Avoiding Carter is much easier this week between job hunting and daily trips to my future home. I check on the crew’s progress and bring lunch and snacks. And an extra cookie for Sam, who camps there every day to boss poor Finn around.
Finn’s never had a wingman as invested as dear old Sam. Yesterday he made the man blush with his over-the-top compliments about how Finn ishusband materialandwhat a coincidence Eliza is singleandyou should get to know each other better.
The dark-eyed blond is cute in the boy next door sense, with the body of a man pulling his weight on the construction site. It doesn’t hurt that he’s funny as hell, cracking me up every time I ask him a million questions about the renovation steps.
It’s past midnight when I return to the cabin, dragging my feet, body aching. To my relief, the lights are off.
I close the front door and lean on it, taking a deep breath. My shoulders sag on an exhausted exhale. Today was rough.
The fishing shop near the docks is looking for a part-time inventory clerk. Stock and order management doesn’t sound too exciting, but it’s not like I can be picky. They offered me the job on the spot. Didn’t need the extra time to think about it since my last paycheck is still being held hostage by Carl, who texts me daily.
I don’t have much choice since the crew gave me a longer deadline than I hoped. It means even more money. I want to move out as soon as possible, but it’ll take at least three extra weeks until I can start on the finishing touches and furniture.
Bottom line, it’s another month at least sharing the space with Carter. And finding new ways to spend as little time as possible in the same room.
All I want is to crash on my bed and slip into unconsciousness.
A floor creak from the living room reverberates in the silence, pinning me in place. Dread creeps up my body and I break into cold sweats.
Carter’s walking toward me, eyes focused, like a nocturnal predator. His fluid steps lock my limbs, my heart beating wildly.
That full mouth of his is a hard line. The only sign of his disposition. His movements are smooth and deceivingly relaxed like he’s going on a nighttime stroll, not waiting to corner me in the dark.
“You’re coming up short on our deal,” he says, all business. I’m half expecting him to conjure up a contract.
Shit. He’s kicking me out. I tried to stay out of his way, but it’s not enough for him. He wants me out of the house and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
I’m not ready. The only solution short of camping is to swallow my pride and call the Duntons.
I clear my throat and stand tall. I’m not going to beg him. “What do you mean? I’m doing what we agreed to. Food and cleaning.”
“My vocal cords are getting rusty,” he says evenly.
Isn’t he the one who said he didn’t want my company? Mr.I don’t need nobody.
“Go have a coffee in town. People here are friendly. You’d find somebody to talk to.”
From the look on his face, you’d think I was sending him on a naked stroll along the main street, yodeling, rather than gently encouraging him to socialize.
“Per our agreement, you’re supposed to show me around.” He looks dead serious.
“It would mean spending time in the same place,” I point out.
“I’m aware,” he says in a low velvety voice.
There’s no reason for bringing this up unless he’s bored out of his mind. He can throw his money around to hire a personal guide instead of torturing me.
Carter comes closer and the intensity in those silvery eyes leaves me speechless. The air around us pulses with the tension pressing on my chest.
“I always get what I want. This won’t be an exception,” he says before walking away to his bedroom. “Good night, Eliza.”
Chapter Eighteen
CARTER
The petrichor rising from the wet grass gives way to a new feeling of purpose this crisp morning. If I were honest with myself, I’d admit I’ve missed Eliza and didn’t much care for the days she iced me out. Instead, I’ll chalk it up to cabin fever.
The jitters dragged me out of bed before sunrise and I’ve been admiring the view from the back porch for a couple of hours.
