If Mom was here, she'd have something to say about that, but we tried to stay out of Aspen's career choices.
Clara rolled back her shoulders."I'm starting to think you have the right idea."
Belle frowned."Is everything okay at your shop?"
Clara waved her hand."I just need a vacation."
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Natasha said, but Reina turned slightly to catch my gaze.
She was worried about her friend.
I shrugged, unsure what we could do about Clara's feelings if she wasn't upfront about them.
"How's the reno on the bakery going?"Hudson asked me, and everyone turned their attention to us.
"We have another two weeks to go.Just need to paint and install the appliances."
Ford whistled."Two weeks.That was quick."
"Cooper was motivated to get this one done.We can't have our favorite bakery be closed much longer," I said.
Reina smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes."It's been a life saver to have the town hall kitchen at my disposal.I don't know what I would have done without it.Maybe gone a little crazy."
"Everyone will be happy when you’re able to reopen.As nice as the temporary space is, the bakery is a better set-up," Natasha said.
They launched into a conversation about the paint colors for the bakery, and I tuned it out.When Reina moved closer to the women, Hudson sidled over to me."How's it going with your roomie?"
I shook my head."Fine."
He wagged his brows."You didn't give into the temptation?"
"She bakes; she doesn't model lingerie," I quipped.
He gave me a look."I don't know about that.You can do some interesting things with whipped cream and sugar."
I frowned."Not everything is sexual."
Hudson laughed."You must not be getting any, or you wouldn't say that."
I swallowed down the retort because he wanted me to admit that there was something going on, and I wouldn't fall for his bait.
He raised a brow when I remained quiet.
"I see how it is."
"I promised her brother I'd take care of her, and I did.In a couple of weeks, she'll be back in her place."
"Sure," Hudson said, tipping back his beer bottle to take a long pull.
I sipped my beer, needing something to keep my hands full and keep me from reaching for Reina."I need to make a plan to finish the electrical on the rest of the town."
"I can share the schedule we used for plumbing."
"That would be great."And I appreciated the turn of conversation from Reina to work.
The rest of my brothers joined us, and we talked about upcoming jobs.
They were paired off with women they loved, and I couldn't help but be envious that they'd gotten what they'd wanted.
