Maya clears her throat. “They didn’t sound happy. I told them you had a family emergency, but you should probably get back here sooner rather than later. You know these guys. They have zero chill.”
My stomach churns as I crane my neck back to look up at the puffy white clouds rolling by. What the hell is wrong with me? How could I forget something so important? It’s my job to remember the permits.
I’ve barely returned to a normal standing position when I see a tall, broad man with tattoos covering his neck walking toward me. He’s wearing a Carhartt jacket and a pair of work boots. His hat is on low, and though this matches the description of multiple men in this town, I know right away the man walking toward me is Jake.
For one, Jake is a monster of a man with a particular body type that very few are graced with. Two, the office for Blackrock Contracting is only a few doors down from the dress shop. Three,you’d have to walk this way up the road to get anywhere else. Four, he already sees me and he’s waving.
Shit!
I drag in another deep breath, praying for a miracle. “Hey, Jake.”
“What are you doing? Maya said you had a family emergency.” He glances up at the dress shop sign and then down at my outfit, which doesn’t look like a family emergency type outfit. It looks like a girl-trying-to-fit-in outfit.
I’m pretty sure this doesn’t end well, which sucks because I really love having my own home, heat, and food to eat.
“Yeah. I, ugh, I—”
“Charlotte!” My mother’s voice pierces the cold, and my chest nearly explodes.
This can’t be happening. This seriously can’t be happening!
The world begins to fray around the edges, and I glance toward my mom in a panic. “I’m coming back in, Mom. Just give me a second, okay?” I stand between her and Jake, hoping she doesn’t see him and just goes back into the dress shop as quickly as she popped out, but she doesn’t. Despite the cold, she steps out into the street with no coat, wraps her arms around herself, and stares up at the man I’ve been fantasizing about for years. The man I’ve been describing as my boyfriend.
“Who is this, Charlotte?” My mother’s voice softens as she extends her hand toward the giant before us.
“Jake.” My boss stretches out his hand to greet my mother. “Sorry to interrupt whatever’s going on here. I just needed your daughter for a mo—”
“Jake!” My mother leans into his chest and hugs him like a long-lost family member. “I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve gotta say, I questioned what Charlotte would see in a working man, but I get it now! You’re handsome!”
Well, looks like we’re planning a wedding and a funeral now ‘cause I’m pretty sure my heart just stopped.
I stare toward Jake, eyes wide as though maybe he’ll be able to pick up on my call for help.
His gaze meets mine, then darts back toward my mom. “Thank you.” He swallows hard. “I, ugh, if I could get a second with your daughter, that would be great.”
“Oh, yes. Of course.” My mother squeezes Jake’s hand and steps back into the shop, but not before slapping me on the shoulder. “Such a big, strong man, Charlotte! Good for you!”
Oh my God! I’m not sure humiliation gets any worse than this. In fact, I’m sure it doesn’t. There’s no possible way. I’d rather piss my pants in front of a crowd of people rather than livethismoment, and judging by Jake’s downturned expression, I gather he’s feeling the same way.
Chapter Two
Jake
Having been in this world for over forty years, I can say I’ve seen some pretty interesting situations. Hell, most of them I brought onto myself. There was the time out in Reno where I played two hands of poker with some young cowboy and ended up in a desert fighting a man over twenty dollars and my grandfather’s watch. Not to mention all the times on the streets when I had to protect myself from the dealers in the Springs. That said, this little event right here might take the cake.
How could it not? I’m staring at the woman I’ve wanted for years, and I’m pretty sure she’s been pretending I’m her boyfriend.
“Do you have a boyfriend named Jake you never talk about? Is that why your mother is confused?”
Charlotte straightens and exhales loudly, her gaze fixed on something across the street as her cheeks turn red. “I’m sorry about the permits. My sister sprung this last-minute wedding on everyone, and I got in my head about it. I mean, she’s eighteen years old. She barely knows this guy, and she’s shotgunning a wedding.” She shrugs and shakes her head. “I’ll head down to the city right now and talk to the—”
“Not necessary. I called in a favor this morning. They’re going to grant us the extension. Small-town perks.”
“Good,” she sighs, pinching her lips together. “Well, I guess I should get back to work.”
“No… wait.” I step in front of the path blocking her escape. “What was that thing with your mom all about?”
“Nothing. Who knows? She’s crazy.”
