Chapter4
Maverick
The rest of the week, I was focused on creating a stable foundation.The utilities had already been marked, and before we dug, we'd staked off the patios to outline the exact dimensions.Then we removed the grass, roots, rocks, and dirt, excavating twelve inches deep to make room for the base materials and, eventually, the stones.
The initial grading ensured that the ground was level and compact to provide a solid foundation.I was slow and methodical, supervising each step.I wanted the resulting product to look good and last a long time.
It was rare for me to receive any complaints about quality.Some clients balked at the timeline for projects, but I wouldn't budge.There would always be another contractor who was cheaper and cut corners, but that wasn't me.
I'd earned the reputation for doing quality work and volunteering for the difficult projects other contractors wouldn't touch.I wouldn't do anything to detract from that reputation now, even if I wanted to hurry this project along so that I wouldn't have to deal with seeing Belle every day.
I told myself that I could avoid her, but during story time, I snuck a few glances her way.I could see her sitting in the rocking chair in the children's section through the glass.She was so focused on the story, and the children, that she didn't notice my gaze.
I was free to look at her, how expressive her face was as she read the story, how she ensured that everyone in the room saw the pages of the book.
Why did she irritate me?I was concerned for the safety of anyone near a job site, but I was also trying to preserve my sanity.If she was going to prance around in lingerie and bare toes, I wouldn't be able to hide my attraction to her any longer.
I'd sworn off Belle years ago, and I couldn't go back on that now.I'd done the worst thing you could ever do to a woman; I'd asked her out and then stood her up.My mother had drilled in us proper manners and the right way to treat a woman.I knew better, and I did it anyway.I had a moment of weakness when I asked her out, but then I freaked out when I thought about actually picking her up and taking her somewhere.
She probably expected an upscale dinner or even dancing.The rough and tumble teenager inside me couldn't reconcile our differences.I was convinced that I wouldn't measure up to whoever she'd dated before or whoever she was surely meant for.Some white-collar guy who worked in an office, who wanted the white picket fence and kids.
I'd never be that guy.I was a blue-collar worker through and through.I had a talent for stonework and made good money, but that didn't mean I was the kind of man she deserved.Someone who didn't get their hands dirty.
Every time I saw her, it pissed me off.She was a reminder of what I'd promised myself I'd never pursue.She was like my favorite candy, the most addictive drug, and I couldn't help but want her.
What was it about her that drove me crazy?And when would I work her out of my system?I thought it was a stupid teenage crush, and that I'd be above that now.But every time I was in her presence, I lost my mind.
I couldn't help but touch her, and then all reason evaporated from my head, and all I could think about was how much I wanted her and that I couldn't have her.It was a mind fuck, and I wasn't sure I could last much longer.
"Are you working or staring at the bookstore owner?"Hudson asked.
I startled, forcing myself to look at him and not Belle."Where did you come from?"
He threw a thumb over his shoulder."I'm working on the pipes next door."
"Right."I remembered he'd said something about that, but my mind was crowded with this project and all things related to Belle.
His lips curved."You like Belle?"
I scowled."Fuck no.Why would you say that?"
He chuckled."I don't know; you were just staring at her."
"I was supervising my crew."
Hudson grinned."Unless you're leveling the bookstore next, I don't think you were."
"I'm not leveling the bookstore.Stop being an idiot."I moved away from the building so that I wouldn't be tempted to peek.
"I'm an idiot now?"
I turned to face him, my hands on my hips."Are you saying I am?"
He shook his head."You sound like a kid."
I bit off a curse and turned to face the work in progress."I want this job to be over."
I felt Hudson's gaze on the side of my head."I thought this project was a challenge."
