Bronco’s chest puffs out a little bit. “Give me the right crew and tools, and I’ll build you the Colosseum.”
The thing is, I don’t doubt it. For no other reason than it would make Lauren smile again. He’s fucking gone for her, and he doesn’t even realize how bad he has it.
Elaine smiles, her first real one in over an hour since the flooding started. “I think that’s a great idea. Let’s do it.”
Relief courses through me. I’m halfway through with my plan, and I was most worried about getting her to agree to the first part. But now that I know she’s willing, I think my second request won’t seem as big.
“There’s only one problem with the idea,” I tell her.
She frowns. “What is that?”
“Well, the grounds are beautiful, and the tents will provide plenty of shade and shelter from the elements. But I’m a little worried about some of the residents who have mobility problems and need walkers or wheelchairs.”
Joyce nods. “That could be a problem, Elaine.”
I press my luck. “But if I got someone out there…maybe someone who knows the residents well and could direct me on how to best prepare the grounds, then everyone could enjoy the dance.”
“Lauren can help with that,” Elaine says.
Beside me, Bronco lets out a low, warning growl. The guy is going to have me dead and buried in under twenty minutes if the conversation continues this way. “I was hoping for someone with a bit of medical experience, but I know you’ll be short of hands with the water crisis. I’m sure that will keep everyone extra busy.”
“I’d be willing to do it,” Bree volunteers. Maybe it’s my imagination, but when her gaze lands on me, I could almost swear she’s blushing. Fuck, I hope so. Want to spend all my time making her blush.
Elaine claps her hands together. “Great. You can work with Dalton. The two of you will make sure the grounds are in order and handle the planning of the spring dance.”
Bronco makes a noise, mollified now that he knows I won’t be anywhere near his girl. I can’t say that I blame him. I’d feel the same way if anyone wanted to be around Bree.
I focus my attention on her, wondering how far underneath that cute scrub top her blush goes. “We can get started on Friday. We should have the water pipes replaced by then.”
“Okay.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and ducks her head. “I should go check on my patients now.”
I watch the way her hips sway as she leaves the community room, my throat dry. It looks like I’ve found the perfect way to get Bree all to myself.
Chapter 7
Bree
By Friday, Dalton, Bronco, and their men have replaced the water pipes. They’ve worked to keep the water access going, often replacing the old pipes in the wee hours of the night so they’d minimize the number of residents affected by the disruption. They finally finished the last pipe at three this morning, which means they can focus on repairing the damaged community room next.
Elaine is grateful for their help as her insurance company is trying to weasel out of paying the claim. Never mind that Elaine has faithfully paid her premiums for over two decades. Now, when she needs them, the insurance company is giving her the run around.
It’s late in the afternoon when I finish with my last patient of the day and quickly type up a few notes. Once I’m done with that, I got to the bathroom to freshen up then onto the reception area where Dalton is waiting for me.
The moment he sees me, his gaze lights up. My heart skips a beat at the appreciation and hunger on his face.
I squeeze my thighs together and remind myself that this is just a normal reaction to have because I’ve been single for so long. It’s been a long dry spell. I absolutely did not take extra time putting on makeup, doing my hair, and choosing my cutest scrubs, the ones that bring out the blue in my eyes. I definitely didn’t do all of that.
He holds out his hand, a dark wicker basket looped around his other arm. “Shall we go?”
I take his hand, and sparks skitter across my skin the moment we touch. He’s big, gruff, and bearded. He’s not my usual type, but there’s something about him that makes me feel safe and trustworthy.
As soon as I think of the word trustworthy, I cringe. I was wrong last time. Maybe I’m wrong again.
Dalton puts a hand on my hip and gives me a slight squeeze through my scrubs. The heat feels like a brand. He points to a spot in the sidewalk as we walk around the side of the building. “Watch your step.”
I realize I would have tripped without him and adjust my gait. That’s when I remember what I’m supposed to be out here doing. I should be taking notes on how we can make the spring event accessible for all of the residents, not here to moon over my cute co-worker who makes my heart beat so fast.
“Thanks,” I murmur, but my face is hot, and I drop my gaze. I busy myself with the smartphone and stylus I brought and make a note about that spot.
