know, besides knock down perfectly good apartment buildings.”
I tuck my lips together, fighting a smile, because I doubt she’d appreciate that right now. “I’m a welder.”
“Oh.”
She falls quiet again, her brows drawing together.
I’m not sure why she says it like she does, but I don’t bother asking.
I glance into the diner, noting the guys are all staring out at Maya like they’ve never seen a woman before.
A surge of protectiveness rumbles through my chest, and I glare at them.
“Well,” Maya says, pulling my attention back to her. “I, uh, better get back to the shop.” She lifts the coffees. “The girls are probably wondering where I am.”
“You work with River, right?”
“Yep. Making Waves is right up the street.” She inclines her head, indicating it’s behind me. “We’re right on the corner. We’re closed on Mondays, but we’re doing inventory today.”
I don’t tell her I know where it is.
Before River and Dean started dating, he used to pop in there for his mom and sister on their birthdays or for Christmas. He’d deny it, but it was his way of supporting River because he had a huge crush on her.
I’d usually run up to The Gravy Train for coffee while he did his shopping because there was nothing of interest to me in there.
Well, at least I didn’t think there was…until now.
“I…I’m sorry about the mess.” She winces, noticing the wet spot on my shirt.
I shrug. “No big deal. I get messier than this most days.”
“Right.” She clears her throat. “Well, goodbye, Nolan.”
I move out of her way as she steps around me.
She hustles down the street, and I stand there like an idiot watching her go.
It takes all of ten seconds for my brain to catch up.
“Maya! Wait!”
She swivels around, and I jog the short distance to her.
“Yeah?”
I shove my hands in my pockets, feeling nervous standing in front of her as she stares at me with questioning eyes.
“You, uh, you never called.”
Her brows pinch together again.
“About the rooms,” I remind her. “You haven’t called.”
“Oh.” She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “I…I’m still not sure it’s the best idea.”
I’m not certain if it’s relief or disappointment settling into my chest.
“It’s not you,” she rushes out. “It’s just…”
She trails off, but I get what she’s meaning.
I get it. It’s a weird situation to be in.
“You don’t need to explain. Just wanted you to know—”
“The offer still stands.” She gives me a small smile, the first one I’ve gotten. “I know. Thank you.”
“Of course.” I nod. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
“You too…Romeo.”
She turns, leaving me standing there staring at her for the second time.
“Who was that?” Jake asks as soon as I enter the diner and join him in line.
“Nobody.”
“Can’t remember the last time I looked at a nobody like that.” He chortles, then claps me on the back.
Me either.
With a heavy sigh, I lean against the back wall of the elevator. I cross my arms over my chest and close my eyes as I relax into the space.
It’s five thirty PM, and I’ve been up since five this morning.
After a shit night of sleep and a full day on the jobsite, I’m fucking beat.
“Hold the door!”
I don’t move to press the button.
Not because I’m being a dick, but because I’m that tired.
A hand slips between the twin doors just as they’re about to close.
Dean slides into the elevator car with a hard stare directed my way.
“Hey, fucker. I said hold the door.” He shakes his head, taking up a post next to me. He leans one foot against the wall and tilts his head back, looking up at the ceiling. “How come nobody in this damn apartment building can hold the door for people?”
“Probably because nobody wants to share an elevator with you.”
“You kidding? They only wish they could be so lucky. You look like shit, by the way.”
I loll my head his way. “Careful, Dean. You keep sweet-talking like that and I might start to suspect you’re crushing on me.”
He huffs. “Only in your wildest dreams.”
“See you’re wearing your work purse. You just get off?”
“It’s a briefcase.” He side-eyes me. “And yes.”
“Kinda late, no? You’re not fucking around on River, are you?”
He barks out a laugh. “Please. Like I could find anyone better than her.” His words are so sweet they almost make me queasy. “Post-season football shit.”
“Sorry you guys sucked ass this year. But just so you know, that’s entirely your fault, Coach.”
“Fuck you very much,” he mutters. “You hear from Maya about the rooms yet?”