and his face is hard as a rock. He must’ve seen something in Cash’s gaze that made him think I wasn’t safe. But I’m a big girl. I’m capable of handling a spoiled professional athlete. I take a step away, and this time, my protector releases me. “Cash, I’d like you to meet James Miles, the crew chief on the job. James, this is Cash King.”
James extends his hand and Cash shakes it, but the two are locked in a staring contest.
“Cash.”
“James.”
Finally, they break apart, and my friend resumes his position beside me.
“Listen, Kitty Cat …” The jerk’s top lip curls up into a sneer, and I know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. “I don’t know what kind of operation you ran before I got here, but there’s not going to be any more of this.” He waves his hand between me and James. “I don’t care what you two have going on, but you’re not going to do it on my time.”
The growl that rumbles up from James’s throat is the scariest thing I’ve ever heard. “I beg your pardon?”
I place my hand on James’s chest. “It’s not worth an explanation, James. Go on back inside. Text me if you have any questions about the master bath plans.” To his credit he doesn’t fight me, which makes me love him all the more.
James looks Cash up and down. His nose wrinkles like he smells something foul, then he glances at me. “You were right about him.” With another glare in the new owner’s direction, he walks away.
I cross my arms over my chest and wait. I’m not explaining myself to him. I owe him nothing.
“Kind of old for you, isn’t he?” Cash matches my stance.
Still I say nothing.
“This house needs to be completed ASAP, so save your fraternizing for after work hours.”
A satisfied look slithers onto his face like he’s gotten one over on me. I keep my mouth shut.
“Got nothing to say?” His beautiful honey-colored eyes are hard as granite.
“I haven’t heard anything that is A, your business, or B, worth a response. If you want to discuss the plans for the house, or you have a concern about the remodel, then I’m all ears. Otherwise your opinion of me matters about this much.” I hold my thumb and forefinger as close together as I possibly can without one touching the other.
“Fine. I want to go over all the plans for the remodel—now.”
I hold out my hand toward the pool house where I’ve set up a makeshift office. “After you.”
He glides past me and maneuvers around the patio furniture like he owns the place, which I guess he does. Damn it. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I do work for him now.
Inside the pool house, I flick on some lights and move to the desk in the corner of the living room. It’s big for a pool house, with a large room that includes the kitchen and a small eating area. There’s a bedroom and a large bathroom as well. It’s perfect for me, and I’m super grateful that Donny is letting me live here until this job is complete. If not, I’d be sleeping on his and Maggie’s couch.
I lead Cash to a table and motion to the first set of plans. “This is what we’ve designed for the ground floor. The non-weight-bearing walls have been knocked out to open the space. The kitchen was gutted, and we added a large island that seats four and extended the breakfast nook. We’re pretty married to these plans, but of course we’ll consider any suggestions you have and try to accommodate them. It’s difficult to change midstream, but I’m sure Donny will work with you as much as he can.”
I point to a section in the west corner of the house. “There are four bedrooms upstairs including a master suite. We’ve taken out this wall here and are adding another master suite downstairs.” My finger moves to another section. “And we’ve added a morning room here.”
He scratches his chin and studies the drawing. “I like it. It’s good that there’s a master downstairs. My nan can’t climb the stairs every day.”
“Your nan? You mean your grandmother?”
He doesn’t look at me but continues to evaluate the plans. “Yes, this will be my mom’s home, and where my mom goes, Nan goes. And Nan’s not going anywhere without Joe.”
“Oh.” It’s all I say. I don’t have to be nice to this man,