I couldn’t speak for a second. “Easton…”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he said with a crooked grin. “Come and see the mudroom and the back porch before you decide on the tip.”
“Oh, I see how it is. You’ve been over here hustling for favors.” I returned his smile with a smirk of my own. He was going to get all the tips. He had no idea.
I followed him through the kitchen and through the doorway. The mudroom, which had been looking a little worse for wear, was now bright and crisp, with the scent of new wood. He’d put in matching hardwood, somehow making it seamless with the great room. In fact, I’d never have known that it wasn’t original.
He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “I tried to remember everything you’d talked about.”
“It’s perfect.” I tucked my hand into one of his back pockets and dragged him closer.
East had built in a coat rack and shoe cubbies, even a couple of benches to sit on while taking off wet gear.
“I reinforced this door. The old one wasn’t fire safe. New locks here, too.” He showed me the security panel before opening it. “And obviously a new back porch.”
“East … holy cow.”
He’d outdone himself. Before, there had been a tiny landing with an overhang where you could fit maybe one chair, but calling it a porch was kind. He gave a sheepish shrug. “Well, you called it a porch, and to me that’s what this should be when you look out onto your yard. In the summer, you’ll have a garden. And this way you can watch the rain.”
The porch was gigantic, with big beams and posts that stretched across the entire width of the cottage and out into the yard. It’d be perfect to hang out all year round, regardless of the weather. He’d even put some rockers out here with a coffee table.
“Now you can tell me if I did a good job.” His lips tipped into a hopeful smile.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. “You did an absolutely amazing job, and you’re definitely getting a tip.”
“I’m glad you like it.” The words were so gentle that my eyes stung.
Before I could reply, a familiar voice sounded around the side yard. “Hello! I know you’re here. Don’t make mehunt you down, bestie.” Sage, bundled in an enormous purple jacket and knit hat with a pom-pom that could’ve doubled as a small animal, came around the corner.“Hey! Youarehere! I told you he’d haul you home eventually.”
“Didn’t you say I had security cameras? Shouldn’t the cops be alerted?” I mock-whispered to East.
“Well, they’ll see the alert and then decide it’s a rabid raccoon.” He waved a hand at his sister. “And ignore it. Exhibit A. Rabid raccoon.”
She grinned, unrepentant. “I live for the drama. Also, is it Briggs watching? I might be in front of those cameras more often.” Then she leaned closer to whisper, “Also, you texted me,I’m leaving with East, and then nothing. What was I supposed to do, just trust that you weren’t going to make out on the side of the road or get murdered?”
I snorted, trying not to laugh. “You have issues.”
“Geez. I don’t want to hear about your voyeurism,” East laughed. “I have no idea if it’s Briggs or not.”
“Don’t be a prude,” she said brightly. “Now, am I getting a tour, or am I supposed to wait until after you two christen the kitchen?”
My entire face went hot. “Sage!”
“Relax, I’m kidding. Sort of.” She winked at Easton, who looked like he was doing his best not to grin.
“Come on. I’ll give you a quick tour.” I pulled her by the hand. I meant quick, because she wasn’t wrong that I was hoping we could get on to the other part. I had been missing my man.
“Did I embarrass you?” She teased, pulling off her hat in the mudroom and tossing it on the bench.
“No.” But I was sure my pink cheeks betrayed me. I wasn’t embarrassed by the sex talk, but I was more than eager. “So, Briggs, huh?” I deflected.
“Hello, you saw him.” She swept into the kitchen. “But I’m just messing with East.” She paused to take it all in with wide eyes. “Wow, my brother does good work. The porch was incredible, but I saw that earlier. I’ve been busy at the shop and haven’t been able to sneak over here.” She trailed her fingers over the counter and turned on the faucet. “A pot filler? Shit, I’m a little jelly. Very nice.”
“It’s nice, right?”
I was still a little surprised. When East told me he’d handle it, I was on board, mainly because I was still reeling from the fire situation. He was a Holt, and I wouldn’t have doubted that he could do a good job, but this went beyond good. This was excellent. We’d talked about his business up in Idaho at length, so I knew he had the skills, but this was next level.
“Better than nice.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “So I shouldn’t wait up right?”
