Fragile Hearts (Poplar Falls #4) - Amber Kelly Page 0,36

hammer from his grip and turn to start pounding at the tacky laminate countertop. The snap and pop of the flimsy surface satisfies my need to destroy something. Or more like someone. I picture Derrick’s placating face as I rip through the wood like butter.

I’m startled when a boom from across the room sends slivers of splintered wood flying past me. Brandt has the sledgehammer hoisted above him and slams it into a cabinet, knocking it from its mounting in one fell swoop.

I guess he has a few demons to exorcise himself.

We continue to work in silent companionship for the next hour or so until we have completely demolished the entire kitchen. When the final shards of material hit the floor, I look over to see a sweaty Brandt breathing heavily as he drops his weapon at his feet with a loud thud. His soaking-wet white T-shirt is practically transparent and clinging to every chiseled muscle as he gulps in air.

Damn, that’s sexy.

I thought he was attractive before, but I never realized how truly beautiful he was.

He stares at the mess scattered at our feet for a few moments, lost in another place, and then he runs his hands through his hair as he blinks a few times. His eyes meet mine, like he just realized I was still here or that he was.

“I bet your arms are like Jell-O, aren’t they?” I ask.

He takes a moment to assess himself. He rolls his shoulders and squeezes his hands open and closed a few times before answering me on a grin, “Yeah, I’ll be paying for this tomorrow for sure.”

His eyes cut behind me, and he surveys the condition of the L-shaped countertop—or what’s left of it.

“Looks like you got a workout too,” he surmises from the pile of wreckage.

“It deserved its fate for being such an offensive shade of avocado,” I tell him without looking from his flushed face.

He chuckles. “That it did,” he agrees.

I watch in fascination as he tugs up the end of his shirt to bring it up and wipe the rivulet of sweat running down his forehead. I’m treated to a glimpse of a light smattering of dark curls that leads the way down his chest to a golden six-pack, which veers down below the band of his jeans.

Oh my.

As my eyes crawl back up his body, I see the dimple pop from the grin as he catches me ogling him.

I clear my throat and turn quickly to hide the blush that I’m sure is spreading up my neck.

“What’s next, Doc?” I ask to my feet as I sweep plaster and dust into a heap with the toe of my boot.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

I look up at him. “Um, not really, no,” I say hesitantly.

His eyes travel around the room. “We’re not going to find anything to eat in here anyway. How about a drink?” he asks.

Drinks?

He must see the question flash across my face because he quickly adds, “I have a bottle of tequila or whiskey, whichever you prefer. I think we’ve both worked up a thirst.” Then, he says softly, “The least I can do is help you quench it.”

He leans in and reaches around me to open the freezer of the old fridge still standing to the side of the mess we created to show me the bottles.

“You mean, I’m not getting paid for this? You should have told me that, and I would have clocked out today. Sucks to be you, I guess,” I tease as I turn on my heels and strut to the hall bathroom. “I’ll be right back, and I’ll have the tequila,” I toss over my shoulder.

I hear his quiet laughter as I lock the door. I let out the breath I was holding and chastise myself in the mirror.

He is your boss, Bellamy Wilson, and he is unavailable. He made that very clear. So, get your libido under control and stop thinking about his pecs and abs this instant!

“Temporary boss,” I tell my reflection.

“Did you say something?” His question comes muffled from the other side of the door.

Shit.

“Nope,” I squeak. “Just humming to myself.”

I wait silently as my lie lingers between us.

“Okay. Meet you on the porch in ten,” he says before I hear his heavy footfalls heading up the stairs to the master suite.

I sag against the back of the door in relief.

Brandt

Bellamy takes a long time in the bathroom. I used the facilities upstairs and came back down to grab the tequila from the