to myself to try, although I knew my continued guilt would keep me from early success.
“So long, my friend. You will never be forgotten.”
Just saying the words made me sick inside.
The drive to the new house was uneventful, the music soothing, but I was itching to contact Francesca. Maybe I’d clean myself up later and go and see her.
Besides, I could use another bowl of ice cream.
I managed to keep a partial smile on my face almost the entire drive. As I pulled close to the house, I took a deep breath, studying the trashed property I was determined to make livable. I was still disgusted with my progress. At the rate of speed that I was working at, I’d be lucky to have a finished house by December. Fortunately, there was a working bathroom, including a shower and the electricity was on. No more generators for the power tools.
Small wins were a must.
And there was a small refrigerator ready to be stocked with beer. I grinned as I jumped out of the truck, immediately grabbing the bag of groceries and walking inside, shaking my head as I walked over several pieces of lumber. Almost all the demolition was done. That had to be worth something. Maybe I deserved a cold one. Hell, it was five o’clock somewhere.
I grabbed one of the bottles before shoving the remainder into the small fridge, then leaned against the counter, staring first at the bare bones of the cabinets. Then I shifted my attention to my hand, flexing my fingers. After taking a long pull of cool liquid, I shoved the bottle onto the scratched counter then ripped the wrapping away. I turned my hand back and forth before tossing the bandage into one of the trash piles. It was as good as it was going to get.
Moving outside, I stood on the porch, leaning over the rickety railing. I’d made it clear to the others by my gruff actions that I needed some time alone. Then again, I did like the atmosphere in Raunchy Ride. I was one pathetic man.
I put the bottle on the railing then yanked off my shirt, tossing it onto the stairs. Time to get to work.
After several cuts, I took the studs inside, laying them out along with the others I’d already cut then grabbed my nail gun. Within minutes, I had another wall standing. Hell, I was getting pretty good at this. The moment I walked outside I heard a vehicle approaching. I grabbed my shirt, wiping my hands. Only the guys knew where I lived.
When I noticed Franny’s truck, I wasn’t certain how I felt about it.
Until Francesca climbed out of the driver’s side, wearing a pair of tight black jeans and a white top that accentuated everything God had given her.
Long curls flowing in the breeze.
Dark shades hiding her eyes.
Her feet in tennis shoes, which only added to her sex appeal.
Hot damn, she looked good.
As she walked closer, a smile crossed her face. “You bought this place, cowboy?”
“Let me guess, Hawk told you.”
She bit her lower lip, faking a sheepish look. “Maybe I followed you. You never know what I’m capable of.”
“That is true. You’re one disobedient brat.”
“Brat?” she asked as she inched closer, still keeping a slight distance. She finally lifted her sunglasses, eyeing me with mischief in her eyes.
“Oh, yeah. My guess is you’ve been a bad girl these past couple of days.”
Sighing, she once again donned her shades before closing the distance. “Maybe a little. What about you? You went and bought a house on the spur of the moment.”
“No time like the present.”
“The place has… potential.”
I laughed before removing her sunglasses, lowering my head and drinking in the scent of her perfume. “You mean it’s a shithole.”
Chuckling, she tilted her head, allowing her gaze to fall down to my waist then back up again. “You’ve been working.”
“A man’s gotta make use of himself.”
“My guess is you’re very talented.”
“I’m not sure about that. Come on in. Just be careful where you walk.”
She trailed behind me as I grabbed the lukewarm beer, walking inside. As I watched her studying the room, turning around in a full circle, I wasn’t certain whether she was going to criticize or compliment.
“Would you like a beer?” I finally asked.
“Sure. I took the afternoon off.”
I grabbed two more and when I walked to the door leading into the living room, I couldn’t help but smile. She seemed mesmerized by the fireplace, brushing the tips of her fingers around