“That’s definitely why he didn’t’ tell me.”
Ben’s chuckle drifted over him, and it affectively helped to cool his stupid libido.
“I’m really sorry,” Ethan said. “I was the one who asked him to fix a few things before you arrived. I hadn’t realized you were already there.”
She leaned forward to glance around Phoebe, at Ethan. “It’s alright. And all my fault. Phoebe told me the key was at the desk, so I drove in late last night. I couldn’t wait to get out of the city.”
Surprise rippled through him. He thought she loved the city.
“It’s a good thing you knew Ryder, then,” Ben said, smile twitching his lips.
Jackass.
He refrained from elbowing the bastard. Barely. “I’m sure I startled you all the same,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologize.” She smiled that thousand-watt smile again, and all sorts of needs rushed through him.
Dammit.
Latching onto the need to flee, he rose to his feet. “I have to get back to work.” He tossed money on the table to cover his food and tip. “Catch you guys later.”
Nodding to them, he noted disappointment flashed through her eyes, and a knowing smirk spread across his buddy’s face.
Yeah, definitely time to cut and run.
Over the last few years, he’d worked hard to try to leave the past behind, and Sophia was technically part of his past. Last thing he needed was to revisit something that could topple his house of cards. Even if she wasn’t the one who’d hurt him.
But given his crazy reactions to her today, he recognized she had the ability to get to him.
That wasn’t gonna happen.
Chapter Four
That afternoon, Sophia walked with Phoebe toward the theatre, enjoying the soft breeze blowing off the lake. They’d both agreed it was much too nice outside to drive over, so they took the scenic route behind the resort.
The Wyne brothers had pooled their money and bought the place, then hired their sister to revamp it into a year round resort. She stopped to turn around and admire her college friend’s handiwork. Nestled between trees, the resort blended with the surroundings, thanks to its wooden exterior, and the floor to ceiling windows in some of the areas brought nature inside.
“This place is amazing,” she said. “Before she left for Texas, Brandi had been urging me to visit, but I was always too busy with work and couldn’t get the time off.”
Phoebe nodded. “I understand. I was married to my work for years. But I started to get restless, then I met Ethan and his son Tyler, and, well, everything fell into place. My life changed for the better. I’ve slowed down, reprioritized, and I’ve never been so happy.”
“I can tell.” She smiled. “You have a glow about you.”
Her friend blushed. “It’s not just Ethan and Tyler, it’s the fact I’m about to give back to help the youth in this area. There’s so much talent, it’s amazing. And it’s also sad. These kids didn’t have anywhere to showcase their talent, or the opportunity to grow.”
“Well, they do now, thanks to you,” she said, as they continued to walk toward a big building she spied in the distance. “And I was wondering if any are interested in set design? Or if there’s a local technical school or college where I can hire some helpers?”
Phoebe’s smile widened. “That’s a wonderful idea. Ryder’s already volunteered to help out with the sets, and he actually already mentors a few carpentry students from the local college. I bet he could hook you up.”
Her heart rocked at the mention of Ryder and hook-up. Been there, done that. Enjoyed it. Too much.
She needed to get a grip.
That wasn’t why she was in town. Besides, he was in construction, and despite how sexy he looked sporting a tool belt, she was surrounded by men in tool belts all day. Every day.
Her entire life.
Meeting a guy in a different profession would be a breath of fresh air. But none of that mattered, because judging by his abrupt exit at lunch, she got the impression the last thing he wanted to do was hook up with her again.
