Grind (Powertools The Original Crew Returns #3)- Jayne Rylon Page 0,15

usual conversations and teasing. As they walked they split off into pairs or small groupings that were ever-morphing, each of them utterly comfortable with all the others.

Kayla drew a deep breath then let it out in a whoosh, her hand slipping into Dave’s while they strolled through the forest toward the lake. As they approached, he could feel the welcome coolness. He mirrored his wife, drawing the fresh scent of earth and leaves and water into his lungs. It reminded him of home in a way, but better because this land was like their mountain had been before the blaze. Before everything had been annihilated.

It was so much more refreshing than the acrid smell of seared earth.

This last burst of summer, the final hot days when the foliage had already started to dry out and turn golden in places, was usually peak season at their resort. It had been years since he’d had time between helping Kayla with check-ins and turnovers on top of his own job on the crew to really savor the nature that had drawn them to that spot, one not so different than the place they were enjoying with their friends now.

When they reached the lakefront, Kayla gasped. The light of the early afternoon sun reflected off the surface of the water, making it sparkle and dance.

Someone had stacked hay bales and covered them with a white-and-red checked tablecloth then used others to form bench seats. Sunflowers in mason jars stood in for centerpieces. Instantly, Dave was hit with a wave of nostalgia.

It reminded him of the time he, Mike, Kate, Neil, and James had helped Joe set up his first date with Morgan, which seemed to have gone pretty damn well and started them down the path to this present where they were still going strong together.

In the background a flat area wide enough for several buildings stretched before the trees picked up again. Wildflowers blossomed in a multicolored blanket that swayed in the breeze.

“What do you think?” Joe asked.

“It’s…incredible.” Kayla breathed out a sigh. “The picnic of course, but the site. Wow.”

“Could you see us building a house here on the shore? Or maybe two, if Mike and Kate are going to stay a while…” He rushed past that possibility before uneasiness could take up residence in Dave’s gut again. “…you know, we could always sell them after. Another portfolio-builder and investment for Powertools if and when they go back home.”

The thing about Joe was that he talked more when he was nervous. Usually quiet and steady, he didn’t often go this route. Before Dave could reassure him that anyone would fall in love with this place and that he didn’t blame the guy for doing so, Kayla jumped in.

“Hell, I could see building a whole resort here.” She swung her arm out wide. This front section would be perfect for a day spa and lodge with cabins nestled in the woods along a winding path back there that would afford people privacy.”

After all, most of their guests chose not to wear clothes most of the time.

She shook herself. “I mean. It would be perfect if that’s what you were thinking of. I can see a house or two here too. It would be lovely. So relaxing.”

Devon was nodding and so were James and Neil, as if they could envision it.

A chill ran down Dave’s spine despite the abnormal warmth of the day. It was like he’d had a premonition or some glimpse of the future. This was where his friends would live. He knew it.

Now he just had to accept it.

“You okay?” Kayla turned to him and squeezed his fingers, drawing him back into the moment. It was a gorgeous day, all the people he loved—including the Powertools kids—were taken care of, the crew was together, and they were damn well going to enjoy it.

“Great.” He strolled with her to the makeshift table and admired Morgan’s hard work. Even better was when he sampled some of every dish she and Devra had whipped up and had some gooey chocolate dessert thing Morgan had baked just for them to look forward to at the end.

Neil let out a huge belch that practically reverberated through the valley.

“Gross.” James shoved him and Neil flipped backward off the hay into a slightly squishy patch of dirt and mud. Devon cracked up at their antics.

Neil lunged toward her with a grin. “Think that’s funny, huh?”

She squealed as he tugged her down and wrestled in the thick mud with