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Craig pulls up outside my apartment building and idles at the curb, glancing over at me.

“We going to McVey’s later?”

I shake my head. “Not today.”

“Too hungover?”

“It’s too wet.”

He gives me a sharp nod.

“Taking the day off, then?”

I draw in a breath. Wonder if I should tell him.

But he’ll see the invoice anyway.

“I’m going to give a quote.”

“You’re not sending Jack?”

Hell no, I’m not sending Jack. Jack’s twenty-five and has a headful of blond hair, looks like a fucking movie star.

“The owner of Sugar & Coal asked for me personally.”

“For Margo?” He whistles. “She’s a looker, huh?”

My eyes snap to his and Craig pales slightly.

“Is she?” I ask in a soft, strained voice.

He swallows visibly. “I mean, that’s what they say. Haven’t met her, myself.”

Liar.

He wouldn’t have said that unless he’d at least seen her.

I glare at him a moment longer and then get out of the truck, walking inside without another word.

I roll my shoulders, feeling stiff from sleeping in that chair. I shouldn’t have snapped at Craig. He’s not like Cole, doesn’t see every woman as a conquest.

I need to focus on my real competition.

Cole.

Gabe’s easy enough. I figure he’ll back out before it happens, anyway. If he doesn’t, though, he might give me a run for my money.

I shower and dress in a pair of dark jeans and a t-shirt. I’ve gained a little muscle since I bought it, and it stretches across my chest.

I’ve always been big, but with groundskeeping work and the gym, I’ve started to get a little bigger.

I jump into my navy blue work truck with Sterling Groundskeeping emblazoned across the side, and head to Sugar & Coal.

When I arrive, Margo stands outside, her hands on her ample hips.

She’s staring down at a line of potted sunflowers as if they’re a puzzle she can’t solve.

I can’t help but crack a smile.