Sugar Pie by Victoria Pinder
18
Kerry
Warren’s sink-repair job was close to our apartment, and the brisk walk there invigorated me.
The fresh air in my lungs reminded me that everything would work out. Calmness filled me, and I remembered my goals to prove myself. I was on a mission. I marched forward with my head high as I turned onto the small side street.
Then my gaze locked with the handsome blue-eyed man, and my heart thumped faster. I forgot everything but getting closer, and when I did, my lips curved higher. “You waited.”
His smile was infectious, and I forgot myself. He hugged me, and I closed my eyes and smelled his delicious aftershave mixed with wood dust. He let me go. “Only a minute. I just finished.” His gaze sparkled. “You’re wearing the white shirt I bought you.”
Right. My skin and face heated. “It’s more formal, and I needed to tell myself to be strong.”
He took my hand, and sparks rushed inside me. “Well, you look good, and it’s good you didn’t wear the red dress.”
I hadn’t wanted to encourage him. “Why?”
He walked me to the truck. “I need your help.”
I stood still for a moment. If I went through with my plan and fucked everything up, I would spend the rest of my life wondering and wishing for him. So I took a step forward. “With?”
“You said you were an interior designer, and I need a second opinion.”
“Sure.” I closed my door.
As we drove, Warren sat next to me, completely at ease. I relaxed too. Maybe we could figure everything out together without fear.
Warren wasn’t the problem. I needed to work out whatever was scaring me. And our venture could lead to big rewards. I had a place and work to do, and my days were more filled than ever. Besides, moving out would be too expensive.
He parked in front of a new construction site, where he had been hired to install cabinets. I blinked, and he waved for me to join him. I jumped out before he could open my door for me.
He took my hand and temptation grew inside to kiss him again. “Come inside,” he said.
I walked up the driveway, which was still dirt. “Are we allowed?”
He shrugged and pushed the door open. “New construction, and it’s not locked.”
He’d worked on the house that day, so he had an excuse if we got caught. My chest tightened, but I followed him. As I crossed the threshold to the empty shell of a new home, I asked, “Okay. What do you need?”
He pointed to the unpainted walls. “I was thinking great rooms need to be bigger, though sitting rooms are good too. Also, what do you think about the ceilings? Can we make them more interesting than just flat?”
I crossed my arms. He was right. The great room wasn’t that huge. If I had been designing this house with a family in mind, it would look different. I made some quick assessments. “Okay, the ceilings need to be more interesting. Every room on the first floor needs similar but different light fixtures. The TV mount over the fireplace is all wrong. I’d put it on the empty wall here.” I pointed. “And you’re right that it needs to be bigger and with taller ceilings, which I’ll definitely keep in mind for when we start on our buildings.”
“Good. Small details sell.” He pressed his arm into my shoulder. “I’m happy we’re partners.”
We were. He wasn’t in charge of fixing my life. I needed to figure out what happened next and include how we would work together as more than friends. My feelings were so mushy, and I was confused. But running wouldn’t solve anything. I bounced as I said, “Me too. I’ll put on the list for our venture to look for light fixtures that don’t cost too much wholesale. I’m sure there are sites your license will gain me access to.”
We headed out. “I’m counting on you,” he said.
And I was there for him. He walked me to my side of the truck and opened the door for me. “So let’s go horseback riding now.”
I laughed and climbed in. Once he joined me, I said, “You are so determined on that one.”
He started the truck. “The stables aren’t far.”
Anything we did together was fun, and focusing kept my head on straight. “I know, but I think we should head to a home store so we can talk shop. I can explain what we need inside our builds and show you examples.”
He winked. “I’m all yours.”
I poked his arm. “So you say. Right now, you’re driving.”
We listened to music as we drove. Soon enough, I would know more, but leaving wasn’t an option. Not if I wanted to figure out how to make myself happy.
