1 \ Vivian

You never know in that moment when you’re going to meet the woman who will one day save your life. If you did, you might be more gracious in your greeting.

“Hey, watch it, moron!” I barked at the inconsiderate jerk who just bumped into me.

Beautiful throw pillows, once in my arms, now surrounded us on the ground. My client would kill me if a speck of dust got on these things. I couldn’t chance that happening, which meant I’d now be headed back to the other side of the store to pick out new ones. I was going to be late, something she would no doubt hold against me. She’d already tested the limits of my temper today. I really didn’t need to give her more opportunities to make my work environment hellish. That was the only excuse I had for overreacting and speaking aloud something I’d never before said outside the safety of my enclosed car on a crowded highway.

Heat flushed my skin and a stone dropped in my stomach. Oh no, I’d actually said that out loud. To another human being. A stranger, who wouldn’t be able to perceive that snapping at someone, no matter how startled or displaced I’d been, wasn’t a normal reaction for me. There was never any excuse for being unkind, and I’d just let my frustration with my overbearing client dictate how I treated someone. I really needed a break from work before I became a raving bitch.

“Pardon me,” a woman’s quiet voice broke into my inner dialogue.

I was just about to apologize for my reaction when I noticed a small child standing inches away, staring wide eyed at me. The woman patted the little girl’s shoulder and urged her on her way.

“Sorry,” the girl said and hurried off toward her mother.

Terrific. Now I’m even more of an asshole. The woman had clearly stepped into my path to avoid running over the kid. I’d been so preoccupied with my final to-do list that I hadn’t been aware of anyone else in the store let alone a woman walking close enough that one step to the left would make us collide. Yet another argument for taking some time off.

“Let me help you,” she said.

“Don’t worry about it,” I told her, already bending to pick up the pillows. “Sorry I bit your head off. I’m in a terrible rush.” More than a rush actually. My client was a notorious dragon, making this more of a race to get back to her house before she could generate enough fire to set me aflame.

The woman took a knee beside me and began stacking pillows. “One of those days.”

I glanced up to see if she was being facetious. Her cinnamon brown eyes blinked, no ridicule in them. They seemed like the kind of eyes that showed emotion even when her face remained impassive. With a slight nose, three noteworthy moles, and cheekbones sharp enough to cut paper, her face held my interest. I could feel my fingers starting into a sketch, outlining the angles of her face. I haven’t wanted to draw a portrait in a long time.

“Here.” She set her stack of pillows onto the three I’d managed to pick up. “Pretty,” she murmured as she withdrew her hands. Her eyes widened at the exorbitant price tag hanging from the pillow on top.

“For my client.” I felt the odd need to justify spending more on pillows than most people do on a car payment. Only my clients could afford to do that, which wasn’t surprising considering where we lived. If my business weren’t benefiting from the explosion of wealthy tourists in Aspen, I’d long for my high school days when the town was one-third the size and only businesspeople from Denver came in for the weekends to ski.

Her eyes seemed to convey complete understanding of my uncharacteristic behavior without one word passing through her lips. I itched to push the visor she was wearing off her forehead so I could see her whole face. She had brown hair, two shades lighter than mine, cut to graze her small ears and stop short of her collar. With hair that short, she probably got saddled with a label of cute rather than beautiful. I’d call her attractive even in a dusty pullover and thermal workpants that did nothing for her trim figure. She stood a few inches shorter but wiry and I’d bet this client’s fee on muscular. My fingers flexed again. I wouldn’t mind sketching all of her.

“Forgive me for barking at you earlier. I completely overreacted.”

“No worries,” she said with an unaffected smile. “Hope the rest of your day goes well.”

An audible breath left me as she walked away. That wasn’t a standard signoff. This stranger, whom I’d unjustly yelled at, actually sounded like she hoped I wouldn’t run into any more hiccups today. The encounter was worth the wrath I’d face from my client. It was even worth angering her further by seeing if I could help the woman find what she’d been looking for in the store. It was the least I could do so she wouldn’t have to leave the store empty handed.

“Need help, Vivian?”

The question jerked my thoughts away. I turned to find Brandy coming to a stop behind me, hands full of candles. She and her roommate, Joanna, were obviously planning an evening with a couple of their ski school students tonight. Candles and a hot tub were better than Ecstasy to the women they seduced.

“Thanks, I’ve got it now.”

“Who was the white knight?” Brandy’s eyes followed the woman’s progress through the glass window of the storefront. She was making her way toward a small pickup, her stride even and sure despite the snow covered path.

“No idea,” I said, trying hard not to seem interested. Neither Brandy nor Joanna could be trusted with a secret. They adored practical jokes and often used them to wreak havoc on their friends’ romantic lives. Over the years, I’d learned to keep my mouth shut for fear of what they might do. Usually they’d try to bed the woman first, but often they’d do a convincing job of scaring her off. The jokes were juvenile and somewhat cruel, but in a small town with an even smaller circle of lesbians, it wasn’t practical or wise to cut them off.

“Hmm.” She watched the taillights of the woman’s old pickup as it backed out of the space then headed for the road. Her fingers tucked strands of long blond hair behind her ear for effect. The movement always drew attention to her beautiful tresses. She turned back and pointed at the pillows. “Those are nice.” Her fingers flipped the price tags up for a snoop to satisfy her curiosity. “How’s the bitch?”

I cringed at the way she callously critiqued people. It didn’t seem to concern her that I might repeat what she’d said to my client or that being a bad ski school student didn’t make my client a bitch. I wasn’t a whole lot better with my description, but I’d never share that with anyone other than my trusted assistant and only when pushed. “My client is fine, B. Go ahead. I need a few more things.” I stepped out of the way.

“We’re having a house party on Saturday night. Head over about ten o’clock.”

I shook my head at her back as she took her spot in line. She and Joanna were both in their mid-thirties, and they still partied like they were in college. They still acted like they were in college most of the time, too. But as I’ve said, one of the pitfalls of living in a small town meant I couldn’t be discerning in my choice of friends. I could choose not to go to their party, though.

On the other side of the store again, I carefully pulled out new pillows to replace the ones that had scattered onto the ground. It may seem anal, but I never knew what could make the dragon snap. Just these last few items to complete the room, then I’d be free of her. After that, I would take a couple weeks off before starting another project.

“You’re late,” the dragon said when she greeted me in her foyer. Her housekeeper had opened the door with a pained look on her face, giving me all the clues I needed about my client’s current mood.

“The roads were a little slicker than I expected.”

“Whatever.” She tended to blow off explanations, especially if they made her look heartless by following through on her fury. “At least you’re here in time to finish up before my party tonight. Everyone’s going to be so impressed, Vivian. You’re truly talented.”

“Glad you like it.” That’s how this business went. Massive stress during the designing process, but with a tweak of the final piece, the stress could transform into exhilaration.

As I added the last purchases to the sectional that had been delivered this morning, I gave the room a final assessment. The colors were darker than I normally used, the furniture more bulky, giving the room a traditional flare. It wasn’t my preference, but as a designer I’d learned that my preferences didn’t matter. My taste did, and I could add that to any style my client preferred. Overall, a majestic living room, the last on my project list for her. I’d redone the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, and living room for this house. All of which had been beautiful to start with. That was never enough for people with too much money. It didn’t matter that I’d been the one to decorate the house before she’d bought it. She wanted it redone.

“Next week we can talk about what to do with the bedrooms,” she said as she came in from the kitchen. The ice in her clear colored drink clinked with each step. She would tell anyone who asked that it was seltzer, but I knew it was gin and tonic. I’d smelled the alcohol on her afternoon breath too many times before.

I stalled. As a business owner, I should never turn down business, never possibly anger a client who could give me more business, but after eight rooms and more than my share of her stressful days, I’d had enough. I could retire a year early with what I’d made from this client, but the prospect of an even earlier retirement wasn’t incentive enough to continue on with her. “I’m afraid I’m already booked on another major project.”

Her eyes and mouth went wide. No one denied this woman’s requests. “That’s just silly. I’ll pay double.”

Of course. It was always about money with these kinds of clients. If she’d earned it herself instead of inheriting it from her great grandfather’s railroad empire, I’d have more respect. She loved telling people that she’d never had to work a day in her life thanks to dear great grandpapa. She felt sorry for the people that did. Yes, she actually said that and to people who did work for a living.

“My schedule is set for the next eight months.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. A big project would fill my spring and summer months, but spring was still a ways off. I’d just rather spend the time not working than working with her.

“Eight months, but that’s just…I won’t…you must. I can’t live here with these bedrooms like this!”

Like what? Walk-in closets the size of a small bedroom? A master suite that takes up half the area of one level? Five other bedrooms that would be considered masters in most normal homes?

“Unfortunately, I’ve made other plans.” In the store a few minutes ago, but I did make those other plans. “I can recommend another designer.”

“No! I must have you, Viv. You’re the best in town. Everyone says so.”

Everyone? Now she was just exaggerating. Given how she’d been on my ass for every single design aspect in this house, I was honestly surprised at how fervently she seemed to be pleading for me. “That’s nice to hear, but Dwight is very good.” And probably better suited to this kind of client. He often told me he liked working for women who had more money than time. He had a way of making them bend to his will.

“Dwight? A man? Is he gay?”

I looked away, not wanting to roll my eyes in her face. “You’d have to ask him.”

“A male interior designer? He must be. Don’t even think about bringing a straight man into my home to design.”

Like I was the one who would bring him in. Yet another shortcoming of the rich: they assumed everyone worked for them. And talk about stereotyping. I’d met many straight men in design school that could do wonders with any project. It was almost too bad Dwight was gay. I’d love to watch him change her mind.

“You’ll be very happy with Dwight if you decide to hire him.” I wasn’t about to suggest Ursula, the other interior designer in town. She had the annoying habit of badmouthing everything Dwight and I did for our clients. If she ever came in after us, she’d overcharge the client to redo everything we’d done.

“We’ll talk next week. Perhaps your other client will fall through.”

My imaginary client? I didn’t see that happening, not when I was lucky to get out of this house without any major scratches and every bill paid. I could leave with a clear conscience. Enjoy a week or two off. Maybe see if I could bump into the mystery woman with the sketchable face and kind demeanor again. That was definitely a better idea than redoing bedrooms that didn’t need redoing. No matter how much I could make.

2 \ Vivian

Turns out, I didn’t have to wait long for a new client. I got a call on Wednesday from a friend looking to redo some rooms in her house. It sounded like a sizable project that didn’t involve taking away her kitchen or the main bathroom. No matter how good a friend she was, those kinds of projects could stress any relationship.

Large timber beams created a welcoming portico for her front door. I’d always admired this house. It was the only place in town that could make me consider abandoning my plan to build on the land my brother and I owned. With a nice exterior design and good interior flow, the house would have been perfect if not for the inflated price and abundant square footage. My design would have the right amount of space and be the right price. For now, I was fine in my little cabin until I could bank the cost to build.

Lena opened her front door with a smile. She was dressed in slacks and a silk turtleneck, looking far more professional than her colleagues would be at the high school where she was the principal. We had that trait in common. Dressy always beats casual when it comes to work. Her long black-brown hair was held back by a barrette, showcasing her beautiful face. Along with her endless hairstyles, I found myself envious of her perpetually tan skin tone, courtesy of English, Japanese, and African American grandparents. My grandparents were all English, which meant pale mixed with more pale to glow as bright as the moon in the winter.

“Hi, Lena.”

“Vivian, thanks for coming,” she greeted in that voice of hers that would do wonders for any late night radio show.

Completely against character, I’d nearly asked her out the moment I heard that silky voice. I didn’t even know if she was a lesbian. I just responded to that voice, and my prolonged celibacy at the time raged at me to act. Then I noticed how she was looking at Glory, the friend who’d introduced us, and the impulsive urge died swiftly and without regret.

She showed me into the great room and had us sit on the contemporary couch. Her style was a bit austere but tasteful and consistent. That I appreciated. Too many styles always sparked my compulsive designer tendencies.

“So, what’s the project?” I pulled out a grid pad for notes and sketches. I refrained from asking about a specific area. I’d made that awkward mistake once and once only. Launching into suggestions for a room that you weren’t brought in to do was the easiest way to lose a bid and insult a potential client.

“My grandparents are moving in. They’ve been traveling a lot over the past few years, and this makes a nice stopping place.”

That’s all it took to invite two family members to live with her? A nice stopping place? I loved my grandparents and my parents, but I didn’t want any of them living with me. The closest I could stand was living next door to my brother, and that’s only because he’s been my best friend since we were kids. All other family time we limited to an annual ski trip around the holidays.

“Admirable,” I murmured, still musing about keeping several state lines between my family and me.

“Well, we’ve always been close, and I don’t want to miss out on any more time with them. Plus it’ll force my parents, brother, and sister to visit more often.”

“Devious,” I commended her. “What are you thinking of doing?”

“The guestroom isn’t large enough and the bathroom doesn’t have a tub. My gram can’t live without a tub.” She stood and took me past the kitchen toward the back of the house. “I don’t use the formal dining room or the den. The laundry room isn’t big enough, and I’d like a real mudroom.”

My pencil flew over the pad. Often clients are most honest and sure on the consultation. They start backtracking once the work begins. I like to be as thorough as possible at first to remind them of why they’d made their initial decisions.

“Let’s head upstairs.” She stepped back and gestured toward the front of the house.

I jerked my head up from the pad, feeling my brow lift. I’d always wanted to get a look at the upstairs, but it would have been rude to sneak away during a dinner party just to satisfy my curiosity.

Upstairs her master suite had both a bedroom area and large sitting room with fireplace and private balcony. The walk-in closet was on the smaller side for a house this size. The master bath, though, housed a soaking tub large enough to bathe eight at a time. Too bad the shower was nothing more than a tiled hole in the wall and the toilet room had swinging shuttered doors. Swinging. Shuttered. Doors. As if that weren’t bad enough, the tiles, the paint, the wallpaper, and the floors were all done in shades of gold and avocado green. Avocado. Green.

“Big,” I commented because I couldn’t really think of anything else to say. Design wise it was an eyesore. I was surprised Lena hadn’t done something with it already.

“It’s frickin’ monstrous, Viv. Tacky as hell.”

I laughed. Lena didn’t usually mince words unless she was in principal mode. “You’ve managed to live with it for almost two years.”

“I use the bedroom downstairs, but my grandparents will need that now. Something has to be done up here.”

I nodded. I was starting to get the picture. “You want a layout like this for the guestroom downstairs, and you’re willing to give up the dining and den to do it?”

“Exactly. I’d also like to see what you can do about a decent laundry space, mudroom, and a space for the dogs to sleep if it’s in the budget.”

“What do you see for a second master up here?”

She regarded me for a moment like she was deciding something. “The sitting room isn’t necessary. I’d rather have two walk-in closets and,” she paused, again considering, “a large bath with two of everything except for one bathtub.”

My eyes widened. I had to bite my lip to keep from grinning. She was turning the master suite into something permanently sharable. I could tell from her expression that she hadn’t wanted to tell me.

“Hers and hers closets and one bath with double everything?” I couldn’t help but tease a little. Sounded like she was taking the big leap with her girlfriend, Glory.

“It’s good for resale, right?”

“Are you selling?” Maybe I’d been wrong about them moving in together.

“No, I just thought any improvement would be good.”

“Yes, it would.” I let that hang in the air for a bit, hoping she’d tell me her plans for Glory. I had a thing for romances, and theirs was as good as it got. “Will anyone else have input on the design decisions?”

“My gram, but just on colors and maybe some of the bathroom fixtures.”

I nodded, waiting for her to say Glory’s name. When she didn’t offer it up, I got a little confused. Shouldn’t the woman who’d be sharing this master suite with her have some say? “No one for up here?”

She regarded me for a long time. I almost backed off the question, but I had enough practice with tougher clients to wait her out. “It’s a surprise, okay?”

“A surprise double closet with double bath in a master suite?”

She shook her head, an exasperated sigh spilling from her lips. “You’re almost as bad as she is.”

“She?” I teased. Needling my friend definitely added enjoyment to this client visit. “You really think you can keep this from her? It’s a major reno.”

“She knows the bathroom needs work, and you’re here mostly for my grandparents’ suite. It won’t be that hard.” She shook her head at my knowing smile. “It’s time, and she doesn’t like rings.”

I laughed again. This was the most romantic thing I’d heard in a long time. “So you’re giving her an engagement closet and bathroom?”

“Not a word, okay? Not even to Cass,” she said of my sister-in-law. “They’re too close to ask her to keep it quiet. I really do want it to be a surprise.”

“I’d be happy to take on the project and aid in the smokescreen. This will be fun.” And heartwarming. I might even tear up when it was done.

“Thanks, Viv.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll draw up some plans and get your approval. After that I’ll call the contractor I usually work with and estimate time and costs with him. Do you want to start as soon as possible?”

“Yes, if that fits into your schedule. My grandparents are just waiting for the room to be ready.”

“I’ll get right on it.” I was already excited both for the project and for my two friends whose lives would change once my renovation was done. I didn’t mind the envy I felt this time. It was all for a good cause.

3 \ Natalie

My cellphone rang as I was maneuvering a drywall sheet into place. My arms were killing me, and I had a low grade headache from the odor and dust. The last thing I needed was another request for yet more work.

Two stabilizing screws sunk into place, allowing me the use of both hands. Four more sheets would complete the room, but I could at least look at the phone display.

Cal.

Perfect. What else could he want? I was only halfway through the punch list for today. I didn’t need the boss to add more items to the list, but I knew he’d just keep calling until I answered.

“Hey, Cal, what’s up?”

“Need you over here to work up an estimate, Harp.”

An estimate? What the hell? Since when did I start doing his job? Oh, that’s right, since the housing market tanked and he was overextended on all of his spec homes.

“Sheetrock isn’t done yet.”

“That will hold. I’ve got ten other projects going and don’t have time for this estimate.”

Which means he doesn’t have time for the project, so why take on the estimate? “Can’t the estimate wait until you start the project?”

“It’s an ASAP, and the decorator has a huge budget. We can’t overlook this one. I’ll text you the address.”

“Cal,” I protested, but he’d already hung up.

Seconds later, the text chimed and an address popped on the screen. Aspen? That was minimum thirty minutes from this jobsite. I wouldn’t get back to hang any more rock today, putting me another day behind. What was he thinking?

Below the address was a single name: Vivian. Was that the client or the decorator? I smiled. I bet she’d love to hear she’d been reduced to a decorator, like all she did was add flowers to a room and call it complete.

I looked down at my work pants, boots, Henley, and dirty hands. Bleh. Did I have time to stop by my apartment to get into something less dusty and more presentable? Cal always showed up at the jobsites in khakis and polos. I didn’t own either, so that was out. And Cal could schmooze. I wasn’t good at the schmoozing.

“Miguel?” I called, walking toward the other bedroom where he was working.

“¿Qué pasó?” Miguel’s solid frame filled the bedroom doorway. His short black hair was flecked with drywall dust, and dirt streaked one of his cheeks. Sweat drenched his shirt, proving how hard he’d been working. He’d now be required to work harder, thanks to Cal pulling me for the day.

“Cal’s lost his mind.”

His brow shot up even as he nodded in agreement. “Idiota loco.”

“He wants me to do an estimate for a new client.”

Miguel whistled, long and low. “He doesn’t have enough crew to take on more work. What’s he thinking?”

“Lost his mind,” I repeated, walking into the now working bathroom to wash my hands and face. I took off my visor and ran wet hands through my short hair to give it a little life. I brushed my bangs to the side, trying to iron down the cowlick my visor always created. It didn’t help much.

“You look fine, Nat.”

“What if it’s at an extravagant home with some rich woman who might not let me come inside looking like I work for a living.”

“Screw it. Cal should know better than to send in the people that actually do all the work for him. He’s an idiot. It’s his own damn fault if this backfires, but it won’t.”

“Thanks for the encouragement.” I meant it. Miguel made my work days bearable. “Remember to lock up when you leave. Danny forgot yesterday. We’re lucky that no one broke in here to steal the supplies.”

“Will do, boss,” he teased. We were coworkers, but he believed Cal was only good for signing his checks.

I dashed out to my truck, feeling the sting of the cold wind. It made me appreciate the newly installed furnace in the townhouse. I’d almost forgotten that it was January in the Colorado Rockies. My fingers shook trying to key the lock, but I managed to get the door open before hypothermia set in. After two cranks, the engine flared to life. If only I could get the heater working as fast. It would take half the trip before hot air began blowing in the freezing cab.

Digging into my backpack, I came up with a clean shirt and did a quick change over my thermal undershirt. I agreed with Miguel. It wasn’t worth stopping off at the apartment first. Cal should be doing this. I flipped down the mirror and winced. Eyeliner would help. That was the extent of the makeup I wore to work. I looked really tired without it, so I succumbed.

Half an hour later, I turned onto a familiar street. As I headed toward the L bend in the road, I knew exactly where I was. I’d worked on the small house to the right of the curve years ago. A custom build for a local. A really nice local. We’d actually become friends over the course of the five months it took to build her place. I hadn’t seen Glory in more than a year. I’d have to remember to call her soon.

I made the turn, heading toward the only other house on this end of the L shaped street. It had gone up at the same time I was working on Glory’s house, but it took longer to build. This was my first glimpse of the completed home. It turned out beautifully, not as nice as the one I worked on, but still beautiful.

I parked about ten feet from the driveway. Two newer SUVs sat in the driveway, which was pretty standard for Aspen. Nearly everyone owned an SUV, and they were almost always luxury brands. I was now even more glad that I parked my nineteen-year-old Nissan pickup off property.

I grabbed my clipboard and tape measure and took a deep breath. I could do this, even if I’d never done it before and had no business doing it now. I glanced again at the name on my phone. I wasn’t always great with names. Had to see them written down and associate that with the person before I’d remember it.

“Hi, Vivian,” I practiced in the car. “I’m Natalie Harper.”

Easy for everyone else, but I stumbled sometimes. I liked the people I knew. I liked most of the guys I worked with. I could talk to them easily, but Cal could schmooze. I just wanted to work.

My hand opened the door for me, as if it knew I needed the push to do this. I eased out of the truck and contemplated putting on my parka. Forget it. I’d rather freeze doing the estimate than trot out my old work coat at a nice house like this.

I rang the doorbell as soon as I stepped onto the front stoop. I glanced at the workmanship on the portico. It was excellent. If the inside was as good as the exterior, I couldn’t imagine what would need to be done.

I heard someone say something from inside the door just before it opened. My mouth nudged open at the sight. It was that gorgeous woman from the store the other day. The one I’d bumped into and gotten yelled at for it. I couldn’t really blame her. She’d been in a rush. I hadn’t noticed her when I’d moved out of the way of the oblivious kid, and all of her stuff went flying. I probably would have yelled at someone, too. Well, I wouldn’t have, but most people not afraid of confrontation would have. Plus she was gorgeous, so I didn’t mind the yelling.

“Hello,” she greeted.

She didn’t seem to recognize me without a hat covering part of my head and clothes that actually fit. Nor was I as memorable as she. Holy smokes, she really was a looker. Her long, wavy, chestnut brown hair framed a narrow round face with a nose that had just enough length to add character and another dimension to her attractiveness. And that mouth of hers with full rose colored lips made it hard to look away. In heels, she stood a good five to six inches taller, but I’d guess in stockings she wouldn’t top me by more than three.

“Can I help you?” Her eyes skimmed over me then out to the driveway.

“Cal sent me?” I made it a question like I didn’t really know. Who’s the idiot now, Miguel?

She blinked beautiful green, well, bluish green, maybe greenish blue eyes at me. “Cal’s not coming? Is he okay?”

“Yes.” My tongue felt too heavy to say anything else. The same thing had happened in the store that day when I’d been stupefied by her beauty and fierceness.

“He’s not coming or he’s okay?” Her hypnotic mouth twitched. She was teasing me. First she yells at me, then she apologizes, then she teases me?

“He’s okay. I don’t know if he’s coming. He asked me to work up an estimate at this address.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t mention he wouldn’t be here.” She shook her head, seeming to talk to herself. That was fine by me. I could stand here and stare at her for hours. “This is the first time he’s ever…we just spoke this morning.” She fixed her gaze back on me. “Forgive me. I always seem to be apologizing for my rudeness around you.”

So she did remember me. I felt my heart trip. This stunning creature remembered a thirty second encounter with me.

“I’m Vivian Yeats. I’ll be the project manager if Cal or you, I guess, decides to take on the project.”

“Okay.”

“Do you come with a name, or should I make one up?”

I felt the burn in my ears before it hit my cheeks. If I stood out here long enough, we’d probably see steam come off the blush. “Natalie,” I said. “Natalie Harper.”

“Nice to meet you, Natalie. Let’s get started if you don’t mind.”

Big relief. She didn’t need schmoozing. If a designer was running the project, I wouldn’t have to worry about the schmooze.

I followed her inside, stopping to kick off my boots in the foyer. That was one thing I couldn’t stand about Cal. He never cared if his workers took off their shoes or used booties. Whoever owned this house didn’t need snow from my boots melting on her pristine walnut floors.

Vivian looked down at my stocking feet and smiled. Yeesh, she gets even better looking when she smiles. “Nice socks.”

I glanced down and blushed again. I favored fun socks when I didn’t have to wear wool. This pair had little pink pigs hopping hurdles all over the black background. I had a dozen other designs at home, but this was one of the cutest. Also one of the most embarrassing to someone who didn’t know me.

“Come on through. The homeowner is on a phone call.”

We walked through to the great room. Timber beams were open on the ceiling. Floor to ceiling windows lined the far wall with a spectacular view of trees and the back side of one of the ski resorts. I couldn’t remember which one.

The kitchen was all marble and custom cabinetry. Almost as nice as the cabinets I made, but I was a little partial to mine. So far nothing looked like it needed work. Was this a test on Cal’s part? See if he could get me to write up an estimate on something minor?

“I’ve drawn up a design plan for the work the homeowner wants done. I faxed it to Cal this morning. He gave me a rough estimate and timeframe but wanted to take a look. I guess you’ll be his eyes.”

I nodded and focused on the drawing. It was very good. Measurements were clear, and the specs looked thorough. Cal should have been able to give her an accurate bid based on this. She even had price sheets on the materials.

Her hand grasped my arm and pulled me close. Heat spread through my body as I brushed up against her. I looked up in time to see that she’d just saved me from walking into the dining table. I’d been too engrossed in her drawings, and now I couldn’t focus on anything other than her nearness.

“I see how you work.” She smiled that dazzling smile again. “Have no fear. I’ll look out for hazards while you finish looking over the drawings.”

“Thanks.” I stepped away to regain my concentration. She even smelled good, hints of lavender and vanilla pulled at my attention.

“Here we are.” She stopped our progress in front of an open doorway, oblivious to my sudden obsession with her touch and scent.

I looked down at the drawings and up at what was in the room. I stepped back and looked on either side then back into the room. “We’re making this into a master suite?”

“That’s right. The dining room and den next door gives us the space to expand this room, the bathroom, the laundry room, and a separate room for her dogs.”

“Dogs?” I looked up and tilted my head to listen for them.

“They’re at a neighbor’s house right now. The homeowner assures me they’ll be out of the way of any construction.”

“I like dogs, but they can get hurt in an open project site.” I watched her lips curve and eyes crinkle at my concern. To keep from staring stupidly, I went back to her drawings. “You’ve got all the measurements here. All that’s left for me is to figure out if either of these walls are load bearing.”

“There’s another job upstairs.”

My eyes widened. A major remodel. What was Cal thinking having me come here for this? He could have sent his son, Mini-Cal, who was pretty much a shortcut taking idiot like Cal, but at least he’d done estimates before. Something this major shouldn’t be pushed off to Cal’s worker bees.

Vivian led me upstairs to the master bedroom. In it I could see a sitting area and bedroom as well as doors for a closet and master bath. I looked down at her drawings and my eyes widened again. The homeowner was willing to turn the sitting room area into two walk-in closets and what looked like two side by side bathrooms that had a shared entry and bath tub in one large space. A great design that would no doubt become a marriage saver down the line.

I stepped into the bathroom and felt the effect as if I’d hit an invisible wall. “Wow.” I was looking at one of the most in-your-face bathrooms I’d ever seen.

“Garish, isn’t it?”

I glanced back, hoping the homeowner hadn’t come up the stairs after us.

Vivian watched me and explained, “The homeowner bought it like this. She thinks it’s tacky.”

Good to know. “She’s going for his and hers closets and a double bath in a single room?”

Vivian hesitated a moment. “Basically.”

Her plans showed that, but maybe I’d used the wrong terms. “Do you want an estimate based on all the price sheets you’ve got, or are you looking for a bid on the construction only?”

“Construction. The client wants a ballpark for planning purposes. Then she and I will settle on a design budget. If the fixtures go over, it’ll come out of my fee.”

“Okay.” I couldn’t figure out why Cal hadn’t loaded her drawings into the bidding software and come up with something.

I checked where the plumbing lines ran then did a few measurements to check that her drawings were accurate. They were, no surprise there. “Depending on the grade of materials she wants to use, I can get a pretty good estimate over to you tomorrow if that works?”

Vivian smiled again. I suddenly liked pleasing her very much. “Yes, and assume she’ll want the best grade of materials as well as green wherever possible.”

“All right.” I followed her back downstairs. I wouldn’t bother to write up anything here. It was too large a job for a quick estimate on a clipboard.

“Thanks for being here in Cal’s place, Natalie. I appreciate not being stood up by a contractor.”

Who’d be stupid enough to stand her up? Well, Cal, I guess, but he’s an idiot.

4 \ Natalie

Miguel looked at me like I was crazy. “You let him corner you into working two jobs at once? Because you know that’s what will happen, don’t you? You know that asshole is going to make you put in your regular hours over there and force your skinny behind right back here after hours.”

“Your not as skinny behind will be right there with me.”

“What? Hell, no.”

“It’s a six person job. Knowing Cal, he’ll only send four people. If I’m running it, I’m taking you with me. Or did you want to stay here and deal with Cal and Mini on your own?”

He made a sour face. He didn’t like either the owner or his son. They tended not to treat him well because he feigned not understanding English perfectly. It had worked for him. At least Cal didn’t expect a response when he yelled at him. “You better pick me on your crew. And we’re not spending any time back over here, either. Cal can just hire some other people.”

Knowing how stretched he was on this project, I doubted he’d hire anyone else. He was a payment behind on the loan for this townhouse complex already. The thirty-five percent profit on a project Vivian’s size would get him current here. I secretly hoped she’d reject the bid, even if the prospect of working with her was exhilarating.

“When does it start?”

“As soon as the designer and homeowner sign off on the bid. If they sign off.”

“We’d be working with a designer? Ehh.”

Not once he sees her, he won’t be thinking that. Didn’t matter that he had a pretty wife who made him very happy. Vivian was the kind of woman that could make anyone take notice.

“We don’t have the job yet.”

Miguel’s brow pinched. “Ever wish we didn’t have to deal with being pulled around like puppets? Or that some of these guys on the crew actually did their part of the job?”

I nodded. It was a lot to wish for, especially on an established construction crew. People fall into the same habits day after day. Two guys do the work of six others, and those six perpetually take breaks or create more work. The bosses never lift a nail gun and always order the wrong supplies. When the client shows up, they’re never around to deal with the freak outs. Yeah, construction work, living the glamorous life, but it’s what I know and do well. Same for Miguel.

“Harp!” Cal’s voice called from outside.

I waited for him to come inside before responding. Sometimes he just expected us to jump when he was usually full of bluster over nothing. In eight years of working for him, I’d yet to run into a crisis worth hopping to.

“Shit! You two aren’t done with the drywall yet?” Cal walked through the door, carrying a heater that would assist in drying the mud, one of the reasons we weren’t done. “I’m beginning to doubt my faith in you, Harpy.”

I hated when he or anyone else on the crew called me Harpy. They thought it was funny to address the only woman on their crew as a harpy even if they justified it with my last name. “I told you before you sent me on that estimate that we’d be a day behind here.”

“Stop bitching. That’s all you ever do.” He laughed like that was funny and not insulting. “Good job on that estimate. The client went for it. You’ll start over there in a week. I’ll get you the adjusted budget on Sunday night. You’ll need to put in overtime here until you have this place done. I’m not leaving this one hanging until you finish over there.”

Miguel started swearing in Spanish. Cal ignored him like he usually did. He never bothered to learn Spanish despite half his crew speaking it.

“You want us to finish three weeks of work by Sunday night?”

“I’ll pay time and a half. It’s not like you’re working for free.”

It would be a minimum of fifteen hour days to get this done. “Give us another guy, and we’ll get it done.” I knew Miguel wouldn’t mind the extra work this week. His wife had taken the kids to visit her parents. Time and a half would pay for his annual vacation and boost my salary back up to its pre-housing market crash level before Cal cut it.

“Take one of the others that only speaks Spanish.”

Man, he was a dick sometimes. “Ramón.” I knew Ramón wouldn’t mind being jerked from one jobsite to the next. Right now he was working a remodel project with Ryan. The boss’s son ranked just below working with the boss himself.

“Just get it done, and get your coat. We’re headed over there now to walk through the new jobsite. There are some changes I’ve made to your estimate.”

I tried not to glare at him. Of course he made changes to my estimate. His jacked up price probably forced many cuts to the work to be done. I didn’t have time to deal with this today, and he knew it. But gauging his mood, I sensed it wouldn’t do to push back right now. He was beyond stressed and salivating at the chance to bring in more money.

I turned to Miguel. “Grab Ramón and get the second coat done today. I’ll be back to put in the cabinets tonight.”

“Está bien. Hasta luego.” Miguel waved and pulled out his phone to get help.

“Why don’t they speak English on the jobsite? How hard is that?” Cal muttered as he led me out to his truck.

Idiot.

We drove mostly in silence. Cal had stopped trying to get me to talk when we were alone. We had nothing but the jobs to talk about, and we’d been working together so long I already knew what he wanted without his having to ask.

“Nice place,” Cal commented when we pulled into the new client’s driveway. “Seems familiar.”

“We worked on the house back there.” I pointed over my shoulder to Glory’s house at the end of the street.

“Right, sure,” Cal said, but I doubted he remembered it. “Shit, what’s the name of the decorator? She’s meeting us here.”

I watched him dig around the backseat of his truck looking for my estimate with the designer’s name. If I weren’t in a hurry to get back to the other jobsite, I’d let him dig for two hours. His cab was a mess but warm. “Vivian.”

“Right, yeah. A hot piece. We’ve worked together many times.”

Then why didn’t he remember her name? It’s not like she’s forgettable. A hot piece? What an ass.

The door opened before we got to it. Gorgeous Vivian had been waiting for us. “Hi, Natalie, Cal.”

“Vivian, you get better looking every time I see you.” Cal kissed her cheek, and she somehow managed to keep her clothes on. “I wanted to give Natalie the breakdown on what to do and when to do it.”

“Sure.” She smiled thinly.

I wondered how many times they’d worked together. I’d been running his housing developments for the past few years instead of working construction projects. We’d never had occasion to meet. Her tight smile indicated she wasn’t a huge fan of Cal’s.

We went through to the guestroom that would be turned into a guest suite. Cal waved off Vivian as he started barking out orders. It was clear within ten minutes that he was trying to save as much money as possible on this job. He was asking for substandard materials and didn’t want to sub out the expert work. I shook my head, knowing I wouldn’t follow his direction.

By the time we were done, I was feeling less confident about this job. With the cuts he was proposing, he’d use this job to fund not one but three of his current loans. I hated shady crap like that. If after the first payment, he gave me hell about the actual spending, I’d start pushing back. I wouldn’t let him compromise my work ethic just to save some money.

“We should be done in two weeks, right, Harpy?” Cal ended his instructions with yet another fantasy of how this job would go.

Vivian had been scribbling on her grid pad the whole time. She hadn’t voiced any discontent, but the timeline drew her eyes down to slits. “Now, Cal, you know we’ve had this issue before. How long will it really take?” Her eyes stayed on him for a moment before flipping over to look at me. I wouldn’t lie. She must have figured that out.

“Might be a little longer. Harpy here will get you the real timeframe once she starts. When we tear down walls, things might present themselves that we didn’t plan for.”

Vivian pressed her lips into a thin line. She was as sharp as she was beautiful. “Cal, we’ve worked together for many years. You’re my go-to contractor. You know damn well your estimate included a top end due to problems that may occur.”

Cal stepped back, his hand going over his heart. “Vivian, Vivian, my love, you know I’d never cheat you. The estimate is thorough to all foreseeable problems; I assure you.”

Schmoozy, self-involved, shysty asshole. If he asked me to make up an unforeseen problem halfway through this job, that was it. I’d be done with him. I’d had to talk him out of a lot of stuff over the years, but my patience was ready to snap. His money troubles were his problem. I wouldn’t go out of my way to help him anymore. If I had to, I could move back to Boulder where I started my construction career and get on a crew there.

He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Harp will be the construction manager. She’ll start on Monday morning.”

“Will the homeowner be here the first day?” I asked.

“Yes, but,” Vivian began, but I knew what she was going to say.

“I know you’re running the project, but I like to make sure the homeowner knows what she will see as the project progresses. It can be startling to see construction partway done every night when she gets home.”

Vivian gave me another full wattage smile. I think that comment pushed me even higher in her esteem than the worry I’d had for the homeowner’s dogs.

“You all work that out on Monday. We have to get back to another site. Harp, give Viv one of your cards.” Cal laughed like it was funny that I didn’t have a business card. He thrust one of his own at me and told me to jot down my cellphone in place of his. Jeez, he really was going to wash his hands of this project.

“I’ll see you Monday morning, Natalie,” Vivian said, not looking concerned that Cal wouldn’t be around.

Maybe she had worked with him a lot recently.

5 \ Vivian

Samantha waved a pink slip in my direction as I came through the doors of my design studio. “The dragon called again.”

I laughed, which felt good after the weird meeting with Cal and Natalie. His behavior was getting stranger. He was preoccupied, abrupt, and more concerned about when the checks came in than the work he was doing. Now it looked like he’d start fobbing off my projects onto his underlings. Not that it wouldn’t be interesting to work with Natalie. Lucky even, considering she seemed capable and realistic. Fortuitous actually, since I’d been hoping to run into her again and here she’d just shown up on my client’s doorstep.

“I’ve tried every polite way of telling that woman we’re not going to be able to take on more work, but she doesn’t seem to hear me.” Samantha twirled the pen she held to calm her frustration.

“Just tell Dwight to call her. He said he’d have time for her project.” In fact he said he’d appreciate the business. It was usually slow for us once the snowbirds left after the holidays. Things didn’t start picking up until the snow melted when those same snowbirds would want things redone for the next ski season.

“She only wants to talk to you. She must have you, Vivian,” Samantha attempted a bad impression of the dragon.

“Well, she’s going to get Dwight. Next time she calls set up a time when I can bring Dwight with me. She’ll love him once she meets him.”

“Won’t you owe him big time for that?”

“I always owe Dwight for something.” Which was true. Ever since he followed me back to Aspen from design school in New York, we were constantly picking up the slack when one of us was busy or offering second opinions on works in progress. Kinda like having a business partner without any of the arguments.

“How’s the new client?”

“You’ve met Lena, haven’t you?”

“Sure, but I meant how is she as a client?”

Her question made me smile. Samantha was the perfect blend of assistant, designer trainee, and friend. She’d been my saving grace when the economy collapsed. Hired as my receptionist, she mostly kept the clients happy on the phone while I was juggling six projects at once with a full staff of design associates. Once the work dried up, the staff left for Denver to find steady work at a larger firm. Samantha stuck with me, taking on other duties, eager to learn the business of design. I scaled back my workload to something more manageable, which allowed me to appreciate the work almost as much as I appreciated Samantha.

“What’s up with Cal by the way?” She brushed her newly cut bangs off her forehead. She was still getting used to them, but we both agreed the bob cut flattered her square face. “I’ve called him four times over the last week, and he couldn’t be bothered to return my call.”

“I was wondering the same thing. You should have heard him on the jobsite today talking to his foreperson. Some of the materials he was talking about sounded like he was making up the brands. I’m going to have to talk with Lena about how she wants to handle purchasing construction supplies.”

Her dark brown eyebrows drew together. “You think he wouldn’t get the supplies you specified?”

“I think it’s possible he might throw up substandard materials before I can get out there that day to inspect it. Yeah.” I felt guilty accusing Cal of something I hadn’t yet seen him do. It didn’t matter that he’d forgotten to use insulation on an exterior wall or cement board in the bathrooms on our last job together. I’d been there to correct the oversights, but I had to wonder if he’d done it on purpose to save money. The look on Natalie’s face when he’d given a few instructions told me all I needed to know about her doubts.

“I thought we liked Cal?”

“You asked the question. You must have had a reason.”

She looked even more guilty than I felt. “Dwight might have said something the last time we chatted. He thinks Cal’s up to something. He’s definitely not putting in the same kind of work he used to.”

A heavy sigh pushed out of me. “I don’t want to have to look for a new contractor. The woman he’s got running Lena’s project seems incredibly capable. Maybe she can be the buffer for us.” I crossed my fingers. I was hoping she’d be a lot more than a buffer. More like a trusted ally in the building process.

“Let’s hope.”

“Hope what?” Dwight asked as he pushed through the door. He was carrying three takeout containers and my favorite coffee beverage. He did this sometimes, showed up for lunch, bringing it with him and always making sure to include Samantha. Really considerate. Too bad he wasn’t a lesbian.

“Hey, Dwight, your ears must have been burning,” Samantha extracted two of the bags and set them on a design table so we could eat together.

“I’m always sizzling, Sammi.” Dwight was the first to laugh, as usual. He never cared if he was the one making the joke or someone else.

As he took a seat, I noticed he’d also gotten his hair cut. Samantha probably dragged him to the salon with her and talked him into a cut. He wouldn’t be happy that the close crop showed more grey at his temples. He didn’t like that he was going grey before he turned forty. He complained about the unfairness of our hair follicles. Being the same age, my brown hair was still brown and covered my head. His brown was starting to pepper and thinned in a significant spot on the crown of his head. He still looked dapper and youthful in my opinion, but he saw what he saw, and his friends wouldn’t convince him otherwise.

“Used Cal for anything lately?” I asked as he slid the container with a mini quiche toward me. It looked so much better than the sandwich I’d made this morning for lunch.

“His last three bids were outrageous so I had to use that idiot Burt and sub out myself.”

I wasn’t surprised. At Lena’s we had to cut the mudroom, dog room, custom closet shelving, and some of the nicer bath features when Cal’s estimate came in much higher than expected. I’d done everything I could to manipulate my fee and the materials to give her what she wanted, but his costs ate up almost all of her total budget. I could have asked Burt for a bid, but my experience with his crew wasn’t as successful as Dwight’s had been.

“He just handed off a lucrative contract to his construction manager. I doubt I’ll see him for the next six weeks.”

“Is he good at least?” His eyes showed interest.

“She,” I stressed, “seems like she knows more than he does.”

“Well, hot damn. When you’re done with her, send her to me.” He winked, knowing he’d check with me before he tried to get her to work on any of his projects. We respected each other like that. It was bad for business to have a project delayed because the contractor was tied up with another designer.

“Please, if she’s that good, Viv will have her booked for the next three years,” Samantha told him.

“I’ll dance you for her,” Dwight offered, making us smile. He was a beautiful dancer. Good enough that he’d given Broadway a try while we were in design school together.

One Saturday a month, he and I would go out dancing at the local bars. Under his tutelage I’d learned many styles. We’d even competed in a salsa contest in Denver once. It was fun and an excellent way to blow off client frustration.

He knew damn well that I’d never stand a chance against him in a dance off. I wasn’t about to risk losing a competent contractor to my less than stellar dance skills. Not to mention I was looking forward to getting to know the no longer mystery woman from the store. Anyone with that forgiving a nature seized my interest.

6 \ Vivian

A soft melodic chime sounded when I pressed Lena’s doorbell. I was eager to get started on this project. Any assignment that created a comfortable and functional space always interested me more than mere beautification of a room. I’d been in something of a rut redoing already nice rooms for the last year. I hadn’t realized that I’d been aching to apply both my design and transformation skills to a space for some time now. If it helped a friend, all the better.

Or friends, I should say, as the door opened to reveal Glory. “Morning, Vivian. You look nice today.”

I scanned the pretty woman before me. I’d always loved her hair, reddish blond, most would call it strawberry, but to me it looked either mostly red or mostly blond depending on how much sun she got. She had these blue eyes that weren’t too dark or too light, royal with layers. I’d never minded getting lost staring at her when she and my sister-in-law were yakking it up. She’d been a wistful distraction, too young, too laid back, too close to Cassie. All good reasons never to ask out one of the few single lesbians in town. Now that she was with Lena, I was happy those thoughts never came up anymore. Apparently, I was more honorable than I’d known.

“Hey, Glory. How ya been?”

“Good, thanks. Come on in. I’m so happy you agreed to this project. I know it’ll turn out beautiful for Lena’s grandparents.” She was über charming, too, always with the right thing to say at the right moment.

“Morning, Viv.” Lena stepped up and wrapped her arms around Glory’s middle. She dropped a kiss on her girlfriend’s head and stepped back. “Your dog is misbehaving again.”

Glory snorted. “He’s not my dog, sweetheart. He’s yours.”

“He only listens to you.”

Glory winked at me. “That’s her way of telling me to get him out of here before the work starts and his overexcitement tears up the rest of the house.”

“A mind reader,” Lena told me.

As far as matches went, they worked well. They seemed quite different, but their attitudes meshed. I really was happy for them, jealous that I didn’t have it for myself, but happy for them.

Before we reached the kitchen where they were finishing breakfast, the doorbell rang. I told them I’d grab it, knowing it would be Natalie and Cal. When I opened the door, I wasn’t surprised to see only Natalie standing on the stoop in work beaten jeans, work boots, and a too big, long sleeved shirt with Cal’s logo on it.

“Good morning,” she greeted, her eyes smiling more than her mouth. I knew I was right about them being the tell for her emotions.

“Hello, Natalie. Thank you for being on time. I was just about to sit down with the homeowner.”

“Okay.”

“Are we expecting Cal to join us?”

She blinked three times before gathering whatever thoughts she wanted. “No. He may stop off from time to time, but I’ll be onsite every day.”

I nodded, thankful considering Cal was getting less and less reliable every time I brought him onto a job. If he wanted to leave the whole thing to Natalie, I’d be fine with that. Especially after I watched her reach into her pocket and pull out shoe booties to slip over her boots. Cal never did that.

“Nat?” Glory spoke up when we cleared the foyer. “You’re back? That’s so great. I thought you were in Glenwood Springs.”

Natalie smiled broadly, using both her mouth and her eyes. “Hi, Glory. It’s good to see you again.”

“Nat built my place,” Glory explained to Lena as she rose from the stool and went to Natalie for a hug.

“With lots of help,” Natalie supplied, letting Glory squeeze her tight for a moment.

“Sure, yeah, that’s why you were there every day and Cal flittered in and out. He’s coaxed you back to Aspen?”

“I was in Basalt on a townhouse complex.”

“You’re going to be running the show here?” Glory waited for Natalie’s nod. “You’re in good hands, sweetheart,” she told Lena.

Natalie’s eyes widened for a moment. Not only had she clearly not known about Glory and Lena, but it looked like she hadn’t known Glory was a lesbian. Not that I found that surprising. As friendly, easygoing, and popular as she was, Glory wasn’t open with everyone. She had her circle of friends and unless you were in it, you didn’t know much about her. In this small town, I often envied that about her.

“Shall we get started?” Natalie asked.

“Honey,” Lena prompted Glory.

“All right, jeez, uptight,” Glory muttered with a huge smile before tilting forward and grabbing a goodbye kiss from Lena. “She won’t let me see the upstairs bathroom. She wants to do a surprise reveal when you’re done.”

“Sounds fun.” Natalie gave her another genuine smile.

“Sideless, again,” Glory declared, not at all bothered that three people in the room knew what would be going on upstairs but she, who spent many nights over here, didn’t. “The dogs and I will wait for the surprise.”

She headed toward the laundry room to get the dogs. They came bounding out as soon as she opened the door, excited and sniffing each of us. She introduced the dogs to Natalie, who bent to pet them. “If you have time today, stop by my place when you’re done. You haven’t seen the house in years.”

“Sure,” Natalie said easily.

“See you then. Bye, Viv.” Glory wrangled the dogs toward the door. “Call me if you get free for lunch, honey.”

“Will do,” Lena called out, her eyes glued to Glory’s retreating form. She noticed my knowing smirk and shook her head. “Can you blame me?”

I held up my hands. “You’re both lucky.”

Natalie’s head nodded once before she realized that I’d caught it. I glanced at her ring finger. Bare, but that didn’t tell me anything. Many construction workers didn’t wear rings when they worked. I shouldn’t be wondering if one of the construction crew was married or not, but she was so interesting with looks, quiet nature, and talent. Her clothes screamed lesbian, but it was the norm for construction workers. She might be ultra-feminine away from the job and wrapped all around some dude after work.

Lena bounced her eyes between Natalie and me, a slight smile playing on her lips. Before I could question the smile, she said, “I’ve got another half hour before I need to leave for work.”

Natalie nodded and went into action. She took us into the guestroom first. “Would you like us to work both areas at the same time or one then the other?”

Lena looked at me, but I sent the question back to Natalie.

“Working both areas cuts a week off the timeline. It’s less expensive during demo and easier to schedule the trades, but it is construction in two different areas in a home you’re trying to live in. Not many homeowners can live with one.”

She impressed me by asking Lena’s preference. I assumed we’d be working one area at a time, but she made a good case for doing both projects at the same time. I’d be in for more shopping and planning, but Lena’s suffering would be shorter.

“It makes more sense to do both, doesn’t it?” Lena looked at both of us.

Natalie and I nodded, not wanting to make the decision for her. “We’ll use dust barriers, but for the weeks that we’re working it will feel like you’re boxed in by construction.”

“It will be worth it.”

With that Natalie took Lena through a stage by stage description of the construction process. It was far more thorough than anything Cal had ever done for my clients and far more realistic. I couldn’t believe this woman wasn’t running her own company. What the hell did she need Cal for?

We walked Lena to the door when they’d finished. I assured her we’d take care of everything, but the house would look different when she got back tonight. Natalie had already warned her not to jump to conclusions until the job was done.

“Are you that thorough with all clients?”

Natalie glanced up at me. “Normally I’m just the worker bee. Cal handles the client relations. This is my first time from start to finish.”

“You’re doing a great job so far.”

She smiled at my compliment, her mouth a touch wide for her face. Without a visor, I could study her face. Those three moles varied in diameter from the size of a pinhead to a pea. All marked the left side of her face like someone dipped three small fingers in brown paint, spread them wide, and pressed them to her face. Fascinating. I itched for my sketch pad again.

“How long have you worked for him?”

“Eight years. I was in Boulder before that.”

“That’s a long time. You must like working for him.” This was none of my business, but I was curious why this woman who seemed better at the job than Cal would stay with him.

“He’s like any other boss,” she commented prudently. She pointed toward the door and said, “I’ll bring in the tools. My guys should be here soon.”

“All right. I’ll stick around for the start of the job before I begin shopping.”

“It’s going to take at least an hour to prep both areas. You may want to make yourself comfortable.”

I looked for any sign of sarcasm or resentment, but she didn’t seem to mind that a designer would be on her back for the entire project. Yet another benefit to having Natalie here instead of Cal. This might be my first trouble free project.

7 \ Vivian

I’d spoken too soon. Two weeks into the thus far effortless project, Cal started throwing a hissy fit over the payment schedule. I’d handed over his first check, representing the work Natalie’s crew had done so far. Rather than thank me for a prompt payment, he demanded payment in advance for the rest of the project.

“We’ve never worked that way, Cal,” I reminded him.

“Things have changed. I’ve let too many designers and clients push me around in these tough times. I’ve got to get paid up front before I dedicate manpower and supplies.”

I glanced at his crew working hard on the guest bedroom suite. They were the best crew I’d ever worked with. Their craftsmanship was impeccable, and they didn’t disappear or take unscheduled breaks or drag their heels to hold the job hostage. I’d started resenting Cal more and more because every other crew he’d assigned to me hadn’t done half the work in twice the time.

“I understand your predicament, but we have a working relationship. I’ve never stiffed you. You can count on your bill being paid in full.”

He held up his beefy hands. He’d gained fifty pounds since I last saw him. The weight sat on his stomach, aging him ten years. It was evident he no longer picked up a hammer. “Sorry, Viv. Change in policy. Payment up front from now on.”

I sized him up. Like most builders, he’d had a rough few years. Taking orders after being the boss so long couldn’t be easy, but that didn’t excuse his sudden loss of trust in our established work relationship. “We agreed to this payment schedule in the contract. We won’t deviate from that.”

“The contract allows for alternative pay schedules if the job requires it.”

I swallowed a scream of frustration. “We’re not altering the schedule. You’ll get your next check in two weeks.”

He stared at me, his tired eyes showing no other emotion. He didn’t seem to care if he ruined our working relationship. The other three contractors in the area weren’t great, but I could always try working directly with the subcontractors if I had to.

He cleared his throat and tilted back to look at his hard working crew. He made a waving motion with his arm. “Wrap it up, guys. We’re done here.”

“What?” I asked in a high pitched almost panicked screech. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to pull out, would he? What was he trying to prove? We had a signed contract. “We have a signed contract.”

“With a clause that allows for payment up front, which you won’t provide.” He had a smirk on his face now. He knew exactly what he was doing.

I glanced over his shoulder at Natalie. Her eyes were glaring at Cal’s back. They flicked to mine and softened with guilt. She had stopped working, but she hadn’t packed anything up. Her crew, Miguel, Ramón, and Tyler, were waiting for her instruction, not Cal’s.

“Want to check with the homeowner before we pull out of here?” Cal asked with a know-it-all tilt to his mug.

Dickhead.

Power trips were the problem I had with the other builders in the area. Cal had always been reliable and never demanded payment up front. I refused to pay for services not yet delivered, especially when it came to construction. Payment up front made it difficult to hold the contractors to a high standard.

“No, I don’t,” I answered. Calling Lena wouldn’t produce a different outcome.

“Suit yourself,” he gloated, glancing back at his still frozen crew.

“If you walk out of here, this will be the last project we work on together.” It was the only ammunition I had. Other than his spec building, I knew I was responsible for a lot of his billables over the last four years.

“You’ll call me to finish the work before the end of the week, Viv. No other crew will take this on.”

I scoffed at his smug declaration. He couldn’t know that. As much as I didn’t want to work with the other major contractors, there were smaller crews I could call to get the work done. I’d just liked working with Natalie’s so much.

Double dickhead.

He waited for me to ask him to stay. When I remained silent, he looked back at Natalie and barked out an order for her to pack up.

“Cal,” she warned.

“No,” he shot back. “Pack up everything. We’re done here until the decorator comes to her senses.”

Natalie shook her head then shot sorrow filled eyes at me. She didn’t have a choice. He was her boss and wasn’t leaving until they all left.

“This is a mistake,” I told him while we both watched the crew pack up all their tools.

“You’re the one making it. We can finish this in two weeks if you authorize payment.”

“Shady, Cal, shady,” I muttered. Even pulling a rotten move like this, he still had to add a lie to the mix. This project was five weeks from being done and that’s if all went smoothly.

“Take down everything,” Cal said, pointing to the dust barriers.

There was no way I’d leave these project rooms exposed. “They stay. They’re paid for. Get your stuff and go.”

“When you can’t get another crew in here to finish up, give me a call. We’ll renegotiate the contract.”

I’d hire my own crew and train them myself before I’d let that happen. Being stubborn rarely helped my cause, but Cal wasn’t getting another dime from me.

I watched them walk out of the house. Natalie was the last in line. Before she slipped through the door, she said, “I’m sorry. This isn’t how he normally does business.”

“It’s not your fault. You do great work.” It was too damn bad that her talent was wasted working for a dickhead like Cal.

By the time Lena got home, I’d managed to pack my anger away. Calls to other contractors hadn’t gone well. None were able to come look at the project for at least a month. I found that hard to believe because I knew that Burt’s crew wasn’t working right now at all.

“Wrapped up early today?” Lena asked when she walked through the door to a silent house.

“Come have a seat.”

She glanced at me, eyes narrowing. She took a seat at the island and waited for me to speak.

“Cal demanded payment up front for the rest of the project before he’d finish.” I watched her nod twice. “He’d already tried overcharging us for that first supply purchase. I wasn’t going to authorize payment for work he might not have to do.”

“Sensible.”

“I get the feeling he’s overextended and needs the money from this project to pay for his other projects. That always leads to trouble.”

Her head pushed back, eyes growing wide. “Does that mean he wouldn’t finish this project?”

“I don’t know, but when he runs out of money to pay his crew here because he’s already used the money from this project elsewhere, yeah, I think it’s possible.”

Lena nodded again. “Sounds like you made the right decision. Where are we on getting another contractor in here?”

I felt the stress knot between my shoulder blades flare up. Normally I didn’t need a massage until the end of a project. “They’re all claiming that they’re too busy right now.”

“But you don’t buy it?”

“I think Cal might have called them all. He’s trying to make us go back to him.”

“Solutions?”

It impressed me that she didn’t get irritated when it wouldn’t help matters. “I’ll start calling subcontractors to piece out the work.”

“And if Cal has called them, too?”

“I’ll call a crew I worked with in Glenwood Springs a few times. I’ll rent a house for them to stay in if necessary.”

Her eyes widened and a smile played on her lips. “You think of everything.”

“I wish I’d thought to go with someone other than Cal for this job.”

“You couldn’t know. Besides, Natalie was excellent. I bet she didn’t take being called off the job well.”

No she hadn’t. “She apologized for having to leave.”

“Too bad she’s not the boss.”

I’d been thinking that myself.

“Wonder why she isn’t,” Lena mused. “Bet Glory’s talked to her about it. Wanna see?”

I laughed. “You just want to get Glory over here.”

“True.” She laughed and picked up the phone.

Fifteen minutes later, we were sitting in Glory’s living room. Lena decided she couldn’t wait for her to come to us, which would have been cute if I weren’t feeling so much pressure.

“I can’t believe he pulled out of the job,” Glory said, filling coffee cups for us and setting out a scrumptious smelling coffeecake. It would ruin my dinner, but I never turned down anything Glory baked.

“I couldn’t either.”

“Nat told me about the townhouse complex she was working on in Basalt. It sounded like Cal’s been having money trouble for a while now.”

“Does she seem like the type to strike out on her own?” I wished we’d had the time to talk about more than progress reports over the past two weeks.

“I don’t know that it’s ever crossed her mind. Want me to call her and ask?”

Yes, I did, but I wouldn’t want to feed Natalie’s guilt and force her to make a huge decision. Starting my business had been very hard and scary. I couldn’t pressure someone else into that.

The phone rang, and Glory excused herself to answer it. A sparkling smile came over her face when she turned back. “Hey, Nat, we were just talking about you. We’re all over at my place. Come by.” She waited for Natalie’s reply before hanging up. “Natalie was knocking on your door, honey.”

“Did she say why?” Lena asked.

“She wanted to finish up what they’d been working on when Cal ordered her to leave.”

Now that’s dedication. This woman really should own her own business.

Glory let her in as soon as the doorbell rang. She smiled shyly as she joined us. She looked down at her work pants and the sofa, but Glory waved her down.

“I wanted to apologize again for Cal’s decision. I tried to talk him out of it, but I don’t have a lot of influence.” She glanced at me then Lena. “I’d like to finish the framing of the guest bathroom so you can call in a plumber instead of another construction crew right away.”

“That’s a generous offer, Natalie,” Lena told her.

“I feel bad. Cal’s not himself these days. I didn’t want to leave you hanging.”

“He told you he called the other crews, didn’t he?” I asked, trying to confirm my suspicions.

“What other crews?” Glory asked.

“When I called the other contractors who could take on this scope of work, they were all too busy to even come out for an estimate.”

“I’m sorry,” Natalie said again. “I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

“What a putz,” Lena said.

“I can make some calls in a week. They might be ready to budge by then. Cal’s promising things he won’t be able to follow through on.” Natalie looked off as if she were the one who felt the shame Cal should be feeling.

“Not a good way to do business,” I said.

“No,” Natalie agreed.

“Which brings us to why you haven’t gone out on your own yet, Nat?” Glory asked with that charming smile that could convince vampires to walk into sunshine.

Natalie’s eyes widened as she looked at each of us. “Lots of reasons.”

“Which are?” Glory was talking to an acquaintance about something that would normally excite or scare most people, but her calm demeanor settled over us all.

“I don’t think I could go out and get business. That’s one thing that Cal does well.”

Glory lifted a finger and wiggled her eyebrows for more reasons.

“I’m not business minded. I’ve seen lots of contractors lose their shirts because they can’t figure out the financial end of it.”

Glory held up another finger.

“I wouldn’t even know how to go about starting a business.”

Glory held up a third finger and waited for more. When Natalie just looked at her, she said, “I’ve got two of the three covered. You remember that I’m an accounting nerd, right?”

“A beautiful accounting nerd,” Lena inserted.

“Relevant, thanks, honey,” Glory deadpanned. “It’ll take me a half hour to find out licensing requirements for contractors and another half hour to fill out the standard business licensing forms. I’ve helped a gazillion clients start businesses. It’s kinda what I do.”

“And other nerdy accounting stuff,” Lena supplied helpfully again.

“Thank you, darling.”

“Should I be concerned that an accountant is using made up numbers?” Natalie joked.

I laughed loudly. Everyone turned surprised looks at me. The joke had been amusing but not gut busting. Stress could do that to me, though. At least it wasn’t inappropriate this time. It was also refreshing to find out that Natalie had a good sense of humor. She’d been so focused at work I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to see it.

“You okay there, Viv?” Lena asked, pursing her lips to keep from joining my laughter.

“Cal is a dickhead,” I said by way of explanation.

This time Natalie gave a sharp laugh. Just one, but it sounded nice. “He shouldn’t have done what he did.”

“Which is why you should consider starting your own company.” Glory gave an endearing smile to bring us back on track. “I can set you up with an accounting program that will handle the financial end of things. After that it’s a matter of getting clients.”

“You already have your first,” Lena said.

I jumped in, hoping to encourage her without adding pressure. “Half my projects are usually renovations, same with another designer friend of mine. We could definitely keep you busy.”

“You all make it sound so easy.” Natalie looked a little overwhelmed.

“Do you want to own your own construction company?” Glory asked.

“It would be nice not having another contractor breathing down my neck.”

“Leave that to the uptight clients,” I kidded.

“So really, it’s just a matter of paperwork at this point.” Glory smiled brightly. She was damn cute with the way she could strip everything down to its core as if nothing was that big a deal.

“I’ll think about it,” Natalie promised her.

“Keep in mind that a lot of your personal expenses will become deductible. That’s a huge tax savings every year. Almost a no brainer here.”

We all laughed at how easy Glory made this whole thing seem. Maybe to someone with her background, but I knew what Natalie would be facing. It was encouraging to see that she hadn’t shut down the idea right away.

8 \ Natalie

Cal was yelling at my guys again. His son had pulled two others aside for yelling in stereo. Why did these lunkheads think that yelling would get the work done faster or better? The only thing it did was make the guys not want to work faster or better.

All week I’d been thinking about Glory’s offer to help start a business of my own. It had been at the back of my mind when I’d been yanked from one jobsite to the next, cleaning up Cal’s inefficiencies and downright stupidity. I really had no idea how he’d managed to stay in business. His recent work had become slapdash, and I often found myself embarrassed at the finished cookie cutter product.

I still felt bad that I’d had to walk off Vivian’s job. That just didn’t sit right with me. Even without knowing and liking Glory, I’d want to do good work for Lena. She was a nice lady, who was opening her home to her grandparents. That said a lot about a person.

Yet here I was on Cal’s latest development, trying desperately to rally my troops to finish this townhome so he could put it on the market. I was putting out all the fires that Cal had started these past three weeks. The only good news of the week came when I called Vivian to see how the project was going. She’d found an independent plumber to do the rough-ins. It would lengthen the project time but keep it progressing.

“Harpy!” Cal yelled. “Explain to these workers that every mistake they make costs me money.”

“What mistakes?”

“That knee wall is five inches too tall, and they forgot two electrical receptacles.”

I tipped my head at Miguel. He grabbed the plans and brought them over. I spread them out in front of Cal. “The wall is supposed to be that height, and there’s no indication on this plan for two other receptacles.”

“We discussed it last week when you weren’t here.”

“Why aren’t the changes marked on the plan or on a change order?”

“Enough with the back talk, Harpy. I’m bleeding money every time you open your mouth!”

It would be so nice to tell him to shove his job, but could I really do it? I wasn’t like Glory. As much as she kidded about being a nerd, she really was. Running her own business was easy for her. I had enough savings to carry me a for a while, but I’d be putting my dream home on the line. Was it worth it? To be free of Cal or any other lunkhead I might work for in the future? Every time he opened his mouth, I had to think it was.

I didn’t bother to respond. Cal’s blowups were always temporary. It didn’t take long until he moved his tirade to the townhouse next door.

“Loco,” Miguel said to me as soon as he heard Cal begin to shout over there.

“Yep.”

“I wish we were back at Lena’s house with Vivian.”

“Me, too.”

“It was so quiet and calm there.”

“Yep.”

“Any chance she’ll call us back in to finish up?”

None. She’d still been spitting mad about Cal when I talked to her on Wednesday. “Doubt it.”

“But you have something in mind?” He pulled me into the unoccupied kitchen.

I wasn’t sure I should say it out loud, or I might decide one way or the other too fast. “My accountant friend is encouraging me to start my own contracting biz.”

Miguel’s eyes widened. Excitement came over his face. Two beats later it was replaced by a frown. “Like a one woman shop?”

“Like the kind of business that could handle projects like Vivian’s.”

“You’d need at least one full time employee.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

“Really?” I nearly yelped. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure we weren’t overheard and lowered my voice. “You’d really want to leave with me?”

“If you weren’t here, I’d have been long gone. The wife says she’s fine with me being a househusband until I can get on with another contractor.”

A fallback sounded nice, so did having someone to rely on and support my decisions. I’d never had it. Miguel was so lucky to be in that position.

“I don’t know,” I sighed. “It’s scary to think about keeping busy enough to stay afloat.”

“You’re better at the client sales than you think. I bet if Viv likes the finished product, she’d bring you on for her other projects.”

I tucked my chin against my chest, remembering the intervention she, Lena, and Glory had put me through. I doubted other potential new contractors had that kind of encouragement. “She might have mentioned that.”

His eyes popped wide as his hands came up to grip my arms. “With her jobs, all you’d need to do is get in good with a realtor who can throw repairs your way and you’d be set.”

“I’m thinking about it. Glory said she’d help with the recordkeeping end of it.” That was one of the most daunting parts. If she could make it as easy as she said, it might be the best career move I could ever make.

“A CPA is willing to help you, and a designer will bring you in on projects? You have to at least consider it.”

“You’re right. I’ll call Glory and see what she says.” I could listen to her analysis. I could even sit through the contractor’s exam to find out if I could get licensed. Neither step committed me one way or the other. It wouldn’t hurt to try.

“Have her assume you’ll have at least one employee.”

I laughed. It felt good to have his reassurance. With Glory’s help, I might be able to pull this off. The notion was exciting. Almost as exciting as being able to work with Vivian again.

9 \ Vivian

Molly wore what I called her angry look. My friend of many years was very protective. It angered her that my stupid contractor was acting stupidly. Angered her so much she was threatening to go over to his latest subdivision and start ripping walls apart.

“Mol,” I said, trying for calm. “Cal’s a jerk, but he has every right to walk off a job. I should have realized that his high quote meant he didn’t have time to finish the job. It should have been a red flag.”

“But he gave you a bid. What a frickin’ dick.” She wiped angrily at her cropped hair. Once, she’d let it grow out past her collar, and I thought it looked great. She thought it looked too femmie. With the harsh planes of her face, she often looked angry when she wasn’t. No one would ever accuse her of looking femmie. When she smiled, though, she’d go from angry butch to attractive androgynous in a flash. The look had an appeal, not for me, but she’d never suffered loneliness with the women.

“What’s got you so riled, Molly?” Jenna, our waitress and occasional ski buddy, asked when she picked up our empty plates.

“Dickhead contractor Viv is working with pulled off her project with no warning.”

“Wow,” Jenna commented. I wasn’t sure if she was listening to what Molly said or just staring at Molly. Jenna had a thing for Molly, a weird straight-married-woman thing, but a thing nonetheless.

“Yeah,” Molly agreed, oblivious to Jenna’s interest. A few years ago Molly told me she was ready to settle down. After that point, Molly went from being a carefree flirt to a single minded woman on a mission. With few single lesbians in town, she was in for a long wait.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’ve called the other contractors in the area who can take on this kind of work, and none of them will take it. Natalie said that Cal made a deal with them not to take on my project.”

“Now I really want to hit him.”

“Who’s Natalie?” Jenna continued ignoring her seven other tables.

“Foreman on my latest project.”

“She works for Cal?” Molly asked.

“Yes, but she could run her own crew. In fact, Glory and I tried to talk her into starting her own business as soon as Cal walked off the job.”

“Wow,” Jenna said again before finally going back to work.

“She must dazzle her husband with her vocabulary,” Molly commented, and I laughed because Molly was like that. One minute, completely pissed about something being done to one of her friends, and the next, making a sarcastic comment about someone. “Think Natalie will go for it?”

“I don’t know. I’m embarrassed to say that even after spending a lot of time with her on the jobsite, I don’t know much about her. She’s a hard worker and knows her stuff, but she seemed really hesitant even with Glory volunteering to do all the work to get her up and running.”

“Glory, huh?” Molly sighed wistfully. She’d had a crush on Glory since meeting her. Just a surface crush, one that didn’t involve knowing the object of her crush well enough to know they weren’t compatible, not the kind that had actual feelings attached.

“They know each other. Natalie helped build her house.”

“Makes sense then. Hope she goes for it. What’s she like?”

“Kind and considerate. She hasn’t talked a lot, but she seems great.”

Molly inclined her head. Light danced in her brown eyes. “Could she be family?”

“Anyone could be family, Mol. You know that.”

“For you, anyone would be, yeah,” Molly joked. “Realistically though, think she might be? She works construction.”

“Molly!” I admonished.

“What?”

“Don’t throw your innocent act around me. You know I don’t buy it.”

She fluttered her eyebrows. “Don’t I know it.”

“It’s not a topic that comes up on a construction site.”

“You could maybe drop a hint that you live in Lady Town and see how she reacts.”

“Lady Town?” I started laughing.

“Lady Land? Female Frontier? Lassie Metropolis?”

“Stop.”

“Is she a hottie? A fit, handy, construction hottie? What’s she look like?”

“Molly.”

“Come on, Viv, no one is going to be as gorgeous as you, but if she’s hot, she’ll do.”

My head pushed back at the compliment. She didn’t normally get hung up on looks like Joanna and Brandy could. They thought they could change anyone’s sexuality for a night based on how good they looked. It kinda drove me nuts that appearance garnered easy compliments. Like it meant something to be beautiful instead of a good person with a pleasant personality. The personality I was responsible for; the looks I had nothing to do with.

“She’s very nice,” I responded.

“And hot?”

“Focused, patient.”

“And ultra-hot, right?”

“Pretty.”

“Pretty hot?”

That got me laughing again. “Yeah, okay, pretty hot.”

“I knew it!”

“Hey, Viv, hi, Molly,” Glory called out as she approached with Lena, her friend Mei, and a dark haired woman I’d never seen before.

“Hey, guys,” Molly greeted as I tipped my chin at them.

“Do you know Miguel’s wife, Marcela?” Glory gestured to the unfamiliar woman.

“He does great work,” I told Marcela, shaking her hand.

 “He enjoyed working with you. First time he’s come home and not complained about work,” she said, making us laugh.

Just as they were about to head off to their table, Miguel and Natalie came into the restaurant. Glory introduced both to Molly. I felt my face grow warm as Molly recognized Natalie’s name and very obviously went about checking her out. Natalie barely glanced at her, happy to let Lena tell Molly about the project.

“So?” Glory asked, looking at Natalie, but it was Miguel who answered.

“She aced the exam!”

“Hey, congrats, Nat. Does this mean we’re filling out paperwork tomorrow?”

Natalie smiled, shooting a quick glance at me. “Let’s go for it.”

Glory’s hand bumped my shoulder. “You hear that, Viv? Natalie’s getting her own shop.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised. Glory could talk almost anyone into almost anything. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been hoping Natalie would make this decision. I wouldn’t have to worry about Lena’s project anymore, and I could stop turning down client meetings for renovation work. If I were being honest, I could say that Natalie was saving my career, at least in the short-term. I was going to have to find a way to thank her.

“That’s wonderful, Natalie. Congratulations,” I said, reaching out to squeeze her arm. She was blushing to the tips of her ears with all the attention. My eyes were riveted by the sight. I could tell she wanted to dash away from the focus, and I felt compelled to help her. “I’ll expect you on the jobsite tomorrow morning.”

The mock order did the trick. Everyone laughed, and Glory started ticking off everything that needed to be done before Natalie could officially start work. The list sounded lengthy and tedious. Glory looked jazzed about it—the nerdling—but at least no one was gushing over Natalie’s accomplishment anymore.

I stole a glance at her. She chose that moment to shift her gaze to me. Her eyes shined with her smile. The look pulled me in. I couldn’t wait to get to know her better whenever she could start back to work.

“Is Monday morning soon enough?” she asked.

“Monday is great.” Surprising, actually. I figured she’d want some time off before jumping headfirst into her new venture.

“We’ll see you then.” She indicated Miguel.

My whole being brightened at the news. Miguel was leaving Cal’s crew with her. Fantastic. Not only would I get one competent reliable contractor to work this project and probably any future project, I’d get another construction worker who knew as much and worked as hard.

I watched them head off to their table to start an impromptu celebration. No doubt Glory had organized the whole thing. She tended to gather large groups quickly and efficiently when she wanted. When I turned back to my dinner mate, she was beaming.

“Pretty hot is right. She looks like that British actress.” Molly’s eyes were still on the group as they sat at their table.

I glanced discreetly over my shoulder at Natalie again. Her hair was styled tonight, some product giving body and muss to the four inch strands, and she had bangs that reached past her right eyebrow. With the hats she wore to work, I’d never noticed her bangs before. Molly was right about her being pretty hot. “Which British actress?”

“The one in all those movies.” Molly tended to gloss over details.

“That’s specific.”

She looked over and laughed. “That one. Damn, I can’t think of her name. Now it’s going to bug me all night.”

“Emma Thompson?”

“What? Do you need glasses? She doesn’t look anything like Emma Thompson.”

“I know, but she’s a British actress in a lot of movies.”

“But she looks nothing like her. Okay, wait, I’ll think of her.” Her brown eyes squinted. “Something with a K.”

That was about as specific as she’d get. “Kate Winslet?”

“Nope.”

“Kate Beckinsale? Cate Blanchett?”

“Now you’re just naming Kates, and that last one is with a C and Australian.” She laughed, and I joined her.

“There are an inordinate number of actresses named Kate.”

“I can’t think of her. It’ll come to me tonight, and I’ll call you. The point is she’s pretty hot. I didn’t know you went for that type, Viv. If short hair is your thing, look no farther, baby.”

I laughed again. Molly had an intensity to her that was laser tight. We’d never work as a couple, but I always enjoyed her flirty nature.

10 \ Natalie

All throughout breakfast, I couldn’t stop glancing down at my new shirt. My company name and logo, created by Glory’s graphic designer friend, stood out against the fern green background color. I’d been glowing with pride from the moment I pulled them out of the box. One week out of Cal’s grasp, Miguel and I would finally look unified on the jobsite.

My pride dimmed a touch when my roommate’s girlfriend came into the kitchen dressed in Trent’s shirt and nothing else. She was the fakest person I’d ever met. Trent kept falling for her fake pout, fake giggle, fake orgasms—no one screamed and went on like that every single time—and fake blond hair because he liked her fake double D boobs. I wasn’t a fan of her or her fake boobies, but Bambi was becoming a permanent fixture around here. I wondered what she’d do if I brought a woman home with blonder hair and faker boobs, then paraded her through the kitchen in nothing but my shirt. One of my new, snazzy company shirts. I couldn’t help but smile—about the shirt, not bringing home a Bambi clone. So not my type.

“Did you use the last of the milk?” She shot me an accusing look.

“It’s my milk.” Which she knew along with the fact that Trent and I didn’t share food. Yet she still stole my milk, sometimes my cereal, and always my coffee every morning.

Her lower lip popped out and quivered.

Pfft. Give me a break.

“Baby? Bring the coffee in here, c’mon,” Trent called from his bedroom.

We used to be good friends. Her manipulation had put an end to that. Now we were just roommates, and I was getting the impression she’d like that to end as soon as possible. I didn’t want to think about trying to find another place. The affordable one bedrooms were more than forty minutes away. Maybe someone was advertising for a roommate online. Yeah, that’d be safe.

Bambi scowled at me, grabbed the coffee pot filled with my coffee, and poured two mugs. When I didn’t confront her, as usual, she smiled smugly and sauntered away.

My cellphone buzzed. I checked the display. A text from my sister-in-law.

The alien hates me again.

I smiled. It was her way of asking for help with my nephew. Not that I was much help these days. At fourteen and a half, Seth knew everything, listened to no one, back talked, did what he wanted, and basically ruled the kingdom of surly. Claire was at her tolerance level most days.

When my brother was alive, Claire and I had always been cordial, sometimes friendly, but never really friends. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of me. Brad liked me, so she had to, but my parents didn’t, which confused any good daughter-in-law trying to win their favor. She’d been reaching out to me more since Seth had started with his attitude. Now that she had moved to Aspen, I planned to solidify my place in his life.

Punching the right button, I rang through to her cell. I knew she’d have more to say.

“He hates me, Nat. Am I a bad mother for moving here?”

“No.” Even if I thought the timing was bad, she wasn’t a bad mom because she wanted to move. She wasn’t even a bad mom because she wanted to move in with her boyfriend when he’d had to relocate for his job. “He’s at that age.” And he’s thinking you’ve betrayed his dad even if his dad is dead. But she didn’t need to hear that.

“He’s refusing to let me take him to school this morning, but we have to meet with the principal and pick up his schedule. He made a lot of alien noises that sounded like he wanted to have his leader beam me back to his planet for experimentation.”

I laughed. I could just imagine the alien noises she was talking about.

“I put my foot down, Nat, told him I was driving him whether he liked it or not.”

“So, I’m driving him?” I guessed.

She laughed this time. “Do you mind? He said he wouldn’t completely throw up his breakfast and have me marked for teleportation if you drove him.”

I checked my watch. If I left now, I should have time to take him to school before work. I told her I’d be over soon, crossing my fingers that Seth was in a better mood than he’d been on Friday night after they first arrived in town.

By the time I got there, Seth looked ready to commit a crime just to get the hell out of the house. Greg was clearly trying to establish some authority now that they were living under his roof, and Claire looked like she might crumble under the tension. Seeing me, Seth vaulted out of his seat at the breakfast table, grabbed his backpack, and stomped outside before I’d finished greeting everyone. I shrugged at Claire, said goodbye, and went to meet him outside.

Without a parka, hat, or boots, Seth didn’t make it four steps before whining about how f-ing cold it was in this s-town where he didn’t want to g-d live but f-ing had to thanks to his stupid mom and her even more stupid boyfriend. Yep, this was going to be so nice having my sweet nephew living so close by now.

I unlocked the passenger door for him without commenting. He scoffed and looked over at me through shaggy bangs. He’d grown two inches since my last visit with him in Denver. He now stood eye to eye with me. His hair was too long, probably to bug his mom. If it were shorter, he’d look just like Brad had at this age.

“Your truck’s an old piece of shit.” His attitude, however, wasn’t like Brad’s.

“Thanks, Seth, that’s nice of you to say.” I slid onto the driver’s seat, waiting on him to join me. Defensiveness did nothing to deflate his surliness. He’d usually drop the attitude after enough of my cheery responses, realizing it didn’t bug me like it did his mother. “And please don’t swear.”

He snorted in response, but it wasn’t long before his knee started jackhammering. He was nervous, and I couldn’t blame him. Angry, and I completely understood. “School blows chunks.”

I looked over at him as I got us on the highway. “It’s necessary, bud.”

“Whatever,” he said. Again. That was pretty much his response for everything since becoming an alien. “You can’t tell me I don’t have a reason to be pissed.”

I studied him again. “You’re right.”

His head swung around with large brown eyes. I knew I was the first person to acknowledge his anger. “Yeah, I’m right.”

“Starting at a new school mid-semester sucks. Moving sucks. Not knowing anyone here sucks. So does living in someone else’s house and having to share someone else’s room. But mostly it sucks that your dad died, and that’s what this is really all about.”

He turned his gaze back to the road. He wouldn’t say anything because he’d probably start crying, and he was too old to cry according to him. He’d lost his dad at an age when his dad was still his best friend, before he could get embarrassed by him or angry at him. It was sad and unfair.

I knew I couldn’t be a substitute for his dad, but I could let him vent and remind him of the good times we all had together. Seth was it for my family now, even if he was an alien.

* * *

Sanding sounds came from Lena’s garage as I walked up her drive after dropping my nephew off. Miguel’s truck wasn’t here yet and the door was closed, so I wasn’t sure who was using our makeshift carpentry center.

“Good morning, Natalie,” Lena’s grandmother greeted. She and her husband arrived two days ago on a stopover before heading off to their family vacation home in Hawaii.

“Morning, Tamiko. What’s going on in the garage?”

Her head turned in that direction. It was hard to believe this woman with her mostly black hair and still unlined face was in her eighties. “That’s Owen. Woodworking is his hobby. I told him he should ask to use your sander first, but it’s in good hands, dear. He’s been doing this as long as I can remember.”

My eyes grew wide. It was rare to hear someone use the term woodworking. Carpentry, yes, but woodworking implied craftsmanship. I was eager to see what he had going on.

“Morning, Owen.” I called out to the man bent over my portable worktable as I stepped into the garage.

He looked up from his project, a light coating of sawdust covered most of his shirt and reached up to the dark brown skin on his neck. Owen’s face showed many of his eighty plus years, but his smiling eyes always erased a couple of decades. “Hi, Nat. Hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t resist your toys.”

I’d yelled at the guys on Cal’s crew for less because they often broke or lost my tools. Looking at how Owen was handling the sander, I didn’t worry that he’d mistreat anything. “Not at all. What do you have going here?”

“Vivian was telling me about ordering frames for the mirrors in the bathrooms. I thought I could put something together with your scrap lumber.”

I eyed his work. The frame was already assembled and not a nail mark in sight. He’d used dovetail notches instead. Old school, but the very thing that made for expensive furniture. “Looks a beauty, Owen. You’re more than a hobbyist.”

“I was going to talk you into letting me build that desk Vivian wanted to put in the sitting room area.”

We must be on the same wavelength. I’d made the same offer to Vivian when the project began, but with the delay in the timeline, I knew I wouldn’t have time to build it myself. “If you’ll let me help so I can see how you do some of this edging.” My fingers ran along the design he’d worked into the frame.

His smile was as bright as his mood and catching. I found myself whistling as I went back into the house and down to what would become their new home. We should finish the tiling in their bathroom today.

“You just tell him if he gets in your way out there,” Tamiko said as I drifted past the kitchen where she was already making something for lunch. She’d treated us to the best work lunches I’d ever had on any jobsite and seemed to enjoy doing it.

“He’s very good. I may have to hire him.”

She laughed, sounding very much like Lena. I’d instantly liked them both. I could see why Lena would want them to move in permanently.

By the time we stopped for lunch, my knees were aching. Even with pads, my thirty-eight year old bones couldn’t take kneeling all day to set floor tile. I would have to stop by the hardware store today and get one of those kneeling pads that landscapers use to add extra padding.

Tamiko had a nice spread of Japanese food ready when we surfaced from the back room to a surprisingly crowded dining area. Glory had brought several people I’d gotten to know while building her house: her parents, Dana and Henry, her best friend, Mei, Mei’s fiancé, Spencer, and her other business partner, Brooke. Lena and Vivian were following Tamiko to the table with platters of teriyaki chicken and tempura. Apparently no one in town liked missing Tamiko’s food. Miguel and I had been instructed not to bring lunches for the two weeks she was stopping over. I’d felt guilty for the first two bites, but the taste erased my guilt.

Everyone shared greetings as we sat. I sat between Vivian and Owen, who’d changed his shirt and cleaned off all the sawdust from his woodshop in the garage.

I shot Vivian a look that said I knew she wasn’t due back here until late afternoon. “Found some extra time in your day?”

“There are Michelin star restaurants that aren’t this good. Besides, I don’t have to worry about checking in at this site, do I? Not with you running things.”

She smiled sweetly, but I could hear the taunting in her voice. Tempting me to challenge her. It usually preceded—yep, she’d just snagged the first gyoza I placed on my plate. This was a common habit of hers; taking a chip from the bag I was holding or grabbing a carrot stick from my container. She would slowly pull it toward her, like she was waiting for me to yell at her for swiping my food. I didn’t mind at all. It gave me an excuse to stare at her and watch her mouth work. I shouldn’t be fanning the fires of my little crush on her, but dammit she was fine and exciting.

“Like your shirt,” she said after finishing the bite she’d taken from my plate.

My shoulders pulled back automatically. “Thanks. Brooke’s husband designed the logo.” I nodded at Brooke, but she was too busy eating Tamiko’s excellent yakisoba to comment.

“Know the best part about it?”

“That it doesn’t have Cal’s name on it?” I guessed with a smile, still thrilled that I no longer had to answer to him.

She gave me a happy grin and leaned closer, lowering her voice. “And it fits. Cal’s shirts were always two sizes too big. Clearly he’d never hired a woman before.”

I would have found her comment funny if I didn’t catch her eyes slipping down my torso briefly. Warmth flared in my chest. I swallowed, trying to shake the heady feeling I got from her approval. For a second, I pictured Vivian as the woman I brought home to parade through my kitchen, wearing only my company shirt. Oh my.

She wasn’t a Bambi clone. She was a thousand times better. And as the woman mostly responsible for doling out work to my new company, I probably shouldn’t be picturing her like that.

11 \ Vivian

Knocking sounded at my front door, then the doorbell, then more knocking. It made me smile. My nephews, no doubt.

“Hi, fellas,” I greeted when I opened the door.

Bright little boy faces grinned widely. At six, Teddy was a head taller than his five-year-old brother, Mason. He looked like a blond version of my brother, and Mase looked more like a brunette version of his mom. They were rambunctious but absolutely adored me, and the feeling was mutual.

“Aunt Viv, we’re going boarding. You have to come!” Mason demanded, tugging on my hand.

Seeing as the last time we went, they spent the majority of the day on their little behinds, it wasn’t high on my list of priorities for a Sunday. It was hard to say no to these two, though.

I looked up at my brother, and the usual surge of pride ran through me. My little brother, younger by fifteen months, had been my best friend my entire life. Now he was the father of two wonderful boys and a husband to a really great woman.

“We’re not letting you work today, Viv,” Zach told me, wearing Teddy’s smile.

“Come inside, guys.” I stepped back and let them into my cabin.

They stayed in the entryway, not wanting to get snow all over my floors. “You gotta come, Aunty. Ya got to,” Mason said.

How could I argue with that reasoning? Especially coming from this cutie pie. “Half day?” I looked at Zach for my answer.

“Absolutely,” he whispered to me.

“I’m in,” I told them. Both boys began hopping with excitement. For some reason they absolutely loved when I joined them for anything. I didn’t think I was particularly great with kids, but they didn’t seem to mind. It was probably because I gave almost every ounce of attention to them when I was with them.

They grabbed my snowboard and dashed outside to strap it to the back of their dad’s Gator. I’d meet them up at his house after I changed into ski pants and thermal everything to keep from freezing on this cold but clear winter day. Before heading into my bedroom to change, I glanced over at the bookkeeping I was doing for the business and smiled. I could do it tomorrow. On an actual work day because my new contractor was maintenance and worry free. And cute.

“Thank God, you’re coming with us,” Cassie declared when I stepped out of my car in their driveway. She knew that with me there it was one less rotation on encouraging the boys back up onto their boards every time they fell.

I really liked Cass, not surprising since my brother liked her and I liked him. She and my brother were the vets in town. He dealt with small animals, and Cassie had the large ones, but they’d cover for each other when they each needed a break. Cassie wasn’t as busy as Zach, which allowed her more time with the boys. She was also a great friend to me and treated me like I was her sister, not the sister of the man she married. Considering we shared a property, it made things a lot easier.

“Zach promised a half day,” I said as she grabbed the kids’ helmets from the garage and loaded them into the back of their Highlander.

“Half hour is fine with me,” she exclaimed.

I couldn’t blame her. Once the kids were good at boarding, it would be much more fun to go up on the mountain on a Sunday. But until they got off the bunny slope, skiing wasn’t a lot of fun.

“How’d the birth go the other day?” I asked after the horse she was boarding for a celebrity. The woman had called Cass twice a day to check on the status of the birth. After three weeks of calls, it was enough to drive me crazy, and I wasn’t the one taking the calls.

“Out and fine, like I told the batty lady over and over.”

“Are you going to kick the horse off the island?” I joked of the four stall barn they had behind their house.

“If I didn’t love animals, I’d think about it. I truly do not know how you put up with some of those people. You must be a saint.”

Ha! Not even close. If she only knew the number of times I’d sewn little likeness dolls just to throw them around the room to vent my frustration, she’d be amazed.

“Move out, soldiers!” Zach barked to the boys, who instantly saluted and attempted to march in unison to the car.

Cass and I laughed and loaded in after the kids. It didn’t take long to get up to Snowmass and park. We found ourselves in a stream of tourists trying to manage their snowboards or skis and clomp their way up to the ticket lines. We always got our tickets in town, so we could bypass that extra step and basically step onto our boards and go.

Snow crunched under my boots, the sound comforting. Zach and I grew up on skis, even before we’d moved to Aspen. I couldn’t wait for the time the boys could handle intermediate runs. For now, I was happy to take it slow on family days.

“Practice run, guys,” Zach told the boys. We’d learned that it was best to let them get their balance on a short slope before taking them up on the pulls.

They looked up at the bunny hill. Teddy pointed to a cluster of trees and told his brother that they’d start from there. Mason looked happy to follow, like usual. He gave his brother the lead on everything. They waved and started up, dragging their boards at their sides.

“They’re so cute,” Cass said. “Is it obnoxious that I think my own kids are adorable?”

“They look just like me. How could you not think they’re adorable?” Zach kidded and received both a snort and a kiss from his wife. They had exactly the type of relationship I wanted. Respect, trust, consideration, and most of all, passionate love, they had it all.

“Did you see they moved the charity tournament up this year?” Cassie asked me.

“No, when?”

“Next month. Will you be able to play?” She looked concerned that I wouldn’t make it. She and the animal shelter’s director organized the pool tournament every year. It raised money to prevent animal cruelty.

My clients were easy targets for sponsorship. I always raised a lot of money no matter how many matches we won. “I should be able to rearrange my schedule. Just hope Molly’s not working.” Molly was my teammate every year. She was damn good. Had no sponsors, but she kept us in the tourney to very near the title match each year.

“Anyone else you know that’s good at pool?” Zach asked.

“How about someone you could date?” Cassie wiggled her eyebrows. “Good way to get to know someone with no pressure.”

“You think I should ask someone out by dragging them into a pool tournament that pretty much only locals who’ve known each for years attend?”

Cassie’s face fell. “I guess you’re right. It’s just too bad that you haven’t found someone special yet. All those romances you read don’t seem to be helping the matter.”

“You think I’m looking for someone with heaving bosoms and girded loins?”

They both laughed. Zach had been teasing me about the romances I read since I discovered the teen versions back in junior high. So I liked romances. I knew they weren’t entirely realistic. Hell, some were downright ridiculous, but it didn’t stop me from liking them. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying heartfelt prose from time to time. They weren’t all I read.

“I just wonder if maybe you aren’t waiting for someone who says only the right things, never has any faults, and finds every single thing about you delightful even at your worst.”

I considered that. Then I considered Cassie telling me all this. She never tried to set me up, never even encouraged me toward someone. Unlike the rest of my straight friends, she’d never think to set me up with the only other lesbian she knew. Cassie knew quite a few thanks to Glory and me, but she didn’t push. Zach took an interest in my dating life because he wanted me happy, but he didn’t try to set me up either.

“Not everyone can be married to me, hon,” Zach teased her.

She snorted loudly, making us laugh again. “I want you to be happy. I hope those romances aren’t warping you into an unrealistic view of potential partners.”

I really should agree to more dates. I just didn’t see a future with people who lived here part-time or tourists who asked me out. I’d tried a long-distance relationship with a part-timer a while ago, and it didn’t work out. It made being in a relationship exponentially harder.

“She’s a romantic, hon. You know that,” Zach told Cassie.

“Yeah, but some of the greatest romantics didn’t have a happy love life.”

She was right about that. What if I turned out like Jane Austen? Successful professionally but no recordable love life? Still, I couldn’t give up hope. I wouldn’t settle. I’d rather be alone than settle.

“I don’t think wanting to feel my heart race when I’m with someone is too much to ask. I know it won’t last a lifetime, but just once, in the beginning, I want to feel that. It’s always just been someone who’s compatible, someone who’s funny, someone who’s interesting. It’s never been all that and the passion I want to feel.” I looked at my brother and his wife, compassion in their eyes. Maybe I was asking for too much. “Is that unrealistic? You guys had that. I know a lot of people settle, and at my age, maybe I should.”

“No,” Zach said.

“No,” Cassie agreed.

Both looked like they were remembering their courtship when Zach would forget even the simplest tasks because he couldn’t stop thinking about Cassie. I wanted that, if only for a little while at first, but I was holding out for that.

“I’ll find it, right?”

“It’s harder in this small of a town, but yes, you’ll find it,” Cassie assured me, or maybe she was assuring herself. But it felt good either way.

12 \ Natalie

It was freezing and my truck wouldn’t start. Again. Damn this thing. It always started during the summer. Why did it have to wait till the winter to get spotty? Perhaps the subzero weather had something to do with it.

I waited two minutes in the freezing cab of my truck, rubbing my gloves together, convincing myself that it was helping to keep my hands and arms warm. It wasn’t. I reached down and said a small prayer then turned the key again. Nothing but a click.

I jumped out of the truck and ran back into the apartment. At least I could be warm for the next ten minutes while I got Miguel to head over with a jump. After I placed the call, I sat on the couch and waited. Load moaning began as if on cue. Jeez. Didn’t Bambi ever quit? Her dog, Binky, was yapping his little head off, probably freaked that Mama was being smothered by a big dude while she was screeching her head off. Poor confused doggie accessory.

Miguel called just as Bambi was getting into her high pitched yips. I tore outside not bothering to put back on my coat first. I’d rather freeze then listen to more of that.

He was already out of his truck, hood open, attaching the cables to his battery. “Third time this month, amiga. Is it time to let the truck die peacefully?”

I chuckled but knew he was right. The last time this happened, I swore to myself I’d get rid of it if the battery didn’t turn over again. It was one more non-start away from never starting again.

Miguel got the engine running. I tried the same and after the third crank, it turned over and started running. I couldn’t let this keep happening. Now that I owned my own business, I had to be more reliable.

“What are you smiling about?” Vivian sat next to me at the morning break and plucked a grape from the container in my hand. Her eyes held a teasing question before she lifted it to her mouth. Every time she dared me to tell her to stop, but damn if it didn’t make her look more enticing when she was teasing.

“I just texted my nephew that I’d pick him up from school. He wasn’t thrilled, but he will be once he knows where we’re going.” I didn’t need to explain Seth’s reaction to her. She’d met him last weekend when Glory invited a bunch of us to go snowmobiling. Vivian came with her nephews, who took one look at Seth and decided he was their hero. The adoration and snowmobile rides managed to lift Seth’s spirits for the day.

“Where are you going?” she asked, popping another grape into her mouth.

“Truck shopping.”

“Cool.”

I slid a suspicious look her way. What about dealing with car salespeople was fun? It was why I needed my nephew as reinforcement. It was also one of the reasons I held onto my cars for so long.

“Uh-oh. Somebody doesn’t like car shopping?” Vivian’s blue-green eyes twinkled at me. “I can fix that. My buddy, Mitch, owns a dealership. Whenever any of my family or friends needs a car, I call him to get the best price. No dickering.”

“Must be nice.”

Her eyes widened as she smiled again. “You’re my friend, too, Nat. I’ll call him if you’re okay with a Chevy or a Toyota.”

I couldn’t believe she’d extend herself like that for me. She was intent on burning a favor with this guy for someone she didn’t know all that well. “That would be wonderful, but I don’t want you to strain that relationship for me.”

“He’s always happy when he doesn’t have to pay out a sales commission to his staff. It’s enough of a profit for him, believe me.”

“That’s really nice. Thanks, Vivian.”

“Sure thing.” She fluttered her brow then bent to pull up my pant leg to inspect my sock for the design. She did this almost every day, and each time I grinned. “Giraffes. Nice.”

She hopped up and squeezed my shoulder before heading into the project room. Her easy nonchalance was a complete turn on. I shouldn’t be thinking that about the woman responsible for keeping my business afloat, but I couldn’t help it. She was beautiful, confident, intelligent, and sneaky fun. I was enjoying my time getting better acquainted and didn’t feel guilty that it made my work days so much better.

After school, I spotted Seth walking toward the parking lot, head down, feet dragging. Despite having fun snowmobiling, he still didn’t seem to be having any fun at school. I felt bad for him and hoped that the anger he was feeling in general about his life didn’t make it so that he’d never make friends at his new school.

“At least you didn’t get out of the car and start waving like a loser,” he grumbled when he climbed in beside me. Clearly his mother had embarrassed him when she’d picked him up. “Where are we going anyway? I can still catch the bus if it blows.”

“I need your help.”

He sighed and looked bothered by my request. “With what?”

“Getting a new truck.”

“Seriously?” His head snapped around, eyes wide. “What are you waiting for?”

I laughed and headed out of the parking lot carefully. Even in this old truck, I didn’t want to get in an accident with all these new drivers. It was only a fifteen minute drive to the car lot that Vivian had suggested.

“Are you Natalie?” A tall, blond man appeared as we walked through the doors of the showroom. At my nod, he stuck out his hand. “I’m Mitch. Vivian told me to look for you about now.”

“Nice to meet you. This is my nephew, Seth.”

Mitch nodded at him. “What are you looking for?”

“I’m in construction, so a truck.”

His eyes widened a bit before he smiled and nodded. He looked out front and took note of my old pickup. “You drive them to death, huh?”

“Bought it used, and it’s done me well.”

“Sounds good. What are you looking for in a truck.”

“Go full size this time, Aunt Nat. It’ll haul everything you need and tow trailers. Plus you’re the boss, so you got to show up serious.”

Mitch and I both looked at Seth in surprise. That was probably the most he’d said to any adult in more than a year. I tipped my head at him and told Mitch, “He’s the expert.”

Seth beamed and sprinted out the doors over to where the trucks were lined up. When we caught up, he went through the features on all the models as if he worked on the car lot. As much as I didn’t like car shopping, seeing Seth this excited made my day. I didn’t know what all the features he was talking about did, but I did know I needed a four-wheel drive this time. We test drove two models. I didn’t see much difference, both had driven like a dream compared to my pickup. I ended up choosing the one Seth liked best.

“You probably have to get boring white, right?” Seth asked.

“Why?”

“Because all contractors drive white trucks.”

“What would you get?” I asked, genuinely interested. Seth didn’t share his opinions freely anymore.

“Something not white.”

“Pick a color.”

He gave me a teasing grin. “What if I said pink?”

“I’d say that you should remember that I’ll be picking you up from school occasionally and will honk really loudly when I do.”

That got both Mitch and Seth laughing. He walked down the line, carefully inspecting the colors available. He pointed at a silver truck. “This one. It’s light enough that you can put a sign on it, but different from the other contractors. Bonus: it’s icy cool.”

“Sold.” Everyone smiled when I said that.

We headed inside for the paperwork. I tried not to think about the fact that even with my down payment, the truck payments for the next three years were still pretty daunting. It would be worth it, though. I’d never owned a new car. Never. It was about time I started spending some of my hard earned money.

When we got to Mitch’s office, I was shocked to see Vivian in one of the seats. She was talking to a boy about Seth’s age and smiled when we headed inside.

“Hey, Dad,” the boy said to Mitch. “Mom dropped me here while she goes to Pam’s ballet lesson.”

Mitch nodded at him. “Do you know Seth from school, Luke?”

“Yo, Seth.” Luke tipped his head. “Your mom getting a car?”

“My aunt. Getting a truck.”

“Rad, which one?”

They started speaking in specifics about the truck as I still stood beside the unoccupied chair, startled by Vivian’s appearance. Last weekend had been the first time I’d seen her away from the jobsite. She’d turned out to be even more engaging away from work. Just as I’d suspected she would be. What was she doing here?

“I’m not going to scam her, Yeats. Can’t you trust me even a little?” Mitch joked, dropping into his chair and sending a challenging look at Vivian.

“Of course, just wanted to see what she chose and make sure everything goes smoothly. Sounds like you picked a nice one.” She indicated the boys still yammering about the truck.

“Oooh, yeah,” I heard Seth say. He turned to me and said, “You should get a lift kit.”

I turned my startled stare to him. “Bud, unlike you, I’m stuck at 5-5 for the rest of my life. I’d be dangling off that thing with a lift kit.” It was already half a foot higher off the ground than my current pickup.

Luke smacked Seth’s arm and laughed. “Dude, your aunt’s funny.”

Seth’s lips quirked, a glimpse of the sweet kid coming back. “You gotta get the step rail, and don’t forget the toolbox.”

“Got it.” I imagined the price ratcheting up and up, but he was right.

“Dad, I’m going to take him back to the detail shop while you finish the boring stuff,” Luke announced.

Mitch flicked his wrist and nodded. The boys headed toward the back of the showroom. This had turned into a good trip all around. I would get a new truck, Seth hadn’t thrown attitude in an hour, and now it looked like he might actually have a friend.

“Any other accessories?” Mitch asked, pulling out the paperwork.

I shook my head, but Vivian spoke up. “She needs a bed liner, tow package, navigation, winter floor mats, a set of snow tires, and anything else you think a contractor needs on her truck. Set her up, Mitch.” She smiled at my shocked look. “I had a talk with Miguel before I left Lena’s today.”

That figures. Miguel wanted to make sure I wouldn’t pull my usual and get the base model just to make do. I should feel happy that Miguel and Vivian were making sure I was covered on this major purchase, but dollar signs were dancing in front of my eyes.

“Do you still have those cargo trailers over on your other lot?” Vivian continued. “She’ll need one of those.”

I gulped loudly. I would need one of those to transport all the tools I’d eventually get, but it wasn’t necessary right now. It didn’t matter that I could write off the expense. I turned to Vivian, trying to start the awkward conversation of admitting that I couldn’t afford that right now. Her twinkling eyes stopped me before I said anything.

“And you’re going to throw all that in for free,” she finished.

Sweat broke out on Mitch’s forehead. “Come on, Yeats. That’s like ten grand worth of extras.”

“At retail, not that it matters. You’re throwing it in because you’ve been trying to sell your house, and Tessa tells me she’s had no bites. You know you need it staged, and the boys’ rooms need skim coats and a repaint. Natalie and I will take care of that for you.”

He sat back, bouncing his eyes from the cool, negotiating machine named Vivian to the silent, gawping me. There was no way he had ten grand worth of repairs to get his house ready to sell, but I was more than happy to let Vivian take the lead on this.

“Still,” he tested Vivian’s resolve.

She blew off his argument. “Stagers charge a percentage. It’s why you haven’t done it yet. Let me get your house ready to sell.”

“Deal.” He leaned forward and shook her hand. “I’ll head over to finance and have them write this up. If you two want to go across the street to the coffee shop, I’ll have the guys get the truck ready with these add-ons. Don’t worry about Seth; Luke will have him working hard about now.”

After Mitch left, I turned to Vivian and didn’t know where to start.

“Don’t look so shocked. You’re the one that’s going to be doing most of the heavy lifting on this deal. It’ll take six hours, and you get everything you need to make your business ultra-successful now.”

I felt something well up in my chest. No one had looked out for my interests in a long, long time. I was convinced no one ever would again. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Natalie. I’m glad I could help,” she said sincerely.

I wasn’t sure which Vivian I found more attractive: the teasing scamp she appeared to be during breaks on the jobsite or the earnest, supportive woman who wanted the best for me.

13 \ Natalie

Vivian and I spent three hours yesterday and the same today to finish the work on Mitch’s house. It hadn’t been that involved, a little bit of spackle and painting, then a lot of furniture rearrangement. Certainly not enough to justify all the extras on my truck, but Mitch seemed happy with the deal and Vivian thrived in her element. It made me think she’d been dying to get her hands on his cluttered house for a while. The sneaky lady.

“Feel good to have that behind you?” Vivian asked from the passenger seat of my glamorous new truck.

I wondered how she was able to read my mind. It bothered me to have a debt hanging over my head. Mitch had given away thousands in accessories. The urge to pay that back started as soon as I drove off his lot.

“Worth it, though, right?” Her eyes twinkled in the lights penetrating the cab. “It’s a nice truck. Roomy and I love the leather.”

“Thank you again for helping me get it. I’d be paying off the loan for another two years without your help.” Maybe three. I got a little nauseous thinking about making car payments again after so long, but it was necessary.

“I’m glad you were able to get what you wanted. I have a feeling you don’t always treat yourself, am I right?”

The dim interior camouflaged my blush, but she probably knew she’d made me blush. She seemed to be able to do that a lot.

“What was your first car?” she asked.

“A big tank that was older than I was. Lasted me four years.”

“Nice. Did your parents buy it?”

My parents didn’t even know I’d gotten it and wouldn’t have cared if they had, but we were having too nice a time to say something like that. “No.”

“Mine let me use their old car. When my brother was old enough to drive, he said he wouldn’t be caught dead in that Volvo station wagon. He worked all kinds of jobs until he saved up half of what he needed, then basically told my parents it was their duty to put up the other half to protect his reputation. And don’t you know, it actually worked.”

I chuckled. That was probably how all parents should react. I wouldn’t know, but it sounded like something understanding parents would do.

“I’m starving. You want to stop for dinner, or did you have plans tonight?”

My heart skipped once at the prospect of spending more time with her. It was just a spontaneous meal after work, but I wouldn’t pass up the chance to do something non work related. “Sure.”

She directed me to park a block from Wagner Park. I recognized the restaurant she pointed out as one I’d tried with Seth before. It was a nice spot with affordable good food. Those weren’t always easy to find in a resort town.

“The trout here is divine if you like fish,” she told me as we approached the door.

I stepped ahead and opened it for her. She flashed a quick smile when she noticed the gesture. I felt the smile as if it were my own. God, I liked her. As a friend, definitely, but I was attracted to her as well. Who wouldn’t be? It was a fruitless attraction, but it didn’t stop me from mooning a bit.

The hostess led us to a table near the back. I was trying to figure out if it would be overkill to pull out her chair before taking mine when I heard a loud gasp from the left.

“What the hell is she doing here?” A voice I hadn’t heard in four years spoke up.

My heart dropped, dread filling my stomach. I felt my head turn toward the voice. My parents were sitting in a booth not far away. My nephew was with them, his expression a cross between excited and confused. He’d been spared the drama for most of his life. Even at Brad’s funeral when my parents had tried to force Claire to make me leave, he hadn’t been nearby to witness it.

“Is she living here?” my mother demanded of Seth. She raised angry eyes at Claire, who was exiting the bathroom.

Claire stopped mid-stride at the glare. Her mouth nudged open when she caught sight of me. Her shoulders fell, matching my posture. She’d been stuck in the middle, just like Brad for many years.

“You moved our grandson near that…that…near her?” my father cut in. “Tell me she has no contact with him.”

“What’s going on?” Vivian whispered at my side. Thankfully, ours were the only two tables occupied in this section. No one else was staring at us. Yet.

“Oh, for God’s sake! Carrying on like that right in front of the boy. I’m disappointed in you, Claire. I would have thought you’d want to protect your son.”

“That’s uncalled for, Bradley,” Claire spoke up, taking a step in my direction. It looked like she wouldn’t be riding the boundary anymore. That felt good, but I was still too mortified to speak.

“Really?” my dad asked. “To want to protect my grandson from the likes of her?”

Claire shook her head and looked hopelessly at me. With their stunt at her husband’s funeral, she’d stopped trying to kiss their asses. But she couldn’t deny them access to their grandson, either.

“What’s wrong with Aunt Nat?” Seth’s eyes narrowed. He loved his grandparents, but he didn’t like them badmouthing an aunt, who’d recently become his greatest ally in all things parental.

I didn’t want to stick around for their sure tirade. They’d compiled a list of my faults many years ago and were just waiting for the opportunity to taint Seth’s view. “I’m sorry, Viv. Do you mind if we go?”

“Don’t leave,” Seth said to me then looked at his grandfather. “Don’t make her leave.”

“No big deal, Seth. I’ll see you later,” I said hastily. I glanced at Vivian to make sure she would follow and headed toward the door.

“Wait, Natalie,” I heard Claire call out but didn’t wait. I needed to get out of there. Away from those people who made me remember things I’d rather forget.

I didn’t realize that I’d been holding my breath until I got outside. The cold air slapped me in the face and restarted my breathing. If I’d been alone, I would have bent over and clutched my thighs to suck in more air. God, why did I let them have this effect on me? After all these years, they shouldn’t matter to me. I stopped mattering to them when I was sixteen.

A hand landed on my back, rubbing softly. I looked up and found Vivian standing close to me. Her beautiful eyes held a questioning look, but she didn’t ask. Her hand shifted to grab my arm and tug, pulling us away from the front window of the restaurant. She looked curious but calm and not at all embarrassed by almost being seated then immediately leaving the restaurant.

“My parents,” I said by way of explanation. She didn’t ask, and I liked her even more because of it. “They aren’t fans of mine.”

Her eyes clouded with concern. She wanted to ask more, but she didn’t.

“I’m sorry, Natalie. They just showed up to surprise Seth.” Claire joined us on the sidewalk. “I’d forgotten how…” She let her thought trail off. What could she really say? She was stuck in the middle of parents-in-law who were disgusted by their daughter and a late husband who loved and stuck up for his sister.

“It’s not your fault. Tell Seth not to worry about it.”

“Hi, I’m Vivian, you must be Claire,” Vivian spoke up, taking Claire’s hand. “Natalie’s mentioned how glad she is to have you and your son living in town now.”

Claire smiled at her. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“We’ll have to plan a proper get-together soon. My nephews adore your son.”

Claire laughed, having heard about our snowmobiling adventure. “Definitely.” She looked back at me. “You okay?”

“Yeah, thanks. Get back inside. Seth will be getting an earful.”

She squeezed my shoulder and headed back into the restaurant. I felt less despair, but not exactly myself.

Vivian’s hand looped through my elbow and rested on my forearm. She smiled down at me and led us around the corner. She opened the door of a diner filled with locals and young skiers. “I like this place just as much.”

Before I knew it, she had us seated and ordered for both of us. I knew she was good at taking control on the jobsite, but this was something to see. It was also a welcome diversion.

“You’re gay and your parents don’t approve?” she finally asked.

“I am and they don’t.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I would have done if my parents freaked when I came out and didn’t accept me as I am.” She shook her head, probably envisioning that.

I should have felt a tingle of excitement that she’d confirmed she played for my team, but there was still only shame. I couldn’t believe I was related to them. I couldn’t believe they could think the way they did, let alone say those things out loud.

“When was the last time you saw them?”

“At my brother’s funeral when they tried to have me banned.”

Her eyes popped wide. “Jesus.”

“Yep.”

“When did this start?”

I hadn’t told the story in more than twenty years. It wasn’t something I brought up. Not even to women I’d dated, but Vivian was different. She felt closer somehow. I knew she wasn’t. We weren’t dating. We were still just beginning a friendship outside of our work relationship, but I felt drawn to her.

“You don’t have to say.” Her eyes belied her statement.

“I was sixteen and came home from school one day to find my bags packed. One of their friends had told them I’d kissed his daughter. She’d actually kissed me, but her dad blamed me for seducing her and told my parents.”

“Your bags were packed?”

“They gave me a choice.”

Her brow furrowed. “Stop kissing their friends’ daughters, or we’ll send you to grandma’s for a while?”

“Go to a church group that specialized in ‘fixing’ gay teens or never come back.”

“Oh, Natalie.” Her hand reached out and grasped mine, squeezing and not letting go.

“I was two weeks from finishing tenth grade.” And humiliated then stunned. It had been my first kiss. Most mothers would have loved hearing about their daughter’s first kiss. Mine was horrified and treated me as if I’d become a dangerous animal overnight.

“What did you do?”

“I made excuses to spend nights at friends’ homes and went to school like normal. I guess I thought they’d calm down, maybe realize that they didn’t need to go to such extremes.” I shook my head, remembering how naïve I’d been. “But it didn’t happen. Every time I tried contacting them I was treated to another earful about my repulsive actions.”

Vivian reached her other hand across the table to squeeze my arm. “So, you…?”

“Called Brad. He was a sophomore at the U in Boulder. He tried talking to them for me. When that didn’t work, he came to pick me up and helped me find a cheap room in a house near campus.” The memory of that first sublet room still caused shivers. I’d become a neat freak because of the disgusting roommates in that house, but it had been affordable for my limited savings. “I spent the summer studying for my GED, waiting tables at night, and working construction cleanup during the day. It took a year before I was hired on as a carpenter, but I’d learned pretty much all the trades by then.”

“You’re impressive, Natalie. Truly.”

I could see she meant it. She wasn’t just saying something she thought I would want to hear or that someone might say. She was actually impressed that I’d done okay on my own.

I squeezed her hand to acknowledge her compliment. I figured she’d pull away after, but she kept hold of mine. It was warm and steady and comforting. I liked it a little too much, but after encountering my parents, I could let myself rely on her steady presence for a while. I’d think about how good her hand felt some other time.

14 \ Vivian

Natalie and Miguel were finishing the custom shelving in what would become Glory’s walk-in closet. I’d looked in when I first arrived to say hello and make sure everything was progressing. My true purpose today was to pin Tamiko down on wallpaper and rug choices for their bedroom. But Tamiko was busy preparing lunch, so I’d wandered back upstairs to watch for a bit.

Everything about their actions made me smile. They worked well together. I’d seen long-time dance partners who didn’t move as well. Not only that, but what they were doing widened my smile. We weren’t supposed to have enough room in the budget for the cedar shelving, cabinets, and drawers in their closets, but Natalie’s bid came in at half the cost of Cal’s. I’d worried that she was undercutting to keep us happy, but she assured me it was what she’d submitted to Cal originally. He’d doubled the amount. Her bid made Lena very happy and me ecstatic. I’d already cut my fee to virtually nothing so that Lena could get what she most needed for her grandparents. With Natalie’s bid, I could get all she asked for and my standard discounted fee for friends and family.

“Does it match your drawing, designer lady?” Miguel asked when he caught me watching. He kept things light even when the work got really hard.

Natalie turned at his question. She hadn’t known I was here. That, too, made me smile. She really was impressive. After hearing how she’d raised herself and made it completely on her own, I was even more glad she now had her own business. A woman that impressive couldn’t languish under Cal’s thumb anymore.

“You got Tamiko to make a decision that fast?” she asked.

“She’s making lunch. I’m not about to disturb a master chef.” I stepped inside the closet. The scent of cedar hit me. It competed with drywall compound and fresh paint, but the cedar would be lovely once the room was finished.

“I had an idea about the safety rails in the downstairs bath,” Natalie said.

I felt distaste crawl across my expression. I’d done a few age-in-place designs before. The safety products always ruined the finished look, but they were necessary. Samantha and I had spent a good deal of time searching the internet for anything that would look less chrome and grabby. So far, no luck.

“Owen can work up a rail that runs the length of the shower. If we used teak, it’ll weather the shower for years.”

I nodded, her idea already sparking more of mine. “He could match the tile design in a carving. Your cutouts would have to be redone.” She frowned, not jumping ahead like I had. “The upper grab bars need to be placed at an angle. If they framed the notches you’ve made for shower products, they’ll look natural, not there for safety. I like it if you don’t mind redoing the cutouts and Owen doesn’t mind carving handles.”

“We can ask him at lunch. He’s busy finishing his desk.”

“Has he left the garage since he got here?” I joked. Owen seemed happy to stay in that garage all day and night. He was completely in his element working with wood.

My cell rang. I checked the display and excused myself to answer. “Hey, Samantha.”

“They won’t deliver the bed,” she informed me as her greeting.

“Why?” I knew exactly what she was talking about without having to ask. I’d special ordered Tamiko and Owen’s orthopedic bed and had it set for delivery next week.

“They’ve discontinued deliveries.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Completely, no more deliveries, nada, zilch. How they plan to stay in business, I don’t know.”

I swore. We didn’t need this headache. We needed that bed.

“You said it.”

“Did you check online?” I already knew the answer because Samantha was that good.

“Called, too. They haven’t changed their fulfillment time.”

The online stores had a much longer timeline, which was why we ordered from the store in Denver. “We can’t wait four months. They’ll need a bed to sleep in.”

“I know.”

I swore again. I didn’t want Owen and Tamiko’s new home to be filled with used furniture until we could finally get the stuff in. Samantha and I were meticulous about delivery dates. If it wouldn’t work out, I wouldn’t add it to the design. “Can we get a moving company to do it? Maybe rent a truck and drive it ourselves?”

Natalie and Miguel had stopped working so I wouldn’t have to raise my voice over the noise. Both frowned. I covered the mouthpiece and told them about the special order orthopedic bed not being delivered.

I was already counting how much we’d go over budget to get this bed delivered when Natalie said, “Take my truck.”

I furrowed my brow, not quite understanding. She couldn’t really be offering to let me drive her brand new truck five hundred miles just to pick up a bed. “Hold on a second, Sammi,” I said into the phone and gave Natalie my full attention.

“If you wait two days, you could give Owen and Tamiko a ride back to the airport and have company half the way,” she added.

“You’re offering to let me drive your beautiful new truck to Denver where hundreds of rock chips and door dings await? Does it even have a hundred miles on it yet?”

She laughed. “Trucks are meant to be driven, Viv. If it solves your problem, take it. I know Owen would rather ride with you than take the shuttle. Lena couldn’t get a day off to take them this trip.”

“You’re serious?”

“Sure. Miguel doesn’t mind dropping me home, do you?”

“Nope,” he confirmed.

“I won’t leave you without a car. If you’re letting me use yours, I’ll swap you mine.” I held the phone up and told Samantha the plan. She sighed in relief, said she’d tell the store, and hung up. “You’re very nice to offer, Natalie.”

“It’s just a truck.”

It wasn’t just a truck. It was something only a good friend would offer. She really was impressive.

15 \ Natalie

Nerves assaulted me. I had never been this nervous for anything before. It wasn’t even a date, but I was acting like it was. Secretly hoping I could at least stimulate her interest.

In the restaurant parking lot, I checked my reflection again in the visor mirror. Ehh. I was over made up, over hair mussed, and overdressed. I should have worn a sweater instead of the blouse and cami combo. I should have gotten some khakis instead of black dress slacks. I should have worn loafers instead of sleek boots with heels. My hair had enough paste to give it body and an edgy style. My eyes had a smoky outline that drew attention, and I’d even added a dusky pink lip gloss. There was no way she wouldn’t know I had dressed up for her.

My stomach felt like it was experiencing endless vertigo. I still had time to change my shirt, wipe some of this makeup off, and tame the hair. I tilted my head so I could examine my hair from every angle. Okay, no, I wouldn’t change my hair. It looked good tonight and might surprise her a bit. And my eyes, I’d leave those alone, too. The thick charcoal colored outline made the reddish hint to my brown eyes come alive. Screw it, I’d tried on everything I had that I didn’t wear to work. I couldn’t find anything better than what I was wearing, and the makeup just felt odd because I wasn’t used to wearing much to work. I looked okay overall. It would be really embarrassing when Vivian walked in wearing jeans and a turtleneck for a casual dinner with a friend, but if she didn’t want this to be a date, I’d only be embarrassed for tonight.

I took a deep breath and slid out of the truck. I hoped she was already inside. I didn’t want to have to wait around the hostess stand until she arrived. I was five minutes early, decent enough to be respectful but not too early to make me look desperate.

“It’s just dinner,” I muttered under my breath as I walked toward the restaurant. My insides fluttered in excitement and nervousness. It was just a dinner between friends, but if I could alter her mindset just a bit, I was going for it. She had a witty character and fiery spirit that engaged everyone she encountered. I really liked working with her and relished the stomach flutter I experienced every time she smiled at me.

Through the door, my heart sank a little when I didn’t spot Vivian waiting. Now I’d have to go through the awkwardness of seeing if she was already seated or deciding if I should just turn around and wait in my truck until I saw her enter. That sounded like the best option, but what if she was already seated? I should have driven through the whole parking lot searching for her car first.

“Good evening,” the hostess greeted.

“Hi, I’m meeting someone.” My head was already craning around the hostess stand to look.

“Take a look, but no one mentioned they were waiting on someone.”

I couldn’t see Vivian at any of the occupied tables. Now what? Did I just stand here and wait? Should I head back outside? That would embarrass me, leaving as the hostess watched and coming back inside later like I hadn’t already been here.

“We’re slow tonight if you want to sit at a table, or you can wait in the bar?” she offered.

My brain froze for a moment. I glanced over into the busy bar. I should really go in there, but where would I sit? I might not be able to see the hostess stand from in there. But if I go into the dining room, I’d have to explain that I was waiting on someone and make the waiter start counting the minutes until he could turn the table over. I should have thought through all the possibilities or shown up five minutes late instead.

“The bar?”

I shook my head. “I’ll take a table if that works.”

“Very well,” the woman said, grabbing two leather bound menus and leading me at a snail’s pace to a two person table left center of the room.

 I felt exposed but understood that they wanted to reserve the larger tables at the windows and along the wall for bigger parties. I took a seat facing the entrance so I could keep a look out. “Thank you.”

“For whom are you waiting?” She gave me an expectant look that turned almost suspicious when I didn’t respond. “So I can lead him back right away.”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t think of what to say. She thought I was meeting a man for dinner because she could see I was dressed for a date. Since I wasn’t sure about Vivian’s comfort level with people knowing about her sexuality, I closed my mouth.

“I’m sure I’ll spot him right away,” she assured me and left the table.

I figured Vivian would just tell her she was meeting a friend when she walked in and brush past her with that graceful confidence she had. I just hope she recognized me out of work clothes.

“Hello, my name is Isaac. I’ll be your server tonight.” A short, skinny guy pulled an order book from his apron. “What can I get you to drink while we wait for your companion?”

I wondered how he knew I was waiting for someone, but I couldn’t expend more nervous energy on the thought. To give him hope of making good tip money tonight, I ordered ice tea instead of sticking with water. I’d rather have a soft drink, but that wasn’t a date drink. Neither was ice tea, but I wouldn’t drink tonight. It would put me off guard, and I needed my senses if I was going to attempt to do this.

He left and soon returned with my beverage and a basket of bread. I stared at the basket, wondering if it was okay to have a piece of bread while I waited. It was rude to start eating before my dining companion, so I should wait.

I checked my watch ten minutes later. I’d been sipping my ice tea and glancing around the luxurious dining room to occupy my time. Vivian probably had the same idea I had in wanting to arrive after I had to avoid the very awkwardness I was experiencing.

After another ten minutes, Isaac came to check on me. He tried to find some way to ask if I was early or my companion late without making it seem like I was a loser for waiting alone at a table in the middle of the room. He tried to assure me that ordering an appetizer wouldn’t be rude to have waiting for when my companion arrived. I let him talk me into something. When he walked away, I couldn’t remember what I’d ordered or if I’d like it. She was fifteen minutes late.

The appetizer arrived after another fifteen minutes. Isaac set them on the table and glanced at the unopened menu sitting on the place setting across from me. “One of the servers told me the plows are out on the highway and slowing all the traffic into town. I’m sure it won’t be much longer.”

I smiled and nodded while my insides twisted and turned. I could feel heat pulsing close to my skin. I hoped I didn’t start perspiring. My job was pretty much all manual labor and I rarely sweated, but nerves could make me perspire. Half hour late.

I read the menu another five times before I allowed myself to look at my watch again. She’d had a client meeting after our work day ended. Maybe it ran long. Maybe she spilled coffee on her blouse and had to run home to change before she could meet me. Maybe her nephews caught her before she ran out the door and she lost track of time. Maybe she got an emergency phone call on her way out to meet me, and it shook her so much she forgot to call to tell me she wouldn’t make it.

Or maybe she just forgot. It was a spur of the moment invitation issued right before she left for her meeting. She could have gotten caught up in a new client project and completely forgotten that we’d made dinner plans.

It had to be some good reason for her to be forty-five minutes late. Vivian was not the type of person to stand me up. My stomach now felt queasy. All the excitement, then nerves, and now embarrassment every time Isaac came near my table or tried to give me an encouraging smile did not help my stomach at all. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat if Vivian did show up.

I’d debated calling at the thirty minute mark. That had been enough time not to seem like I was a pushy bitch, but what would I say? “Hey, Vivian, remember we had a date tonight that I know wasn’t actually a date, but I was hoping would become a date because you’re amazing and kindhearted?” I’d been rehearsing what I could say for the last fifteen minutes, and now it seemed like it might be too late to call and say, “Did I get the night wrong? Did you get held up? Were you asking Miguel to dinner and not me?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Isaac heading in my direction. When he stopped at another table, I pressed my phone to my ear to make it look like I was having a conversation. I signed off on my imaginary call when Isaac came up to me.

“Tied up with a family emergency it seems,” I lied. “If you’ll bring the check, I’ll head over to see if I can help out.”

He smiled, but I could see disbelief in his eyes. He knew I’d been stood up, but he was decent enough not to say anything. He was probably pissed because his tip wouldn’t amount to much with a drink and an appetizer, but I couldn’t let that bother me. I had enough bothering me.

By the time I cleared the restaurant, it was an hour after I’d stepped through the doors. Disappointment besieged me. I looked better than I’d ever looked in recent history, hell, probably in my life. I’d been ready to at least flirt with her to show my interest if she seemed like she would have gone for it. This was the first real date I’d been on in years, and I wanted to do everything right. But she didn’t show.

She didn’t show.

I decided to call but didn’t know what to say when her voicemail picked up. She’d know I called by the missed call list. I didn’t need to leave a message asking if I’d misinterpreted her dinner invitation to be an actual invitation instead of just a suggestion.

On the way back to my place, I tried not to dwell on the fact that she hadn’t shown. There had to be a good reason. She wasn’t the type of person to leave me hanging like that. Even if she had second thoughts about turning our friendly working relationship into a real friendship, she would have called and made an excuse. We had to work together. Or maybe this was her way of saying this would be our last job together.

No. She wasn’t like that. It would be a good reason. It had to be.

16 \ Natalie

A half hour later I sat on my bed, staring out my window and knowing she’d have a good reason. I checked my phone again. No messages, no missed calls. I hadn’t changed because I didn’t want to. I still thought it was possible that she’d gone really long on her client meeting and would soon be racing out to her car and dialing her phone to see if I wanted to grab a late bite or drink somewhere. It was still fairly early. We could do that. I liked her enough to accept any excuse she had.

My keys called out to me. I hopped off the bed, slid into my boots, and grabbed my keys and phone. I could go for a drive to occupy my time. That way I’d be that much closer to anywhere she might suggest if she did call.

The two lane road was dark and not recently plowed. Guilt ate at my stomach as I drove slowly along this road that I knew led out to the client meeting Vivian had made. I figured I could check. If it made me a stalker, so be it. I had to eliminate this as a possible reason. If her car was in the client’s driveway as I passed by, my stomach could let me sleep tonight. If it wasn’t, well, I didn’t want to think about all the other possibilities again.

As I came around a bend in the road, my headlights flashed on something that wasn’t a tall bank of snow. I slowed to a crawl. With no streetlights or houselights nearby, it was hard to define the shape. I inched closer and turned on my high beams. It was an abandoned car, a white SUV up against two pine trees about ten feet from the road. It had blown through the berm on the side and smashed into the trees.

When I was at the road’s edge, I pulled over and kept my lights on. I stepped onto the running board and peered into the darkness. It wasn’t until I was looking down at an angle that I realized it was a Lexus. A white Lexus SUV. The same model and color of Vivian’s car.

I jumped down without thinking about how impractical my dress boots were for this trek. Jogging as fast as I could once I hit the berm and eighteen inches of fresh powder off the road, I made my way over to her car. The whole time I was praying that she wasn’t in the car. That she had walked back to her client’s remote house and was now warm and unhurt.

When I reached the window, I could see a dark shadow inside. Jesus. She was in there. I stepped out of the beam of light from my truck and noted her head was tilted against the window, the air bag open.

“Vivian?” I shouted.

No movement. I called her name again, tapping on the window. Nothing. I went for the door handle and realized that I shouldn’t try to open her door. She wasn’t moving, which meant she could be injured and any movement would be detrimental. I reached for the rear door handle. It was locked.

A loud curse left my lips as I trudged through the snow to the other side. However it happened, a spin out probably, propelled her car into the larger tree. The passenger side door was completely smashed in, window broken, letting all the below freezing wind into the car. I tried the rear hatch, locked, same with the rear passenger door. I slipped around the tree where her car was pinned and reached forward through the broken window to unlock the doors. I shouted with triumph when I heard the locks disengage.

The rear passenger door had been damaged badly and wouldn’t open. I raced around to the other rear door. It took great effort to pull it open. The frame must have bent in the accident.

I eased onto the seat, trying not to jostle her position up front. The inside of the car was barely warmer than the air outside. God, if she’d been here this whole time, she’d be close to hypothermic now.

Tilting forward through the two front seats, I faced her. “Vivian,” I said softly this time.

What I saw seized my heart. Her head lay against the window, pushed there by the force of the impact against the tree and the press of the airbag. Blood covered the side of her face from a cut to her forehead when she hit the window. Shallow breath plumes came from her lips, but she wasn’t responding to my voice or presence. She was knocked out, probably concussed, maybe hypothermic.

With a light touch to her cheek, I spoke her name again. I couldn’t move her. The tilt of her head said she could have a neck injury. I wouldn’t chance making it worse. She needed warmth. That I could do. I lifted up over the back seat to check her cargo area. Like every good local, she had a blanket in the car for just such an emergency. I pulled it out and gently arranged it around her. She had her jacket on, but with the window busted, she’d been exposed to subfreezing weather for too long.

I’d stupidly left my cellphone in my truck. It took every ounce of will for me to leave her to get to it. I took off my jacket and added it to her layers. Dashing back out into the snow, I slipped with every other step back to the truck.

Calling emergency services wasn’t as easy as I’d thought it would be. Getting past the panic, it becomes a lot of questions for which I didn’t have many answers. I tried to pinpoint our location and what was wrong with Vivian as I scrambled to find my own blanket and work coat. After confirming that I shouldn’t move her, I was assured that an ambulance would be here soon.

As I left the warmth of my truck, I tried not to think about how cold it was for Vivian or how wet the bottom half of my slacks were or that I couldn’t feel my feet anymore. Vivian had been freezing and hurt for at least two hours. So what if I got minor frostbite because dress shoes were entirely impractical for trudging through snow.

Back in Vivian’s car, I eased forward onto the center console. I couldn’t use the passenger seat because it was covered in glass and only half the usual size due to the tree shaped indent in the door. I doubled up my blanket and swept it over her legs, tucking gently so as not to move her. I added my work coat to the bundle on her torso, gathering it around her chin without moving her head. She was as warm as I could get her without wrapping myself around her, which I couldn’t do because of a possible neck injury.

It seemed to take forever, but finally I heard the wail of a siren in the distance. “They’re here, Viv. You’re going to be okay.” I didn’t realize until I heard the sirens that I’d been speaking aloud the entire time, assuring her, telling her that it wouldn’t be long, letting her know that she wasn’t alone. “You’ll be fine. Everything’s going to be all right.”

The ambulance pulled in back of my truck, and the EMTs made their way through the snow to us. “Is she alert?”

“She hasn’t moved or said a word since I got here,” I checked my watch, “twenty minutes ago. She’s been here at least two hours based on what I know of her schedule.”

They started talking to each other, trying to figure out the best way to remove her. The female EMT jumped into my spot and slipped a collar around her neck. As soon as it was secure, she braced Vivian against the seat as the male EMT opened the driver door. They lowered Vivian against his chest and slipped the backboard into position to strap her in.

As they began the trek back to the ambulance, a cold gust whipped through me. I turned back and reached into her car for my jacket and slipped it on. Marginally warmer, I followed the slow progression to the ambulance.

They slid her onto the stretcher in the back of the ambulance. She looked so vulnerable. I felt a lump form in my throat, scared that she might be severely injured.

The female EMT looked up and gestured for me to get in. “If she wakes up on the way, she’ll want a friendly face. Come on.”

I didn’t hesitate. I jumped into the back and sat next to the EMT. As she fiddled with an IV and blood pressure cuff, I reached forward and slid my hand over Vivian’s. It was so cold, even colder than her face had been.

“You did the right thing not moving her and wrapping her in blankets. It raised her core temp and might have saved her life. She couldn’t have stayed out there for much longer.”

I gave a little squeeze of Vivian’s hand, covering it with my other to help warm it some. I’d taken a survival course when I first moved to Aspen and learned more about exposure and hypothermia than I’d wanted to. Based on the outside temperature, I knew the EMT wasn’t exaggerating.

It took twelve minutes to get to the hospital. I trailed Vivian’s stretcher as they pushed through the emergency room and gave out her stats to the doctor and nurses who met them.

“Vivian?” one of the nurses said when she looked down at the stretcher.

“You know her?” the doctor asked.

“Yes.” She proceeded to tell them Vivian’s name, age, and primary care physician as they wheeled her to the admissions door. When they went through, she turned back to me. “Were you hurt in the accident, too?”

“I wasn’t in the, no, I just…I found her.”

She nodded and glanced back at the admissions door. “I know you’re not her sister because she doesn’t have one. She doesn’t have a partner either. Are you a cousin?”

I shook my head, dazed still by the seemingly lifeless form of the woman I was supposed to be having dinner with.

“If you tell me you’re a cousin, I can let you back there as soon as they’re done with the initial exam.” The nurse’s voice was calm. When I met her eyes, they were hopeful, encouraging even.

I shook my head again. She was my associate, my friend, someone I hoped could become more.

“Listen, I’m going to call her brother. When I come back, maybe you’ll remember that you’re a relative of some sort so I can let you back to see her.” She went over to the admitting desk to place the call.

I started to shake. My stomach, once queasy, was now threatening to upchuck. Burning needles pricked at my feet, and what felt like repeated paper cuts plagued my fingers. Twenty minutes in freezing weather with no protection hadn’t done my body much good, but all I could think about was how hurt Vivian could be.

The nurse returned. “So? Are you related to Vivian in any way, even distant?”

I focused on her eyes. I knew if I said yes, I’d gain access to Vivian. But what would happen when her brother showed up? I couldn’t lie about my relation to her. That wouldn’t be right. Especially if she woke up and wondered what the hell I was doing there when I wasn’t related to her.

“It’s okay. I’ll let her brother know you’re here when he arrives. He can update you.” She patted my hand and gestured to a row of unoccupied seats in the waiting room.

It wasn’t long before I recognized her sister-in-law rushing through the emergency room doors with a man who had the same hair color as Vivian. I’d never met her brother, but he looked enough like her that I could have picked him out of a crowd. The nurse met them and led them back. I felt a sigh of relief slip past my lips. I was so happy that someone would be there for Vivian now.

A few minutes later, the nurse came back into the waiting room. “I didn’t get a chance to tell them about you, but Vivian was awake and alert when I brought them back. She’ll be going through some tests and getting that cut taken care of.” She watched my reaction carefully. I felt my shoulders sag but didn’t think I’d let anything else show. “You may want to head home tonight. You look like you might benefit from a long soak in a tub. If she’s still here in the morning, visiting hours start at ten.”

That was the best I could hope for. Even if her brother would authorize a visit tonight, Vivian was looking at a couple hours of tests and then sleep. I would just get in the way, especially if my still unstable stomach decided it was time to make an obnoxious appearance. Not to mention the obvious chattering of my teeth. I wasn’t in any shape for a visit tonight. Vivian had regained consciousness. Her nurse friend didn’t look worried. It was the best I could ask for right now.

“Thanks,” I told her and reached for my cell and called information for a cab.

Soon I was back in my truck and heading home. A long shower would bring back all the feeling in my extremities. A good sleep would ease my stomach. Not exactly the evening I’d been hoping for, but I’d been right about Vivian. She’d had a good reason.

17 \ Vivian

Probably the worst night of my life. Concussion, wrist sprain, head laceration, and whiplash. But the worst thing? I couldn’t remember what happened. The doctor told me that was normal. He was sure I’d get the memory of the day back, but he couldn’t assure me I’d remember anything that happened right before what I was told was a car accident. That was pretty scary. I’d never been the kind to drink enough to blank out, so I didn’t even have that experience to draw on.

At least I was home. It took every connection Zach, Cass, and I had among the hospital staff to finagle an early release after the tests came back negative for anything other than a concussion and whiplash. As dawn broke, I was settling into my own bed with six stiches in my forehead, bruising on the side of my face, a back that felt like I’d overworked every muscle, stiff and sore neck, and a raging headache. But I was home and now had a healthy respect for whiplash.

“What else do you need?” Cassie asked as she pulled up the covers.

“Nothing, Cass. Thanks. My brain still feels jumbled, and I’ve got a killer headache, but I’m much better now.”

“I’ll be in the living room. I’m only going to let you sleep in two hour increments.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

She leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Of course I do. You’re my sister, and Zach’s got the boys covered.”

I smiled, but my face hurt. She was one great lady. I’d liked her from the very beginning. That I remembered. The accident, I couldn’t. Zach had already gone out to the accident site. He said my car was pretty much toast. He didn’t even try to hide his fear when he told me how bad the side of the car had been smashed in. I’d been lucky it hit on the passenger side. I wondered if seeing the car would bring back the memories. I’d think about that later, after I got some sleep.

Two forced wakeups later, I felt a lot clearer. I remembered setting up a client consult for last night. Cassie told me that Samantha had confirmed that I’d made it to the appointment. I certainly hoped I’d get the memories back because as it was now, I had a new client and didn’t know what kind of work she needed done to her home.

The doorbell rang, and I heard Cass greet someone enthusiastically. I shifted slowly and propped myself up and off the bed. I wasn’t going to let someone into my bedroom to check on me.

Glory and Mei stood in the living room. They smiled when they saw me. I smiled when I saw that Glory brought a plate of her excellent cupcakes.

“Hey, guys, it’s so nice of you to stop by.”

“You’re supposed to be resting,” Cassie scolded, coming to my side and helping me ease onto the sofa so I could chat with our friends.

“I needed to get up.”

“Cass worried us,” Mei told me.

“She does that,” I said.

“I just wanted to get out of the office for lunch,” Glory joked as only she could about someone recuperating. She had a serious heart condition that required surgeries from time to time. Compared to what she went through, a little whiplash was nothing.

“I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can get Cassie to take a break.”

“You’re my break, Viv. I’d be running around town picking up and dropping off the kids if I weren’t here.” She tried to act as if that wasn’t exactly what she loved doing.

“I’m glad to see you’re mobile,” Mei said. “I could barely walk for two days after my accident a few years ago.”

“I remember,” I told her, recalling the time when she’d been rear ended by some tourist who didn’t know how to drive in the snow.

“It looks like you took a good knock. How’s the headache?” Glory asked.

“Pretty bad, but other than a minor cut, I’m fine.” Six stitches edged my forehead just below my hairline. Not so minor, but lucky placement since the natural wave in my hair would hide the healing scar.  

“And brain damage,” Cassie joked. “She’ll never be the same again.”

I was about to retort when the doorbell rang again. It could be Zach popping over or Molly, but I didn’t expect her until after work. Possibly Dwight, but he was tied up with the dragon lady during the days.

“Hi, Nat,” Glory called when Cass opened the door.

“I wanted to check on the patient.” She stepped inside and shot me a smile. “How are you doing?”

“Did Samantha call you?” I asked, knowing my assistant would probably have thought to call over to Lena’s to let them know I wouldn’t be there.

She cocked her head as Cassie launched into the wonders of Samantha. Cass had assistant envy. Her vet tech would rather be up on the mountain every day than helping her. It took a moment before I realized that Natalie hadn’t answered my question. She remained silent, nodding at Cassie and Mei chatting about assistants. I’d been watching Natalie for a while and realized that she was perfectly happy letting other people do all the talking around her. It was nice seeing her in my house, talking to my friends and family. I felt a bit elated by her gesture to stop by.

“What have you brought?” Glory asked when Cass and Mei wound down.

Natalie took a step forward and extended a gift bag to me. “I thought if you’re laid up, these might help pass the time.”

“You shouldn’t have,” I said even as I took the bag from her hands. This was really considerate.

I plucked through the patterned tissue paper and pulled out the first item. It was an audiobook of an author I hadn’t tried yet.

“You were reading a legal thriller the other day. This is a good series. I hope you haven’t read them yet. I can take it back if you have.”

“Oooh, she’s good,” Mei indicated of the author. “Makes me like my job every time I read one of her books.”

“I haven’t read her yet. Thank you, Natalie. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.” I was secretly glad I hadn’t been reading one of my many romance novels the day she’d seen me. That would be a little embarrassing to have her show up with an audiobook of a romance I’d probably already read.

“I heard something about a concussion and thought you might appreciate listening rather than reading for a while.”

“How sweet,” Cassie said.

It was. And thoughtful and much better than I deserved. Making new friends was never easy at my age, but Natalie made it simple and necessary.

I reached back into the bag and pulled out a sketch pad. I looked up and frowned. How did she know?

“You told me you liked to sketch,” she said.

She remembered that? I’d mentioned it in passing during our first week working together. She remembered something unimportant from more than a month ago. Not that I hadn’t noticed before, but she really was different. Most of my friends didn’t remember that I liked to sketch. Most of my friends didn’t take note of much, to be honest.

I looked in the bag again, no longer surprised when I saw a small box of charcoals and colored pencils. I’d told her those were my two favorite mediums. So sweet. I’d have to do something special for her soon. I knew she felt appreciative of the work I sent her way, but this was beyond nice.

“Thank you, Natalie. This is very thoughtful.”

“Nice.” Cassie fingered the charcoals and pencil set. “This will help me keep her resting like she should be.”

“I like expensive electronics and trips to Hawaii,” Glory joked to Natalie, making us all laugh.

Natalie’s cheeks turned pink as she laughed. She looked nice today. She wasn’t wearing her usual cap or a visor. Her hair had some product, making her look even more attractive. Not for the first time, I wondered if she had a girlfriend. She never mentioned one, but she was quiet like that.

“What happened anyway?” Mei asked me.

“Can’t remember.” I shook my head, still upset about it.

“Really? What was the last thing you remember?”

“Getting a call about a new client yesterday morning.” My words made Natalie start, her eyes blinking rapidly for a moment. Seeing as we’d probably spent yesterday at the jobsite together, my memory loss must be just as startling to her.

“Wow,” Glory commented. “Kinda scary, huh?”

My eyes flicked to her. She usually brushed off concern over her terrifying heart condition. I didn’t expect her to think something minor like temporary memory loss would be scary. “I’m hoping the memories come back soon.”

“You don’t remember anything from yesterday?” Natalie asked, clearly concerned.

“Not yet. The doctor says I should get most of the day back, but maybe not before the accident.”

“I’m sorry, Viv, that can’t feel good,” Mei put in.

“We’ll figure it out, right, Vivi?” Cassie said.

“Right,” I smiled tightly and looked down at the sketch pad in my hands. I glanced up at Natalie’s face and longed to start sketching it.

The doorbell rang again. Cassie welcomed in Molly, Brandy, and Joanna. I nearly groaned. All three together were too much to take even when I wasn’t concussed.

Natalie took a step back and looked over at me. “I should get back to work. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Don’t worry about a thing at the site.”

“You don’t have to leave,” I tried to assure her as my effervescent friends rolled over everyone and everything to get to me.

“Damn, Viv,” Brandy started. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen you look bad. I might stand a chance in the club standing next to you now.”

That was Brandy’s idea of a compliment. I threw a look at Natalie, who smiled and shook everyone’s hand as Cassie introduced her. It didn’t stop her from leaving, though. I felt a stone of disappointment drop in my stomach when I watched her walk out the door. It would have been nice to chat with her longer and alone. She was clearly a good listener and a caring friend.

“Who’s the hottie to you, Viv?” Joanna asked.

Great. They thought she was hot, too. Knowing them, they’d seek her out and hit on her first chance they got.

“Natalie is the contractor who built my place. She’s at Lena’s with Vivian now,” Glory told them. I was thankful not to have to answer. I was pretty sure my tone would tell them to back off.

“Dibs,” Brandy said to Molly and Joanna.

“Oh, man.” Glory voiced my thoughts.

“What? You got the last available single woman in town, Glor. Don’t hate.”

Glory made a point of staring at me and Molly before rolling her eyes at Brandy. Brandy often talked without thinking.

I leaned back against the couch cushions and read the synopsis of the audiobook Natalie gave me. I almost couldn’t wait for my friends to leave so I could start listening to it. It was nice of them to visit, but right now, listening to a book and sketching sounded like the best possible way to recuperate.

18 \ Vivian

Sunday afternoon I found myself entering the library for the first time in more than a year. I rarely had time to go, and they never had the latest design books, so I’d taken to purchasing or downloading all the books I’d read. But after seeing the price of an audiobook and the subscription rate for downloads, I decided to air out my library card to see what they had available.

It was like a ghost town when I swept through the entrance. I expected the few patrons there all to turn and look as if I were wearing spurs and jingled with each step. Tourists and locals alike would be up on the mountains taking advantage of the new four inches of snow we’d gotten since Friday. Nothing but the stitches on my head hurt anymore, but I wasn’t ready to spend the day snowboarding with the boys.

I waved at Dmitry, one of the librarians, as I walked past the checkout counter. I’d redone his kitchen a year ago but never saw him during the reno. His wife had made all the decisions. He hadn’t even been there for the reveal. Seeing him in his element, surrounded by books, I could see why he let his wife take over completely if it made her happy.

Finding the audiobooks wasn’t easy. I suffered a moment of dread thinking they’d done away with the audiobooks now that people could download them so easily. I’d just gotten hooked, I didn’t want to have to buy as many as I knew I’d be going through over the next few years.

I wandered through the magazine racks, thinking they’d be in that area now. No luck. I was about to head up to the desk to ask Dmitry when my eyes caught a familiar sight. Technically not that familiar. I’d only seen her like this a couple of times, but it was definitely Natalie.

Tucked into a comfy chair against a wall of windows, she was reading a thick hardback. She looked comfortable and completely at home. The jeans she wore weren’t ones I’d seen on a jobsite. Her work jeans had a higher rise and seemed a size too big for her. Today’s were low rise and fitted, not skinny. They looked good on her even when she sat. I couldn’t wait to see them when she was standing.

I watched her for a moment. Some patrons walked close by and her concentration never wavered. She was like that on the jobsite, too. Sometimes I had to remind her that the day was over to get her to stop whatever task she was doing.

As she turned a page, she glanced out the window, taking in the surrounding park. Her gaze soon shifted back over the library before returning to her book. A second later, it flipped up to meet mine. She smiled, her eyes flashing briefly when she saw me. I swallowed, feeling her look settle through me. She had an arresting quality about her. Not just her looks, which I found to be more and more appealing every time I looked at her, but something about her bearing was weighty without being too intense.

My feet moved without thinking. “Enjoying a good read?”

Her mouth stretched wider before her head nodded. She held up the book so I could see the title. “He’s a thief. The author started writing him in the 60’s for a decade or so then abandoned the character for twenty years before starting up again. This is one of the newer ones.”

I took the seat next to her and held out my hand for the book. I liked that she didn’t fold down the page to bookmark it, nor did she seem concerned that she wouldn’t be able to find her place again. It was an unconscious test on my part. She was detail oriented enough to know she could find her place but not anal enough to worry that it would take extra time to do so.

After reading the description, I nodded. “Looks good. I might have to start that series after I finish the one you’ve set me on.”

Her eyes sparkled and another smile touched her lips. “You liked the book.”

“I did. You’ve got me hooked on audiobooks. I’d never been able to get into them before. Too many ‘he said and she said’ to keep my interest, but after a while, you stop hearing the dialogue markings.”

“I’m glad you liked it. Thought your head might hurt too much to try to read.” Her finger gestured up to the bandage on my forehead. “I’m happy to see the bruising is gone.”

“You and me both.”

“Did you get a decision on your car?”

We’d chatted over lunch on Friday about the state of my smashed vehicle and what the insurance company would do. “They’re totaling it. Bet you’re glad I wasn’t driving your truck on that trip, eh?”

My joke didn’t elicit a laugh or even a swift agreement. Given how badly I’d ruined my car, she should have been relieved that it hadn’t happened when I’d taken her new truck to Denver. Instead, I saw only grave concern in her expression.

“I’m just relieved you’re okay now.”

I swallowed hard at her sincerity. We’d been getting closer, sharing lunch breaks whenever I was on the jobsite. I enjoyed the professional collaboration as well as the downtime banter. Her visit after the accident highlighted everything I found wonderful about her. This show of concern made her even more likeable.

I cleared my throat of the sudden tightness. “Well, Mitch is salivating at the prospect of selling me another car so soon.” My Lexus barely made it past two years on the road.

This time, she did chuckle. The sound deep and sexy. “I can imagine. Any other projects I can help out with so he’ll give you the same discount as I got?”

There she went with the considerate again. “He may want something done at his new place as soon as it closes. I was going to offer a weekend, but if you’d be willing to help, we might get it done in a long afternoon.”

“Absolutely.”

Generous, too. She could be my downfall if I wasn’t careful. “You look like you’ve been here a while. Do you spend your Sundays here?”

She tucked her chin against her chest and looked over at the stack of books on the table beside her. Plenty were on small business operations. Glory must have given her some homework. “Sometimes.”

I’d been joking, but she wasn’t. “Really? Wouldn’t it be quieter to read at home.”

“Not my home,” she muttered before looking away with a blush. “My roommate’s girlfriend and her doggie accessory are over.”

“Doggie accessory?” I laughed, causing two patrons to glare at me. We’d been keeping our voices down, but my laugh blew our privacy for a moment.

“It’s one of those dogs pampered women carry around all the time. I was actually surprised to see it walk the first time.”

“That’s funny.” My brother dealt with enough of those kinds of dogs during the high season when tourists freaked if their dogs sneezed. He charged extra, too.

“If it isn’t the yapping dog, it’s the needy girlfriend. The library is a nice quiet place to relax with something good to read at all times.”

I glanced around the barely inhabited library. Good logic. “How long have you been there?”

“I’ve known him for five years, but I’ve only been renting a room from him for a couple years.”

“And now he’s got a girlfriend, who is probably threatened by a beautiful woman living with her boyfriend.” I liked watching her eyes blink as she processed my compliment. “Plus the yapping dog. Are you looking for a new place?”

“I’ve been saving up to build, but the banks aren’t exactly handing out construction loans these days.”

She was planning to build like I was. How interesting. Most people would rather just buy something that was already built. In fact I’d considered it a few times, knowing the hassle of building. But as a builder, of course she’d want a place that was her own.

“If you’re looking for a rental, I have a lead for you.”

Her eyes shot back to mine, a bit of hope in them before she looked away in what I’d assume was politeness at not wanting to pressure me.

“Glory actually called me about it. One of her clients had his winter home broken into. Squatters took up residence, misusing his washer and causing some damage. He’s looking for someone to live in his guesthouse and keep an eye on his place. Apparently he only stays in the house when he’s writing one of his bestselling books.”

“Like a caretaker?”

“I think he’d just be happy to know that someone is watching over his place without living in his place. According to Glory, he’s a bit of a recluse. He’d be happy if he never had to see anyone.”

She shook her head. “I doubt I could afford it if it’s in Aspen.”

“Glory seems to think he wouldn’t charge anything.”

“I couldn’t do that.”

She could, but she probably wouldn’t. She didn’t accept help easily. It was probably why it took her so long to start her own business. I needed to encourage her. “If you like the place, you can work something out with Glor.”

“Not the homeowner?”

“No. He only talks to her.”

She gave another sexy low chuckle. I’d been trying to bring out that sound every day since first hearing it. “Good choice in confidants.”

I agreed. Glory had yet to mention the name of this notorious author, no matter how many times I guessed. “Want to take a look at it?”

“Now?” She looked surprised, like she couldn’t believe I wouldn’t have something better to do on a Sunday. That I would rather spend it with someone else. This woman, who’d been kind enough to visit me after my accident, generous enough to bring me gifts, and considerate enough to call daily with project updates thought I couldn’t spare an hour to show her a place that would help us both when she took the repair job? I really wanted to do a number on her parents for mistreating her to the point that she couldn’t fathom everyday kindness.

I stood and reached down to get her standing with me. “Just as soon as you show me where the audiobooks are and make another excellent recommendation.”

She smiled that lovely smile again. The one that involved her eyes and had been the subject of two portrait attempts already. Looking at it now, I knew I hadn’t done it justice. I’d have to spend more time just staring at her, which wasn’t a bad prospect, come to think.

Fifteen minutes later we pulled into the driveway of the author’s mountain mini-resort. It was like so many of the celebrity overdone homes. The house that had been here before was a cute little cabin in the woods. He’d had that leveled and a Tudor chalet put up in its place. At least it looked like it belonged in the mountains unlike some other celebrity Spanish sprawling villas or Tuscan adobe monstrosities.

I heard Natalie whistle as she turned off the engine of her truck. I was glad I’d ridden with her, even if it meant I’d be making her double back to pick up my loaner from the library parking lot. She let me start one of the audiobooks on the drive out. As if I didn’t already know, she really was kind. It was refreshing to spend time with someone who was honestly nice after suffering the brunt of many practical jokes from my other friends.

“Glamorous,” Natalie commented.

We headed for the side door that led straight into the laundry room. When I’d gotten the key from Glory, I’d done a walk through to assess the damage. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared. The flooding was confined to this space, so I knew it would be a quick fix for someone as adept as Natalie. I hadn’t had a chance to get her out for a bid before the accident happened. In fact, I’d completely forgotten about it until Samantha brought it up on Friday. I was still suffering the immediate memory loss.

“Mold,” Natalie said, letting out the deep breath she’d taken. She bent at the waist and examined the lower part of the drywall in the room. I tried not to stare at her muscular ass, but it was difficult. Damn, she was in shape. She turned back and my eyes flew up to her face. I was pretty sure she caught me, but she was gracious enough not to mention it. “We’re looking at replacing the floor and the first two feet of drywall.”

“He wants it gutted as well as a new washer and dryer. Either he doesn’t realize it was the user not the washer, or he just doesn’t like the fact that someone broke in and used his stuff.”

She drew her hand along the almost new washer. Rich people and their quirks. I’d learned not to criticize long ago if I wanted to stay in business. My brother’s vet practice needed a replacement washer and dryer. This set would do nicely, which was one of the major benefits of my job.

“Are you thinking of a redesign?”

“He wants the option, but he’ll probably just go with repair and machine replacement. And someone to live here.”

She pulled out her tape measure and took some measurements, transcribing on her clipboard. I didn’t tell her to stop, that I’d do up the drawings. Natalie’s measurements would be accurate.

“Let’s take a look at the guesthouse.” I led her back through the side door and along a curving pathway. It was visible from the house but tucked away pretty good with its own garage and driveway.

When we stepped inside, I let Natalie move ahead of me. Given the size of the mansion, it was surprising to see how small the guesthouse was. I thought it might be too small for her, but when she turned and smiled, I knew I was wrong.

We were standing in the living room. To our left, a small kitchen lined the wall with an island separating the space from the living room. A narrow staircase led up to an open loft on the right. Under the loft there was a bathroom and a room big enough for a twin bed or desk, not both. The whole place was compact, but it had everything anyone needed in a home. By the look on Natalie’s face, she was thinking the same thing.

“Shall we call Glory?”

“It can’t be this easy.”

I laughed. “Sometimes knowing the right people makes things easy.”

“And you’re one of those right people?”

“Damn right I am.”

She laughed this time. “I guess if I can work out a rent I could afford, yeah, this would be amazing.”

“Have you always had a roommate?” I couldn’t imagine having a roommate now. My last was in New York, years and years ago.

“Yes.”

“This will be a nice anthropological study, then.”

“Probably.” She smiled with her eyes again. “Thank you for suggesting it. I don’t know how long I could have stayed at Trent’s with Bambi around.”

A barking laugh left my mouth. “That is NOT her real name.”

She grinned. “I forgot her real one, but the dog is Binky, and it’s a boy.”

“Oh, gawd, you must be kidding.”

“I am not.”

“You have to get out of there.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

I pulled out my cell to call Glory for her. It was the least I could do considering all the kindness she’d shown me.

19 \ Natalie

Claire and Seth wandered through my new place. Seth thought the loft area was cool, and Claire seemed happy that I was getting out of Trent’s apartment. She hadn’t liked him when they met and seemed to dislike Bambi even more than I did.

“New job, new car, new house all in, what, a couple of months?” Claire asked me as Seth climbed back up the staircase to the loft again.

“I could say the same for you,” I countered.

She looked a touch jealous when she’d first entered my place. It made me wonder if moving in with her boyfriend hadn’t worked out as well as she’d planned. Seth and Greg not being best buds must be adding to her stress. At least Seth now had a group of friends at school, so he wasn’t perpetually pissed at her.

“You’re right. I’m happy for you. Glad we’re here to see it, too.”

Wish she’d been here over the long weekend when I’d gutted the author’s laundry room and rebuilt it from the ground up. The author had called Glory to request I add a small closet and shelving as I was working. I suspected he’d watched my progress on the security camera in the room, which wasn’t creepy at all.

Seth came down the steps two at a time. “Can I crash with you tonight, Aunt Nat? Think Glory would let us use her snowmobile again tomorrow?”

“You’re welcome to stay, but I don’t know if she’s around tomorrow. We could go boarding or sledding instead?”

“Rad. I’ll call Luke and see if he wants to come.”

We watched as he wandered into the small bedroom where he’d be sleeping and flipped open his phone. Claire looked longingly after him.

“Should I have told him no?”

She shook her head and sighed. “I just wish he’d get along with Greg’s kids.”

I’d debated talking to her about this. It wasn’t my place to tell her how to raise her child, especially since I didn’t have much experience with good parenting. But something had to be said.

“Claire, he needs his own room,” I began, thinking she should know this, Greg should know this, and his spoiled brat kids should know this. They had a five bedroom home with four kids between them. Everyone should have their own room, but Greg let his oldest son turn one of the bedrooms into a music room, sticking Seth with his youngest son. “I know Greg doesn’t want to upset his kids, but Seth needs his own space. He’s never going to become best friends with a boy who is six years younger when the little brat freaks out any time he moves something in their shared room.”

She had taken two steps back while I was talking. Damn, I’d stepped over the line. I knew I shouldn’t have. She was the only reason I got to see my nephew, and I’d just schooled her on how to raise her son. “He’s talked to you about it?”

“No, but I know how I’d react if I moved into someone else’s home, into someone else’s room, and had to deal with someone six years younger. Starting at a new school is tough enough, but when you don’t have your own space, it can be a lot tougher.”

She sighed again. “I know. It’s just Greg doesn’t see his kids much, and he’s afraid to make them angry. His oldest threatens not to visit any time Greg tries to discipline him.”

“Sounds like a sweet kid.”

She laughed, releasing some of that tension. Seems like becoming a stepmother to bratty, selfish kids wasn’t the dream life she’d hoped for when she accepted Greg’s offer to move in together. “I’ll ask him again. Insist this time. You’re right. It’s no wonder he wants to stay here tonight. The brats have landed.”

“You’re welcome to stay, too.”

She laughed again, and it made me remember why Brad had married her. Even when she was just being cordial to me, she’d always been fun. Single parenting had beaten some of that out of her, but now that she was back in love, she seemed to be enjoying life again.

After we set her on her way, Seth scrounged through the fridge to find a snack before dinner. He lost interest in his quest as soon as he spotted my snowshoes under the bench near the back door.

“Gotta try those,” he said and went to strap them on.

“Don’t wander far.” I watched him grab his coat and head outside.

A minute later, Seth opened the door and called for me. “Something’s out there.” His finger pointed to the cluster of trees on the right.

“Like what kind of something?” I asked on alert.

“Animal, I think.”

“Bear, cougar, or something else big that will attack us?”

“Why do you think I came back for you?”

I hoped the ski pole I grabbed on the way out would slow down whatever charge an animal might make if we scared it. We crept closer to the forest edge. I couldn’t hear anything yet, but it didn’t mean the animal had left. Seth was a step behind me, leaning over to get a better view.

I finally heard whining. That didn’t sound like a ferocious black bear or cougar. As I stepped closer to the cluster of trees, I could see it was a dog lying on her side. She looked like a border collie but smaller, mostly white with a few black blotches and lots of red. Too much red on her stomach, her front leg, and her snout. As I inched closer, she trembled and jerked, trying to sit up, whining loudly at the effort. She was so badly injured she couldn’t scramble away from something she perceived as a threat.

“It’s a dog,” I whispered to Seth. “Grab a towel from inside, please.”

Seth didn’t waste any time dashing back to the house. The dog watched every move I made, trying to determine if I’d hurt her more. I tried to soften my voice and crept slowly toward her. Reaching my hand out first, I let the dog sniff my fingers before I looked her in the eyes. When she didn’t bite or try again to get away, I laid my hand on her head and stroked.

Seth was back with one of my towels. The dog tried to back away again, but her injuries were too bad. It looked like she’d gotten into a fight with one of those other animals we’d been worried about.

I assured her again as I laid the towel over her head and body. Scooping her up wasn’t easy, but as soon as she was secure she stopped trying to fight me. Seth looked worried when I resurfaced from the trees with the bundle, especially since the blood had leaked through in one spot already.

“Grab my car keys and wallet, please. We have to get her to the vet.”

Seth followed my instructions, very calm in the face of something that worried him. I had him hop up into the cab first so I could slide the dog onto his lap. We’d probably have to get him some new jeans tomorrow, but it would be worth it to help this poor dog.

I’d seen a veterinary office off the highway out near the airport. I hoped it was still open. The vet hospital was too far away for her to keep bleeding like she was. When I pulled into the parking lot, I breathed a sigh of relief to see the open sign still lit up.

Seth transferred the dog to me, and we headed inside. The woman behind the desk noticed the blood on the towel and motioned me back to an exam room.

“Who do we have here?”

“I’m not sure,” I told her. “We found her near my backyard. I was hoping she’d have a chip because she doesn’t have a collar.”

“We’ll check for that in a minute.” She introduced herself and let me know that the vet was just finishing up with his last patient for the night. She had a soothing nature and kept one hand on the dog at all times.

The vet joined us as if she’d summoned him telepathically. I recognized him immediately. Vivian’s brother. He introduced himself and assessed the dog. “Bad bites here. Lots of tearing, probably internal bleeding, and she looks like she hasn’t eaten in a while. Where did you find her?”

“By my place.” I gave him my new address.

“I don’t recognize her, do you, Shell?” he asked his vet tech.

“Nope. There’s no chip either.” She’d run a wand over the dog while Zach checked her out.

Zach looked at me then at Seth. He probably wanted to send Seth to the waiting room but knew a teenager wouldn’t budge. “She could belong to someone, but I see almost all dogs in the area. Unless she belongs to an irresponsible tourist, she’s a stray or was dumped here. We can contact the shelter, but I already know what they’ll say if she does have internal bleeding.”

He didn’t need to say it, and I’m glad he didn’t in front of Seth. I felt Seth turn to me. I don’t think he knew the vet was saying the shelter wouldn’t authorize the medical bills, but he was looking to me to do something.

“I brought her in. She’s my responsibility.”

The vet bounced his blue eyes between me and Seth. They weren’t nearly as pretty as Vivian’s, nor as greenish, but I could see a resemblance. “I respect that, but we’re talking a couple thousand here. Let me contact the shelter. I won’t tell them about the internal bleeding.”

I was gathering my thoughts when the door to the clinic opened again and in walked Cassie and her boys. “Daddy!” they called out in excitement. As soon as they saw the dog on the table, they went quiet.

“Emergency,” Zach said to his wife.

Her eyes stayed on the dog as she put on a smile for the kids and said hello. She moved into position to block the doorway to the exam room.

“Did your doggie get an owie?” the smallest boy asked.

“We just found her,” Seth responded, sad desperation clogging his voice. He wanted to help, just like I did, and neither of us wanted to suffer another death at a medical facility.

“Don’t worry, Daddy’s the best doggie doctor there is,” the older boy told him, reaching to squeeze his arm.

“Need a hand?” Cassie asked him.

“You could call the shelter, see if they’ll authorize payment.”

“No,” I said before I could think myself out of this. “We found her. She’s my responsibility.” I couldn’t disappoint Seth by letting the vet put the dog down if the shelter wouldn’t take in a medical case, and I couldn’t turn my back on a dog that had allowed me to move her and trusted me to take care of her. I’d always wanted a pet. With my schedule, I assumed it would be a cat, but now that I owned a business and had a nice place to live, a dog would work just fine.

“Nat, this is a grave injury,” Cassie told me calmly. She was trying to give me an out, like any good vet would.

“I know, and it probably doesn’t make sense.”

She nodded, then looked at her husband. “Natalie is the contractor Vivian’s been working with lately. We can work out a trade.”

He looked at me, his eyes widening for a moment before dropping back to the dog. “We need a laundry and food supply room constructed. We’ll put in for building supplies if you donate your labor?”

I couldn’t believe they’d offer that, but I wasn’t about to refuse. “Sure. Thank you.”

“You’ll be helping us as much as we’re helping your dog.”

“I’ll call Vivian and see if she can come grab the kids so I can give you a hand,” Cassie told Zach.

“I don’t mind looking after them here,” I offered. “Seth isn’t going to want to leave until we find out about the dog anyway.”

She smiled and nodded, turning to talk to her kids. “Boys, change of plans. You stay out here with Seth and Ms. Natalie while we help their dog. We’ll get pizza later, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” They didn’t even sound disappointed that we’d ruined pizza night.

Cassie and Zach slipped into the exam room as her boys went to a supply cabinet behind the desk and pulled out a deck of cards. They must have been stranded here a few times in the past. They settled around the coffee table in the lobby to play cards. I decided to order the pizza they’d been promised because I wasn’t sure how long before Seth started gnawing on his forearm. The least I could do was entertain and feed their kids while the vets were working past office hours to save a dog I didn’t even have two hours ago.

Vivian stepped through the clinic door a while later. “I went up to the house and you guys weren’t having pizza night. What’s going on?”

“Her dog got bit,” Teddy told her.

“I didn’t know you had a dog, Natalie.” Her eyes showed concern at the news but also interest in finding out something more about me. Since the night we’d run into my parents, she’d been treating me as her friend, not just a friendly work associate. I now realized that dinner on the night of her accident could have gone either way for our relationship. I was almost glad it hadn’t happened, or I might have made a move too early. Or worse yet, chickened out and convinced myself we’d never be anything more than friends.

“I didn’t before I found this one.”

She smiled and shook her head. “You are almost too good to be true.”

That left me a little speechless. I would have thought of something clever to say if the pizza guy didn’t interrupt us. I laid the pizzas out on the table. The boys were very polite in waiting for me to hand them slices. Seth grabbed the nearest slice and started eating. I knew he must have been hungry, but it had been an eventful couple of hours. Vivian sat next to me and took the slice I offered her. I figured I should get her a slice or she’d start stealing parts of mine. As fun as that would be, I was pretty hungry myself.

After finishing their dinner, the boys were back to playing cards while Vivian and I talked softly about my new acquisition. She’d had dogs for most of her life, so she had a long list of tips. She seemed almost as excited as I did about having a dog.

Cassie surfaced from the exam room. She had a smile on her face. After hugging her rushing kids and saying hello to her sister-in-law, she told me that her husband was just finishing up. They’d stopped the bleeding, sewn her up, and set a splint on her right front leg. I wouldn’t be taking her home anytime soon, but she seemed to be on the road to recovery.

I would have enough time to put up flyers and knock on neighbors’ doors to see if she belonged to someone. If I didn’t get any calls, I’d be shopping for dog supplies because I couldn’t stop my white hat complex.

“I’m glad she found you.” Vivian broke into my thoughts.

I looked over with a smile. That was a sweet thing to say. I could say the same thing about me and her, but I kept my mouth shut. That might take it too far too fast. I didn’t want to blow a possible chance with her by rushing it.

20 \ Vivian

My brother and I were on assignment. Cassie had given him an ultimatum: replace the old, impossible to clean sofa in their office lobby or she would drag it outside and burn it. I was rooting for the sofa bonfire because the thing was hideous, but she’d probably get thrown in jail for an unauthorized outdoor fire, and Zach couldn’t handle the kids on his own. With that motivation in mind, Zach showed up on my doorstep this morning and dragged me out shopping with him. Since I’d just completed Lena’s project, I had the whole day for shopping. Zach wouldn’t be up for that, but I wouldn’t rush the decision just to please him.

“Vivi!” Preston, co-owner of the store, exclaimed as I pushed Zach through the door. He rushed over to hug me, smelling of spices and cigars. His thin mustache tickled my cheek as he kissed me. We’d been friends since he and his partner opened the store in town. They imported furniture from any place they’d visited and made it so that I didn’t need to travel as much anymore. “Hi, Zach,” he greeted my brother with a combo handshake-hug. Preston saw my brother almost as much as he did me with his two elderly felines.

“Hey, Pres,” Zach said, relaxing now that he knew he wouldn’t have to do much on this shopping trip.

“How’d those chairs work out for your client?” Preston asked of the sleek recliners I’d picked up for Lena’s guest suite.

“Perfectly. Her grandparents loved them.” Cherished them, actually. Owen and Tamiko had been thrilled with their new digs, the space planning, execution, and furnishings. They’d invited me over after they’d come back to town so they could rave about their new home. Knowing that my design would suit them was reward enough, but hearing that they loved it made me very happy. I’d already been flying high at the news that Glory loved her surprise closet, bathroom, and proposal. I counted the project as my best ever for many reasons, namely my friends’ engagement and the acquisition of a stellar contractor.

“What treasures are you looking for today?” Preston asked, bringing my mind back from thoughts of my friends’ happiness and my own good fortune.

“New sofa for Zach’s waiting room.”

“Wonderful.” He began leading me through his store, zeroing in on two sofas toward the back. “We picked up this one a few months ago with your waiting room in mind, Zach.”

“Come on,” Zach said in a disbelieving manner.

“That sofa died a few years ago. We were going to start dropping hints every time we brought in Micki and Nicki.”

I drew my fingers over the leather. Durable and dark, two essentials for a space that had dogs and cats leaning or sitting on it often. Preston and I measured it while Zach tested the comfort. When he noticed me nodding my head at Preston, he sprang off the couch and headed straight for the register. It made us laugh. Easiest sale Preston ever made.

The bell over the door rang and in walked Lori, the nurse mostly responsible for getting me released from the hospital so quickly. I started smiling even before she greeted us. I’d spoken to her on the phone once since the accident, but this was the first time I’d seen her.

“How are you doing, Viv?” Her hand reached up to brush back my hair and trace the small scar on my forehead.

“Haven’t had a headache in weeks.”

“Good to hear. Did Cass pamper you?” We chuckled at Cassie’s tendencies to mother people. “That friend of yours looked like she might be worried enough to fuss over you, too.”

My brows pinched. “Which friend?”

“The one that came in the ambulance with you. I didn’t catch her name, but she sure looked worried. I even gave her the chance to lie about being a family member so she could go back with you, but she wouldn’t go for it.”

“There was someone in the ambulance with me?”

“That’s right, you were still out. Yeah. I assumed she was a good friend of yours.”

Curious. Neither Zach nor Cass mentioned anyone waiting for me, but then again, they were both so stricken when they showed up in the hospital room. That I remembered. Someone had been in the ambulance with me? I hadn’t given much thought to how I’d gotten to the hospital. I assumed someone had driven past the wreck and called it in. I hadn’t known someone had stopped, waited, and ridden back with me in the ambulance.

“What did she look like?”

“About your height, short dark hair, nice clothes.”

The image didn’t bring anyone to mind. I was trying to remember if the client I’d met with could be my height. She definitely had nice clothes and shorter blond hair.

“How dark was her hair?”

“It was pretty wet from the snow that night. It might be lighter when dry.”

Must have been my client, but she didn’t mention anything when I went back out to run through the job specifics again. Then again, she seemed a little ditzy. Even so, she must have thought me rude not thanking her for helping me.

“Cute face, nice lady, and she was really concerned for you. I thought maybe you’d been out on a date or something.”

Nice and concerned? That didn’t sound like my client, but really, who else could it have been? It certainly wasn’t a date. I haven’t been on a date since my last set up, and that hadn’t made it to the entrées.

“You didn’t see anyone, did you, Zach?”

“I was lucky I saw the door,” he said, his eyes clouding as he thought of that night. “We got Lori’s call and raced in, almost forgot about the boys before we left. Thankfully Samantha didn’t mind coming right over.”

I thought about how I would have reacted if the call had been about Cassie or Zach or one of the boys. Yeah, I probably wouldn’t have seen the road let alone someone in the waiting room. Too bad, really, because obviously someone cared enough to be worried and give up part of her night to ride in an ambulance with me. I’d have to remember to ask my client the next time I saw her.

* * *

A pile of blankets and coats sat on my console table when I lurched through my front door for a quick lunch and change of attire after meeting with a potential client. Some of the items in the pile didn’t look familiar, but I guessed my brother had dropped off the stuff from my old car. He’d picked through the wreck before the insurance company towed the thing off. It had been sitting in his house for more than a month now. Zach wasn’t exactly great with follow up on non-crucial things. Spare blankets for the car wasn’t what we’d consider crucial.

I ignored the pile for the growl in my stomach. Leftover lasagna would help fortify me for the painting I planned to do this afternoon. The ditzy client kept changing her mind about things, pushing Natalie and Miguel’s progress off. If Samantha and I could get the painting done upstairs, they’d be closer to our original timeline for the project.

After lunch, I grabbed my car keys and headed out. The pile of blankets pulled me up short. Normally I’d deal with it after work, but there were some things that didn’t look familiar. My curiosity won out.

The top blanket was lightly coated in powder, which I’d learned was the what the gas inside the airbags became after they deflated. I’d have to toss it into the wash before placing it back into service in my new car. Under my blanket was another that didn’t belong to me. I tried to remember if it might be one of Cassie’s. She often tossed blankets into my car whenever we took the kids somewhere. This one was blue fleece, dusted with the same powder but in different areas than mine. The work books I keep in my car didn’t have the powder, nor did my gym bag. They must have remained in the cargo area. My blanket hadn’t, which was odd. In order for the powder to get on mine and this other one, it would have had to be up front at some point that night. Did the paramedics place these items on me to warm me up? Lori had made a point of telling me how close I’d gotten to hypothermia that night.

It wasn’t until I identified the last item that things seemed to click into place. A work jacket, thick, woven cotton with fleece lining. Old, beaten, worked until it was frayed. I pulled it up and shook it loose. Along with the powder, it had dark reddish brown stains on the collar. If I’d come across it on a jobsite, I would have assumed a paint spill. Finding it here and the position of the staining told me it was probably blood from being placed right up against my face.

Someone had been in the car. Someone had found my blanket to wrap around me then added her own blanket and jacket. Someone who ended up riding in the ambulance with me.

Even though she’s never once mentioned it in all this time since the accident.

I’d have my own glass slipper hunt on my hands if I hadn’t seen this jacket every day for weeks at Lena’s. To think I’d even complimented her on her new work jacket with her logo. I’d stupidly thought she’d ditched the old jacket for a uniform slash marketing piece. But really, she’d been without her work jacket when it was still cold outside.

That incredibly sweet, wonderfully caring, frustratingly tight-lipped woman.

“Did you know,” I started when I walked through the front door of our latest project site and spotted my real-life white knight. “Someone helped me after my accident? I just found that out the other day when I ran into a nurse friend of mine. Rode in the ambulance with me and everything.”

Natalie looked up from the drywall seam she was sanding. Nothing in her expression gave away that she’d been the one to help me. She looked interested, like she always did whenever I spoke. As if whatever I had to say was the most important thing she could hear. That was one of many admirable traits.

“Someone stopped on the road, braved the snow to get into my car, arranged the blanket I had in my car and added more of her own so I wouldn’t freeze to death, then called the ambulance and came with me to make sure I made it to the hospital okay.”

Natalie’s brow lifted. “Sounds like a bit of luck.”

“Sounds like someone saved my life.”

“Is that what the doctor said?” she asked, looking concerned. “You made it seem like it wasn’t that big a deal when I saw you the next day.”

“I was still a little fuzzy.”

Her eyes darted away then slowly came back. “You got your memory back?”

I shook my head. Time had stopped for me just after lunchtime. I did not remember leaving the site nor heading to the client nor the drive that resulted in my accident. “This I’ve pieced together from various evidence and testimony.”

“Now it’s a legal thing, huh?” she joked.

“You see, I understand a stranger stopping for a person in an accident, calling an ambulance, and finding a blanket. But it’s the ambulance ride that tells me it wasn’t a stranger.”

She looked back at the tape seam, wanting to get back to work. She didn’t want to have this discussion, which made me want to have it all the more. “You know pretty much everyone in town, don’t you?”

I chuckled. It did seem that way sometimes. If they weren’t friends or acquaintances, they were clients. It could have been any of them. My mind immediately started rolling through the faces of my friends before I realized that I didn’t need to do that. Natalie had me doubting what I already knew and all because this made her uncomfortable. What she didn’t know was that this little trait of hers made her all the more interesting.

“Most of my friends would have put a picture of themselves saving me on a welcome home banner so I’d see it the next day.”

Natalie laughed, letting some of the tension I’d noticed roll out. “Modest friends, huh?”

“One of them is.” I looked right at her. No blush, no shallow breathing to tell me she’d been caught, no shift of her eyes. “Wouldn’t you think someone I know would have made a point to tell me they’d helped me that night?”

She shrugged. “Maybe they were coming home from an illicit affair and couldn’t let anyone know they were on that road that night.”

Now I laughed.

“They could have been smuggling drugs and didn’t want to risk having their route discovered.”

“You have a fun imagination, Nat.” I smiled, enjoying her all the more. “But really, why do you think someone wouldn’t have told me by now?”

“Maybe they didn’t want you to feel…”

“Beholden? Grateful? Like I owe her my life?”

She blinked her brown eyes, digesting what I’d said. “In some cultures, the person who saves the life is the one who owes the life.”

“Really?”

She shrugged again and turned back to the wall. We’d already exceeded any break she ever took. I knew she was anxious to return to her task as well as stop this conversation.

“Natalie?” I waited for her to look back at me. “Thank you for helping me. For saving me, I should say.”

Her head shook and she took a step back. “I…”

I cut her off before she could deny it. “Your coat and blanket are currently in my washing machine. I know it was you.” Even if I didn’t recognize Lori’s description of her. Come to think of it, why hadn’t I?

“Anyone would have done the same.”

I hoped that was true, but there was no telling how long it might have taken for another car to come along that road. “You didn’t tell me because…?”

“Drug smuggler.”

I gave an amused snort. “Sure. By the way, how is it that you were three inches taller that night?”

Her brow furrowed. “Dress shoes.”

“You were on your way out, and I messed up your plans?”

Her eyes darted away again. “You didn’t mess anything up.”

“Do you know someone who lives on that road?”

It seemed to take a long time for her to answer. “No.”

“Just out for a drive?”

She let out a long breath. “You suggested we meet up for dinner to celebrate getting my first client on my own.”

“Whoa, what? When did we make…oh, sometime that afternoon, which I still can’t remember.” We had dinner plans? To celebrate, so it would have been my idea. I wish I could remember asking her to dinner. It seemed like something I needed to remember. A realization hit me. “Damn, that means I stood you up.”

“No.” A quick denial, one I wasn’t sure either of us believed. “You were in an accident.”

“And you were in the restaurant.” I didn’t need her expressive eyes to tell me she’d waited a while for me. I’d been stood up once, and it was no fun. It didn’t matter if it was a friend or a date. “That doesn’t explain how you were on that remote road later.”

This time her eye flick was guilty. “I thought your meeting might have gone long. I just wanted to check.” Another shoulder shrug. “I’m not usually a stalker.”

I smiled. Modest, considerate, and beautiful, she got more and more intriguing. “I’m glad you were that night.”

“I am, too.” She let a smile break through her nerves.

“I’ll bring your jacket and blanket tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

I turned to let her get back to work and start the painting upstairs. Something made me turn back. “Natalie? I never would have stood you up if I could have helped it.” I started walking backward out of the room. “In fact, I would have been early because I know you wouldn’t have wanted to arrive before me.”

She rewarded me with a huge smile.

21 \ Natalie

Excavation on the lot had been completed yesterday. We would start on the foundation for the house today. I didn’t think I’d be building a custom home this soon in my contracting career, but Glory’s parents were pretty convincing. They’d been working with Vivian to design, build, and sell a home on the subdivided portion of their lot for two years. They just couldn’t find a contractor to put in a reasonable bid. Even without the profit sharing arrangement they’d proposed, I would have done what I could to win the bid. I’d worked with the Eibens on Glory’s house and knew they’d be dream clients.

It helped that I’d have three of Cal’s best guys working with me. All three had been calling me weekly to find out if I was hiring. They were willing to come on temporarily for this build, which told me how bad things must have gotten on Cal’s crews. If all worked out, I’d try to pick up more projects to keep them on.

I pulled up to the lot and backed the equipment trailer into the best location. Excitement coursed through me. I let out a deep breath, reached back for my work jacket, and patted my dog’s head.

“You ready for our first day?”

Goblin’s brown eyes looked at me, ready for anything. We were becoming a good team. She liked being with me, even if she spent some of the time in the backseat of my truck. I’d only leave her home if I would be inside a client’s house for the entire day. On this jobsite, she could be outside or in the house with me all the way up to the finish.

“Let’s go, Gobs.” I stepped down from the truck and went around to lift her onto the ground. Her front leg was still a little tender. Jumping from her seat was out for now.  

She sniffed the ground, cautious as usual but trusting that I would make it safe for her. Her face swung up to look for my lead. It hadn’t taken long to get used to having a dog. I was never so happy not to have anyone respond to the flyers I’d put up.

Opening the trailer, I stepped in and grabbed the portable open air tent. I chose a spot close to the build and began digging the post holes for the workspace tent. Cal never went to the trouble of this step. We’d worked in the elements year round and his equipment and supplies suffered because of it. I wanted to avoid that mistake in this early spring weather.

Miguel drove up with a rented trailer full of the lumber we’d use to build the foundation form. For years, he’d made fun of me whenever I took scraps from Cal’s sites. In his heyday, Cal had torn down a lot of structures. I’d taken all the wood and any salvaged fixtures to a barn I rented in Carbondale. I had enough material in there to build two small homes if all the pieces were salvageable.

“Morning, bosco. You’re obnoxiously early.”

He swung down from his truck, patted Goblin as he passed her, and picked up the pickaxe to start the last hole. With two of us, we were done and setting up the work tables when my graphic designer, David, pulled up. He was bringing the site safety sign he’d created and would also be joining us part-time. With the three others, Miguel and I would have a full team. Better, actually, because I’d only hired the guys who actually did all the work on our other jobs.

As soon as the others arrived, they assembled at the tent for my instructions. It was so gratifying to see five guys in matching t-shirts with my company name and logo, waiting to work on a job that was completely mine. I still couldn’t believe I’d been able to do this.

I issued my first orders to the larger team, “We’re building the foundation form today and tomorrow. Cement comes in tomorrow afternoon, so we’ve got to be done by then.”

They all nodded, pulled on work gloves, and started emptying out Miguel’s trailer. Over the next three hours, we began building the forms that would hold the cement foundation. The guys worked quickly as expected. I wouldn’t have hired the ones I wasn’t happy with.

We took a half hour lunch break. David and I threw a ball for Goblin and talked about the project I would do for his wife and Glory’s office. She wouldn’t accept money for her help in getting me started, so we agreed that I’d repair the roof on her office building. I’d been dying to get started but had to wait for the weather to cooperate. The wait weighed on my conscience. I never liked leaving a debt unpaid.

Vivian drove up with ten minutes left on our lunch break. I started beaming as soon as she got out of her car. It was crazy how good it felt to see her. After her accident, I decided I wouldn’t try to stop whatever feelings came when I was around her. I was asking to be hurt because she was probably a lot more sensible about getting involved with someone she worked with. She seemed happy with the closer friendship we’d been developing. I was, too, but I’d really enjoy something more.

“Damn,” Ramón said in a low voice, spotting Vivian. Yeah, she could elicit that kind of reaction from anyone with eyes.

“Hi, guys,” Vivian called out, heading straight for me. She bent to rub Goblin, who’d raced up to her. “How’s the first day going?”

“We’re on track. Should have the cement poured on time.”

“You did a great job on the sign, David,” she complimented him as he started packing up his cooler.

“Thanks, Viv. Did you get my message? Your new business cards are in. My daughter’s home after school if you want to send Samantha over for them today. I’ll be on site here for the foreseeable future.”

“I’ll let her know. Glad to see your other talent is being utilized to its fullest potential now,” she said to him. Apparently everyone knew that David was a master carpenter and always eager to air out his skills.

“It’ll be a nice change of pace,” David confirmed, joining the rest of the guys packing their coolers away.

She took a seat and bumped her shoulder against mine. A grin flared just before her hand reached out and snagged a potato chip from my open bag. I laughed and got a wider, sexier grin in response. I’d started packing extras for lunch in anticipation of this fun habit of hers.

Vivian munched on the chip and bent to pull up my pant leg. “What are those? Otters?”

“Yep.” This was her other daily routine. I ordered more fun socks online a month ago just to keep her interest. Anything that put her hands on me was a good thing in my book.

“Cute,” she said, pulling my pant leg down and patting my shin. “Saw that you started over at my brother’s this weekend.”

“I was waiting for the snow to melt.” As much as I appreciated these arrangements, I didn’t like them hanging over my head too long.

“You could have called. I’d be happy to help if I can.”

I shook my head. She’d helped with Mitch’s repairs, and I still felt like I owed her for it. “I’ve got Miguel helping.”

“On a barter agreement?”

“Two people cuts time exponentially on a jobsite.”

“The deal was supposed to be for you not to have to pay out of pocket to get this sweet dog healthy.” She reached down to rub Goblin’s ears. It took less than a second before Goblin laid her head in Vivian’s lap, pushing into the rub. The sight warmed my heart.

“I don’t mind labor costs to get the room up faster. It was nice of Zach and Cass to offer the trade.”

“You’re saving them a fortune. They’ve been waiting a long time to get this addition put on. Cal’s quote was outrageous. If you hadn’t come along, their permits would have expired.”

My eyebrows rose. After hearing that Cal had more than doubled the estimate I did for him at Lena’s, I shouldn’t be surprised that he was quoting out of the atmosphere. He shouldn’t be pulling that with locals. No one would hire him. “You’re saying if Cal wasn’t a greedy asshole, we might have met a couple of years ago?”

Her head brushed back once, eyes blinking in consideration. I liked that it gave her pause to think meeting me sooner might have been worth dealing with Cal. Or maybe I was reading into the situation. The butterflies in my stomach sure were.

“I guess so, but who knows. He might have just taken the money and never sent anyone over.”

I laughed gruffly. “You’re probably right.”

“I’ll be around this weekend if you guys need extra help.”

I smiled at her. She was very kind to offer. I wouldn’t take her up on it, no matter how pleasant it would be to have her around all weekend. This was my debt to repay, not hers. She’d already helped me with my truck. I wouldn’t let her spend her free time helping me pay off her brother.

“Show me what you’ve done here so far.”

We headed over to the form. I automatically pulled out my tape measure, handing it to her and holding on to the end. She walked the lines and noted the measurements against her plans. I didn’t mind the double checking. In fact, I appreciated it. If we made a mistake, better to fix it now than have the cement poured and find out we were a foot short on the corners.

I could see the three new hires watching my interaction with Vivian. They were used to Cal flying off the handle or a client getting pissed about something Cal had ordered us to do. Watching Vivian check our work might have gotten their backs up, but since I didn’t get angry, they followed my lead.

When we’d finished checking the forms, Vivian said her goodbyes and went to work on an interior project with a long time client of hers. She really didn’t have time to stop by today, but I knew she’d want to on our first day. I appreciated it.

“Is she running this show?” Ramón asked.

“She’s the project manager.”

“Does she know what she’s doing or just think she knows?”

“She knows,” Miguel told him. “You’ll have both Harp and Vivian checking your work.”

“Won’t mind that at all,” Tyler said.

I shot him a look and didn’t need to voice the warning not to objectify Vivian. The guys smirked but got back to work. It felt good to have a full crew again and outstanding that I finally got to call all the shots on a jobsite. Working with a fine designer didn’t suck either.

22 \ Natalie

Fingers freezing, I fired the last nail into the new sheeting we’d installed on Glory’s office roof. The weather was cold but clear, allowing us to do a full roof replacement instead of just a repair. David and Miguel were cutting out holes in the sheeting to install the new reflective light tubes. I’d made the suggestion to David, knowing his wife had her office and conference room on the second floor beneath the attic. This would bring in more light than the smaller bedroom windows provided on this old Victorian.

A vehicle pulled into the driveway. I had just enough time to glimpse the white color of the car before the driver called up to us on the roof. David walked to the edge and looked down, saying hello to the newcomer. He turned back to me and indicated that I should follow him down.

“Hey, James,” he said when we climbed down the latter. “What’s up?”

“We got a report that you’re doing more work than you have permits for.”

David turned to me. “Natalie Harper, this is the city’s senior building inspector, James Bernstein.”

“Oh, yes,” I said. “You inspected a house I worked on a few years ago. It’s nice to see you again.”

“That’s right, for Glory’s house?”

Not surprising that he knew Glory. Everyone seemed to know her. Speaking of, Glory stepped out onto the wraparound porch just then and called hello to James.

“Official visit, Glor,” James told her, causing raised eyebrows and a glance at me.

“We have the roof work permitted.” I headed to my truck and reached into the backseat to pull out my clipboard folder. I handed it to him to look over.

“The office received a call. I’m going to have to check that you aren’t doing more than what you have here.”

I glanced at David. Surprise inspections happened every so often on Cal’s sites. Usually a neighbor would complain about noise to the building department. An inspector would go out to make sure the work was authorized. I looked over at the house next door. I hadn’t seen anyone coming or going all day.

“If you’re getting off the ladder, you’ll need to be hooked onto the line.” I grabbed an extra harness out of the backseat and handed it to him.

Once he was harnessed up, I led the way up the ladder and clipped him onto the line. He glanced around, searching for anything that might have justified the anonymous call. “Reflection tubes?”

“Yes.”

“That would be extra work.”

“We made an adjustment to the plans.”

“It’s not signed off.”

“It is,” I lifted up the first permit and showed him the signature of one of his colleagues on the amended plans.

“Looks in order. I can’t see any other changes to your plan.”

“Did the call get specific?”

He looked at me then away. “The tubes.”

I wondered how anyone would know we’d be putting those in. They weren’t visible from the street. Either someone saw them in my truck or the neighbor saw them from the second floor window. Again I looked over at their house. Glory said she’d cleared the work and they were great neighbors, but it was suspicious. Someone had to know we were putting in tubes up here to call in the inspector.

My suspicions were confirmed a week later. Vivian’s realtor friend, Tessa, needed some work done on a client’s home before it could go into escrow. Miguel and I left the Eiben site to accomplish this, but only because I’d called and asked Owen if he’d mind being on the payroll for a day to oversee the crew back at the construction site. He’d spent many days managing projects as a civil engineer before he retired. He seemed happy to help.

His phone call two hours into the day was a surprise, though. “We have an OSHA inspector here. I can tell him to start, wait for you, or turn him away.”

It wasn’t a good idea to turn away an inspector. He could come back with the warrant and a whole team to go over every inch of the site. “Let him get started. If you see him taking pictures or making diagrams, have Luis use his camera to take the same pictures. I’ll be there shortly.”

I let Miguel know what was going on. He seemed as surprised as I was about having OSHA out so soon. I left for the Eiben site as soon as we worked out what he could handle on his own.

My crew was standing around Owen when I pulled up. Luis had his camera ready but wasn’t glued to the man in the white jacket walking the site. I hoped that was a good sign. I turned off the engine and put a smile on my face, grabbing my hard hat and safety glasses before going to meet with an inspector who might consider it a violation not to be wearing either on an uncovered worksite.

I walked up to Owen first. “Anything?”

“He’s almost done. Been over every inch. He hasn’t taken any pictures yet.”

“Okay, thanks.” I headed over to the guy and introduced myself.

After he did the same, he said, “So far, no violations. You’re running a clean site here, Ms. Harper.”

“Thank you. We want to avoid injuries at all costs.” I glanced down at the clipboard he was holding but couldn’t make out anything. My eyes wandered over the site, making sure the guys hadn’t added any construction debris since our cleanup last night. We lost fifteen to twenty minutes every day, but we avoided safety hazards and violations. “What brings you by today?”

“Just a standard inspection.”

Quick response, but a lie. I wondered if there’d been another anonymous call.

“Your signage is good and clear. Distance to the porta is good. How often is it serviced?”

“Twice a week.”

His eyebrows rose. Most sites only have the portable toilet emptied once a week. It wasn’t much of an increased cost to step it up to twice a week and the area smelled a lot better because of it.

After a few more questions, the man and his assistant headed back to their car. Ramón let out a loud breath and swore. It was probably the first time he’d been through an inspection that didn’t result in the site being shut down.

“That’s the second spot inspection I’ve had in two weeks,” I said to Owen.

His wise face looked down at me. “Lena said you left another contractor to start your own firm?” At my nod, he continued, “That can cause a lot of bad feelings, especially if your guys left with you.”

My brow furrowed. That was months ago. Why would Cal start having a problem now? Yeah, it would be a hassle to replace Ramón, Luis, and Tyler, but he could find day laborers easily. He never took someone leaving his crew personally.

“Let’s hope these inspections were just happenstance,” I told him.

“You can always hope that.”

“How are we doing otherwise?”

“You’ve got a good crew. They needed a little encouragement to get back to work after the morning break, but no pushback. David’s good for a guy who doesn’t do this normally.”

I glanced over at the tented carpentry area. “You’ve been doing some work.”

He smiled and shrugged. “Saw Vivian’s design for the mantelpiece. I took one of your timber beams and started working that down.”

“I’m sure it will be beautiful. Remember to charge me for it.”

“I might as well be busy while I’m here.”

I shook my head. We were a lot alike, despite our generation gap. Had he called me for any help he might need, I would offer at the drop of a hat. I could allow this since the house was for Glory’s parents’ benefit, and they were an extended family.

An hour lost, I pulled into the local building supply store to pick up the windows for Tessa’s job. Edna, one of the owners, waved at me as she helped her son load a customer’s truck. She and her husband, Elliot, were grateful that I chose to buy my tools, equipment, and supplies through them instead of making the trip into Glenwood Springs to hit a big box store. I could have saved ten percent or more by making that trip, but the decision had paid me back twofold so far with the referrals they’d given.

“Got the windows set aside at the register, Nat. Head in and Elliot will take care of you. I’ll have one of the boys load them in your truck.”

“Thanks, Edna.”

Two steps through the door a voice stopped me. “If it isn’t the lone wolf. How goes it, Harpy? Keeping up with the big boys?”

“Cal.” I’d run into him at the grocery store twice since I’d quit. The first time, he bragged about his extra projects. The second time, he was a lot more bitter. Ramón told me he’d lost all those extra projects because his crews stopped running efficiently.

“How’s business? Got enough work to keep you and my poached guys paid?”

My jaw popped open. “I didn’t poach anyone. They came to me.”

“Yeah, right.”

Confrontation wasn’t my thing, so I stepped around him toward the counter.

“Have any problems on your sites lately? Wouldn’t like seeing you get written up for any violations.”

I turned back and looked at him. Owen had been right about Cal being the anonymous caller. What an asshole. “No problems.”

“What?” He seemed genuinely surprised. Probably because he’d never had a clean inspection in his life.

“Everything okay, Natalie?” Edna asked from behind him.

“Of course she is,” Cal said dismissively. He turned back to me. “You passed all your inspections?”

“Even the spot ones.” I nodded and looked at Edna waiting for me. “Hope the same doesn’t happen to you, Cal. Good seeing you.”

I followed Edna up to the register. Elliot came around and hugged me. Their business had been slower during the building recession, but their attitudes never showed it. I was glad to have the custom home now because the orders were going to be massive compared to the smaller jobs I’d been doing.

Elliot swiped my card and listened to Edna talk about her dislike of Cal. He’d been one of the contractors who stopped buying the bulk of what he needed from them and shopped the big box store instead. The other major builders in town had done the same.

“I was so happy to hear you’d struck out on your own, honey,” Edna said to me. “That man has lost his honor.”

“I sure appreciate your references, Edna.”

“It’s our pleasure to have someone reliable we can send our customers to.”

I tried not to think of all the years I’d put in with Cal, dealing with his bipolar tendencies and shady practices. I was surprised I hadn’t developed an ulcer. To know that I could have started this business years ago and probably been successful just by building up this relationship here, was a little depressing. But I was glad I was free now, and having Vivian’s support helped me feel like I could make a lasting go of this business.

I wouldn’t bother worrying about Cal being underhanded. As long as I ran my jobsites the way I’d always wanted to run them for Cal, I shouldn’t have any problems.

23 \ Natalie

The site was quiet as Owen and I pulled up. A month into the project and I was still arriving early, happy to go to work every day. Owen had been coming with me every Tuesday and some Fridays while his wife volunteered at the hospital. She thanked me every time I swung by to pick him up. I’d gotten the impression that having something active to do made them both happy. I felt lucky to have his woodworking skills on my site.

I swung the trailer around and backed into my usual spot. I was concentrating on the placement when Owen made a disturbing noise. I glanced over as I shut off the truck. His eyes were glued to his side mirror.

Before I could ask what was wrong, his hand tapped my arm and indicated the door. He slipped out of the truck as fast as someone in his eighties could, and I followed. When I faced the house, now completely enclosed with plywood and a roof, I saw what had disturbed him.

Graffiti. Lots of it, covering pretty much every surface except the roof. Thankfully the windows weren’t in yet or I’d be looking at glass everywhere, too.

“Let’s call the police,” Owen advised.

That wouldn’t do any good. The culprits were long gone. The damage wasn’t permanent. Only the exposed timber beams would need to be sanded down since the house wrap and siding would cover the graffiti on the plywood. If the open beams on the ceiling inside were sprayed, we’d lose more than a day’s work. I guess I should be happy that we weren’t in the finishing stages. The damage could have been a lot worse.

“Natalie, we need to call the police.”

“I guess having a report would be good for insurance.”

“This was personal,” Owen said as Miguel’s truck drove up to join us.

“What?” I looked back at him and heard Miguel start swearing while climbing out of his truck.

Owen pointed to the site rules sign. Scrawled across the sign were the words, Get out, Bitch.

“That prick,” Miguel said after his swearing had petered out.

I shook my head. It was possible that one of the electricians or plumbers I’d asked for bids got upset when I didn’t hire them, but it seemed more likely that Cal would do this. Without proof, though, I couldn’t do anything about it, and we were already losing time today.

I expected the next car we heard to be Luis’s van, but it was a bland sedan with a familiar logo on the doors. Great. Just what we needed.

“Same guy,” Owen confirmed of the OSHA inspector as he stepped out of the car.

The guy looked at the graffiti for three seconds, then came straight for me. “We got another call about your site.”

“We haven’t had the opportunity to go inside yet, but I’m guessing all the safety rails and other measures we’ve installed will be vandalized.”

His eyes flicked to the rules sign. “That wouldn’t be surprising.”

“You won’t write her up for violations that she didn’t cause, right?” Miguel asked.

He glanced again at the house. “I won’t, but I am required to revisit to make sure you’ve reinstalled all the necessary safety features.” He consulted his clipboard. “I’m not allowed to tell you when, but if you were to get them all done by Friday morning, it would be a quick trip on my part.”

Owen gave him a proud nod as Miguel shook his hand. I thanked him and watched him drive away, passing David on the way in.

“Damn,” David said, getting out of his car.

“Can you put on your graphics hat this morning?” I indicated the sign that would need redoing.

“I can send the order from here.” David pulled out his smart phone and tapped out the order to his print shop contact.

“That was easy,” Owen said, letting Goblin out of the truck to stretch her legs.

“The rest of it won’t be.” I grabbed the two sanders I had. I’d need to rent more from Edna to get the job done.

“I ran into the Sweeney brothers yesterday,” Miguel told me. “Bet they’d be willing to stay out here at night to add security.”

The brothers usually spent the summers working construction to save up for the ski season. They liked to mess around on jobsites but put in mostly good work. “We were going to need some extra guys on the crew for the rest of the job anyway. I could rent a trailer for them.”

“Add a few motion lights and security cameras.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I waited for Goblin to finish her business then put her safely onto the bed of the truck. I wouldn’t put it past Cal to spread nails and staples around the ground to make it appear more dangerous. I doubted he knew I had a dog here, but I wouldn’t chance an injury to her. “Let’s start with the safety rails first. We can get those back up then sand the beams.”

“I’ll call the brothers and ask if they want on with us.” Miguel headed back to his truck while I led the guys into the house to see what kind of damage we’d find.

Late morning, I heard Vivian’s car drive up. The Eibens had already been out to the site and helped with filling out the police report. I hadn’t wanted to hide the vandalism from the property owners. They seemed more disturbed by the message than the damage to their property. My insurance guy had come by as well. What I’d thought wouldn’t cover my deductible actually turned into a reimbursement of wages for the time it would take to fix the vandalism. That had been one positive turn of events.

“Oh, Natalie,” Vivian said as she passed the now prone rules sign. That would be the next project as soon as David’s order arrived.

“Ticked someone off.”

“Someone?” she asked, coming to a stop in front of me. “Could it be anyone else?”

She thought it was Cal, too. How petty could he be? I guess I should be thankful that he hadn’t punched through the plywood siding or taken down the beams. That would have been expensive and time consuming.

I didn’t know how to reply, still taken aback by what had been done to the house. She looked at me with compassionate eyes and reached forward to pull me into her arms. My breath left me. I hadn’t known I needed this. Comfort wasn’t something I was used to. Owen had given my shoulders a quick squeeze before he joined the crew, but this felt different. Vivian had taken one look at the site and decided I needed a hug. If I weren’t already hugging her, I would hug her for it. Damn, she felt good, and she was right. I did need this.

“C’mon, take an extra-long lunch with me.” She pulled back and grabbed my hand. “I have to pick up my nephew from a half day at kindergarten. I promised him pizza and ice cream before I deliver him to his mom. It’ll be a nice break before you have to come back and deal with this again.”

I glanced down at my clothes. I should change into the dressier shirt I had in my truck.

“You look great,” Vivian said without prompting. I could see she meant it. Me? In my company t-shirt and work jeans? “Let’s take your truck so Goblin can help entertain Mason.”

She transferred Mason’s booster seat to the backseat of my truck and got in, reaching back to pat Goblin. When we got out onto the highway, she filled me in on her other client. I was glad I didn’t have to talk about what went on at the site. There really wasn’t anything I could say.

Parked at the elementary school, we only had to wait a few minutes before Mason came skipping out with several friends. Vivian went to meet him, hugging the small boy and pointing toward me. He waved and smiled like I was the best thing he’d seen all day. It reminded me of when Seth was a little boy.

“Hi, Ms. Nat,” Mason said when he got close enough not to yell.

I greeted him with equal enthusiasm and opened the back door. He climbed up like he’d been scaling walls his entire life. He screeched at Goblin’s surprise lick attack as he was turning to settle into his booster seat.

“Hiya, Gobly Gobbers.” His hands went around her for a hug while Vivian snapped his belt into place.

We laughed at their little love fest. I’d seen him visiting the recovering animals in his dad’s clinic when I went to check on Goblin during her recuperation. He was very proud of his goal to become a vet like his parents. The obvious love he had for animals would help.

“Pizza, Gobly. Maybe we can sneak you in,” he told her and received another lick.

When everyone was buckled in, we made our way to the best pizza place in town. The entire trip was filled with Mason’s chatter. He could talk about anything, it seemed, and had extra energy from the half day at school. By the time we were seated, we’d heard about every second of his day.

Lunch was fun, exactly as Vivian told me it would be. Nothing like listening to a five-year-old’s account of daily life to take your mind off of petty jealous acts by former employers.

“Your mom’s still at the farm, Mase. More sick horses,” Vivian told him when she checked her texts. “You’re stuck with me for a while.”

“And Ms. Nat?”

“Ms. Nat has to get back to her site.”

I smiled and said, “Ms. Nat actually needs to rent a trailer. Know any place I can do that?”

Vivian turned curious eyes at me. “What kind of trailer?”

“The kind two guys can sleep in and keep an eye on the property.”

She nodded and raised a finger, bringing out her phone again and punching in a number. “Hey, Mitch, you still renting some of those trailers on your lot?” After a response, she said, “Natalie needs one for her site. We’ll be by in a few minutes.”

My head shook on its own. She really did have connections for everything. I gave her a grateful look, knowing I didn’t need to voice it. She’d become that kind of friend, which made me happier than her offer to help and her compliment on my appearance.

“Check out her socks, Mase,” Vivian told her nephew when she hung up.

I smiled again and raised my foot, lifting my pant leg. Mason’s eyes widened.

“Clowns, lots and lots of clowns,” he yelped, clapping his hands.

Vivian waggled her eyebrows at me. “He loves clowns.”

Mason pointed out every different clown on my blue socks. Vivian rolled her eyes at his enthusiasm, but she didn’t fool me. She was tickled by his excitement. When he started to wind down, we herded him back into the truck. He greeted Goblin like he hadn’t just seen her a half hour before. What a sweet boy.

Mitch came through the doors as soon as we pulled onto the lot. “Ahh, I see I’ve won over another lifetime customer with my charm again.”

“Yeah, it’s your charm that did it,” Vivian responded with enough sarcasm even her little nephew knew she wasn’t serious.

He showed us to the row of trailers he rented. Mason enthusiastically ran through each one. They all seemed similar to me, so we talked price and length of contract. Vivian bargained him down and in less than an hour I was hooking up a trailer to my truck and pulling off his lot.

Getting this task done, easily thanks to Vivian and enjoyably thanks to her and Mason, felt like a load off my shoulders. I marveled again at how my life had changed in the space of a few short months, most of it thanks to the woman beside me. I’d have to find a way to let her know that soon.

24 \ Vivian

So nice to be indoors, finally. As quickly as Natalie’s crew was putting this house up, working in the elements was never fun. I honestly don’t know how Natalie managed every day without constantly complaining.

James had signed off on the insulation inspection yesterday. Drywall was already going up, and suddenly, it was going from a structure to a home. It also meant my time on the jobsite would triple as would the decisions and work I needed to do.

An engine sounded from the bend in the driveway. It would be the lumber yard delivering the floors. When a green BMW nosed into view, I felt disappointment boil in my gut. Yesterday, it had been Brandy’s leased Mercedes, today Joanna’s leased Beemer. They couldn’t just let the ski season end and leave for Denver like usual, could they? Had to come out for one last tease.

“Hey, sexy mama,” Joanna called as soon as she got out of the car.

Luis and Ramón stopped on their way into the house from the tented area to stare at the beautiful blonde. Joanna’s blond hair had dyed white highlights. Brandy preferred golden highlights. Together they were a stunning duo. Not many women could resist their planned seductions.

“What brings you by, Jo?” I met her halfway to her car, hoping to encourage her to get back inside and leave.

“Wanted to see your latest design.” Her hand gestured to the house, but her eyes cut to the tent where Miguel and Natalie were mixing compound.

Terrific. It wouldn’t be just teasing today. Like Brandy yesterday, she’d be pouring on the sizzle. Of the two, Joanna was a little more tactful. Brandy just applied pressure until her prey succumbed. Joanna used romance better. I so didn’t want to witness this.

“Hi, Natalie,” she called out with an exaggerated finger wave. When she didn’t get an immediate response, she tried again, “Yoo-hoo, Natalie, sweetie.”

Really? Yoo-hoo? I let a long sigh leave my lips.

Joanna cut me a glare. She swished her sexy hips around me and over to where Natalie had finally stopped working. Her efforts got a small smile that, much to my stomach’s delight, didn’t reach Natalie’s eyes.

“Joanna, right?” Natalie asked.

My hand clapped over my mouth to contain the giggle that waited at the sight of Joanna’s crestfallen look. I knew for a fact that they’d “bumped” into each other enough times for Natalie not to question her name. She, however, didn’t seem to notice that she’d just taken a huge pile of chips from Joanna’s game.

“You here to see Vivian’s beautiful work?” Natalie flicked smiling eyes at me.

“And yours. I sure am. Want to give me a tour?”

Natalie frowned. “We’re a little busy right now, but feel free to walk around. Grab that hard hat and watch for dropped screws on the subfloor in there.”

The frown transferred to Joanna’s face. She looked over at me, like I’d help her in her quest to bed Natalie. Not likely. Never going to happen. Uh-uh, no way.

“You can’t spare even a few minutes for an admirer?”

“Vivian’s the one who’s spun her magic here. I’m sure she could explain the vision a lot better.”

Miguel’s lips tightened as he watched the interplay. When his eyes shot to mine, he had to turn away to hide his smile. He knew exactly what was going on here. Natalie, however, was playing clueless better than anyone I’d ever seen. After Brandy’s full frontal assault yesterday, I’m surprised she hadn’t felt molested by the encounter.

“If you’re too busy, I understand. But hey, my roommate and I are having a party this Saturday night. Come by and you can tell me everything Vivian missed.”

Natalie didn’t even hesitate before she said, “Sounds fun, but I can’t make it.”

“When can you? We’re hosting parties all the time. Name a night, and we’ll throw a party in your honor to introduce you around.”

“Sometime, maybe.”

I wondered if Natalie knew she sounded like she was blowing Joanna off. She wasn’t the blow off type, but she wasn’t giving Joanna any hope she’d ever accept this invitation.

“How about I come back here tonight and take you to dinner?”

Natalie gave another polite smile. “That’s nice, but we’re working pretty late.”

“I could bring you dinner for a little break.”

Desperate much? Joanna’s game had crumbled in the face of clueless. This was actually becoming enjoyable. It didn’t help that my stomach was doing flips every time Natalie shoved her aside.

“Thanks for the offer, but I promised my nephew a pizza when I got home tonight.”

“Oh? Your nephew lives with you?” She was either upset by this news or trying to figure out a way to use it to her advantage.

“Nope,” Natalie said.

That was it. She didn’t offer anything else or any hope. Miguel gripped the side of the work table to keep from doubling over in laughter. I nearly barked out a laugh myself.

Joanna looked perplexed. “You are a lesbian, right?”

“Jo!” I admonished, not believing that once her game left her she became gauche.

“What? I’m just making sure.” She turned back to Natalie. “You’re not with anyone in town; I already checked. So either you’re not gay or you’re not interested. Which is it?”

Miguel’s mouth had nudged open. Luis made a choking sound to hold back his reaction. Poor Natalie.

She stopped what she was doing entirely. Keeping her face impassive, she came around the worktable to stand in front of Joanna. “You seem like a nice person, Joanna. I’m glad to have met you, but I’m not looking for a date.”

As amazing as it was to hear Joanna get turned down, Natalie’s words resonated with me. I felt my chest tighten. She wasn’t looking to date. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized I’d been slowly falling under her enchantment. Not only was I drawn to her but I’d begun to actively seek ways to spend more time with her. I’d thought it was making a new friend, but my stomach twisting at the sight of my beautiful, single, confident, lesbian friend throwing herself at Natalie told me my feelings had to be more than friendship.

Joanna shot another long look at me before she realized I hadn’t poisoned the well. I was now thinking I should have. “If you change your mind, call me.” She gave another finger wave and sashayed back to her car knowing everyone was looking at her shapely ass.

“Hot damn! I wish I’d had my phone out for that,” Ramón said as he walked up to his boss. “Hot chicks throwing themselves at you. Harp, you’re nuts for not taking a bite of that.”

She shot the same dispassionate eyes at him. “Is the rock hanging itself now, Ramón?”

He laughed and punched her shoulder. She lifted the bucket she’d been mixing and handed it to him with a pointed stare toward the house. He chuckled all the way back.

She turned back and caught Miguel’s teasing grin. “What? Is there a holiday or something?”

I watched their interplay with a smile. She could be so sexy ordering the guys around. This was a day of revelations for me. Natalie was sexy, which I’d noticed but not dwelled on, and I didn’t want her to date Brandy or Joanna, which I hadn’t known but now found intriguing.

Natalie shifted her stare to me. “Will that be the last of your single friends stopping by?”

I felt my jaw nudge open. So, she had known exactly what Joanna was doing from the very start. Even though she hadn’t said anything after Brandy’s visit yesterday, she knew they’d both come out here to make a run at her.

“Other than Molly, that’s the last of my single friends.”

“Good.”

Did that mean she was interested in Molly? Or did she expect me to keep Molly from coming out here? Jeez, had Molly already asked her out? No, Mol would have told me. Pretty sure about that.

“You’ve had it with dating, have you?” I tried for a tease.

She looked at me, this time her gaze was anything but impassive. “Nope.”

That was it, again, but this time she smiled and it reached her eyes. I swear my stomach felt every inch of that smile.

25 \ Vivian

Fingers snapped near my face to get my attention, which she’d already had. I’d seen the woman do this with several of her household staff. I don’t know why I now found it surprising she was trying this with me.

I didn’t bother to hide my displeasure at her gesture. “I heard you. As I was saying, the renovations you’re asking for are major and do require building permits.”

“Permits are useless. We never have to get them in L.A.”

I didn’t believe that for a minute. “This isn’t L.A. Here, you’ll definitely need permits for the work you’re thinking of doing.”

“It’s my house. Who’s going to know?”

“I’ll know as will the contractor you hire.”

She leaned in close and wrapped a conspiratorial arm around me. “You’re resourceful. I’m sure you know a contractor who wouldn’t have a problem doing this work without the hassle and delay of permits.”

Natalie’s face popped into my mind, as it often did, but especially at the mention of contractors. She wouldn’t work without a permit—normally. I had the feeling she would if I asked her. She’d become that kind of friend. I shouldn’t find pleasure in knowing I had a friend who liked me enough to break the law, but I did.

“I don’t work like that,” I tried not to sound condescending. “If you want my design and my help, you’ll require the permits.”

She stepped back to run her gaze over me. She was probably trying to decide if I was going to stick to my position. The next words would either involve an insult or a bribe, neither would be a surprise. I’d dealt with these kinds of clients throughout my career.

After tossing out other designers’ names as a threat, she told me she’d think about a smaller project until the permits could come through. I walked away knowing she’d either bring in someone from L.A. or call Ursula, who didn’t have renovation experience. It was a good bet that Ursula wouldn’t know to apply for permits.

 I walked away feeling exhausted and vaguely dirty. Clients with zero regard for civil law or professionalism always made me feel icky.

As a saving grace, I stopped by the Eiben jobsite just to check in. I didn’t need to. Natalie had everything under control. I only needed to check in every few days, but I liked being there. Liked being near Natalie the most. She was calming and exciting all in one. And she was thoughtful, a trait that most people, or at least the people I dated, seemed to lack these days.

When I pulled up, I recognized Owen working in the tent area. He was pulling planks of wood through a machine. I smiled. He loved working on the jobsite. Natalie didn’t really need his help, but she brought him out on a weekly basis, again demonstrating how thoughtful she was. He wanted to feel helpful and useful and not under his wife or granddaughter’s feet at home. Natalie provided the perfect outlet for that, and she made him feel like he was a member of her crew.

Most of her crew was outside, slapping the planks they retrieved from Owen’s workspace onto the deck frame they’d built. The planks looked new, but they were from an old barn that Natalie had torn down in her days working for Cal. When she’d proposed using them instead of buying new lumber for the deck, I was doubly happy. We’d save forests and money.

“Hey, Viv,” Miguel called out as I circled around to the deck.

I greeted him and the rest of the crew as he gave me a rundown on the status of the deck. My eyes kept wandering to the accordion doors off the great room. I realized I hadn’t swung by the project to check in. I’d swung by to see Natalie. To use her, really, just to feel a little endorphin rush.

“She’s inside working on the tile pattern you drew up.” Miguel guessed what my wandering eyes were looking for.

“The deck looks great, guys. Keep up the good work.” Platitudes, that’s what I was reduced to just so I could get inside the house. After the last client meeting, I didn’t feel one bit of guilt about it.

Natalie was on her knees, dry placing the marble tiles in the pattern I’d drawn out. Several cuts would need to be made, but the pattern would look stunning for everyone who entered the home.

I stood back and watched her work for a moment. Like always, she was completely involved in the process. Not even Goblin’s thumping tail could break her concentration. When Goblin got up from her travel bed and headed over to me for a lick, Natalie swung her head around. The smile that greeted me set a healthy rhythm to my heartbeat.

“I didn’t think you’d make it out today. How was your meeting?” Natalie stood and unsnapped her kneepads. Her entire concentration was now on me, and it felt incredible.

“Feh,” was all I could manage. I didn’t want to talk about my client meeting. I wanted to talk about this project or how she was or what she wanted to do with her share of the profits or what she liked to do on rainy days or pretty much anything she wanted to tell me.

“Demanding, huh?”

I shrugged and walked closer. I could touch her, just to see how she’d react. Or to see how she felt. I’d been thinking these thoughts more often lately. That even though we worked together, we could still date. Natalie was different. She knew what she wanted, she was comfortable in her skin, and she thought of others before she thought of herself. We could manage a working and personal relationship.

“What do you think?” She gestured back to the pattern.

“Looks like I should have redrawn it so you don’t have to spend a lot of time with the tile saw.”

She smiled, her perfect teeth coming into full view. I had the sudden urge to run my tongue over them and felt my heart kick into another gear. “It would be off-center, and I don’t mind.”

I gripped her shoulder for a squeeze. “I know you don’t.”

Her eyes darted to my hand, but otherwise, there was no indication that she felt anything from my attempt to connect with her. I released her and glanced around to see what else she’d done since the last time I saw her a couple days ago. The hardwoods were completely done and under two layers of construction paper. I’d check them out another time. I had another appointment to get to.

“Looks good in here.”

“Henry was out this morning to take a look. He’s very pleased.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. A client who doesn’t give me grief every moment.”

Natalie’s eyes clouded. She took a step closer. “Are you okay?”

“Just a little tired.” I glanced at my watch. “I’ve got to get to another meeting. You’re doing a fabulous job.”

Her brow crinkled. “See you soon?”

I waved but didn’t say anything. I wasn’t sure what I should say. I had shopping trips, client meetings, and another project that was keeping me busy. I couldn’t just keep coming back over to the one headache-free project because seeing her made me feel better.

I spent the next two hours consulting with another potentially demanding client. I thought about checking in at the office to see if Samantha had found the window coverings we’d discussed earlier, but I headed home instead. I didn’t have the energy to stop for dinner. I’d probably fall right into bed before I could think about eating anyway.

When I pulled into my carport, I noticed something sitting on my doorstep. Maybe Cassie had dropped something off, but she’d normally just use her key and set it on the bench inside. It was a white paper bag, no writing on the side. I scooped it up and unlocked my front door. Dropping my purse and keys on the bench, I headed into the kitchen to see what Zach or Cass had left me.

I pulled out a foam cooler and placed it on the counter. Popping the top, I peeked inside and found a pint of my favorite ice cream. My mouth started salivating. This was such a bad dinner idea, but after the day I’d had, I deserved it.

Finding a spoon, I twisted the lid off and dug in. Oh, that first blast of flavor as it hit my tongue. The chill, the chocolate, the creamy texture, everything that made ice cream bad for me also made it sinfully delicious. I’d have to stop before I ate the whole thing.

The paper bag held a note. I plucked it out while a spoonful dissolved in my mouth. My lips spread into a smile when I read it.

There’s no better antidote for a tough day. Enjoy.

No signature, but I didn’t need to know the handwriting wasn’t Cass or Zach’s to know who wrote it. She was too good to be true. Thoughtful to the point of disbelief. I thought I’d hid my frustration well, but I should have known I wouldn’t fool her.

Before I could think my way out of it, I picked up the phone and dialed her number. She answered on the second ring.

“You are too good to me,” I told her, not bothering with a greeting or identifying myself. She should recognize my voice by now.

Natalie chuckled. “That’s not possible.”

I sucked in a breath. She actually meant that. That it wasn’t possible for her to be too good to me. Amazing. “How did you know?”

“Not one but two client meetings? Even if you hadn’t shown up, I would have guessed at least one of them would have been rough.”

“I don’t deserve your spoiling me.”

“Everyone deserves to be spoiled.”

“Thank you. It’s my favorite kind.”

“I remember.”

She remembered this, too? “I told you?”

“Yep. Hope it hits the spot.”

“It does. Thanks, Nat. You’re really sweet. I’ll return the gesture sometime.”

“Goodnight, Viv.”

“See you soon.” Her voice had done the trick better than the ice cream. None of my other friends had this effect on me. Maybe it was time to start considering just how much she meant to me.

26 \ Natalie

Goblin gave two warning barks before the knocking began. My head pounded and felt like a bowling ball as I lifted it off the pillow. I glanced at the clock. An hour, that’s all I’d slept and somehow I felt worse than when I’d cut out of work early with the flu. Owen had pushed me to go home. After barely making it up to my bed before crashing, I was very glad for the push.

A light knocking sounded again and my fuzzy head focused for a second. My legs swung on their own over the side of the bed. When I sat up, I felt even more nauseous than when I’d left the site. It probably had to do with the fact that I hadn’t had anything to eat or drink all day. Dehydration wouldn’t help my flu symptoms.

Goblin appeared at my bedside, a faint whine before her head turned back toward the door. Hoisting myself slowly, I managed to step downstairs without releasing everything in my stomach. I almost never got sick, and I was a lousy patient when I did.

Through the glass in the front door, I saw Vivian’s lovely face. She gave a concerned smile as I made my way toward her.

“You look like you need to be lying down.”

“I was,” I told her and gestured her inside.

“Get back to it, then.”

It was a soft order but definitely an order. I smiled because it was so like her to drag me out of bed just to order me right back to it. “What are you doing here?”

“Owen told me you were sick.”

“And you came by to tell me to go to bed?”

She flicked her eyes over me, lingering longer on my hair this time. It was probably plastered to the side of my head from the nap. “I came by to take care of you.”

I took a step back, astonished. My hand came up to wave off her gesture. I didn’t need anyone to take care of me.

Hers came up to grab mine and squeeze. “Like you have a choice. Get upstairs before you pass out. I’ll get a cold rag and some water.”

“You don’t have to do that, Vivian. I was going to sleep this off. I’ll be fine by tomorrow.” I hoped, but I definitely didn’t need to put her out by looking after me.

“I’ll be here to make sure of it.” Her hands pressed on my back to get us moving to the stairs.

I had no choice but to allow her to shove me up the stairs and soon found myself being settled into bed. I didn’t miss the irony that I was being put to bed by a woman I’d fantasized about being in bed with.

She smiled down at me as she pulled the covers up. “I’ll be right back.” She disappeared from my sight line, leaving Goblin and me in bewildered silence.

It didn’t take long before she was back, sitting on the side of my bed and pressing a cold compress to my head. I think I groaned in relief because her smile brightened.

“You should have called me when you went home. I would have been happy to come over and help.” She looked at me with question in her eyes. “When was the last time someone took care of you?”

I looked away, not remembering. I’d never gotten close enough to the women I’d dated to have them care for me. I learned never to need it anyway.

“I swear if you tell me it was when you were sixteen, I might drive to Denver and track down your parents tonight.”

Her temper was such a turn on. That she’d aim it at people who’d hurt me, I would have attacked her if my stomach would have let me. As it was now, I could barely smile before nodding off to sleep again.

Voices woke me the next time. I felt better, but not up to a party, which is what sounded like was going on downstairs. I hefted myself up and went slowly down the stairs.

“There she is,” Tamiko declared when she saw me. “How are you feeling, dear?”

Owen stood beside her while Lena and Glory were in the kitchen with Vivian. They all turned toward me as I landed on the first floor.

“We brought miso soup for today and some food for when you feel better.”

“Thank you, that’s very nice.” I couldn’t fathom why they’d come out here just for the flu. I knew Owen thought well of me, but he was treating me like a family member right now.

“We’re not staying,” Glory said, glancing back at what looked like a menacing Vivian.

“Looks like you’re in good hands anyway,” Lena murmured loud enough for everyone to hear, shooting a bright smile at Vivian.

Vivian showed them out a little while later. She turned back with a serious face. “You should be in bed. You’ll never get over the flu if you keep getting up.”

“I’ll try some of the soup and head back to bed. Thank you for staying and entertaining them. I should be guest free the rest of the night.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

My brow furrowed. “It’s getting late.”

“Which is why you should be in bed. Our goal is to get you well enough to work tomorrow. You think that site runs itself?”

I laughed. “I’ll try.”

“I’ll make sure.” She opened the container that Tamiko had brought and handed me a spoon. “Take as much as you can. Every bit of liquid will help.”

“If you take off now, you might not catch what I’ve got.”

“Stop trying to get rid of me.”

“You’re staying?” My head was fuzzy, but not that fuzzy. Did she really just say that she was staying with me all night?

She shook her head and let out a soft laugh. “You did more than take care of me, Nat. You saved my life. I’m staying to make sure you’re feeling better. Everyone needs someone to care for them when they feel sick. I’m your someone.”

I could feel myself blinking at her words. That sounded nice. Having someone to count on again. Brad had been there for me when I needed him most, but this, a person not related to me, a person who would do this because of friendship, because she must care for me. “I like the sound of that.”

Her eyes darted back to mine. “Me, too.”

27 \ Natalie

When I saw her, I smiled. I’d been doing that pretty much nonstop for a month now. I’d also been hiding the smiles from my crew and from her. Now, I didn’t bother to hide the smiles. I liked her. So much. It didn’t matter that she was a stunner. It didn’t matter that she had a banging body. What mattered was her kindness, her intelligence, her consideration, her smile, and the dazzling fire it lit in me every time I saw it.

“Hey,” she greeted in a soft voice. A private voice. She didn’t use that voice with anyone else on my crew.

My smile widened. “Hey.”

“Got a lot done in here.”

“Do you want—”

“Did you get—”

We’d both spoken at the same time. Then we both smiled at the same time and gestured to finish. It would have been awkward with anyone else. With Vivian it was funny. I gestured again to get her to speak.

“Did you get the tile delivery for the master bathroom?”

“Not yet. The guys said UPS showed up last night and left a notice on the trailer that he’d try again today.”

“And where were the guys?” she said with a bright smile on her face.

“It was Friday night. Where do you think the guys were?”

“I thought the whole purpose of providing them a place to stay was so they’d keep an eye on the house.”

“Try being the mean lady who keeps them from having fun on Friday nights.”

“Nat,” she gave an exasperated sigh.

“Viv,” I mimicked her tone. “I usually work late Fridays so they can go grab some beers and have some fun.”

“You’re saving them thousands in rent.”

“They’re saving us thousands in potential vandalism. They should get their Friday nights.”

She put up her hands and smiled. God, I liked that smile. I wanted to kiss that smile.

“You were going to say?” she asked.

My eyes darted away as I took a deep breath. “You know that dinner we missed having?”

Her eyes flashed for a moment. “Yes.”

“Did you want to have it tonight? I know it’s short notice, but we’re going to be done a little early today. Dinner out would be fun. With you.”

She smiled and it brightened the whole room. “I’d like that.”

“Great. Seven? I’ll come by your place.”

She smiled broader. “Afraid I’ll stand you up again?”

“You didn’t, not really.” I listened to her laugh at my discomfort. “You weren’t going to, right?”

“Don’t think so,” she teased.

“Tonight, then.” I turned and left her standing in the middle of the kitchen before she could change her mind.

Hours later, I’d tried on everything in my closet again and decided I needed to do some shopping. My choices hadn’t changed since the night I’d dressed for the date that might not be a date but hopefully was going to be a date. I was wearing the same slacks and boots, but I had on a cap sleeve green silk blouse with a plunging neck that did wonders for my minimal bust line. My hair was a little longer, so the paste didn’t make it as spikey. I actually liked it better. Charcoal eye makeup highlighted my brown eyes, and the tan I’d been acquiring helped bring out the dusky pink of my lips without any added color. I looked as good as I was going to look, so I headed out to pick up my date who wasn’t a date unless she wanted to become a date.

She answered the door before I had time to grind my mind into dust with anxiety. She was a vision in a violet patterned summer dress that showed off a superb amount of sun freckled skin and looked more comfortable than anything I’d ever seen her in. Just when I thought she couldn’t get any more stunning.  

“Oh,” she said as her eyes swept over me and her mouth parted. “You look sensational.”

My eyes dropped automatically to check my attire before bouncing up to look at the beauty before me. By comparison, well, there was no comparison, but my heart jumped to a racing clip at her compliment. “I didn’t think work jeans and a company t-shirt would work tonight.”

Her hand darted out and touched my hair. “Nice, very nice. Gel?”

I let a nervous laugh slip, not wanting to let her know how much I liked her approval. “Paste.”

“Makes it looks great.”

“Thanks. Shall we?” I gestured back to my truck. I’d hoped to be closer in height to her with my boots, but she was wearing three inch sling backs herself. As much as I’d wanted to be eyelevel with her, those sling backs did amazing things for her toned calves.

I opened the passenger door for her and held her hand while she stepped onto the rail and slid onto the seat. Just that little bit of contact made me heady. I’d need to take a few breaths before pulling out onto the road.

We drove to the same restaurant. Not my choice, but she’d made the suggestion, and I didn’t want to disappoint. I just hoped the same staff wasn’t on, or at the very least, didn’t remember the chick who sat at a table alone for an hour pathetically waiting for her date.

“This is one of my favorite places,” Vivian said as we pulled into the parking lot. She looked over at me as I turned off the engine. “But you probably already knew that because I’m sure I mentioned it on the first day we met and you somehow remembered it.”

Like it was hard to remember something she said. “I’m sure it’s great.” I hopped out and hurried around to her side.

She placed her hand in mine to step down from the rail on my truck. “What? You said you were here that night.”

“I was.”

“Didn’t you eat?”

I looked away as we started walking. Heat bloomed on my cheeks. It was still embarrassing to think of that night when I sat there like a lump waiting for a woman who was in a car accident and would never have made it to the restaurant. “It wouldn’t have been polite.”

She stopped our progress and turned to face me. “You waited in a restaurant and didn’t order anything because it would have been impolite to eat when your dining companion rudely never showed up?”

“You didn’t—”

Her fingers landed on my mouth before I could again state that her accident wasn’t her fault. When she silenced me, her fingers slid down to tilt my chin up. My heart hammered against my chest as she leaned down and kissed my cheek.

“You are too sweet for this century.”

Her kiss tingled on my cheek even as I laughed. “This century?”

“Probably for the last century, too.” She smiled and tipped her head toward the restaurant to get us moving again.

As my luck would have it, the same hostess and waiter were on tonight. With Vivian beside me, we were given one of the good tables near the window. I could swear I got a wink from Isaac, but I was too busy staring at the woman sitting across from me.

“You look lovely tonight,” I finally remembered to say.

Her eyes looked up from the menu and crinkled. “I might just have to change your name to Sweet.”

“Too much?” I joked.

She gave me a thoughtful stare. “It would be if I thought you weren’t being genuine, but I’m not sure you know how to be fake.”

“I did work for Cal for many years.”

“You probably had a lot of practice, but it didn’t seem to stick to you.” She graced me with another of her beautiful smiles and returned her attention to the menu.

An hour later, we’d finished dinner and were lingering over coffee to prolong our time together. At least that’s what I was doing. Vivian didn’t seem to mind that I was drinking my coffee slowly. We’d talked about so many things, easily and without needing to support it with talk of work. I’d never had a more enjoyable dinner. Her beguiling nature made it very easy.

My long day had finally caught up to me. It was time to call it a night. I managed to get to the bill first, which she allowed when she made me promise she could get the next dinner. I hadn’t thought it was possible to feel more elated, but knowing we’d do this again managed to make that happen for me.

Isaac definitely winked at me on the way out. Guess he approved of my date, who felt a little more like a date now.

The entire drive back to her place, I debated the goodnight. Should I or shouldn’t I? We wouldn’t see each other until Monday at the earliest, probably closer to the end of the week if her schedule continued the way it had been. So if I did, then it wouldn’t be awkward until Monday maybe longer. If I didn’t, then I could start the pining right away. Thus far I’d been admiring only, maybe a dash of longing, but after tonight it would definitely be pining if her affections weren’t the same as mine.

“This was a lot of fun, Nat. Thanks for suggesting it.” Vivian reached into the back seat for her sweater.

“I’ll walk you.”

Her head swung around to look at me. I couldn’t read her expression, but I wouldn’t wait until I could see something in it that looked like she didn’t want me to walk her. I jumped out of the truck before she could say it.

I helped her down again. This time, I didn’t let go of her hand. “I had a wonderful time tonight.” It was unoriginal but how I felt.

She smiled and squeezed my hand. That alone sent a zing of pleasure through me. I had to try this. It would be worth the awkwardness if I overstepped.

Her door loomed before us. My heartbeat went into overdrive. I tried to catch my breath and my thoughts. I suddenly remembered that I was three inches shorter and moving in for a kiss wouldn’t be easy if she wasn’t up for it. Still. I had to try.

She turned. I stepped forward and lifted up, praying she wouldn’t be offended. With a lean that felt like it spanned a football field, I touched my lips to hers. Light and feathery but I felt fire swirl in my stomach at the contact. I didn’t pressure her, giving her a chance to back away in the time we could call it a quick, friendly buss. When she didn’t, maybe out of shock, my lips drew on hers to make sure we both knew I meant it. A short goodnight kiss that would never have qualified as a first kiss if it weren’t so magnificent. I’d had mostly awkward, or boring, but some pleasing first kisses before, all lasted much longer than this one. In fact, this one was so brief I could hardly get an impression. Yet I did. Breathtaking, everything I’d always wanted in a first kiss other than it ending.

Her eyes were still closed when I stepped back. They opened without a flutter, which I’m pretty sure mine were still doing. Her hand didn’t flash out and slap me, but she didn’t give me a damn-that-was-good smile either.

“Goodnight, Vivian.” I started backing away before she could comment or reason away my attempt to change our relationship.

She smiled then, but I wasn’t sure how to interpret it. “Night, Natalie. See you soon.”

Soon wouldn’t be soon enough, especially if she let me kiss her again.

28 \ Vivian

Should have invited her in. The thought still ran through my mind even after all the distracting fun of brunch with my brother and the kids. If I’d invited Natalie in last night, I had no doubt I would have ruined my chance at romance by letting my hormones take us straight to bed.

That kiss, hardly long enough to be a real kiss, but my, it had reached everywhere. At last, a first kiss made me crave more. I’d wanted to lean back in for another and never let up. Usually I wanted to have the first kiss over with. It was rarely good, often just a clash of lips and teeth, sometimes a massive overreach of open mouths and tongues. But last night, the perfect amount of lip pressure coupled with a distinctive pounding in my heart made it the most memorable kiss I’d ever received. It was just too short in duration, but the surprise factor made up for the brevity.

My phone buzzed a second time in less than a minute, indicating that whoever had just called had left a message. I’d wait until we buckled the boys into their car seats to check. It was probably Molly or Dwight, my afternoon plans. We were still deciding between motorcycle riding with the boys or mountain biking up to Snowmass on our own. After the energy expended on brunch, I was going to vote for mountain biking. Cassie was out with Mei, Glory, Lena, and Brooke for the day, so Zach had the boys. I liked that they gave each other breaks like this. Zach got to take a day to himself every month, too. I counted it as one of the best reasons they got along so well and respected each other so much. It was a must have on my list. Every relationship I’d been part of succumbed to stifling togetherness. Wanting to spend a day with Molly, Dwight, or even J&B ended up in a huge whiny debate. Natalie wouldn’t be like that.

Damn, there I went again thinking about Natalie and her amazing, brief, stunning, short, toe-tingling, yet fleeting kiss. My main worry about too much togetherness with our work and personal lives had pretty much vanished. Zach and Cass worked together, although they weren’t in the clinic together all day long. Natalie and I wouldn’t be on the jobsite all day every day, either. I could work with a woman I was seeing. Natalie, rather, probably not just any woman, but I didn’t feel concerned about that with Natalie.

When Zach got us onto the road, I pulled out my phone and checked the message I missed. My pulse raced as soon as I heard Natalie’s voice. It was a short message, telling me again what a good time she had and that she hoped we could do it again soon. To the point and yet enough to spur thoughts of our date again.

“Who was that?” Zach asked.

Flutters started in my stomach as I glanced out the window to hide my blush. “Natalie.”

“How’s that going?”

“How’s what going?” I started in my seat. Zach and I were close, but he couldn’t possibly know what I was thinking.

His face lit with a teasing smile. “I don’t know what now. I was just asking about working with her since so many of the other contractors you worked with were d-bags. Should I be asking about something else?”

“She’s good at her job. No problems at all. Her crew works when she says they will. She doesn’t pull change orders every third hour. She doesn’t say they can’t do something just so she can squeeze more money out of the clients. Basically, she’s nothing like any contractor I’ve worked with.” In more ways than one.

He nodded. “She certainly didn’t waste time putting in our laundry room. You haven’t complained about a job once since you started working with her.”

“I don’t complain!”

“Everyone complains,” he tossed out with a smirk. “You and I have some of the same clients and dealing with them is difficult. But unlike you, I only have to deal with them not a stubborn, lazy, greedy contractor as well. Thanks to Nat, you no longer have to either.”

“You can say that again.”

“She’s attractive, too.”

My smile gave me away. I wouldn’t deny that she was attractive. Hell, last night she’d made me salivate. Her outfit emphasized those muscular arms and touchable rear end. The eye makeup and styled hair shot her way past attractive. I finally figured out which British actress Molly was talking about, and Natalie was way hotter.

“You should ask her out.”

“Too late.”

His face fell. “She’s seeing someone?”

“We went out last night.”

“Ah,” he said with a knowing smile. “That’s the reason for the smiles all morning.”

“I haven’t been…” Okay, I had, and it felt so good I didn’t even care that I just gave my brother enough ammunition to tease me for the rest of the summer.

“Well, Cass and I like her, so do the boys.”

That was Zach’s way of telling me to go for it. Not pushing, but encouraging.

Like I needed the encouragement.

* * *

All week we’d missed each other. I’d stopped by the jobsite twice and both times she’d been out on a smaller job with one of her crew members while the rest continued with the build. Then I’d had the trip to Denver for the Home Show, which was usually a ton of fun because I always went with Dwight. This time I’d been preoccupied thinking about Natalie and her wonderful thoughtfulness and luscious lips. Had she not called and asked me to the site on Friday evening, I probably would have found another excuse to stop by on my own.

I pulled through the now working security gate on the property and onto the recently paved private driveway to the house. None of the crew’s cars were there, and the trailer looked empty. If it weren’t for Natalie’s truck parked in front of the three car garage, I’d believe it was the wrong night.

I got out of the car and headed into the house. The lighting fixtures were nearly done. The best part about it, Natalie was able to do it herself without having to hire an electrician. She’d apprenticed with one and knew enough to do finish electrical. She and her crew had done a wonderful job. Cabinets would be going in next, then it would be finishing the kitchen and bathroom fixtures. After that it was trim work and punch list items before I could start with the staging.

“Hi.” Natalie surfaced from the dining room with a smile and a light twinkling in her brown eyes.

I stumbled to a halt at the sight of her. Gone were the dusty work jeans and fitted company V-neck. No hat or visor or hard hat. Instead she had on dark grey cotton pants, a sleeveless button up coral colored shirt. Her hair was styled again, and she was wearing makeup. Date makeup. My heart sped up, and my mouth went dry.

“How was the Home Show? Find anything futuristic or useful?”

I swallowed, running my eyes over her again. “Some goodies. Nothing like the solar shingles we found last year, though.”

Her eyes darted up to the ceiling, and her lips stretched into a grin. “Those are clever. Hope your realtor friend was right about the selling potential.”

“Things look good around here. Missed you twice, did the guys tell you?”

She nodded and swept her hand toward the back deck. “They did. Hope you like what we’ve done with the place.”

A blanket spread out on the back deck with a picnic basket, bottle of wine, and two glasses. I swallowed again. She’d set up a picnic for us. The “hope we can do it again soon” comment from her message came back to me. She was good with surprises. A sneaky second date. Giddy didn’t begin to cover what I was feeling.

“A picnic?”

Her mouth curled into a soft smile. “A picnic, if you’re up for it.”

I reached out to squeeze her arm. It was as chiseled as it looked but slender so she didn’t look like a body builder. They were arms defined by the work she did and incredibly sexy. I couldn’t wait to feel them wrapped around me in a real embrace.

“This is a nice surprise,” I said. “I’m starving.”

She laughed and grabbed my hand to take us outside. It felt so good in mine. She might be shorter, but her hands were bigger than mine. Sexy hands that should have been rough because of her work but weren’t.

I took a seat next to the basket, peeking inside to see what she’d brought. Two different salads, two entrée containers, a baguette, and two different desserts. I would be able to tell the restaurant as soon as we dug in, but for now, I just stared in wonder at the food then up at the woman who’d put this together. Thoughtful and beautiful.

I couldn’t help myself. I leaned forward and captured her lips. Neither of us expected it, but I wouldn’t let her tiny jolt of surprise deter me from enjoying the lushness of her full lips. Especially when she got over the surprise and got into the kiss.

Her hand came up to cup the back of my neck. She leaned closer and slid the hand up into my hair. The feel of her fingers tightening at the base of my scalp, signifying her pleasure, was almost as good as the feel of her tongue nudging the seam of my lips. It tested and teased before slipping inside. I moaned at the welcome invasion. Her mouth opened wider at the sound, tongue dancing over mine. Her moan was softer but sent a bolt of fire through me.

Not wanting to ruin this heady feeling, I pulled back to end the kiss. I let out a long breath still intoxicated by how good that had felt.

A smile touched those perfect lips as red tinged her cheeks. “That was nice.”

Nice? It blew my mind, and I’m pretty sure she felt the same. She wasn’t one for being overbearing, though. I liked her even more because of it. If she’d gushed or became bawdy, it would ruin the moment.

“Very, and so is this picnic. You know just how to spoil someone.”

She lost her smile, looked directly at me, and said, “I like you, Vivian.”

My heart started to pound. “I like you, too, Natalie.”

It would be so easy to fall for her. Just as I’d always imagined it would be with the right person.

29 \ Vivian

The birthday barbeque ended up being a lot more fun that I could have hoped for. Turning forty freaked a lot of people out, but it was just another day for me. Zach put together a low key party that lasted throughout the afternoon and allowed almost everyone I knew to stop by for a little fun. It was nice to see all my friends together, even if what I really wanted to do was take Natalie away and enter a marathon makeout session. I’d been denied anything more than a single, solid, breathtaking kiss on our dates. It was almost as if she was holding back for fear she’d take it too far. She was obviously the sensible one in our duo.

I smiled, thinking about being part of a duo again. It had been a few years since I’d been in a real relationship. The last couple of years had been a series of tepid first and second dates. Dates with Natalie were anything but tepid. We were taking things slowly, but we were anything but tepid. The pace suited me just fine. I was finally getting enough time to know a woman before emotions got distorted by a sexual relationship.

Molly sank into the chair next to me. “Enjoying your party, old timer?”

“Funny,” I smirked. “You’ve only got two years of daylight, yourself.”

“I might have to start taking a cane with me on my hikes,” she joked about her job as an outdoor guide.

“Send me a photo when that happens.”

“Natalie’s holding up well.”

“You mean she’s managed to deflect J&B from attack mode?”

Molly snorted a laugh. “They ran into a brick wall with her. Glory and I had to walk away before we started rolling on the ground laughing.”

I turned and gave her a questioning look. “They hit on her again?”

“She shut them down before they could finish. Said she was seeing someone very special. Wouldn’t say who the special someone was, but it doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to figure it out.”

“Why do you say that?” I hadn’t thought I’d given anything away today when I greeted Natalie in front of my friends.

“Could it be the looks of agonizing longing she’s been shooting your way all afternoon? Dreamy, starry eyed content mixed with raw, hot desire. She’s got it bad.”

My eyes flipped over to where Natalie stood with Cassie, Glory, and Mei. They were laughing about something, which was typical whenever those three got together. Natalie looked over in my direction, tipped her chin, and tuned back into what Mei was saying. Ten seconds later, her eyes returned to mine. Maybe Molly was right. I’d been thinking I was the one falling fast, but Natalie looked pretty involved herself.

“You like her, right?” Molly asked.

I didn’t normally talk about my dates or girlfriends to my friends. I wanted them to form their own opinions and treat them as individuals, not just my girlfriend. I could trust that Molly would be different, though. “I do. Really like her, actually.”

Molly smiled and nudged my shoulder. “I can tell. I’m happy for you, Viv. She seems sweet.”

“Unbelievably.”

“You deserve it.”

“You’re sweet, too.”

“I am. I’m a frickin’ catch.”

I started laughing. She would be a catch, for someone who wasn’t like me.

“What’s so funny?” Dwight came over with another chicken wing in his hand. I didn’t know how he always stayed so skinny. He ate like an overweight trucker.

“Molly’s a catch.”

“That is funny,” he kidded.

“Watch it, Bony,” she warned.

He held up a hand. “We’re both catches. I’ll find you a hot lezzie if you catch me a brawny bear.”

“You’re on your own, D.” Molly shook her head. “Not too many bears head my way.”

“Then you’ll get the most out of this arrangement.”

“What arrangement?” Tessa asked, joining us with her partner, Kathleen.

“I want Molly as my pimp,” Dwight said.

“Will you let her keep ninety percent of your earnings?” Kathleen snarked. Her attitude grated on me sometimes, which was exactly the reason I kept comments about my dates to myself. Tessa had vented about Kathleen to me a few times, and I had a hard time not letting that information affect my view of her.

“Hilarious,” Dwight said.

“Hey, I meant to tell you thanks again for suggesting Natalie for my last deal.” Tessa squeezed my shoulder. The gesture made Kathleen’s eyes narrow. Yet another reason she got on my nerves. Insecure jealousy was so petty. “The buyer wouldn’t have put in an offer if Natalie hadn’t come over to give a reasonable bid and assure him the work would be simple.”

“She’s good at what she does.” A massive understatement, but I didn’t want to tip my hand about my true feelings for Natalie. I’d tell Tessa eventually, when Kathleen wasn’t around.

Mason came barreling toward me but got snatched away by Molly before he reached me. He started giggling as soon as her tickling hands attacked him. Between gasps of breath, he asked, “Aunt Viv, did Ms. Nat show you yet?”

“Mase!” Teddy yelled at him as he approached with Mitch’s youngest son. “Don’t spoil it.”

I sat up and glanced over at Natalie. “Don’t spoil what?”

Mason’s hands clapped over his mouth. His eyes were big saucers as Teddy continued shooting a glare at him. “Nothing.”

“Dummy,” Teddy scolded.

“That’s not a nice thing to say.”

“Sorry,” he said immediately. His parents were big on showing respect. Name calling wasn’t allowed. “He shouldn’t have said anything.”

“What did your dad say about tattling?” I asked, knowing the answer by heart because he and I had come up with it when we were kids.

He looked away. “I’m going to need my brother not to tattle on me sometime, so don’t tattle on him now.”

“Smart kids,” Molly praised, reaching out to tickle Teddy, too.

Mitch came over to grab his son and say goodbye. It looked like the barbeque was finally ending. I was looking forward to the private celebration I was hoping to have with Natalie.

My friends all took turns wishing me happy birthday and gathering their stuff to go. It had been a great party and a really nice but tiring day. Since starting the Eiben’s house, I’d only had Sundays off, and it was starting to get to me. I knew once Tessa sold the house, my share of the profit would put my house savings over the top. As a reward for completing the project, I intended to submit the plans I’d been perfecting since I was a design student. I looked forward to spending my forty-first birthday in my new home with a better view of my favorite spot by the river that edged our property.

It took a half hour but nearly everyone cleared out. Glory and Lena were helping Cass clean up. Natalie was helping Zach rearrange the chairs on their deck. The boys were trying to help but mostly just clowning around.

“Did you have a nice time?” Natalie asked when I approached.

“I did.” Giving her a long smile, I reluctantly pulled my eyes away to thank my brother. “It was a nice idea, Zach, thanks.”

“You’re welcome, sis. You’ll have to throw me a blow out when I get old, too.”

I laughed. “Fifteen months, dude.”

“Go ahead. We’ve got the rest of this.”

I shot him a confused look but smiled when I thought of some time alone with Natalie. She held out her hand. I grabbed it without a second thought. Sometimes I think I missed holding hands more than sex when I wasn’t in a relationship. At least the sex I’d had in relationships. I had a feeling that wouldn’t hold true after being with Natalie.

“I have a birthday surprise for you.”

My smile brightened, thinking of all the wonderful birthday surprises she could have for me. A better glimpse of her smooth tan skin, more wonderful treatment by her talented lips, or better yet, finally spending the night together. That would be a very nice birthday surprise.

“I hope you didn’t go to much trouble, Nat. You’re always doing nice things for me.”

She smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss. “You do nice things for me, too.”

We were heading toward the river, not my cabin, which confused me. My birthday surprise should be taking place inside, preferably on a bed, not by a river. I’d follow her anywhere, though, especially since we were on the path that led to my favorite place. I came out here to read or sketch all the time.

She turned toward me. “Are you ready?”

I nodded and stepped through the last of the trees into the clearing by the river. Usually there was some wild grass, rocks, and bushes surrounding a twelve by twelve dirt bank that led to the river. The kids and I would spend hours dipping our toes into the water, jumping from river rock to river rock, and sitting out on towels or beach chairs to watch the river and chat.

What I saw now, brought tears to my eyes. Instead of the expanse of dirt with the occasional rock, the clearing had been filled in with sand. Like real sand, the kind I escape to every winter in the Caribbean. I loved sandy beaches. It was the one thing I missed by living here. Correction: used to miss.

I turned to Natalie. “What did you do?”

“I cleared it with Zach and Cass first,” she said quickly, misinterpreting my look.

“You made me a beach?”

“You said you love sand.”

“But, Natalie, you made me a beach.”

She shrugged. “It wasn’t that difficult. Dug down a foot and had a truck deliver the sand. It wasn’t too hard to push it around to fill in the area. You’ll have to replenish every few years, but for now, you have enough sand to make sand castles.”

“You did this for me,” I whispered. It was unbelievable how thoughtful she was.

“I wanted to make you happy.”

“Oh, Natalie,” I reached forward and hugged her to me. “This is just…” I didn’t have the words. It was too much and just perfect and so romantic. Everything I’d always wanted from someone special but never thought I’d get.

Her arms tightened around my waist, pressing fully against me. “The kids approved it already.”

So this was what Mason hadn’t been able to keep to himself. Yes, he’d love making sand castles and burying his brother in the sand.

I stepped back and pulled on her arm, kicking off my sandals as I approached. Within seconds my toes slid onto the soft, warm sand. I groaned in pleasure. My own private beach and this wonderful woman had done this for me. “You are so amazing. Thank you, Natalie.”

“You’re happy?”

“Ecstatic.” I leaned down to kiss her, throwing all of my happiness into the effort. “I really can’t believe you’d go this far.”

“Vivian,” she turned serious eyes to me. “I’ll go as far as I need to win your heart.” Her hand came up to caress my face, mesmerizing me with her words and touch. “And if I’m going for something so grand, I better show up with more than just flowers.”

30 \ Vivian

Samantha stared at me wide-eyed. “She gave you a beach? That’s not an exaggeration?”

“How did you not sleep with her?” Dwight followed up.

“Dwight!” Samantha scolded.

“What? I’d sleep with her for my own private beach, and I’ve never slept with a woman.” He turned back to me. “How big a beach are we talking?”

I gave a dreamy smile. “You know my favorite spot by the river?”

“At your place? Sure.”

“She filled in the dirt patch with glorious, fine grain sand. It feels like velvet in motion when you step on it.”

“The entire area?”

“Yep.”

“Give me her number. I’m definitely sleeping with her now.”

“Shut up, you ho,” Samantha chided again then turned back to me. “But really, you didn’t close the deal last night? No birthday sex?”

I shrugged, not telling them about our private conversation when Natalie shared her intentions. The moment she said she wanted my heart I knew that sex should wait until then. I could have been hasty with my feelings because, if I were being honest, she’d already won my heart. Had I told her right then, I wasn’t sure she’d believe me. She might have thought I was responding to her extravagant gesture. I wanted to make sure she knew my feelings were genuine.

“It’s sweet. They’re spending the time to get to know each other and make sure it’s right.”

“Girls,” Dwight sighed in mock disgust.

We laughed but it didn’t stop my own contented sigh. I’d wanted romance. I’d been waiting for romance. I wasn’t sure I really believed I’d get the romance. I just wanted it so much. Now I found myself in the third act of a romance written just for me. I could love her just for that.

“We should go.” Dwight checked his watch.

We were planning to combine our efforts on the next big project. Some reality star recently bought one of the first homes built in Woody Creek, and she wanted everything redone. Everything. It wasn’t a project I would have time to do on my own, so I’d called Dwight to see if he wanted to combine efforts on this one. I also knew he watched this woman’s show and would be able to fall all over her, which was what she wanted.

“Need me to come along and make it look like you’ve got hordes of minions?” Samantha asked.

“I can play minion well enough, my dear,” Dwight told her.

We’d helped each other on projects before, but this was the first time we planned to split the project and work together. Design school had given us enough practice. Our strengths didn’t overlap. I’d do the drawings and most of the project management. He could do most of the shopping and client management.

I probably should have called Natalie before agreeing to this, but she hadn’t mentioned anything major in her schedule. We could always work around the small projects she had to complete. But then again, it would give me an excuse to call her.

I dialed and waited. She’d probably be too busy to answer, but I could leave a message.

“Hi, Viv,” she answered on the second ring. She wasn’t alone, I could tell because of the noise and her voice hadn’t dipped when she said my name. She kept things entirely professional on the jobsite, which was fine with me. Giving her crew a girl-on-girl show probably wouldn’t help her keep any respect or keep the guys on task.

“Hey.” I felt the smile in my voice. “I forgot to tell you that Dwight and I are joining up to tackle a big project soon. I know you’ve got some projects going after we finish with the house, but would you be able to take on this work if the client signs with us?”

A loud pounding sounded from her end that got fainter as she must have moved into a room where they weren’t working. “I promised the guys a week off for all the Saturdays they’ve put in here. After that I need to finish those two referral jobs from Edna.”

“It wouldn’t be for over a month. I’d planned to take two weeks off after we’re done over there.”

“Okay, yeah, that would be great.”

I heard a bit of hesitation. “But?”

“We didn’t really make a formal arrangement, so if you need or want to use another crew, I won’t hold it against you.”

“Are you telling me you’re sick of working with me?” I kidded. I didn’t need to be a mind reader to know she liked working with me as much as I liked working with her.

“I’m telling you that I want to be the person you can always count on to help, but you don’t have to feel obligated to throw business at me.”

I sucked in a breath. “You keep going like this, and I’ll start convincing you that you’re too good for me.”

“Never.”

She kept doing that. Silencing me with a word.

“And thanks. I enjoy working with you, and Dwight seems very nice.”

“He’s pure drama.”

Dwight’s ears perked up at that word. He cut a glance at me. “Theatrical, darling, not unfounded drama. Tell Nat she’s a goddess, and I’m her outlet if she can’t get you to put out.”

“What is wrong with you?” I’d covered the phone as soon as I heard the mischief in his voice. I didn’t want Nat to get scared off. She didn’t know Dwight that well. “I’ll tell you about the meeting if you’ll meet me for dinner tonight?”

“Looking forward to it,” she said and named a place to meet.

It would have to do because if I invited her to my house, she wouldn’t be leaving. Since we both had to work tomorrow, I didn’t want an early morning to ruin our first night together.

31 \ Natalie

Open house day. Tessa was frantically running from room to room making sure my crew was doing everything Vivian asked to get the house ready. She had thirty plus brokers coming through and needed every detail just so.

The furniture store guy was directing the Sweeney brothers to unload his truck. They weren’t exactly the most careful workers, so he was keeping his eyes glued on them. Vivian had arranged for his store to furnish the house for the showings. I knew she was a charming woman, but to get him to stage the place with his furniture for free, that was a level of charm I’d never seen.

“Preston is having a stroke. Are the Sweeneys trying to put him to an early grave?” Vivian’s voice produced a bloom of heat in my stomach. I had it so bad I was tempted to skip some steps to finally have her. The slow romance had been working, but now that we were done with this project, I could amp it up.

“You’re the one that asked for the careful guys inside. I could give the Sweeneys to you instead.”

“God, no. They’d scrape every floor, doorway, and wall if they were moving that stuff around.”

I glanced up from watching them to see her smile. She should be just as stressed as Tessa, but she seemed calm, happy even. I hoped that I was one of the reasons for that mood. “You look beautiful today.”

Her head shook, but her lips curled. “I’ve worn this outfit many times.”

“You look beautiful every time.”

Her eyes glittered. “You’re trying to make me kiss you, aren’t you?”

I laughed. “I wasn’t, but now that you mention it…”

We locked eyes, but neither of us moved. It wasn’t a good idea on the jobsite. We had a date tonight, it could wait till then. I was looking forward to the next week when I would be doing nothing more than going out on client referrals and catching up on bookkeeping. Vivian was taking the week off as well, so I hoped to spend a lot of time with her.

The Eibens pulled up behind Preston’s truck. They planned to go through the house once before Tessa’s brokers came in.

“Need help?” Henry asked Preston as he rounded the truck.

“It’s covered, Henry,” Vivian called out, turning to squeeze my arm and give me an eyebrow flutter before walking out to meet Henry and Dana. “Come have a look. We’re almost done.”

I’d returned the boys’ trailer last night, and the abandoned area was still bare. Ramón and I were going to tackle the landscaping while everyone else finished the staging.

I went to my truck and started carrying over the evergreen plants that would fill in the vacant space. The rest of the front, sides, and backyard were completely landscaped. We’d spent three days on the design. It not only looked spectacular, it would be easy to care for and use very little water.

“It’s hot out here, Harp. Let’s make Miguel do this,” Ramón complained as he joined me and grabbed a shovel.

“And listen to him whine all day?”

He laughed, nudging his big body against my shoulder. “You’re right. We’re safer out here, anyway. That realtor lady is going to explode all over everyone pretty soon.”

“Viv will calm her down.”

He looked over at me with a cheeky smile. “Probably, she’s awful good at that.”

So he noticed that, too? I wondered what Vivian would think about that.

* * *

My plans to take Vivian to dinner and a movie got scrapped when I took one look at her after she opened the cabin door. She was dressed up and ready to go, but utterly exhausted. She’d stayed with Tessa all day to help show brokers through the house; whereas my crew got to start our week off early.

When I suggested we stay in for dinner, Vivian sighed and hugged me in gratitude. It was a dangerous proposition for me. I was having a hard time clamping down on the growing desire I felt for her, but it was next to impossible when we were alone. I wouldn’t push this, though. I wanted to romance her for real. I hadn’t been kidding when I’d said I wanted her heart before I got her body.

For dinner, we put some chicken and foil wrapped corn on her grill outside. Her patio area was tiny and closed in, but it fit with the century old cabin. I could see why she’d want to build on the more open space less than a hundred yards away. I hadn’t seen the plans yet, but I could guess it would have some beachside and mountainside features. She seemed to love both equally. No doubt it would fit perfectly with the style of her brother’s house nearer to the entrance of their lot. She could make any two styles mesh. She was that talented a designer.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked, looking up from the grill.

I glanced over at her with a soft smile. “You.”

She sucked in a breath, her face flushing. “What did I do to deserve you?”

I tried to think of some witty response, but nothing came to me. I decided to go with honesty. That had worked all right so far. “Everything.”

She smiled wide and crossed over to me. Her hands cupped my face. A second later she was kissing me. I felt the jolt down to my toes. Her lips could start fires; they were so hot. I loved exploring her mouth, running my hands up her back, crushing my body against hers. It made the anticipation of making love with her that much more delicious.

“I like you so much, Nat,” she whispered as she pulled back and looked into my eyes.

“Well, I’m pretty crazy about you, Viv.” I smiled, tipping up to capture her mouth for another kiss. “Something’s burning.”

Her slightly dazed look vanished as she hopped back and attended to the grill. I didn’t care if she burned our dinner. I only cared that she felt the way she did and that I seemed to make her happy. I’d never wanted anything more from my life. That it came in a package as wonderful as Vivian was a spectacular bonus.

32 \ Vivian

Knocking on the door, I peeked through the glass. My body flushed at the sight of her. I never thought someone could make me giddy, but I was happy to be wrong.

The door swung open. Natalie smiled with the same sparkling eyes that bid me goodbye twenty minutes ago. I waited for her to ask why I was here, back so soon after already saying goodnight. But that wasn’t Natalie, and it was why I was back.

“I realized I wasn’t ready to go tonight.”

Her smile widened, pulling those tempting lips across her beautiful face and crinkling the corners of her eyes. She stepped back, a gesture for me to come in. I was so glad I didn’t have to defend why I came back when we’d already ended our evening.

The television was on behind her, some cooking show by the sound of it. Goblin slalomed the coffee table and sofa to come greet me. She was such a sweet dog, almost as sweet as her companion. I leaned down for a pet before turning to face Natalie.

She’d washed her face of the date makeup and looked just as beautiful freshly scrubbed. She still had on the date clothes, but she’d kicked off her loafers. She appeared relaxed, ready to spend time chilling in front of the television before heading off to bed. I liked seeing this side of her. I hoped I’d see it a lot more.

Butterflies flittered in my stomach. I’d come back after our night at the movies for a purpose, and I was now incredibly nervous about it. My heart started to pound. I didn’t have a reason to be nervous, but that wasn’t enough to stop the nerves.

Natalie’s eyes flicked all the way down my body and back up. Her lips quirked into a smile. “Want to watch some TV?”

I did and I didn’t. I could take this anywhere I wanted it to go. She’d let me decide. That power helped with the butterflies and dry mouth and pounding heart. “No.”

Her smile flared wider before she pulled me to her. Her mouth took mine, kissing with command. No restraint this time, she was kissing me with a purpose. The same purpose I’d had earlier when I turned the car around and came back to her.

I lost the control sometime during the kiss. I came here intent on making this a special night. I usually always took the lead in these situations, but this time it was Natalie who turned off the television, settled Goblin into her bed at the foot of the stairs, and walked us up the stairs to her loft. I hadn’t tried to yank on her hand or strip her before we even reached the stairs. She kept me off guard with kisses and touches that lit my mouth and skin and must have put a spell on my brain.

“You’re so beautiful, Vivian,” she whispered, her eyes shimmering with moisture.

I swallowed hard when I saw the effect this moment was having on her. This wasn’t just an obvious progression of a relationship, she was expecting so much more. I reached for her hand and placed it on my pounding heart so she’d know I was feeling the same way.

Her eyes flared and dropped to the placement of her hand before coming back to my eyes. She leaned in for another smoldering kiss, making my knees weak. The hand on my heart slid to the first button on my blouse and made quick work of the rest.

I gathered my senses enough to pull her shirt free of her pants, but she brushed my hands away and slipped the shirt off herself. Miles of magnificent tan skin came into view broken only by a pale blue cotton bra. My eyes dropped to her breasts, small and firm. I would have bared them if Natalie’s mouth hadn’t started nipping down my neck. My head pushed back to give her better access.

“You have the rest of the night to stop doing that,” I moaned, gripping her arms for support.

She gave a husky chuckle, hot breath spilling across my throat. It made me shiver. Her head came up to look at me. “Found a good spot. Wonder how many more you have.”

I smiled widely. I couldn’t remember smiling when I’d been about to make love before. My concentration would be on making it good for my partner rather than allowing myself to just experience the moment. With Natalie, it was comfortable, hot, and fun.

She slipped my shirt off, running her eyes over me. I’d worn my sexiest bra, red lace, not exactly the most comfortable but it did look hot. Her mouth parted as she studied it. Desire spilled from her eyes like warm water lapping at me in a constant rush of waves. Intoxicating but not overwhelming.

She knelt in front of me, working to undo my slacks. Her mouth brushed against my stomach and those butterflies became pterodactyls swooping through the area just under her mouth.

“There’s another good one,” she said when I groaned, her lips pressing above the band of my lace panties.

“Yes,” I whispered. My vulnerable position didn’t bother me. Hell, it didn’t even register, not when her tongue was slipping under the edge of my panties. It skated along, turning my shiver into a tremble.

Her fingers looped under the panties and slowly, so very slowly, inched them down my hips and thighs. They stilled halfway down as Natalie’s eyes stared at what she’d revealed. Her face was an inch away, hot breath rushing over my now throbbing clit.

“God, Vivi,” she breathed out and placed a single kiss on the strip of hair covering my mound. Her head tilted up to look me in the eyes. Something more than desire slipped into the look.

The same feeling welled up in me. I reached down to pull her to a stand. “Natalie,” I whispered, planning to say more, but one glance at her beautiful, caring eyes, and I couldn’t think of what I wanted to say.

Her mouth crashed onto mine, her hands winding around my back to bring us as close together as possible. Her kiss was more frantic this time. I matched her fervor, reaching to strip her pants from her hips.

A second later, her body was pressing mine onto the bed. I watched as she kicked off her pants then reached behind her back to unhook her bra. Those small breasts broke free, nipples hard and ready. I wanted my hands on them now. I wanted my mouth on them. I couldn’t remember wanting anything more.

She reached to slide her underwear off. I leaned up and stopped her. I wanted this pleasure. Her eyes followed my hands as they pulled on the cotton material. The ridge of her defined abdomen led to a light brown triangle of closely trimmed hair. I felt my eyes squeeze tight, snapping a mental picture of her magnificent body. All that hard work she did every day had shaped her body without making it bulky. And she was all mine for tonight. Hopefully for a lot longer.

Her knee rose up and landed beside my hip. The next movement had her on her hands and knees over my now prone body. She looked like a panther subduing its prey, and I had no problem being her prey.

She brought a finger up to pluck under the front clasp of my bra. It sprang open, and her eyes flared again. It felt good to see how much she approved. I wasn’t as firm as she, but she didn’t seem to mind.

I reached up and pulled her onto me. The move took her by surprise. She ended up lying fully on me, laughing. I joined her and wondered how I hadn’t known that sex could be so much fun. Sure, it felt good and it was fun to do, but I’d never let myself have fun while making love. It was always about reaching orgasm and making sure that my partner had a satisfying time. It wasn’t about letting go and just enjoying the moment.

“Fierce,” she said as the laughter died off. She lifted her head and stared straight through me. Her mouth lowered to take mine again.

I got swept up in the feeling of her entire body touching mine. She felt so good. My hands moved to push her onto her back, but she stopped me. She must have a plan, and I let her go with it. Her commanding moves were surprising considering she always took orders so well on the jobsite. I’d thought our dynamic would transfer to the bedroom, but it was exhilarating to find out that it wouldn’t.

She slid down my body, her mouth following. When her lips closed over a rigid nipple, I jerked and moaned. She added suction, and I swore. The lash of her tongue had me babbling. I’d never reacted so strongly to this kind of attention before.

“You’re just full of good spots, aren’t you?” she asked when her mouth popped off.

“You keep stopping,” I challenged. I knew I was glaring but only because I wanted her mouth back. Like right now.

“I’ve got to find them all, Vivi,” she teased, stroking a hand down my side and curling it around to squeeze my ass. I jolted at the pleasurable squeeze. She smiled, her tongue peeking between her teeth. “We could be here for a while.”

“Less talking, more finding,” I ordered and received another breathy laugh.

Her fingers slid around my thigh and grazed my swollen lips, fleeting but oh so wonderful. Then her hand was moving back up my side to caress my breast with a gentle squeeze before her finger flicked over my aching nipple. She was clearly trying to kill me.

“Nat, please, just…”

“What, Viv? Want me to kiss you here?” Her mouth pressed a kiss between my breasts. “Or here?” It moved to the left, nowhere near where I needed it.

“Explore another day, babe.”

She laughed again, and I joined her. “If you promise to let me.”

“I promise, I promise,” I chanted, using my hands to shift her head to the right position.

Her mouth came down again, sucking my nipple into her mouth. The tongue lash was relentless this time. My hips lifted to grind against her abdomen. She tilted down to give me some relief while her mouth made love to my breast and her hand made love to the other.

I slid my hands up her sides to find her breasts, cupping them. They just filled my palms, their size made for me. Her spiking nipples tickled my palms as I squeezed. I used my thumbs and middle fingers to pinch then tweak the stiff points.

Her head popped off me, and she let out an anguished moan. I might have been worried had her face not shown pure ecstasy. Found one of her spots, obviously.

Her eyes focused and gave me a determined look. She leaned up and kissed me, hard and meticulous. Her knees slipped between my legs, spreading my thighs. She made me wait forever, my thighs spread wide, anticipating her hand or thigh or mouth or anything, just something now, or now, or dammit, please now.

Her mouth let go of mine. I looked into her eyes, everything I was feeling reflected back at me. She lowered her pelvis to mine, and we both gasped at the touch. I couldn’t believe how amazing this felt. This position had never worked for me. Never enough contact, never enough friction, but when Natalie’s trimmed triangle brushed against my shaved, swollen lips, I felt every single hair scraping against me. I wasn’t even sure if I was making words, but I knew I was making noise.

She began a circular thrust with her nimble hips. All I could do was lift my legs and wrap them around her. Every pump of her hips shot a bolt of pleasure through me. I wasn’t going to last, yet I wanted it to last. I wanted to slow her down and speed her up. I wanted softer but harder, quick and long, jarring and caressing.

She leaned down to kiss me, her tongue following the motions of her hips. I brought my hands up to thumb her nipples. A muffled groan poured into my mouth as her hips doubled their effort.

I thrust against her, feeling the tingle of an orgasm approaching. Her mouth let go, moving down to kiss my neck. Holy hell, she never stopped. Every single thing she did got me hotter.

“Vivi, I have to come,” she moaned against my neck. “Please be close. Tell me you’re close.”

“Yes. God yes,” I confirmed. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding back until she spoke. With one final pump of her magical hips, I let go and crashed into orgasm. It rolled over me in waves as I clung to her.

Natalie let out a sharp yell, seizing up over me as her climax hit. I watched her eyes shut, head tilted up, and thought I’d never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

Her eyes opened to look at me. I could feel the penetrating gaze work through every thought in my head. I didn’t hide my feelings, not after finding out that being intimate with her was just as amazing as being romanced by her.

33 \ Vivian

An annoying ringing woke me from a blissful sleep. My hand blindly reached out from my side to the nightstand. Then the phone was at my ear without any conscious effort from me.

“Hello?” I croaked, wondering if it was my brother or Samantha calling me this early. Everyone else knew not to wake me.

“You’re still asleep?” my brother’s voice sounded in my ear as I shifted slightly for a softer landing on my pillow.

“I was,” I grumped then shivered as a soft feathery touch slid up my back. I stiffened and lifted my head. I wasn’t lying face down on my pillow. I was lying face down on Natalie. A naked, sexy, smiling Natalie. “Huh.” And suddenly my grumpiness disappeared.

“What?” Zach asked from the now forgotten phone. “Viv? You awake yet?”

I beamed at Natalie, jubilation filling every part of me. Warmth followed the careful tracks of her fingers on my bare skin. I tunneled back into her body, not even remotely horrified that I’d somehow managed to cover three quarters of her in my sleep, using her as my pillow and bed. She felt warm and soft and didn’t seem to mind that I’d used her as my mattress for at least part of the night.

“Viv?” Zach tried again. “We’re in a bind.”

I knew even before he asked what he’d need. “Which farm has the emergency?”

“Livingston. I pushed off my morning appointments, but if you could take the boys for the afternoon until Cass gets back, we’d appreciate it.”

Natalie’s eyes glittered as her fingers danced across my back, dipping for a graze of my breast then back to the other side. She didn’t seem to mind that my brother had interrupted our first morning together. Maybe she knew like I did that this would be the first of many. Hell, after last night, hopefully it would be the first of a lifetime.

“Let me call you back in a sec.” I pressed the end button and propped my chin on Natalie’s chest to get a better look at her. “You feel good in the morning.”

She laughed, causing me to sway with her chest and stomach. I became acutely aware that our legs were entwined, putting me in the perfect position to benefit from that. “You feel good all the time. Did you sleep well?”

“I slept on you. You were quite comfy.”

“Problems with your brother?”

“He needs a sitter. Their summer camp ended on Friday and Cass was called in for an emergency.” I tilted my head and kissed the crest of her breast. My tongue snaked out and lapped at her dark pink nipple. It grew hard instantly. I groaned, seeing how she responded to me. God, that was such a turn on. “I’m their backup on vacations.”

“Okay,” Natalie sighed, shifting to give me better access to her needy nipple.

I slid my mouth over the addictive tip and sucked. She moaned, making me smile. “Sorry, babe. I really wanted to spend the day with you.”

Her eyes fluttered opened and gave me a curious look. “I can kidsit.”

I thrust an elbow under me to pop off her. I missed the warmth, but she’d surprised me. “You want to help? The boys can be pretty exhausting.”

“If I’m with you, I’m happy.”

Oh. My. God. I was beginning to think my joke about her being too sweet for this century was no longer a joke.

I leaned up and kissed her. A proper good morning kiss for a fabulous lover and amazing woman. Her lips, which had brought me the ultimate pleasure last night, tempted me to ravish her again this morning.

“Call Zach before you forget.”

I groaned in disappointment but knew she was right. Zach would be pacing to know if I could help today before he started calling all of their backup sitters, who never seemed to be able to do anything on a moment’s notice. I pressed speed dial and slapped the phone to my ear in one motion. Zach was suitably grateful, yet another thing I loved about my brother. He never took anyone for granted, even his sister who almost always bailed him out.

Tossing the phone onto the floor, I settled back over Natalie. She looked up at me with beautiful brown eyes. My fingers grazed her cheek, swiping over the dark mole that lay just below the corner of her eye. This one was flat, as was the one on her jawline. The one at her temple was slightly raised. I had yet to memorize the texture of the rest on her body, but I’d get to them all soon enough.

“Good morning, beautiful Natalie.”

Her wide, pliant lips pulled into a smile that made her eyes twinkle. “Good morning, gorgeous Vivian.”

“How did you end up under me on my side of the bed?”

Her eyes flared, and she let out a chuckle. “You have a side in my bed?”

“I better have a side in your bed now.” I leaned down and took her earlobe between my teeth for a warning nip. “Crap, this is the side you sleep on, isn’t it?”

Her eyes told me I was right, but her mouth said, “Not anymore.”

That surprised me enough to lift my lips from where they’d wandered down her throat. “You’d give up your side of the bed for me?”

The glance she gave me told me everything I needed to know about her commitment to this relationship. “Of course.”

“Too sweet for this century.”

She smiled and slid her hand down my back to squeeze my ass again. Her thigh nudged up, pressing right where I needed it. She hissed when she felt what she’d done to me. “God, I want you again, but we can’t. You’ve got to get moving if you’re taking over for your brother soon.”

I tried not to pout. “That’s hours from now.”

“We slept in.” She nodded toward the clock on her nightstand, showing a late morning hour.

“You’re a bad influence.” I wiggled my hips against her thigh.

She laughed, and I melted. Only someone amazing would be okay with a morning tease and no hope of follow through. Others would sulk, then find some way to punish. Natalie relished the tease and the anticipation.

“I’m not the one who was still sleeping when your brother called. I’ve been trying to wake you subtly for an hour. You sleep like the dead.”

I really did. When the boys slept over, they’d race into my room and have to jump on my bed to wake me some mornings. I smiled at the thought. I couldn’t wait to spend time with the kids and Natalie together.

34 \ Natalie

Seth was eager to get out of the house when I called. Greg’s kids were up for the last two weeks of summer break and driving him crazy. At least now that he had his own room, he was making a better effort to get along with them. It also helped that he had a group of friends that would invite him places and a part-time job helping Luke wash the cars on his dad’s lot every weekend.

We pulled up to Vivian’s cabin and parked. She’d left an hour earlier to get home and shower before she took over for her brother for the afternoon. I wasn’t sure what she had planned to occupy the boys today, but she told me to wear a bathing suit and meet her out at her beach. When I heard her call it her beach, I grinned so much my cheeks hurt. It was a little nuts how happy I got knowing I’d made her happy.

“Seth is here!” I heard one of the boys yell before both boys burst through the trees surrounding the river and headed toward us.

“Hi, Seth!” Teddy yelled as Mason called out a hello to me then Seth. They both had on swim trunks and looked like they’d already been in the river. No shirts on either boy, and Mason still had a streak of sunblock on his cheek as he rushed up to us.

“Hey, guys,” Seth slapped their hands in greeting.

“You ready to go tubing?” Teddy asked him.

Seth shrugged. “Sure.”

“Sounds fun, fellas. Grab a bag, will you?” I handed them each a small bag filled with towels and light snacks. Seth grabbed the other end of my camping cooler and waited for me to close the truck gate before we followed the boys on the trail toward Viv’s beach.

“Wow,” Seth said when we broke through the trees and saw Vivian’s secluded spot.

She’d added two lounge chairs and two wooden chairs with an umbrella planted between them. It really did look like a beach now. A small, private one, but big enough to accommodate the five of us and a few more.

The boys plunked the bags I’d given them onto their blanket. Vivian snatched Mason into her arms, shooting a wide smile at us as she rubbed the rest of the sunblock into his cheek.

“You wriggly lizard,” she accused him. “No slipping away until I get this stuff on you guys.” She tipped her head at Seth. “Hi, Seth, glad you could make it. The boys have been looking forward to hanging out with you.”

“Hi,” he greeted and set the cooler down next to the empty lounge chair.

She stood and leaned toward me when I let go of my end. In the next second her lips were on mine for a quick hello kiss. “Hi, babe,” she whispered. “Glad you could make it, too.”

“Wouldn’t miss a chance to spend the day with you,” I told her softly, trying not to salivate at the sight of her colorful tankini and wrap. She always looked sexy, but the bathing attire stirred me up a bit.

“Eww, kissing,” Teddy whined, watching us.

“Are you Aunt Viv’s girlfriend now?” Mason asked.

“She is, Mase, and be polite, Teddy,” Viv told them without sounding terse.

I caught Seth’s expression, waiting to see if he’d react. I’d told him that Vivian and I were now dating, and he whistled like he couldn’t believe I was with someone so gorgeous. Frankly, I couldn’t either, but I wouldn’t let it stop me from enjoying it. Vivian was so much more than her looks, and I was somehow able to make her happy.

“Where are we tubing?” Seth asked, choosing to ignore the fact that he just saw his aunt kiss a woman for the first time. It didn’t seem to bother him, probably because he had to get used to seeing his mom kiss someone other than his dad over the past year.

“We drop in here then go down a ways and come out by our house,” Teddy told him.

I looked down the river, noting the gentle curves. I could see the back of Zach’s house and barn. With the bends in the river, it would probably be over a mile trip for the tubes.

“How do we get back here?” he asked.

“Dad’s Gator,” Teddy supplied, pointing to where the utility vehicle was parked on a well-worn path through the trees.

“Aunt Viv comes and get us,” Mason said helpfully.

I swung my head back to Vivian and smiled brightly. I now knew why she didn’t look so harried about having to spend the day with the boys instead of what she’d hoped. They’d be on the river for the better part of an hour while we could enjoy her private beach. Alone, without any nephews, on a beach that made us both very happy.

“You hungry, Seth?” Vivian asked.

“We waited on lunch for you,” Teddy said.

“Sure,” he said and sat with him on the big blanket.

“We brought sandwiches and snacks,” I offered.

“You,” Vivian accused playfully.

“Seth likes that deli down the road here,” I said by way of explanation. Seth ate a lot, and it was never good for anyone when he got hungry. “Turkey, ham, salami, or roast beef?” I asked the boys first. I already knew what Seth would like.

“Ham,” Teddy said while Mason said, “Salami.”

I winked at Seth, knowing he’d been worried one of them would want his roast beef sandwich. I’d ordered two of those just to assure him, but I knew what Mason liked and assumed Teddy would like the same.

“I like that deli, too,” Teddy told Seth as he plopped down right next to him to eat his sandwich.

“Got you turkey and Swiss, all the veggies, sweet mustard, and a splash of vinegar,” I told Vivian, smiling as her eyes widened that I’d taken note of her sandwich order.

She leaned across her chair, ignoring the sandwich I held out, to kiss me on the cheek. “You delight me.”

I smiled and placed her sandwich on her lap, grabbing mine out of the bag. Vivian handed out drinks as Mason looked around for a second then decided that my lap would be the best place for him to sit and eat. It felt completely natural to try to eat around the small kid in my lap, especially when it earned warm, affectionate glances from his aunt.

“Oops, sorry, Ms. Nat, sorry!” he cried as I felt the mustard that squeezed out of his sandwich soak through my board shorts.

“Oh, Mase,” Vivian said, turning quickly to grab some napkins.

“It slipped,” he said, shooting big sorry eyes up to me.

“It’s okay, buddy, accidents happen,” I assured him, taking the napkins from Vivian and wiping the big blotch off my shorts.

“Uh-oh,” Teddy said, pointing when the stain didn’t disappear after I wiped it.

“They’re just swimmers. I’ll douse them in the river, and they’ll be good as new.”

Vivian watched me with an adoring expression. Maybe she thought I’d yell at the poor kid, but nothing was worth yelling at a kid, much less a little food stain. She reached for Mason’s sandwich and wrapped the bottom in a napkin, then handed it back to him. He looked unsure that everything was okay, not like he was used to being yelled at for spilling food, but not sure how someone other than his family would take it.

“Eat up, bud, the river’s waiting,” I told him.

“Don’t you want to wash your shorts now?”

“When we’re done eating.” I grabbed him around the waist and put him right back in my lap.

It didn’t take long for the boys to finish their lunch. We packed up the wrappers as the boys brought Seth over to the Gator to get their inner tubes from the back. I dashed into the river and splashed some water on my shorts so that Mason wouldn’t feel bad about his spill anymore.

When I walked back onto the beach, Vivian waited for me with a huge smile and open arms. “Lovely, lovely woman.” She squeezed me tight until she heard the boys dragging the tubes behind them.

We went to lift them for the kids and set them on the grassy embankment next to the sandy beach. Vivian applied another layer of sunblock to the boys’ faces and handed the tube to Seth to do the same. She reached into one of her bags and pulled out shirts and life vests for the boys.

“No shirts, Aunt Viv.”

“It’s a long ride on the river, Teddy. You want to be laid up tomorrow with a bad sunburn? Shirts on, guys.” She included Seth in her warning, but he hadn’t taken his off and probably hadn’t planned on it. “Do you have river shoes, Seth?”

He looked down at his now bare feet and shook his head. “I’m good.”

“If you have to stand up, make sure to look first. There are some sharp rocks out there.”

“’Kay.”

“And if you don’t mind following the boys in case one of them flips. It’s not too deep for you, but a couple places get too deep for the boys.” She fastened the vests on both boys, even though she’d told me they could swim. It was better to be safe with kids and water.

“Nobody flipped the last five times, Aunt Viv,” Teddy told her.

“Just in case, otherwise one of us is coming with you.”

“Seth can handle it, right, Seth?” Teddy looked up at him. It was pure hero worship for some reason. I wasn’t about to question it, not when Seth seemed fine with the adoration and it meant I’d get Vivian alone several times today.

“Let’s launch you, then,” Vivian said, pulling off her wrap to reveal a bikini bottom that matched her tankini top and had my eyes glued. “Got your whistles?”

Mason pulled his out of his pocket and looped it around his neck. Teddy held his up and blew it for practice. Seth and I just looked at each other and shrugged.

“If they get stuck somewhere along the way, they blow and I bring the Gator,” she told us.

“Ah,” I said, carrying Mason’s tube into the thigh-high water. I waited for him to wade in and settle into the tube. Then I pushed him out toward the center of the river, waiting for Vivian to do the same with Teddy.

Seth was at my side in a flash, ready to sink into the tube as soon as the boys were let go. I nodded once at the boys then gave him an expectant look. Without having to say anything, I knew he’d get that I was telling him to keep a close eye on the boys and not to swear around them. He tipped his head, probably glad I hadn’t said that out loud.

Bidding him a safe trip, I let go of Mason’s tube. He immediately started giggling when the easy current swept him downstream. Vivian let go of Teddy’s tube seconds later and got the same reaction. Seth gave them a head start before he hopped into the tube and smacked my outstretched hand on his way by. We watched from the middle of the river until the boys eased around the first bend then sloshed our way back to the beach.

“Amazing day already,” Vivian said, wrapping her arms around me and pulling me in for a sizzling kiss. “You’re wonderful to your nephew, wonderful to my nephews, and wonderful to me.”

“It’s not hard. You’re pretty wonderful.”

“You really are too sweet.”

I kissed her again, rubbing my hands along her slender arms. “You’re warm and you taste good.”

“Whatcha got on under this tank?” Her eyebrows fluttered. A finger darted out and pulled at the neck of my tank top so she could get a look.

The movement should have revved me up, but her mischievous glint just made me laugh. She was a bit of a tease, and I loved it. Instant gratification didn’t do half as much for me as delaying the indulgence.

“Hot stuff, woman, look at that bikini top.” Her eyes flashed. “You were going to show off that little number right now, weren’t you?”

I grinned. “Maybe, if you’re good.”

She pulled on my hand. “Let’s take advantage of the umbrella and the quiet. We’ve got about a half hour before we have to go pick them up.”

“Hmm, a half hour.” I quirked my eyebrows.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She shook her head. “A half hour isn’t enough time to do amazing things to you.”

“I was thinking of a little kissy face, but if you had other things in mind…” I took a seat and shifted onto my side, so there’d be room for her in the lounge chair.

“Naughty Natalie, that’s what I’ll have to start calling you.” She smiled and slid right up next to me.

“Sweet but naughty. Make up your mind.”

“I like both, and I love you,” she whispered, her eyes going from mischievous to sincere in a flash.

I felt my breath leave me in a rush. My heart, which had already started pounding when she began teasing me, sped up fast enough to make me heady. “Oh, Vivian. I love you.” I kissed her softly. “You must have known that.”

She grinned and nodded once. “I had you pretty well figured out, yeah.”

“Was it the beach?”

“No.” She shook her head and pressed her grin to my face. “It was the ice cream.”

I matched her grin and held her close. I was in love with a woman who loved me back. Could life get any better?

35 \ Natalie

Dwight had a different way of running his projects than Vivian. He needed to see things before he could sign off on it. This was our second day on site, and we’d already knocked down the first kitchen island we built because he thought it was too big. Now he was walking around the current one, muttering that it was too small.

“It’s a good size, dude,” Ramón told him, not because he didn’t want to put up the island again but because he honestly thought so. It was one of the reasons I’d hired him.

“It is a good size, dude,” Vivian’s voice repeated from behind us.

“Viv!” Dwight dashed over and pulled her toward the kitchen before she was able to say anything to anyone else. “Should it be longer on this side? The client freaked when I told her we’d changed it. She wants her counter space.”

“Will the countertop be a different color?”

Dwight grinned and bumped against her shoulder. “Naturally.”

“It’ll appear bigger than it is with the contrast. Your client will be happy.”

“Marvelous,” Dwight exclaimed then grabbed Vivian’s closest hand and twirled her with ease.

The guys laughed, but I was a little amazed at the graceful movement. I hadn’t known Vivian could dance and clearly very well. She ended the twirl facing him, one hand on his shoulder and the other still clasped in his hand. They looked like they’d done this a thousand times. I was excited to learn more about her clear love of dancing.

“Unhand me,” Vivian mock declared as they stepped back simultaneously. “I didn’t come here to dance or do your job.”

“You love doing my job for me,” Dwight joked.

“Someone must,” Vivian shot back. “I’m stealing your contractor for lunch.”

“We’ll never get done,” Dwight said dramatically.

“She has to eat.”

“Fine, if you have to.” The twitch of his mouth told me she must have already told him about us.

I tried not to beam proudly, knowing that she was telling her friends about us. I couldn’t have kept it from Miguel if I’d tried. Our first day back after a week’s vacation, Miguel knew something was different the second he saw my smiling face. I couldn’t see anything different when I looked in the mirror, but he guessed it right away.

“Do we get to go?” Ramón asked Vivian with a broad smile. He looked like he might know, too. Miguel wasn’t great at keeping secrets.

“I can’t afford to feed you guys,” she told him.

Her hand reached for mine automatically as she came toward me. We were professional when we worked together, but this was Dwight’s project and she couldn’t seem to keep from touching me when we first saw each other. All of this was fine by me.

“Make sure everyone starts back in a half hour,” I told Miguel as I clutched Vivian’s hand and turned to leave with her.

“You plan on being late?” he joked. “Must be nice being the boss.”

“You had the chance, too, you know,” I reminded him. He’d turned down my offer to start the business together, preferring to stay a worker bee.

“Management is a headache I don’t need,” Miguel’s taunt followed us out the front door.

Vivian chuckled at his remark before leaning down to kiss me. “Hi, Nat.”

“Couldn’t wait for tonight, huh?”

“I’ve been wanting to do something sweet for you for a while. Taking you to lunch when you’re working and I’m still on vacation should put me on the right track.”

“You’re always sweet to me.”

“Except when I’m calling you a moron.”

I laughed, thinking about our first meeting. “That was charming.”

“Bitchy, you mean.”

“Endearing,” I insisted. “Would you have remembered me if you hadn’t let your inner voice free that day?”

Her eyes slipped down my frame in a heated gaze. “Oh, I would have remembered you, sexy.”

I gripped her chin and brought her down for a kiss. Her lips slid over mine, pulling me in before her talented tongue twirled with mine. Heat pulsed through my body, and I fought the urge to grind against her. Knowing my guys, they’d probably run to the picture window in the front room to catch a glimpse of us.

“You need to stop, or we’ll be using your lunch hour for something other than eating,” she breathed out after pulling away.

“Eating is overrated.”

She chuckled then noticed my serious look. “Don’t look at me like that, babe. I’m trying to be good. You’re the one that’s working this week.”

I would never have considered this with anyone I’d dated before, but I couldn’t get enough of Vivian. I wanted her all the time. “I’ve never had a nooner before.”

She pushed out an audible breath. “You are so bad.”

“Five minutes to your place, Vivi.” I fluttered my eyebrows.

That’s all the coaxing she needed. We jumped into her car and sped down the back roads to her cabin. It only took three minutes with the way she drove, which was a little scary but a lot exciting.

Through the door, we intended to rush to the bedroom but didn’t make it. One step in, I turned and reached for her, my mouth crashing onto hers. When her body connected with mine, I thrust a thigh between her legs and sealed myself to her.

“You feel so good, babe,” she groaned. “This is crazy.”

“Good crazy,” I confirmed.

My hands slid under the shirt she was wearing, cupping her breasts before lifting the shirt free of her head. Her hair spilled back over her naked shoulders. I loved the feel of it in my hands and brushing my body whenever she rode me. Sometimes it just took a simple glance at the free fall of her hair to ramp up my temperature.

She pushed my t-shirt up, catching my practical bra in the motion, stripping them both free. Her hands shook as they landed on my shoulders and dragged down over my tits. We both hissed as her fingers tweaked my hard nipples.

Fumbling to get rid of her slacks and panties, my mouth slid over her neck and sternum. She was having a hard time leaving my chest to undress me. That was so hot but frustrating because I wanted to be naked now. Stripping her completely, I didn’t waste time ripping my clothes free.

“God, your body, babe, so hot,” she murmured, touching everywhere her eyes landed.

I leaned down and took a nipple into my mouth. It spiked against my tongue as I lapped. She trembled in my arms, shooting a surge of blazing heat through me. How she responded to me was almost as good as what she could do to my body.

I pressed her toward the sofa, making her sit on the arm. My hands nudged her legs apart as I knelt between them. The naked lips of her sex glistened with her arousal. I leaned forward and kissed each thigh, watching as her flat belly quivered with each touch of my mouth. I tilted my chin up and kissed the wide strip of light brown hair on her mound. Her manicure got me burning hot every time I got a peek. It was the perfect amount of hair and smooth, silky skin.

“Kiss me, Nat. I need your mouth on me,” she whimpered.   

I glanced up to watch her eyes as I pressed my mouth over her swollen clit. Her taste filled me, causing a flood of moisture to seep onto my thighs. My tongue thrust forward and teased her clit. Her hands grasped the back of my head as she moaned under my ministrations.

“Yes, yes, so good,” she sighed and widened her legs, tilting her hips up into my mouth.

I moved a hand from gripping her thigh to stroke the underside of her leg. I teased my fingers along the crest of her ass as it slid half off the arm of the couch. Her slickness dripped over my fingers on the first touch of her sex. I explored every plump ridge and soft valley while my tongue teased her clit.

“Natalie,” she moaned, the word both pleading and demanding.

I plunged inside. Her tight sheath hugged me, and I felt the effect as if our positions were reversed. My tongue doubled its effort, lapping her clit in a steady rhythm that matched the thrust of my finger. Her hips tilted again. I took the cue and added a second finger on my next thrust. She was tight and slick and blazing inside. Wetness poured out into my palm. Her sheath contracted as her moans grew louder. She was on the verge. I gave a final lap before sucking hard on her clit. With a forceful thrust, she shattered around me.

“God, Nat,” she groaned hoarsely as she recovered. In the next moment she frantically reached down to drag me up from my knees. “Get up here and ride me, babe.”

Her hands grasped my hips and pulled me to her, sliding one behind my thigh and lifting. I followed her lead and climbed onto her lap, shooting my legs out on either side of her hips. Her mouth collided with mine as she inched my hips back on her thighs to give her hands room.

“You made me so wet,” I whispered as her mouth pulled off mine and slipped down the column of my throat.

My hips began to rock on her lap. I could climax like this. She didn’t even need to touch me. That’s how easily she got me going.

She spread her thighs, opening me wide. The position put me at her mercy, like I’d never allowed with anyone before, but I loved it. When her hand slipped between us, I bucked hard in her lap. Her mouth latched onto my nipple. Two fingers penetrated me as she bit down. I crashed into orgasm, milking her fingers and thrusting my tit farther into her mouth.

Pulsations wracked my body. She rode them out with me, kissing my chest and pressing the base of her palm against my clit to wring every last convulsion out of me.

“I love making you come so hard.” She gave me a satisfied, powerful smile. “Almost as much as I love you.”

A noise slipped from my mouth. “I love you, too, Vivi.” I leaned in and kissed her thoroughly. “Best lunch ever.”

She laughed and slid my hips closer to her for a tight hug. “I’m not walking you back into your jobsite. I’ll never be able to hide this satisfied grin from your guys. Dwight may even spot it from the car.”

“I’ll give up lunch any day for this kind of treatment,” I told her and took one last kiss before having to face the rest of my workday.

Her smile turned wicked. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I stood and turned away to begin dressing before that smile coaxed me right back into her lap for round two.

36 \ Vivian

Heat seeped through me as I woke. I was lying on Natalie again. A beautifully naked Natalie who never minded when I wandered across the bed and ended up face down on top of her. I fell asleep on my side every night but almost always woke up on my stomach. On the occasions when I’d shared my bed, I’d wake up in the same position I’d fallen asleep in. Until Natalie. I took a lot from that. My subconscious was as comfortable with her as my conscious, a rationality that made me smile.

“What’s got you smiling so early in the morning?” Natalie’s voice spoke from above my head. Her hands started gliding down my back, fingertips scraping just enough to bring out a shiver. She’d discovered this action made me mewl on our first morning together. Now she never turned down the chance to provoke me.

“How do you know I’m smiling?”

“Your mouth is on my boob. It’s hard not to notice what you’re doing with your lips.”

“It’s a very nice boob, makes a wonderful pillow, too.” A fabulous boob, actually.

“I noticed.”

My head popped up to stare at her. Her hair was mashed in on the side, but other than that she looked adorable. “I keep ending up sleeping on you. You’re eventually going to kick me out.”

She smiled, her eyes twinkling with emotion. “Never. I like the feel of you sleeping on me.”

I leaned up and kissed her. Sweet woman. My heart thudded at the idea that she really wouldn’t get tired of me sleeping on her. It was still way too early to voice the idea of this being forever, but it apparently wasn’t too early for me to be thinking it. We had known each other for months before we became involved, so in the course of things, our relationship wasn’t exactly new. But I could hold off for a while before words like commitment and moving in together came out.

Her fingers stroked through my hair as our mouths greeted each other for the morning. We’d spent almost every night together since our first, and we’d woken up the same way every time. She was always awake before I was, and she never woke me up. That alone could make me want to spend the rest of my life with her. I was a bit of a grouch when something other than my alarm clock woke me up. Once I was finally awake, we’d spend some time kissing, touching, cuddling, and if we weren’t rushing off to work, we’d enjoy a little sexy time.

Natalie caught me glancing at the clock when our kiss broke. She chuckled, sending all the right kind of shivers to my lower half. “Don’t start something you don’t have time to finish, gorgeous.”

“Soapy, slippery fun time,” I declared, vaulting out of bed and pulling on her hand to get her moving with me. We definitely had enough time to enjoy each other in the shower before we met up with friends for the day.

An hour later, I was feeling extremely satisfied as I always did whenever Natalie touched me. I was beginning to realize I’d be happy with any amount of time as long as I spent it with this lovely woman.

She was driving, Goblin was in her safety harness in the backseat, and I was trying not to hum with happiness for the whole trip. This would be a good day, something my friends and I did every year. This year, finally, I would be bringing someone. No longer would I be secretly envious of the other occupants on the trip because they could share the experience with someone. I had a someone of my own now.

We stopped off at the finish mark for our planned rafting trip. Tamiko, Owen, Glory, and Lena awaited us there. The rest of the party would be up the river at the drop in. Since Natalie and Molly were the only ones with trucks to transport the rafts, we’d leave Natalie’s here and head up to meet them in Lena’s car.

“Hi, girls,” Tamiko greeted us as we stepped out of the truck.

“I’ve been looking forward to this trip all summer,” Lena told us as we approached. She glanced down at our linked hands and smiled. I’d done the same thing when she and Glory had first gotten together. It just feels good when your friends are happy.

“We’re lucky Molly is willing to unofficially work on one of her days off,” Glory said, bending to pet Goblin and block Lena’s big dog from overwhelming her.

I nodded in agreement, but I knew that Molly didn’t mind taking us all on this whitewater rafting trip after the summer season closed. Of all the guide activities she did, she enjoyed rafting the most.

“Let me have this cutie pie,” Tamiko gestured for Goblin to come to her. “You guys go have fun. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

We were going to leave Goblin, Lena’s dogs, and Tessa’s dog with Tamiko at the finish line. She didn’t want to make the trip, but Owen was all for it. It probably helped that Natalie treated him like a friend not an old man or grandparent of a friend.

Lena rearranged her grandmother’s chair for probably the hundredth time, made sure the cooler was in reach, and that her book was settled on the armrest. Tamiko shooed her away and took a seat. The dogs all took their cue from her and found a cozy spot to snooze.

We got on our way up the river a few miles to meet up with the rest of the pack. I was looking forward to spending the day with Natalie and my friends. The exhilaration of the rapids would probably pale in comparison to the exhilaration I felt being around Natalie now, but it would still be a really fun day.

37 \ Vivian

One week. A whole week away from her when we’d been together almost every night for more than a month. I hadn’t wanted to go, but the client insisted. That wasn’t true. It was the client’s idiotic reality show producers that insisted.

Not for the first time, I started regretting taking on this client with Dwight. It was a down to the studs renovation, massive in scale. She’d dangled it in front of us, talking as if she were a standard client, predictably fussy, but nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t until we were sitting down to talk about a contract that she told us we’d have to sign a waiver for her television show. The reno and her reactions to it were going to be a continuing arc on her show next season. I balked immediately, but Dwight needed the fee. After a long discussion, we agreed that Dwight would be the main on camera designer.

That accounted for the week of lost time. It was supposed to be a day, but we had to present the plans, alter the plans, get the client’s okay, and the producers’ budget approval. All this when the client could only spare a half hour here and there on different days. Annoying to say the least and probably a harbinger of how the project would go. Still, it would be lucrative and steady work over the winter.

“You’re back,” Samantha exclaimed as I rushed through the doors of my design studio.

“We got the producers to fly us into Aspen instead of Denver.”

“Smart.” She handed me the call sheet for the week. “How’d it go?”

“Everyone signed off on the design. I was going to check when Natalie’s crew could start.”

Samantha gave me a teasing grin. “Yeah, sure.”

I plunked my purse down on my desk, turning to face her. “What?”

“You’re dying to see her. Just admit it.”

I laughed. Samantha knew me pretty well. “Okay, I am.”

“This whole being in love thing works good on you.”

I matched her grin. I couldn’t agree more. Nothing in my life had ever felt this right and this good. We’d only been together five weeks, but I felt more sure of my love for her than anything.

Looking down at my desk, I debated returning some of those calls or calling Natalie right away. I took a seat and realized something was off about my office. My eyes glanced around, not noticing anything different. It was quiet and orderly. Quiet, that’s it.

“Did Zach miraculously cure all his dogs?” I asked, not hearing the usual muffled barking coming through the shared wall to his recovery room. This building was the reason we’d pooled our resources to buy the property together. No other location had both commercial and residential zoning with a business building and two homes. The shared wall caused some distraction, though. I’d set up my drafting table in the front room as a workaround.

Samantha’s grin widened. Her tongue poked her cheek as she shook her head.

“What’s going on?”

“Weren’t you going to call Natalie?” She batted her eyes innocently.

“Sammi?”

“Oh, look, there’s her truck.” She pointed out the window.

I got up and went to check. Natalie’s truck was parked in one of Zach’s spots. My heart plunged, thinking Goblin might be hurt again. I dropped everything and hurried out the door over to Zach’s part of the building.

“Hey, Viv,” Shelly greeted as I came in.

I looked around the waiting room for Natalie. “Is Goblin here?” Shelly was better at remembering her patients’ names than the owners.

She frowned. A moment later her frown brightened. “Oh, Natalie’s in the back. She’s an absolute doll, Viv. Nice going there.”

Since she didn’t look concerned, I took a second to beam proudly at her. Yep, Nat was special, and I’d somehow landed her.

I stepped through the door to a recovery room that was no longer recognizable. I expected to find the large open room with stacks of dog and cat crates lining both walls and down the center haphazardly. Zach had to make do with the space when he’d first moved in because he didn’t have the finances to do anything about it. It troubled him to have the animals all in one big open room. Now, it looked like he didn’t have to be troubled anymore.

The room was now divided in two. I peeked into the first and saw several cats and two rabbits in crates on newly constructed sturdy shelves. In one corner stood a large climbing tree for the cats to stretch their legs and a window where the washer and dryer used to be. The animals would have a view and fresh air now. The staff would be happy with that and the new easy to clean floors and paint job on the walls.

I stepped back into the hallway and headed toward the other half of the room. My heart thumped when I spotted Natalie. She was stacking the last of the empty crates onto her new shelving system. She let the crate drop as soon as she spotted me.

“Vivi! I missed you.” She climbed down the step stool and rushed over to me.

I folded her close, soaking in the feel of her against me again. “Missed you, too, Natalie. What have you done here?”

“Got Goblin free health care for life from the best vet in the world.”

I laughed, tilting back and capturing her lips in a smoldering kiss. I’d really missed this. I’d be letting Dwight deal with trips to L.A. for our client from now on.

One of the dogs barked, startling me away from her kiss. I realized the room wasn’t empty. Yet I hadn’t heard any sound from my side of this far wall even when I’d listened for it.

“Did you do something here?” I gestured to the wall.

“It bothered me that your office wasn’t soundproof.” She looked up, tightening her arms around me.

“So you rebuilt Zach’s recovery room?”

She shrugged and smiled. “You had electrical and plumbing on your side. Zach’s side didn’t have either. I talked him into letting me build a second wall to add sound dampening insulation and drywall. You shouldn’t hear anything anymore.”

“Natalie!” I just shook my head at this amazing woman. I knew she hadn’t charged Zach for all the work she’d put in. She probably hadn’t charged him for the materials either. Not if she was doing this for me.

“You’re creative, Vivi. You need complete quiet to create your magic.”

I swooped down for another kiss. “My sweet woman.”

She smiled broadly. “That’s me.”

“You did this for me.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

I believed that, completely. “Thank you, and I’m sure Zach has thanked you many times, but thank you for him too.”

She stroked her fingers down my cheek. “I really missed you.”

“I did, too.” I glanced around to look at her progress. The crate stacking was all that was left. “Shelly can finish that. I want to take you home and show you how much I missed you.”

Natalie’s smile might have been wider than mine. She reached for my hand, stepping us out of the recovery room to the waiting area. We were headed for the exit when a voice stopped Natalie.

I turned to see two tall guys sitting on the couch I’d picked out with Zach. It was big enough to hold four people, but these guys took up most of the room. One of the guys looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him.

“Hey, Trent, Ryan,” Natalie said.

Ryan, Cal’s son. That’s why he looked familiar. I’d worked with him once, and that was all it took to convince me that I never wanted him on another of my jobs again. Thinking back, it might have been the starting point for the decline in my relationship with Cal afterwards.

“What’s up, Nat?” Trent said, his eyes shifting from me to Natalie then back. He had a look of disbelief on his face.

“Things are good, T. How ‘bout with you?” Natalie appeared relaxed, but I could tell she was bothered by their presence.

“The stupid dog ate my office key. Had to bring him in,” Trent explained.

Stupid dog? That’s what he thought of his girlfriend’s dog. Gee, decent guy.

“Hope he feels better.” Natalie tugged on my hand to get us moving.

“Don’t have anything to say to me?” Ryan asked.

“I said hello,” Natalie said, gripping my hand tighter. It was clear there was no love lost between these two.

“You ruin my dad’s company and all you can say is hello?”

I stepped toward Ryan, like I was afraid he’d do something more than talk. Natalie held firm, glancing up at me before responding. “The success or failure of your dad’s company should have nothing to do with me.”

“You stole his people and badmouthed him,” Ryan said.

Trent frowned at his buddy and looked at Natalie. “Thought you just quit.”

“I did and never said anything about him after I left.”

“You’re taking all his jobs.”

I snorted. Ryan’s glare turned to me. “Your dad bid himself out of every job, Ryan.”

“What do you know?” he spat.

“She knows she’s welcome here and you aren’t, Ryan,” my brother said from behind us. “Hey, sis, welcome back.”

“Good to be back.”

“We’re going to need another hour with Binky, Trent. Why don’t you take your friend home and come back later.”

Trent raised his brow at Zach’s stern tone. “Let’s go, Ry.”

“Dad’s screwed because of you,” Ryan gave a parting shot at Natalie.

“I’m a competitor, nothing more.” Natalie looked sad for this jerk, which I loved about her. “Take care, Trent. Hope everything works out with the dog.”

They left with Ryan mumbling obscenities. Zach shook his head as he watched them go.

“Your clients suck, Zach,” I joked.

“Even jerks have pets.” He leaned in for a hug. “Did you see what Nat did for us?”

“I did. Looks amazing.”

“We want you both at dinner tonight so we can thank Natalie and hear about your trip.”

I glanced at Natalie. She shrugged and smiled like she didn’t mind spending time with my family instead of what we’d been planning. She really was sweet, and I couldn’t be more lucky. Forget the romances I’d read. They were no match for the real thing.

38 \ Natalie

Five o’clock on a Tuesday morning, the phone rang, waking me from a fitful sleep. I had a moment of distress over the concern that I couldn’t sleep well without Vivian beside me now. It made me not like the nights alone for two reasons instead of the obvious one. I should have called her last night after I’d put in a late night on Dwight’s job to make up for the changes that had cost us a lot of time. By the time I finished, it was too late to bother her.

A second ring made me remember why I’d awoken. I grabbed my cellphone from the charger and punched the speaker button.

“It’s Henry Eiben, Natalie. Sorry to call so early, but we just got word that the new house has been vandalized again. We were hoping you could swing by and assess the damage for us.”

Jolts of anger and fear pierced my stomach. “Did you let the police know that the cameras are still working so we might have gotten something this time?”

“Oh, he was still there. He’d run his truck through the garage door and was having a hard time getting out.”

“A drunk?”

“He was drunk, but, Natalie, it was Cal.”

Cal? What was going on? The exchange with Ryan a few weeks ago ran through my mind. Things had obviously gotten worse since then. “I’m sorry, Henry. I didn’t think he’d go off like this.”

“It’s not your fault. He must be really troubled. Right now, I just want to get the place fixed up as soon as you can spare your crew. I don’t want this delaying escrow.”

Neither did I. In this market, anything to delay escrow could blow a done deal. “I’ll head out there first thing. Depending on the damage, I’ll probably just ask David and Owen to help out so we don’t have to wait until the weekend.”

“Thanks, Nat. I’m calling our insurance lady next. She may meet you out there.”

“I’ll give you a call when I’m done.” I clicked off and got out of bed.

Cal. This was so far beyond spiteful. I could see him making those calls to the inspection departments. I could even see how defacing the framing might be something he’d do because he knew it wouldn’t be a lot of work to fix. But vandalizing a completed home? That went several steps too far.

Out of the shower, I donned my usual work uniform, grabbing a fleece pullover in case we had to put in another late evening and the October chill took over. Goblin glanced up as I came down the stairs. Her tail thumped, but her eyes still looked sleepy.

“Got a bit of trouble, Gobs,” I told her, handing her a biscuit treat.

She looked at me in understanding and went about finishing her treat and going through the doggie door to do her business. She knew when we had to get to work quickly.

I felt a pit of dread in my stomach as I started for the door. Then I realized I didn’t have to do this alone. I now had someone in my life to rely on. It would be inconsiderate to wake her, but I knew she’d probably be more upset if I didn’t tell her what had happened.

“This had better be good, Zach,” she growled into the phone.

I felt a smile come over me. Even angry she was incredibly sexy. “Sorry, Viv, it’s me.”

“Natalie?” Her voice sounded marginally less angry, which was encouraging.

“Henry called. Cal ran his truck through the garage door out at the new house.”

“What?” She was completely alert now.

“Yeah, so I was going out to the house before I get over to Dwight’s.”

“Swing by and get me first, please.”

I let a chuckle slip. “You sure?”

“Yes, dammit. That asshole ruined our beautiful house. I’m not letting you see that alone. Come get me.”

I laughed out loud when she hung up without another word. She’d transferred her wakeup anger to Cal, and it was so hot. Or maybe it was just talking to her first thing in the morning. I loved that.

She was opening the door to her cabin as soon as I pulled up. She had a travel mug in her hand and was pulling on a fashionable jacket as she came down the path. I’d only given her a half hour to get ready, and she looked as lovely as if she’d had three hours.

“Morning, babe,” she said as she got in. “I meant to say that on the phone.” She shut the door and leaned over to kiss me hello. She tasted of coffee and vanilla and pure sunshine loveliness.

I pulled back and smiled, tucking a free strand of hair behind her ear. “Good morning, Vivi. Sorry I had to wake you up.”

“It was necessary.” She grabbed for my hand as soon as I’d backed the truck up and turned us toward the highway. “Let’s hope this time there aren’t any disturbing messages.”

I squeezed her fingers and instantly felt comforted by her reassuring return squeeze. She really liked holding hands. I’d recently become a fan myself. The other women I’d dated weren’t the hand holding type. This was a wonderful change.

When we pulled up to the gates of the new house, I could see damage to one of the stone columns. He’d tried to wedge his truck between the column and the trees. That would take two hours to fix, but I should be thankful that he hadn’t just rammed through the security gate. The gate was a special order and would have blown the closing date on this house. I’d plant another tree beside the column when I was done to discourage anyone else from trying the same thing.

I punched in the security code and drove us up to the house. “Jeez,” I muttered, surveying the damage.

Cal’s truck had been towed already. The double carriage style door was completely off the track, crunched, and embedded in the far wall. Great. That would take the rest of the day and a trip to Glenwood Springs for new doors. That was the extent of the damage, though. The alarm system worked as advertised. Once the motion sensors were tripped, the police arrived in minutes. Cal must have been too drunk to get around to making a real plan before they arrived.

“Unbelievable,” Vivian said, slipping out of the truck. She came around to link up with me before moving us toward the garage.

“Pretty crappy thing to do,” I agreed.

“Petty little asswipe,” she continued. “What did he think he’d prove by doing this? His last stunt didn’t stop you. Why would this?”

“He must be hurting financially and emotionally.”

She swiveled her head to look at me. “Don’t be sweet about him, Nat. He deserves your ire.”

“You know, after we ran into Ryan, I did some checking on Cal’s status. He was down to one townhouse and needed to sell it fast or he’d lose that to the bank, too. I can see pulling desperate acts.”

“Then pull them on his own sites. Get the insurance money. Don’t come after you. You did nothing to him.”

“I took his best people.”

“You included.” She shot me a grin. “Just don’t be sweet about him, please. I adore your sweetness, but save it for people who deserve it.”

“I can fix your perfect design, Vivi,” I assured her, pulling her into my arms and hugging tightly.

“It’s not my perfect design. It’s a good design, but I’m saving my perfect design for my own house. Beach cottage meets mountain cabin.”

I nodded, pulling back slightly so I could look her in the eyes. “Good plan.”

“You’ll build it for me, right? I want to start next spring as soon as the snow melts.”

My heart swelled. “Of course.”

“It could become your perfect house, too.”

I sucked in a breath and felt my eyes blink in thought. “That sounds ideal.”

She smiled and stole a quick kiss. “Ideal because you’ve always wanted to build your dream house but didn’t have a design? Or is living with me the ideal part?”

I gave her a long look, pouring all the love I felt for her into it. She was what I’d been missing in my life, even when I was convinced nothing was missing. “Both, Vivi, definitely both.”

SOMETHING SO GRAND. Copyright © 2012 by Lynn Galli. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For information address Penikila Press, LLC.

Cover photo © 2012 Mike Norton/Shutterstock.com. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

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Imagining Reality - Changing a reputation can be the hardest thing anyone can do, even among her own friends. But Jessie Ximena has been making great strides over the past year to do just that. Will anyone, even her good friends, give her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to finding a forever love?

Uncommon Emotions - When someone spends her days ripping apart corporations, compartmentalization is key. Love doesn't factor in for Joslyn Simonini. Meeting Raven Malvolio ruins the harmony that Joslyn has always felt, introducing her to passion for the first time in her life.

Blessed Twice - Briony Gatewood has considered herself a married woman for fifteen years even though she’s spent the last three as a widow. Her friends have offered to help her get over the loss of her spouse with a series of blind dates, but only a quiet, enigmatic colleague can make Briony think about falling in love again.

Full Court Pressure - The pressure of being the first female basketball coach of a men’s NCAA Division 1 team may pale in comparison to the pressure Graysen Viola feels in her unexpected love life.

Finally - Willa Lacey never thought acquiring five million in venture capital for her software startup would be easier than suppressing romantic feelings for a friend. Having never dealt with either situation, Willa finds herself torn between what she knows and what could be.

Mending Defects – Small town life for Glory Eiben has always been her ideal. With her rare congenital heart defect, keeping family and friends close by preserves her easygoing attitude. When Lena Coleridge moves in next door, life becomes anything but easy. Lena is a reluctant transplant and even more reluctant friend. Their growing friendship adds many layers to Glory’s ideal.