Second Dive (Kings of the Water #3) - Jasmin Miller Page 0,16

heat flushes my face when I see her worried face. Did I just zone out in the middle of this conversation with her? Dang it.

Get a grip, Chloe.

A chuckle escapes my lips and I shake my head. “I’m so sorry. What did you say?”

Her smile stays in place as she blinks at me.

Hopefully, I didn’t screw things up and they’ll get someone else for this job. Even though it doesn’t pay since it’s a community project made up of volunteers, I’ve always wanted to do something on a larger scale. So this is the perfect opportunity.

“No worries, it’s Friday afternoon, so I totally understand. Even though you’ll be stuck here over the weekend, while I’ll try my best to not even think about this place.”

We both grin, as I will my body to relax and to stay present. “It’s been a long week, but I’m excited to get started. I’ll listen now, I promise.”

“Okay, let’s see.” One of her fingers goes to her chin and taps there. “Every artist has one or two assigned volunteers to make things easier. Yours should be here soon too.”

No, no, no.

She can’t mean . . . It can’t be . . .

I almost choke on my saliva at the sheer possibility of—

“Oh, Mr. Winters. I didn’t see you there. My apologies.” She walks to where Noah stands, his expression unreadable. She shakes his hand and waves in my direction. “Thanks so much for volunteering. This is Chloe Williams, the wonderful artist you’ll be working with.”

My breath catches in my throat and unapologetic heat rushes from my chest up my neck and all the way to the top of my ears.

Holy Batman. This can’t be happening.

Noah’s gaze stays fixed on Tammi. “We know each other.”

Tammi claps her hands together. “Oh, that’s fantastic. This should be so much fun for you, then.”

Fantastic is the last word I’d use to describe this situation, and Noah’s answering grunt seems to be in line with my thoughts.

Thankfully, Tammi seems to be unaware of the negative emotions buzzing between us, and I try at all costs to keep my eyes on her. If I catch one of Noah’s murderous gazes, I might go up in flames, and that really isn’t on today’s agenda.

Tammi gestures to a short hallway close to us. “Let me show you the storage closet we were able to utilize for you. It should have everything we talked about. The weekend security guard in the lobby will have the projector for you tomorrow when you arrive.”

I nod. “Perfect, thank you.”

“Of course.” She opens the door to the closet and steps aside so I can get a good look at everything.

Cans of paint, brushes, a ginormous bag of rags, rolls of painter’s tape, a couple of drop cloths, some paint rollers, cups, a stepladder, a ladder, and a few palettes.

My heart sighs in anticipation, and I smile at Tammi. “Looks like everything we need. Great.”

“Awesome. I’m glad.” We take a step back and she closes the door again. “Please let me know if anything’s missing, or if you run out of any material. The hardware store is ready for us if we need more.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Great. Your other helper should be—”

“I’m here. Sorry for being late. I got held up.” A tall man jogs toward us. After winking at Noah—wait a second, he winked at Noah?—he slows down to a stop in front of Tammi and me.

He must be as tall as Noah, or at least close to it, with a similar build. And that smile he’s giving Tammi and me. Phew. I bet that can melt some panties into nothingness. It’s crooked, which makes it cocky and endearing.

After shaking Tammi’s hand, who’s suddenly very quiet, he takes mine in his. “And you must be Chloe. I looked you up, and your artwork is amazing. I’m Hunter Kinney.” His eyes roam over me, the corner of his mouth going up another notch. “And I’m at your service. Use me however you need me.”

Noah groans behind him, and my eyes flitter to him, despite my earlier pledge to not look at him. His eyes are closed, his head tilted back slightly as he scrubs a hand over his face.

Hunter chuckles before looking over his shoulder. “I’ll give you some attention in a moment too, Noah, no worries. But ladies first.”

Oh my gosh, they know each other. Could this situation get any worse?

Just then, Tammi’s phone rings and she gets it out of her pocket. After checking the screen, she gives