Their voices were getting farther away and the last thing Axel heard was Connor asking about possible decorating ideas for Annabeth’s new room.
Raking a hand through his hair, he moved away from the window and went back to making his sandwiches. His mind, however, was still focused on what he had just heard. What were they talking about? What was Connor supposed to be finding out? And why didn’t he tell Axel that he was helping Maisie with anything? Everyone knew his fling with her was over and they were fine, so why the secrets?
Dammit. He hated shit like this.
How was he supposed to look at his friend and pretend he hadn’t heard anything? Or Maisie? If he ran into her today, how could he look at her and not demand to know what she was working with Connor on?
It couldn’t just be about the house. There was something very vague and secretive that couldn’t possibly have anything to do with decorating.
Sighing, he finished making his lunch and took a giant bite. He started putting stuff away as he ate and nearly choked when someone knocked on his door.
“Axel? You in there?”
Connor.
I guess I’m about to find out how I’m gonna act when I see him…
“Yeah,” he called out before taking another bite of his lunch. Maybe if his mouth was full, he couldn’t throw out any accusations.
“Hey,” Connor said, smiling as he walked in. “Why are you eating here? We’ve got a ton of great food up at the lodge.”
“I’m just in the zone and wanted to grab something quick before getting back to work. What’s up?”
“One of the guys helping with the move had to leave because of a family emergency, and another guy was his ride, so we’re down two. I was curious if you could spare a few of your guys to help out.”
Instead of answering, he took another bite of his sandwich while he inwardly fumed.
“If it’s too much trouble…”
Shaking his head, Axel quickly swallowed. “I’m just trying to make sure the cabins are all ready,” he said levelly. “I mean…if the lodge is getting everything delivered, it’s only a matter of time before the stuff for the cabins arrive. And if they’re not ready, everyone’s gonna look at me like I screwed up.”
“Okay, but…”
“Like you’re all gonna think I couldn’t handle it,” he went on. “And that you made a mistake in even letting me be a part of this whole freaking project!”
“Axel, no one’s saying…”
“No, you didn’t have to. I get it, okay? I was a pity addition to the project. I’m not an equal investor, and therefore, not as important. Well, go ahead. Take two of my guys, but let’s just put it on the record that if any of the cabins aren’t done, it’s because you think that what you’re working on and your role around here take priority!”
And with that, he shoved the rest of his sandwich in his mouth.
For a moment, neither said a word. Then Connor pulled one of the stools out that stood in front of the tiny kitchen island and sat.
“Want to talk about it?” Connor calmly asked.
“About what?”
“About whatever’s put those ridiculous thoughts in your head. When has anyone ever said that you’re any less of anything, huh? Do you realize that you’re the guy keeping it all together? Walker may have been the guy who started it all, but there is no way he could have handled or even understood the scope of the work without you.”
Rather than say anything, he picked up his second sandwich and took a bite.
“And I don’t think anything I’m doing is taking priority. I was simply asking. Honestly, I had no idea what you and your team were working on, so…I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be a dick or anything, I was just looking to keep things on track up at the lodge. We’re making good progress, and I wanted to keep it going. But obviously, you’ve got a lot going on here, so we’ll be fine. You keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll keep doing what we’re doing, minus two guys.”
“Good.”
By the look on Connor’s face—part amusement, part smug—he knew the conversation was far from over.
“You still haven’t answered the question,” Connor said after a long moment. “What brought all this on? You’re not usually this insecure or defensive.”
