Talk about being caught completely off guard. That wasnotthe reaction I expected.
And Gus, traitor that he is, leans into Nolan’s attention. Apparently, this is his new favorite human. Eddie? Eddie who?
Nolan glances up at me, one brow lifting slightly. “Trust me, I like dogs way better than I like people.”
An appreciative laugh slips out of me. “Can’t argue with you there.”
He gives Gus one last pat before straightening, brushing his hands together. “Come on, let’s grab Eddie and take a walk. I want to see my house.”
I trail a few steps behind them, listening as Eddie walks Nolan through the progress in each room. He keeps it easy, straightforward, pointing out what’s been done and what still needs work. I add details when asked, but otherwise remain quiet, letting him take the lead. It is his job site, after all.
We walk into the dining room, and Eddie gestures toward the intricate wooden scrollwork lining the ceiling. “There she is.”
Nolan tilts his head back, his gaze tracking the crown molding, and lets out a sharp clap. “That looks fantastic! It looks brand-new. How the hell did you pull that off, Eddie?”
Eddie jerks his thumb in my direction. “Wouldn’t have happened without this one right here. Kiki knew what it was worth, and she wasn’t about to let it get demolished.” His gaze finds mine, a flicker of warmth passing across his expression. “She’s a little stubborn when she wants something.”
Geez. Thanks, Eddie.
“Stubborn?” Nolan asks, his gaze shifting between us.
Eddie chuckles, dragging a hand over his bearded jaw like he’s deciding how much he wants to share.
Meanwhile, I’m too busy staring athim. Seems the beard is here to stay. Not that I mind. Eddie is hot regardless. Hot with or without the beard. Hot with or without clothes?—
Stop it, Kiki.
See? Told you I needed to get laid.
Eddie leans back against the doorway, his gaze settling on me. “You want to tell him, or should I?”
Shrugging, I capture my lower lip between my teeth. Why not let it all hang out, right? “Let’s just say Eddie was really busy, and I was really impatient.”
Nolan quirks a brow, clearly expecting more.
I cross my arms over my chest as the flush creeps into my cheeks. “I may have cut ahead of the demo crew anddecided to remove the trim myself, which, in hindsight, was a terrible idea because I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Thankfully, Eddie dropped everything to show me how it was done.”
I glance at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “He’s a really good teacher.”
Eddie dusts his fingers against his shirt in mock bravado. “You’re a really good student.”
Nolan looks between the two of us, satisfaction settling into his expression as he gestures loosely back and forth. “See? The fucking dream team. I told you that you two are magic together.”
He pivots on his heel before either of us can respond and continues down the hall, talking more to himself than to us and leaving Eddie to fall into step beside me.
“Thanks for throwing me under the bus,” I mutter, shooting him a quick grin so he knows I’m teasing.
He bumps his shoulder lightly against mine. “I was singing your praises, actually.”
I glance up at him. “That was singing my praises? Remind me to stay far away from your critiques then.”
“I’m serious. What you did, fighting for that trim, knowing its value, refusing to let me slide—that was brilliant, Kiki.”
This time the warmth in my cheeks feels different. Damn near forgot what compliments felt like.
Just ask anyone in Sparkwood and they’ll agree I’m not worthy of the damn things. But somehow, Eddie thinks I am, even after everything I’ve put him through.
And now I’m on the verge of tears again.
