering to help? Again?”
He meets my eyes fully this time. “I figured I could show you how to brace it first. That way, you won’t have to worry about it collapsing until you’re ready for me to teach you how to renovate it.”
I hesitate responding.Teach? Renovate? Together?
“Okay,” I say, trying to sound casual even though my heart’s hammering. “Teach away, Coach.”
He disappears briefly and comes back with a cordless drill, atwo-by-four, and a roll of screws. I watch as he grabs the ladder and sets everything up. He gestures for me to join him beneath the overhang.
“See this section?” he says, tapping the sagging corner. “It’s pulling from the main support beam. You brace it here,” he says, pointing to the spot. “Then, you anchor through the side at an angle. Want to try?”
I hesitate. “With … the drill?”
He steps down off the ladder and raises a brow. “Unless you’re more of a hammer-and-hope-for-the-best type.”
I laugh and take the drill. “Fine. But if I mess this up and the roof collapses, we’re screwed.”
