Every day counted.
I packed my tools and surveyed the new fixtures and pipes I’d replaced. The bigger space did exactly what I’d intended.
Bree would be pleased.
The thought of her sent heat spreading through my chest in a delicious wave. I had to stop thinking about her. We’d had our one night and I didn’t get any more.
Work. Right.
I grabbed my toolbox and stepped into the hallway. Noise from the main room faded to a dull hum with only a few voices carrying this far into the building. It wouldn't be long before Bree would close up and head to her apartment.
Movement in the shadows caught my attention.
Bree stood pressed into the wall near the storage closet, her chest rising and falling too fast. Fuck. Swollen lips. Wild hair. And Finn’s broad shoulders disappearing around the corner into the main room.
My stomach dropped straight through the floor.
Setting the toolbox down, I crossed to her. “Bree?”
“I’m fine.” Her head snapped away from Finn’s retreating form and over to me. She patted her chest. “Ronan. Sorry. I thought you’d left already.”
“No need to apologize. I wanted to finish the fixtures before I left. You okay?”
Color flooded her cheeks, and she dropped her hand from her chest. “Yeah. Fine.”
My jaw tightened. “Anyone could’ve seen the two of you alone together.”
“I know. I worried about the same thing. But…” She motioned in the direction Finn had gone.
Right. I should walk away. If I had any sense at all, I’d pick up my toolbox and let her handle her own business. My feet refused to move, and instead of bending to pick up the toolbox, I reached for her, skimming my knuckle along her jaw. “What happened?”
She hesitated just long enough to make my pulse race. “Finn kissed me.”
I’d known it was coming, but the confession hit me square in the chest. Hearing it out loud gutted me, even though I’d seen the evidence in her face.
“With my permission.” She clarified like that made a difference.
That cold stillness my wife used to call annoying as shit locked me in place. I couldn’t have moved if my life depended on it. Even my breathing slowed to a mere flutter of my lungs. I’d had my chance at happiness. Years of love and partnership. Maybe that was all anyone deserved in one lifetime. Which meant I didn’t deserve a second chance at whatever this was, especially not with Shayla’s daughter. I should take a giant fucking step back and be happy for Finn.
Step aside.
Better yet, turn around and walk away.
“Does that mean you and Finn are seeing each other now?”
Confusion flickered in her expression, tightening tiny lines around her eyes. “I don’t know. Maybe.” She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I’m finding it hard to stay away from any of you. Not just Finn.”
The stuck feeling lifted. “What do you mean?”
“Finn said he’d keep it a secret if I wanted. He thinks we can continue seeing each other if we’re careful.” She lifted her chin to meet my eyes, and the want I saw there nearly brought me to my knees. “I’d like that with you too, if you’re willing.”
Every rational thought screamed that this was a mistake. There was no such thing as a secret in a town like ours, but damn it all if I wasn’t willing to try. Nothing good could come of being involved with Bree. My common sense prodded me to decline the invitation,but when I opened my mouth, all my wants came out. “I’m willing.”
Bree brightened, her cheeks going that gorgeous rosy shade I loved. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I fisted my hands to keep from reaching for her. Not here where anyone could see.
Noise from the main room reminded me what was at stake.
