While she assembled her wheelchair, he grabbed the box and studied her closer. “Something is up.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve never fumbled with your chair like that. What’s on your mind?”
“Your wife must hate you. You’re too observant.”
“You’re deflecting again, just like yesterday. Is this about a certain attractive young man you just hired?”
She sighed and—knowing she’d been caught—only shrugged.
“We’re not going in unless you tell me what’s wrong.”
She rolled her eyes and transferred herself into the chair. “If you’ve noticed, then everyone else will notice too,” she mumbled, heat colouring her cheeks.
“They’ll be far too occupied by the doughnuts to register how flustered you are.”
“You’re not making this any better, you know?”
She followed Jeronimo inside, pleased to see that her ramp was already set up and there was a clear path for her. They always did it, but the gesture had the same effect on her every time. Jeronimo was always adamant that she was to be accommodated, and didn’t hire anyone who argued.
There were cheers and praises as Jeronimo handed over the box—not without stealing one of his own. Then he walked her through the potential alterations for the chimney as she snapped pictures. She quickly discovered that two of her ideas wouldn’t work—they just didn’t fit the space. The electric fireplace would be their best option without having to rework the gas pipes, but she liked giving their clients every possible option.
Though she tried not to let her eyes wander, she found herself seeking out Renley. It was stupid and hopelessly desperate, something she had tried to avoid, but the way those jeans moulded to his ass practically called her name. Knowing what laid beneath that tight long-sleeved Henley he was wearing didn’t help either. His body was sin itself, and the memory of the things he could do sent fireworks through her veins.
When the walk through was finished and her sketchbook was full, she left the property with much more clarity. Though as she moved for the exit, Jeronimo had other ideas.
“I heard we’re all going out to dinner on Saturday.”
She cocked her brow at him. “We’re doing what?”
“You’re always invited,” Lukas chimed in, stuffing his mouth with another doughnut.
“Let me guess, the same place as usual?” she teased.
Her employee looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Where else can we get cheap margaritas and the best food in town?”
“Fine, I’ll come.”
But before the door closed behind her, Miguel called after her. “Hey, boss lady! Leave your wallet at home!”
She shook her head and made her way to the car with Jeronimo by her side and a goofy grin plastered on her face.
Renley
From the second Eveline entered the house, he knew he would be inbigfucking trouble. This woman would change his brain chemistry, and it was a dangerous game. He desperately needed this job, and couldn’t afford to have a crush on his boss. Yet, here he was stealing glances at her as she bit that pouty bottom lip of hers and scribbled into her notebook.
She wore a modest pencil skirt with a lilac-toned blouse, but all Renley could see were the curves of what lay beneath the sensible fabric.
Fuck!
He forced his eyes to look at anything but her, savouring the pastry in his hand to have something to occupy himself while she was doing her thing.
“Newbie,” one of the guys said—Miguel maybe?
“Renley,” he countered, finding the man who’d demanded his attention.
“Right—you’re coming with us Saturday.”
