A few moments later, Sadie’s phone dinged with a reply. She grinned at Harper. “Sweet! They can come now. They’ll be here in fifteen to twenty minutes.”
Harper nodded, trying to ignore the sudden quickening of her pulse. “Okay, sounds good.”
While they waited, she ran her hands over the desk’s smooth surface, already imagining the potential. She’d strip the old varnish, sand it down, and maybe even stain it a richer color. The process would be therapeutic, a way to focus her mind and steady her nerves. Speaking of nerves, she couldn’t help but feel a little quiver of them at the prospect of seeing Cas again so soon.
Yesterday evening, after she’d dropped off the van at the national moving van company, and Sadie had given her a ride back, Harper had mingled with her friends in the backyard for a few minutes before heading to her apartment when she’d noticed Cas making his way over.
Coward?
Maybe, but she was also a realist. The handsome guy was dangerous, and she’d had enough danger in her life.
Fifteen minutes later, the sound of vehicle doors slamming reached their ears, and Sadie peeked out the small window. “They’re here.”
Harper swallowed, smoothing her hair as they headed back downstairs. She told herself she was being silly. There was no reason to feel nervous about Cas. And yet, when she stood on the front porch with her cousin and watched him step out of the truck with an easy smile and confident stride, her heart betrayed her with an extra thump.
Dammit.
“Hey, ladies.” Dale grinned, clapping his hands together as he approached. “I hear there’s more heavy lifting to do.”
Cas followed behind him, his dark hair tousled by the wind, and Harper’s breath hitched. He looked every bit the rugged charmer, his brown eyes crinkling with warmth as he met her gaze. “So, what’s the project?” he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.
Aw, crap. Was it always going to be like this with him?
It was maddening and wonderful and…bad. Very bad.
She gave herself a mental shake. “It’s an old desk up in the attic,” Harper managed to say, her voice coming out a bit higher than intended. “We need to move it to the garage so I can work on it.”
Cas nodded, sending her a smile that made her knees feel just a little weak. “Sounds like a plan. Lead the way.”
They headed back up to the attic, Cas and Dale moving easily through the cramped space. Harper tried to stay out of their way, but every time she moved, it seemed she bumped into Cas, their arms brushing. Each touch sent a small jolt through her, and she could feel a blush creeping up her neck.
What the heck?
She blew out a breath and silently chastised herself for acting like a teenager.
You’re turning twenty-freakin-eight in two months. Cut it out.
“I hear you’re pretty good at furniture,” Cas said, glancing at her as they reached the desk.
Harper nodded, clearing her throat. “Yeah, I’ve always liked it. Bringing the old back to life for someone new to enjoy.”
He smiled, and admiration glinted in his eyes. “That’s pretty cool. Not everyone can see potential in something that needs work.”
“Thanks.” Her cheeks heated. “Seems to be my specialty,” she murmured, unsure how to respond.
His presence was both comforting and disarming, which was a dangerous combination. She needed to keep her distance, keep her wits about her, but he was making that very difficult.
Harper stood next to Sadie and watched Dale and Cas position themselves on either side of the desk. With a quick countdown, they lifted it with ease. Harper couldn’t help but notice the way Cas’s muscles flexed under his shirt, and she mentally scolded herself again.Get a grip, Harper. You’re not a teenager anymore.
She was only too happy to follow Sadie out of the attic and downstairs ahead of the guys. The space was way too small, too intimate to be cooped up there with someone as compelling as Cas.
Standing next to Sadie, who held Tesla on the ground floor, Harper turned to watch the men descend.
“Careful, Bro. Don’t strain yourself showing off for Harper,” Dale joked as they maneuvered the desk down the stairs.
Cas frowned at his brother. “Please. This is nothing. Just don’t let go on your end, or you’ll end up with a bruised ego.”
Harper laughed along with Sadie, and when the guys reached them, Cas flashed her another smile. “See? I’m good for something besides heavy lifting.”
