Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“Are you following me, Tulsa Rose?” I stop halfway to his truck when he turns around, taking a long leisurely look at me. I’m not in anything spectacular—a black blazer, white body suit beneath, jeans, and a pair of loafers. I was going business casual while staying comfortable to walk the house. That being said, a decent shoe was necessary, meaning heels were out. Thank goodness they’re pretty, but they’re not comfortable. Flip-flops were a no-go with construction happening everywhere, so I compromised and went with a hard-sole shoe that is cute and functional.
“Just making up for all the times you followed me,” I toss back. We’ve yet to discuss that little bombshell. Ledger smiles at me and meets me where I’ve stopped. His hand wraps around my waist, and he pulls me into his body and drops a kiss on my mouth, claiming me in front of both of our companies. Though, he’s his own boss, and mine isn’t here, luckily. Still, Ledger makes it quick.
“I didn’t realize you were working on the Mockingbird House,” he says, hair mussed from wearing a hard hat, which reminds me that I’ll more than likely need one myself to do my walkthrough.
“The same could be said your way. Are you here for the day or on to the next job?” I ask him.
“I’m here for the entirety. I was changing for a meeting. I’m assuming it’s someone from your office.” My eyebrows bunch because I didn’t get any memo that I’d have a meeting with anyone on my first day.
“Hmm, I have no idea. I’m about to do a walkthrough, figure out a few things and go from there. I’ll be around if you need anything.” I go to my toes. Ledger gives in to what I want, but this time it’s me making it quick, just in case my boss arrives on the job. That would be awkward, especially on my first day.
“I’ll go in with you. The guys are working on the tear-off. It’s going to need more wood than we thought. Mom is going to bust my balls when I ask her to do a rush order.” That is one thing we all talked about after having a shot of whisky, her taking on Ella’s old job a few days a week. It’s been smooth sailing ever since. Heather comes in a few hours in the morning, gets whatever necessary items done, then leaves.
“I’d like that. Do you have a spare hard hat, or did the general contractor leave any? I forgot to grab one from the office,” I ask as we walk toward the early 1900s home. Seeing the bones of this place is going to be amazing, and hopefully, I can talk them into sanding the trim down instead of painting over it, like so many others have before our company came through. From the pictures, it has about eighteen layers of paint too many.
“I don’t. The GC has a few sitting out. He just left for the day but should be back tomorrow,” Ledger says. His hand is on my lower back. The fabric doesn’t hinder the heat he permeates whenever he’s nearby.
“Thank you. If I were you, I’d call your mom soon, or she’ll be done for the day. We all heard her loud and clear. She doesn’t mind helping out, but she won’t live at that office.”
“I’ll walk you in, let you do your thing, and then make the call to Mom.” I don’t respond, so lost in the beauty of the architecture in front of us as I take it all in. It’s going to transform into a labor of love, with a lot of work. My hands are itching to get started.
25
TULSA ROSE
After walking through the Mockingbird House, looking at everything that needed to be done, making notes on my iPad, recording notes in my phone, I headed back to my Tahoe. I’m using it as an office of sorts, so lost in my work it scared the shit out of me when Ledger came up to say goodbye. He was reluctant to leave me alone at the house. I kissed him, soothing that alpha inside of him. It wasn’t like I was staying much longer anyways. I had to go back to the office, drop off a few revisions, and then meet Ledger at his house, which is where I’m headed now. Well, after stopping at my place, shucking the work clothes, pulling out another tank top, cut-off jean shorts, and flip-flops. I didn’t even bother packing clothes for work tomorrow. I’ll just stop by my place and change after Ledger is off to work.
Now, I’m pulling into Ledger’s driveway. His garage door is open, and he’s currently doing a pull-up, legs crossed at the ankle, shirtless, only wearing a pair of shorts. The sweat is glistening along his back. I watch the sinewy muscles as he lifts his body up with ease. The heavy metal is thrumming through the speakers as I open my door, slide one foot out and then the other, closing the door gently as not to interrupt him. The heat from the sun feels good on my skin as I walk closer. He’s got dimples in his lower back. My gaze moves up toward his upper back. His shoulders are broad, carrying more than just his body around. They carry the load of life, taking everything on, acting like it doesn’t weigh him down. His arms hold me without hesitation, a good day, a bad day, no matter the reason. If I’m near, he’s got his arms wrapped around me. His hands are currently wrapped around the bar, helping him lift and lower himself, calloused from all the work yet touching me in only the way he can. The truth of the matter is that his hands, his fingers, his lips, his whole body anywhere near mine sends a hyper awareness through my body.