I couldn't hear her voice, but I imagined that she acted out the different voices, and her voice was soft and engaging.
Belle stood and moved toward the window.
I looked away before she noticed that I'd been watching her.If Hudson thought something was going on, Belle would eventually too.I needed to stay away from her.The more I acted like a jerk to her, the more she'd realize I was that same idiot who stood her up.I hadn't changed since we were teens.I was still the same guy.
Eventually, she'd find a man who wore a suit and a tie, who'd give her his grandmother's engagement ring.
I hated that image, so I refocused on the noise of the machines operating around me and went through the checklist of things that needed to be done.
I was working according to a schedule, ensuring that every step was done precisely.Any oversight at this stage could have a catastrophic effect on the patio once it was completed.And then it would be a mess to fix.That would be a blow to my reputation, one I couldn't afford.
If I took my time, it meant that when the work was done, I'd never need to see Belle again.Then I'd use the pictures of the work I'd completed to drum up more business.I'd be so busy with other projects; I wouldn't even think about her.
There'd be no reason for us to be around each other.But the problem was, I liked watching her through the windows.Her outfits were so prim and sweet; I wanted to dirty her up.When I was alone at night and imagined her, she was always in one of those ensembles, but I couldn't forget how she'd looked in that lingerie either.Her pussy taunting me underneath that slip of silk.
"Boss, we good to break for lunch?"Rob asked.
"Yeah.Of course."If he thought I was distracted, he didn't point it out.Because he was my employee, not my brother.I just needed to stay away from my meddling family until this job was done.
I didn't need anyone asking questions or wondering why I was surlier than usual.
I avoided looking in the direction of the bookstore the rest of the day.I shouldn't care if it was story time or whether her shop was busy.It didn't matter what Belle did or what she looked like while she was reading.She was giving me librarian fantasies, which was not ideal.
As usual, I stayed late to make sure that everything was cleaned up.It was Friday, but we'd work one day on the weekend too to ensure that the project was still done in a timely manner.I was slow and methodical but not immune to the expectations of the consumers' timeline.
I was doing one last round when I heard the back door to the shop open.I looked over to find Belle standing in the space we'd marked for the patio.There was soft dirt under her feet.
"What are you doing?"I stalked toward her, wondering why I couldn't just shout at her from afar.Why did I feel the need to get closer?
"I wanted to check in with you and see how things are going."She stood in her sensible flats, a corduroy skirt, and a yellow cardigan over a ruffled green shirt.Her legs were encased in tights to protect her from the cold.She looked cute and utterly delectable.I wanted to rip off those tights and discover if she wore panties under that skirt.
I stopped a few feet short of her and crossed my arms over my chest."You shouldn't be outside.You're not wearing proper equipment."
She looked around, her arms folded over her chest."I need a hard hat?Your crew is gone for the day."
I inclined my head toward her feet."Boots at a bare minimum."
She tipped her head to the side, considering me."Are you going to answer me?"
A muscle in my jaw ticked."Work is good."
"You're a man of many words," she said dryly.
"We haven't run into any issues.Is that what you wanted to hear?"I growled, my heart beating hard.
She sighed."I guess I thought there would be more collaboration."
"This is a patio, not a kitchen renovation.You gave me your plans, and my job is to make them real.There's no need to discuss fixtures or paint color."
"I wasn't sure what to expect.I've never done anything like this before.It's a big job."She looked out over the property.
I softened."You're in good hands with me."
Her gaze landed on me."Am I?"
"I'm the best in the area when it comes to stonework."
She chewed her lip.
