Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,34

smiles. “I’ll be back home Sunday. The three of us need a girls’ night out soon.”

“Since you’re the only one of us with a fiancé, we’ll work around your schedule,” I say before sliding behind the steering wheel. Vi slips into the passenger seat, and I back the car up. Pulling forward, we wave to Dani while she blows kisses at us.

My eyes sweep over the front of the house one final time, pausing when I notice Adam in an upstairs window. Standing with his arms crossed over his brawny chest, an obvious smirk arcing one side of his mouth, he’s the final thing I see before I drive off. I shiver at the cat who ate the canary expression he was wearing.

“You cold?” Vi asks, turning down the air conditioning setting.

“Yeah, a little,” I reply, not willing to reveal the real reason for the shiver.

Apprehension.

Adam’s expression was cocky, as if he knew something I didn’t. But what leg could he possibly have up on me?

14

Adam

In the two weeks I’ve been back home after the Fourth of July weekend, I’ve been slammed with work. Losing days during holidays always throws our project schedules off, no matter how much we plan ahead. When it comes to contracting, it seems like Murphy’s Law always kicks in at some point.

It didn’t help that Rex stayed in New Hampshire with Danika for the remainder of their vacation. And while I’m glad they had time alone together, the extra set of hands would’ve been appreciated.

Now, I’m about to start on a new project, helping out Luke, a plumber friend of mine, with a commercial renovation. The old building is long overdue for some TLC, and Luke’s family is friends with the owner.

Located in a popular area of Brookline, it’s a prime piece of real estate. The outrageous yearly rental rates on this place probably generate more income than our company, Winters Custom Renovations, does.

Although Luke wanted me on board for this project from the get go, originally, I turned him down. I didn’t want to overcrowd my schedule. There’s nothing worse than feeling the pressure bearing down on you when a project runs over the planned amount of time. Especially when it delays the next one. The clients who hire me don’t want that, and neither do I. It’s an inconvenience to all involved.

What got me to finally accept Luke’s offer was learning that we’re working in the same building where Roxanne’s company is.

How’s that for some serious luck?

When she told me the name of her business, I immediately did a web search to learn every detail I could. Of course, the address was of the utmost interest to me. I figured I could swing by sometime and claim I was in the area, then I discovered a legitimate reason to see her.

I may not have gotten the girl when we were at the cabin, but life has presented me with another golden opportunity. Best of all, Roxanne has no idea. How can she be anything but happy to see me?

Trying to guess what her expression will be like when she realizes what’s going on has been entertaining to think about. Seeing it in person will be worth all the stress of taking on an additional project in an already full schedule.

Rex said he’d work longer hours to help us remain on schedule with our current projects while I focus on this one. It should only involve me being on site for two weeks, give or take a few days, and the payout will be a nice bonus.

Dunks coffee cup in hand, I glance at my watch. I notice it’s five minutes after seven and Luke is late.

Wandering around the lobby, I take in my surroundings. The original hardwood floors—still in good shape—are stained a deep brown. The chalk white walls, scuffed with black marks, are on tap to be painted an off white, similar to French vanilla ice cream, one of my personal favorites—ice cream, that is. The new hue will make it feel warmer and less institutional.

The sound of the twisting door knob has me turning around to see Luke. Only it’s not him.

“You,” Roxanne scoffs, wide eyed. “How did you find out where I work?” Her surprise is priceless.

“Hello to you too, Rocky.” My gaze slowly skims over her. She’s more stunning than I recalled. Dressed in business attire, her long tresses held back with a headband, she looks professional. It’s a side of her I’ve never seen, and I like it