She wasn’t sure why she said it—it wasn’t like they knew each other well enough for that. But Jake smiled, that easygoing, steady smile that made her feel both at ease and on edge at the same time.
“Glad to hear it,” he said. “I’d like to start tomorrow if that’s alright.”
“Great.” Capri stepped back, putting a little more space between them. She caught herself chewing the inside of her cheek, an old habit that showed up whenever she felt unsure of something. “I guess I’ll leave it in your hands then.”
Jake’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes steady but thoughtful, like he was reading more into her words than she’d meant to reveal. “I’ll take care of it. No worries.”
Capri nodded, but there was something in the way he said it—so certain, so unwavering. Why did his confidence throw her? This wasn’t personal; it was just business. So why did she feel like there was more to it than that?
“Well,” she said, taking another step away from him. “I should get going. Got a lot on my plate today.”
Jake didn’t push. He just gave a nod and started rolling up the plans. “I’ll get started in the morning. You can let me know if anything changes on your end.”
“Will do.” She walked him around his truck, but the moment they reached the driver’s door, Jake’s voice stopped her.
“Capri.”
She paused. “Yeah?”
“If there’s ever anything else you need—about the cabin or otherwise—just let me know. I’m around.”
There was nothing particularly loaded in the way he said it. But his offer made something twist in her chest, a discomfort she couldn’t explain.
“Thanks,” she managed, watching while he climbed into the driver’s seat and pulled away.
As he drove down the lane leading to the highway, Capri couldn’t stop replaying the conversation in her head. Jake hadn’t done anything to warrant the strange anxiety simmering beneath her skin, but it was there all the same, a quiet nagging at the back of her mind. She shook it off, focusing on the tasks ahead.
Besides, it was nothing. Jake was simply being the ultimate professional.
But deep down, Capri knew that wasn’t entirely true.
20
Jake arrived early the next morning, his truck rumbling into the driveway. Capri stood on the porch, waiting, arms crossed against the cool morning air. She had packed up most of the items in the cabin to accommodate the renovation, and the living room was now a maze of boxes, each one labeled with a Sharpie scrawl.
“Morning,” Jake said as he hopped out of the truck, giving her a quick nod before grabbing his tool belt from the passenger seat.
“Morning,” Capri replied, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She led him inside, weaving through the boxes with an ease that came from days of packing. “I’ve got most of it cleared out, but there’s still some stuff to move.”
Jake’s gaze landed on one of the boxes, his brow furrowing. “Gilmore Girls?” he asked, sounding both surprised and amused.
Capri looked over and saw the familiar handwriting on the side of the box. She laughed, a little embarrassed. “Yeah. My stepdad and I used to watch these DVDs together. It’s kind of our thing.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “No kidding? You’re looking at one of Stars Hollow’s biggest fans right here.”
Capri blinked. “Wait, what? You watch Gilmore Girls?”
Jake chuckled, clearly entertained by her reaction. “I grew up with two sisters, and it was either learn to love Lorelai and Rory or get stuck watching home makeover shows. I chose Gilmore Girls.”
Capri smirked, shaking her head. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or worried.”
“I’ll take impressed,” Jake said with a grin, stepping over to help her lift the box. “Where do you want this?”
“Upstairs, against the wall in the bedroom,” she replied, trying not to notice how effortlessly he hoisted the box. She led him up the stairs, her stomach doing a little flip as they entered the bedroom. It was mostly bare now, save for the bed, dresser, and a few stray items that hadn’t been packed away.
As Jake set the box down, Capri felt a strange tension in the air. She wasn’t used to having anyone in her personal space like this, especially not someone who seemed to fill the room so effortlessly. She busied herself with grabbing another box from the hallway, acutely aware of how closely Jake moved behind her.
He straightened up, looking around the room. “Nice space. Lots of light.”
