Welcome Home: A Hearts & Home Novel #1

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

She’s building a future. He’s chasing the truth. Can two wounded hearts open a window to trust?

General contractor Jess Winters had to work twice as hard to make it to the top of her male-dominated field. So her sterling reputation can’t handle any mistakes in front of the guys—which means absolutely no dating co-workers. But the strong, silent type she’s just hired makes her want to break her own rules.

Devin Miller isn’t proud of where he came from. As a recovering addict and the son of a swindler, he’s out to right the wrongs and redeem his family name. But it pains him to keep his identity a secret from his sexy new boss.

As their red-hot attraction builds, his dark secrets and her self-doubt threaten to reduce their budding passion to rubble. And a shocking discovery connecting their pasts could demolish it beyond repair…

Can Jess and Devin renovate their relationship for a chance at happily ever after?

Welcome Home is the first book in the enchanting Hearts & Home contemporary romance series. If you like smart women, sizzling chemistry, and journeys of redemption, then you’ll adore Bonnie Phelps’ heartwarming novel.

Buy Welcome Home to lay the foundation for love today!

Release date: June 12, 2019

Publisher: Self Published

Print pages: 208

Content advisory: Steamy

Sample

Chapter One

JESSICA WINTERS, Jess to everyone, cursed when a sharp pain shot up her leg. She’d banged her shin as she stepped over one of the cross-piece boards tacked to the framing of the new home under construction. What was wrong with her today? She definitely needed more caffeine and to keep her mind on business. Stupid to let her dad get under her skin… again.

Ever since his construction business folded, life had taken a nose dive. Each year, he’d withdrawn a little more, until now, seventeen years later, he was bitter and indifferent. Every chance he got, he let her know she’d never make a go of it in construction. It hadn’t been easy, and she learned the hard way to be careful who she trusted, but so far she’d done a good job of proving him wrong.   

Narrowing her eyes against the throbbing in her shin, she wished she could bend down and rub the sore spot. But as one of the few female general contractors in the Sacramento California area, she had to appear tough. Any sign of weakness and Uniquely Yours, Construction and Design—the all-female company she and four of her friends owned and operated—and they could easily lose potential clients to their male competitors. As a petite, blue-eyed blonde, Jess didn’t fit the hard-nosed image in this male-dominated industry.

The partners weren’t about to let the success of their company hinge on the vagaries of public perception so they’d saved every penny they could spare. Using that seed money, they started buying homes in need of tender loving care, fixing them up, and then reselling them. Flipping homes had become their primary revenue stream, but they still took on remodeling or new construction projects. Versatility was key. No matter what the job, their goal remained the same—to create the perfect home so the people who lived there felt comfortable laughing, loving, and dreaming.

And wasn’t that hope for her clients exactly what she wanted for herself? To build a place where she could thrive? Where she felt respected and loved? Her lips softened. She also longed for a partner who would make her secret romantic heart beat faster. A man who’d always have her back as they built a home and a family together. Now in her early thirties, she wondered if that man would ever appear. 

Sighing, she glanced down and kept moving, flicking between the pages on the clipboard she carried. That was, until she came to an abrupt halt against a solid wall of masculine chest. Cursing again and inhaling deeply, she got a lungful of pure man. Jess glared at the immovable object blocking her path. An odd zing of attraction bounced around her like an annoying fly. Mentally she swatted it away and stood her ground under his assessing gaze.

“Ya lost pal? This is private property.” Jess inched her hardhat higher on her forehead and tapped her pen against her clipboard. Darkly handsome, broody eyes, scruff on his jaw, dark hair that skimmed his collar—the kind of man who wasn’t on her agenda today and maybe ever.

“Nope. Told to come here before seven and meet a guy named Jess.”

His low, husky voice wrapped around her like her favorite sweater. She frowned and heard her friend Victoria’s voice in her head nagging her to lighten up. ‘Laugh lines age much better than frown lines.’ The thought almost made her smile. “We’ll you’ve found her.” Jess arched one brow. “What can I do for you?” She hated having to act tough, but if she didn’t, people tended to walk all over her.  

“Understand you’re hiring.” The stranger didn’t fidget or act nervous in any way. Simply stood quietly and waited. He also hadn’t shown surprise that Jess was a she and not a he.

“Do you have any experience in construction?” She gazed into blue eyes that reminded her of rain clouds.

“No Ma’am, but I hear you hire unskilled labor…” He looked at the ground and then up, refocusing his intense gaze on her. “I could use the work. I’m willing to do whatever needs doing.”

Jess examined the stranger. Gave herself time to gauge his suitability. Reserved. Self-contained. She wasn’t picking up any bad vibes, and she had a soft spot for those down on their luck. He wasn’t a kid. She placed his age around mid-thirty. Kind of late to get into construction. “Okay, I’ll give you a chance. What you do with it is up to you. You’ll be rotated where we need you. I assume you have reliable transportation?”

He angled his head towards a beat-up Chevy truck at the curb. “It’s old, but it gets me where I need to go.”

Jess retrieved a business card from her pocket. “Go to this address and talk to Kaitlin Connors, our business manager. She’ll have you fill out our paperwork, give you a list of tools you’ll need, and assign you to a work site for tomorrow.” She watched a shadow pass over his face.

“Look, if you’re short on cash, let Kaitlin know. We do have some loaner tool belts and tools you can check out until you can purchase your own.”

“That would be much appreciated.”

Jess stuck out her hand. “And you are?”

“Devin. Devin Miller.” He accepted her hand and a tingle raced up her arm. That was unexpected.

Jess pulled her hand back as discreetly as possible. A truck door slammed, and she turned toward the sound. The interruption provided an excuse to dismiss this disquieting man and focus on the reason she was here. She smiled as she watched her blue team foreman hurry toward her. Bill Harriman, built like a refrigerator with a beer belly, smoothed down what was left of his ginger hair before he plunked his hardhat on his head.

“Sorry I’m late. There was a wreck on the interstate.”

“No problem. Just got here myself.” Jess watched his gaze flick to the man at her side. “Bill, meet Devin. He just hired on as a new floater and is leaving to fill out the paperwork.”

The two men exchanged a hand shake. With a nod to her, Devin strode toward his truck.

After Devin had driven off, Bill asked, “Another stray?”

Jess scowled at her foreman. “He needed a job, and in this tight labor market, I take anyone who looks like they have potential.”

Bill stepped back and held up his hands in surrender. “No judgement.”

She willed herself to relax and then smiled at Bill. “I know. I’m a softie. He seemed grateful for the chance.” She shrugged. “What can I say? I’ll assign him to my crew for the first week to see how he does and then hand him over to you to finish his training.”

“If he shows any promise, you can count on me to bring him along.”

She didn’t miss the quick grin he tried to hide. “I know you will.” Returning his grin, she added, “Most of my hunches have paid off, and by giving folks a chance, they tend to be pretty loyal.” 

“Can’t fault your instincts. You’ve put together a top notch crew.”

She shrugged, secretly basking in Bill’s praise. “He seemed like a good risk.” She clapped him on the back as they moved forward into the shell of the building. “Where are we with this project?” Her head swiveled as she scrutinized the work. Clear of debris. Everything looked solid. Permits clearly visible.

“You got my text that the inspector signed off on the framing permit yesterday?”

Jess nodded.

“Kaitlin said the sheathing and house wrap materials will be delivered…” he glanced at his watch, “any time now. I’ve got my crew scheduled to arrive in about thirty minutes. We’ll have this house buttoned up and ready for us to install the windows and exterior doors in the next few days. Roofers are scheduled for next week.”

“Any issues I need to know about?” Jess finished making notes and closed the clipboard.

“One of the crew said he was approached by BL Construction to come work for them, but he turned them down.” He glanced toward the beeping sound of a large truck backing up to the site. “Here’s our supplies… Anyway I just thought you should know.”

“Thanks Bill. Poaching good employees is a fact of life in this business.” Her lips thinned, and she adjusted her hardhat. Figured it was Brendon’s outfit trying to poach. Sleazy bastard. “I’m off to touch base with Rollo and his crew, then meet my crew to start demo on the new Jackson Street flip.” She wanted to pinch herself. They had three projects running simultaneously and another property closing in two weeks.  A dream come true.

“Rollo said you had to replace the heating and air system on his job. Slowed things up a bit, plus an unexpected expense.” Bill tugged his jeans over his belly and back up to his waist. “Tough break. Shame you couldn’t repair it.”

“Yeah, but I haven’t cut corners yet, and I’m not about to start now. Uniquely Yours means quality. Our reputation is everything.” She tilted her head and glanced at Bill. “I may pull a carpenter from here next week to keep Rollo’s project on schedule. Got cabinets and trim work slated for then, and his crew needs to be ready to start on the new flip in a month.”

“Whatever you need.”

“You want us to unload this in the garage?” The delivery man shouted.

“Be right there,” Bill shouted back.

“Go take care of business.” Jess set off toward her truck. “Holler if you need anything,” she called over her shoulder. When she reached her truck, she paused to admire the new logo emblazoned on the door of her new Ford F-350. They’d had the vinyl wrap attached yesterday to all their vehicles.  

She traced a finger over the lettering, relishing the thrill. Proof of their progress. The five friends had come a long way since starting their business fresh out of college six years ago. They hadn’t looked back since purchasing their first house to flip three years ago. Once the current projects in the pipeline closed escrow, they’d be in a position to purchase a piece of land and build their dream offices—that is, once they found it. They’d been looking for a while, but nothing suitable had turned up. Settling herself into the driver’s seat, she set her hardhat on the seat beside her, and focused on the tasks ahead.

****

DEVIN MILLER parked in front of the Uniquely Yours office located in one of the area’s nondescript business parks. He studied the long, one story structure in front of him. Built of concrete blocks and painted light tan, it was sturdy and functional but not what he’d envisioned. Their office space was simply one of a long row of glass-fronted suites paired with dark brown roll-up doors off to the side of each unit. He’d thought a company touting itself as one that builds homes where dreams are made—not just places to live—would want to greet customers someplace more unusual. But then again, who was he to say appearances meant anything.

Judging wasn’t the reason he’d returned to his hometown. Right now he should celebrate that his luck may finally have changed for the better. He’d landed a job with the firm he’d set his sights on. It put him in the path of a woman he’d wanted to meet—a woman who might hold the key to obtaining the information he needed to make things right. At least it was a starting point.

Devin grinned. She did have an attitude. He’d seen the flash of irritation when he said he was looking for a guy named Jess, but she’d covered well. Figured she got that a lot. Must be tough running a construction company as a female—especially a petite blonde with the kind of curves that made men’s fantasies run wild. She’d looked so darn cute acting all tough. It hadn’t been easy keeping his expression neutral when the sparks flying between them were hotter than a tree branch hitting a transformer. He’d watched her try and hide the attraction.

The sigh rose from his diaphragm and seeped out his mouth like a deflating tire—one slow hiss. Until he finished what he’d set out to do, a relationship wasn’t part of his plan. Not that he’d ever been much of a planner. Instead, he’d always reacted to the circumstances life threw his way… and left a path littered with bad decisions. He’d come a long way toward cleaning up his life and dealing with his addiction to prescription drugs, but recovery was a daily battle. His goal was to make amends by bringing justice to the people his father had wronged—starting with Jess’ dad. Everything else took second place.   

Opening his glove compartment, he fished out a manila envelope containing the documents he might need to fill out his application. He stared down at the paperwork in his lap and smoothed a few creases in it with his thumbs. This step represented a new life. A chance to prove he wasn’t his past. He wanted to unload the guilt that had plagued him since he was a teen and to hit the restart button.

He eased out of the truck, cringing when the hinges squeaked. Time for a little WD-40. No sense giving people the impression he couldn’t take care of himself or his property.

A middle-aged woman dressed in slacks and a sweater set greeted him at the front counter.

“I’m here to see Kaitlin Connors. I think she’s expecting me.” Devin held the envelope in one hand at his side brushing it against his thigh. He tucked his other hand in his jeans pocket and waited.

“Yes, she is. She’ll be right out. Would you like to take a seat?” She indicated several small, padded chairs against the wall.

He nodded and took a seat. Leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, he skimmed through the documents to make sure everything was there—birth certificate, social security card, references from the few people he knew in the area, bank statement, lease agreement. A discreet cough brought his head up.

A thirty-something woman with long auburn hair, hazel eyes, and the most welcoming smile he’d ever seen stood in front of him. Devin got to his feet, and she extended her hand. It felt odd meeting a woman who was only a couple inches shorter than he was.

“Hello Mr. Miller, I’m Kaitlin. Please follow me to my office.” She motioned for him to walk beside her down the short hallway. “Did you have any trouble finding our offices?”

“No ma’am.”

“Good to hear. This complex can seem like a rabbit warren, and all the spaces look the same.” She opened the door at the end of the hall and ushered him inside her spacious office. “Please take a seat.” She lowered herself into her chair and pulled a file folder in front of her. “I understand you’re new to the area. What brought you to Sacramento?”

“Not exactly new. I was born here.” A taste like sour milk coated his tongue. He didn’t like talking about his past and dodged questions whenever he could. “Moved away.” He shrugged. “Decided I wanted to get back to my roots.”

“Well then, welcome back.” She pulled several forms from the folder and slid each one in front of him as she spoke. “This is the employment application, federal and state tax withholding forms, agreement for random drug testing, I-9 to document your eligibility to work in the U.S., a list of tools you need to provide, and a tool lending agreement…” Kaitlin paused, and he noticed the kindness in her eyes. “Jess said you might need to borrow for a while.” She set a pen on top of the paperwork. “I’ll take you to our conference room so you can fill all this out. Just come knock on my door when you’re finished.”

He glanced around the room, and his eyes lighted on a child’s toy chest, small table, and chair in the corner.

“I have a four-year-old son who sometimes comes to work with me.” Her voice simmered with mother’s love—not a sound he’d heard as a child but had heard it in other women’s voices. “He likes his own work space when he’s here. Makes him feel grown up.” 

“He’s a lucky boy.” She smiled at him again but this time it was tinged with sadness. He’d like to ask, but if he pried, that opened the door to questions about him.

It took the better part of an hour to complete all the paperwork. He put the pen down and flexed his fingers. Whatever happened to the old handshake? He gathered everything, walked back to Kaitlin’s office, and tapped on the door.

“Come in.” She motioned toward a chair and reached out her hand for the forms. He watched her scan the information and pause before setting the forms on her desk. “This is your address?”

Ice formed around his heart. “Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all.” Her eyes held nothing but understanding. “How long have you been sober?”

“Two years.” He swallowed to get moisture back in his mouth. “How did you know?”

“I had a friend who was part of their program for several years. He’s out on his own now and doing well. Homes for Addicts is an amazing organization.” She went back to scanning his documents. When she finished, she said, “I’ll need to make a copy of your driver’s license and social security card.”

He pulled his license from his wallet and handed both documents to her. “Will my past make a difference?”

“No, as long as your drug tests come back clean, we’re fine.”

Devin cleared his throat. “Is this something your partners need to know? I’m still getting used to who I am now.” He felt like a drowning man every time he admitted to his former addiction. Would the telling ever get easy?

“I’m in charge of HR, so what you tell me is confidential.” She swiveled her chair and set his documents on the copier. When finished, she tucked the copies into a file folder and returned the originals. “I know it’s hard to talk about your addiction, but know that when you’re ready to share, no one here is going to judge you.”

He released the breath he’d been holding. “I appreciate that.”

She opened a document on her computer, typed in some information, and printed it out. “This is where you’ll work tomorrow. Be there by 7:00AM. You’ll report to Jess for the first week.” She slid the paper across the desk and stood. “I’ll walk you out.”

When they reached the lobby, she pointed to a stack of tools against the wall. “Those are yours to use for now. Until you get a locking tool box for your truck, I suggest you bring them inside each night.” She extended her hand. “Good luck, and welcome to Uniquely Yours.”

After he loaded everything into his truck, Devin sat for a moment behind the wheel sorting through his conflicting emotions. Relief that he’d managed to keep his secret. Guilt and shame that he didn’t want anyone to know who his father was. Uncertainty about whether or not he was even doing the right thing.

Resolve settled over him. Yes, he was.

For the first time since crawling out of the hole he’d put himself in, the weight pushing against his lungs eased enough to allow for a deep breath. The fresh oxygen felt great. Sadly, keeping secrets wasn’t part of his twelve steps, but making amends was. Knowing his father, Devin had no intention of underestimating his reaction if he discovered someone was trying to bring his past misdeeds to light. He doubted it would be pretty. The fewer people who knew what Devin was up to, the less chance word would filter back to his dad. A slow acid burn worked its way up his esophagus. He’d just have to keep his secrets a little longer. 

 

Chapter Two

JESS POURED herself a cup of coffee and plucked a fresh-baked blueberry muffin off the tray on the sideboard in their conference room. God bless Kaitlin. Not only did she keep the business running smoothly, but she saw to all the little things that made Uniquely Yours a pleasant place to work. Jess looked forward to their weekly Friday morning meetings. Her partners’ energy and enthusiasm served as a rejuvenating elixir. Each woman had her own area of expertise, and good week or bad, they propped each other up.

Pausing, she glanced around the room. Most construction offices were stark and cold or cluttered and disorganized. Not so their offices. They may currently have a boring exterior but on the inside, it was all heart. Victoria Kwan, in charge of interior design, and Kaitlin had seen to that.

The daunting duo had shooed the other three partners out and taken over. They painted the walls something called Spring Botanical Green because according to Victoria, ‘not only is it soothing and relaxing, but it evokes harmony, balance, and restoration.’ Jess didn’t go in for all that feng shui stuff, but she liked the effect. They’d filled the walls with impressionist prints and old architectural renderings for color and interest. Serenity Gagliardi, the firm’s landscape architect, had found some decorative grow lights and added houseplants to the mix. Farmhouse-style, oak furniture rounded out the décor and made their clients—guests, Kaitlin reminded them—feel right at home.

Moving to the conference table, Jess noticed a new wreath on the wall. Kaitlin’s doing, no doubt. She switched decorations throughout the building on a regular basis. This one featured artificial apples attached to grapevines. Probably a nod to the local apple and grape harvest currently in full swing. A hint of envy pricked at the base of Jess’ skull. Any semblance of a homemaking gene had sadly passed her by. 

Pulling out one of the ladder-back chairs, Jess took her seat at the head of the large, oval table and nodded toward the flower arrangement at its center. “The flowers are a nice touch.”

“Serenity brought them in, and I just stuck them in a vase,” Kaitlin said. “I love the salmon-colored roses mixed with the white snapdragons. Helps keep summer around a little while longer.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “Kaitlin, you never just stick anything. I’ll bet you spent the better part of an hour fussing over it, adding the perfect touches.”

Serenity, with her Mona Lisa smile, nodded agreement. 

Biting into her muffin, Jess sighed in approval. “You’ve done something different with these.” Jess took another bite. “I like it. I wish I had half your talent in the kitchen.”

“Your talents lie elsewhere, my dear.” Victoria grinned and batted her eyes.

Jess hunched her shoulders and narrowed her eyes at Victoria… waiting for it.

“And the takeout restaurants and frozen food aisle at the grocery store are grateful,” Victoria finished with a devilish twinkle in her eyes.

“Don’t listen to her,” Kaitlin said. “Nothing wrong with takeout or frozen food. There are so many healthy choices now.” She slid a paper napkin toward Jess. “I added lemon extract and zest to the muffin batter. I think the tart adds an interesting contrast.”

“You did good. I like it. As soon as Ivy shows up, we’ll get started,” Jess said.

“It’s not like her to be late. I hope she’s alright.” Kaitlin rubbed her finger over a nonexistent smudge on the table as she took her seat.

“She’s fine.” The air held its breath as Ivy Bardot, the firm’s real estate broker, breezed into the room. “Sorry all. My mom called. Dad’s hip is bothering him, and she finally cajoled him into visiting the doctor. He has an appointment this afternoon, and she wanted me to know.”

“Do you think it’s anything serious?” Kaitlin asked.

“All those years walking neighborhoods delivering mail has probably taken a toll. I won’t be surprised if he needs a hip replacement.” Ivy eased off her suit jacket, draped it over the back of the chair, and sat down with the grace of a prima ballerina.

“How do you do that?” Jess asked, wishing that in Ivy’s presence she didn’t feel like an ox next to a gazelle. 

“Do what?”

“Sit so gracefully. No chair scraping. No files thumping. No purse dropped like a sack of flour.” Jess opened her clipboard and as though making her point, its metal cover clattered against the table. She sighed. “Don’t mind me. I haven’t reached my caffeine quota this morning.”

“All it takes is years on the beauty pageant circuit.” Soto voce Ivy mimicked her pageant handler. “Glide. Head up. Practice, practice, practice. Sit like there’s a pincushion on your chair.” Her chuckle rang like a small silver bell. “Personally, I’m happy those days are behind me.” Maintaining her perfect posture, she reached into her satchel and withdrew several file folders.

Jess grinned trying to imagine herself in that world. Bull in a china shop came to mind. “I take it back. Dainty and refined just isn’t in my wheelhouse.” She glanced around the table. “Ready to get started?”

She loved this part where they all shared what they were working on. Jess went first and rattled off the construction status of their current projects and felt the familiar burst of pride. These were her babies.

Victoria went next and shared that she had an interior design inquiry from the new owner of a Victorian mansion that might lead to a complete remodel and landscaping project. She’d keep everyone posted.

Serenity reminded the group that she needed to finish the landscaping on Jess’s Jackson Street flip within the next two months if she wanted to beat the rainy season. Kaitlin chimed in that she would coordinate to make sure permits are pulled and sub-contractors scheduled for any exterior cement work so Serenity wouldn’t be delayed.

Ivy passed out some new listings to consider and apprised everyone on the escrow status of their current inventory. Kaitlin wrapped up the meeting by sharing the updated financials.

“Sounds like we’re in good shape.” Jess turned to Ivy. “You look like you’re ready to burst. What haven’t you told us yet?”

“The good news… a piece of land that meets all the criteria for our new offices is coming on the market. After a year of looking for just the right spot, it may finally be within our grasp. I think the owner will look at an early offer.” Ivy passed around the specs for the listing.

Ivy set her clasped hands on the table and leaned forward. “The bad news… the property is owned by TLM Investments. Can’t say I like their reputation.”

Serenity pressed her hands together showing more excitement than Jess had seen in a while. “This looks great. Several acres. Mixed-use neighborhood with some businesses and some residential. Best of all, with this much land, Victoria and I could design the kind of storage space we need. Maybe we could add a greenhouse so I wouldn’t have to constantly trek out to my parent’s vineyard.” Her face opened into a huge, expectant grin.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I think it would have to be Ag-zoned to add a greenhouse,” Jess cautioned. “Like Ivy, I’m not crazy about doing business with TLM, but I agree it’s worth exploring.” A knot tightened in her belly. She had good reason to avoid doing business with them. From conversations she’d overhead as a kid, she was pretty sure Thomas Miller had caused her dad’s business problems. She glanced at the specs. Damn, this was exactly what they’d been looking for. Personal animosity had no place in the decision-making process. 

“If we can agree on a price, I’ll have our attorney produce a purchase contract that’s tighter than a pickle jar lid,” Ivy said. “No wiggle room for this guy.”

“Keep us posted. Is there anything else to discuss?” She paused. No one said anything. “Then I’m heading out to our Jackson Street flip.” Glancing at Victoria, she asked, “Are you still planning to stop by and take a final look, now that my crew’s opened up the floorplan?”

“I’ll be there in about forty-five minutes.” Victoria smiled at Ivy who’d started to say something. “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about you. I’ll stage your new listing this afternoon.”

“Perfect. I’ve already prepped the owners, and they’re excited to see what you have in mind,” Ivy said. “Oh, and Serenity, they love what you did with their yard. They’re kicking themselves they didn’t do something like it sooner while they could have enjoyed it.” She winked. “I’ll bet once they’re settled in their new home, you’ll be one of their first calls.”

Jess stood. “Great work everyone.”

****

VICTORIA STOOD in the middle of the great room of the Jackson Street flip, squinting—her arms outstretched, palms flat, and thumbs pointing toward each other. Slowly she swiveled her torso framing each section between her hands. Jess stood in the doorway and bit back a grin. The crew looked bemused, not sure what to make of the tiny Asian woman exclaiming over nothing but walls reduced to studs.

“Does it pass muster?” Jess grimaced. “Please tell me I don’t need to move anything.”

Victoria bent and picked up the blueprints at her feet and unrolled them. She studied the area one last time. “Nope, everything is exactly to spec. This house will make someone a fantastic home.” She walked into what would be the kitchen. “I’m glad you decided to go with the garden window. It will be nice to stand at the sink and look into the yard.”

“If you recall, I was outvoted by the rest of you, but I’m glad I was,” Jess said. “It cost a little more, but it’s a nice feature.” And she could just see the wife at the sink doing dishes and her husband sneaking up behind her, putting his arms around her, and nibbling on her neck. The picture made her heart beat faster.

Victoria lowered her voice. “Speaking of nice features… who’s the new guy? You know I love broody James Dean types.”

Jess knew exactly who her friend meant. “That’s our new hire, Devin.” She pointed her finger at Victoria. “Don’t get any ideas. He’s a good worker, and I don’t want to lose him.”

Victoria scowled and put her hands on her hips. “That guy you had to fire came on to me. Not my fault he wouldn’t take no for an answer. I didn’t encourage him, and I was simply on site to do my job.”

Pushing her fingertips into her temple, Jess drew a deep breath. “True. The guy was a jerk and would have been fired sooner or later.”

“Besides, I can’t help it if men buzz around me like bees in a field of clover.”

Jess’ lips curved in a mischievous grin. “Doesn’t hurt that every time you bring home a tatted construction worker your mother is not pleased.” Victoria chuckled. Just the response Jess had hoped for. Tension eased.

“An added benefit. Haven’t met a stuffy construction worker yet. Can’t say the same for the men my mom wants to set me up with. Boring.” Victoria drew out the word and rolled her eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, a sultry smile crept across her face. The men, who had been staring, quickly ducked their heads and got back to work. Victoria laughed at their reaction. “Seriously though, you need to stop treating dating like it’s a boxing match. Lower your guard. Enjoy yourself.”

Jess felt that funny thump in her chest. It was smart to keep men at a safe distance until she got to know them well. She couldn’t help it if work kept her too busy to bother with dating. “Any other questions about the project?”

“No questions.” Victoria rolled up her blueprints and collected her purse. “I’ve picked out the paint colors and marked on the plans where to use them. Kaitlin said the cabinets, wood flooring, and tile for the kitchen and bathrooms will arrive at the end of next week. I’ll order the countertops, carpet, and light fixtures soon so they’ll be ready when you need them.”

Jess crossed her fingers. “So far no major hitches on any of the projects. Rollo’s will go on the market in about three weeks. His crew will get a week off and then start on the one closing escrow shortly.” Her gaze swept the room and she let the wonder of it all seep into her.

“It’s pretty amazing, alright.” Victoria faced Jess and quirked a brow. “It’s Friday. Any big plans for the weekend?”

“The usual. Drinks with the crew when we knock off. Tomorrow I’ll keep making inroads on my house remodel.” Jess sighed. “Sunday dinner with my folks.”

“Girlfriend, you need to get a life.” Victoria shook her finger at Jess. “There’s still time to join the rest of us for our weekend getaway to the city.”

Jess stifled the groan building in her throat and forced herself to relax. “I’m sure you guys will have a good time, but body wraps and facials followed by a night of crowded dance floors in a too tight dress—not my idea of a good time.”  

“She who refuses to dip her toe in the water will shrivel up like an old prune.” Victoria angled her head toward Devin. “That new guy has been sneaking peeks at you. A little flirting might do you a world of good.”

“First” —Jess held up one finger— “who says he’s not looking at you?” She held up a second finger. “Second, dating guys on the crew breaks one of my personal rules. It can lead to all sorts of problems. They’re either too young or too married. And third,” she held up a final finger in the universal signal to leave her alone. “I’m fine with my life. When Mr. Right wanders into view, then I’ll start dating. Till then…?” she shrugged, “I’m in no hurry.” Much better to take things slow and avoid potential landmines.

 “I’d be happy to set you up with some guys I know. No sense waiting for Mr. Right to happen by. Take some initiative.”

“Thanks but no thanks. The bad boys you date to annoy your mom are not my type.”

“Suit yourself. I’m off to the store to buy you a bucket of moisturizing cream.” She wiggled her fingers over her shoulder as she walked away. “Pruney.”

 

Chapter Three

HER SOCIAL LIFE was not a shriveled prune. She knew how to have fun. Wasn’t she here at happy hour to do just that? Jess snagged her beer off the bar and strode through the darkened room. The place wasn’t much aesthetically but it had plenty of on-tap beer, great bar food, and banks of televisions lining the walls, showcasing every sports team currently playing.

Rising to her tiptoes, Jess slid on to one of the tall, wooden stools and studied her crew gathered around the table. In addition to Devin, there was Jeremy, the youngest, Bryan the oldest and only married one, Penny, the only female, and Jamal.

“That was some game last night,” Jeremy said with the enthusiasm of youth.

Jess chimed in. “Felt like throwing something at the television, though. Refs couldn’t keep those penalty flags in their pockets.”

“Hey, it’s the Raiders. What do you expect? Someone looks cross-eyed, and out come the flags.” Bryan rolled his eyes.

“Personally, I’m counting down the days until basketball season,” Penny said.

“I’m right there with ya.” Jamal exchanged a high-five with Penny. “Maybe the Kings will finally pull it together this year.” He leaned closer to Penny and his voice grew husky. “We’ll have to go to some games together this year.”

Penny lowered her lashes. “I’d like that.”

Unless Jess was way off base, there was more than friendship going on here. Not that she had anything against romance, as long as any associated drama stayed off the construction site. Hard enough to keep good employees without folks taking sides in an argument. She stressed safety in the workplace but right behind that came maintaining a congenial, non-judgmental environment.

Studying Devin out of the corner of her eye, she noticed he was nursing a soda, silently watching the banter among his new co-workers. The soda didn’t fit the bad boy image of him she’d formed in her mind, but the aloofness did. Jess hoped he’d open up and begin forming a bond with the others. Might as well see if she could nudge him along.

“So Devin, are you rooting for any of the Northern California teams?” Jess asked as the waitress placed the appetizers Jess had ordered on the table. As expected, the guys pounced on the chicken wings and onion rings.

“Not really.” His laser-like blue eyes bored in to her until she wanted to squirm. His mouth quirked up at one corner and Jess felt like she was the butt end of some private joke. “Haven’t formed any attachments yet.” He ran his hand up and down the side of the glass. The condensation pooled on the table. “My dad favored the Niners. They were winners. In my rebellious youth, if my dad was for it, I was against it.” Bringing the glass to his lips, he took a sip.

“Happens in lots of families. Can’t wait for my kids to reach their teenage years.” Bryan rolled his eyes and broke apart an onion ring. The aroma of fried onion rose on the steam. “Didn’t you say you moved here from New Jersey?” 

Devin nodded, his face wary.

“Then we’ll try not to hold it against you if you’re a fan of one of those East Coast teams.” Bryan clinked his glass against Devin’s.

A grin—not a polite ‘I know I have to interact with you’ grin—but a real grin that brought out his dimples. His face lost that haunted look, at least momentarily. “Been rooting for the Ravens. They’ve got that scrappy underdog thing going.”

“Then you should consider switching allegiances. The Raiders seem to have a lock on the underdog title lately,” Bryan said.

“Noted.” Devin eased back on his stool and out of the conversation.

“Besides watching football, what’s everyone doing this weekend?” Jess asked. 

“Jamal and I are going apple picking tomorrow. Then dinner and a movie,” Penny volunteered.

“And I’m looking forward to that promised apple pie on Sunday.” Jamal winked at Penny who blushed.

“Promised the wife and kids a trip to Yosemite. Got reservations at that fancy lodge, so making a weekend of it,” offered Bryan.

“Visiting a friend in San Francisco,” Devin said.

Did everyone have something to look forward to but her? Jess chewed on her lip. Victoria may have a point. She needed a life. 

“What about you?” asked Penny. “Working on your house again, and Sunday dinner with your folks?”

Was she that predictable? “Actually, I’m heading off for a spa weekend with my girlfriends.” Jess crossed her fingers behind her back. At least she hoped she could still take her friends up on their offer. She’d text Ivy as soon as she left the bar.

“Really?” Penny’s surprised expression said it all. “You and pampering? It’s going to take me a minute to wrap my mind around that image.”

“I have my girly side.” Jess hoped her smile transmitted light and frivolous. “Nothing like a good exfoliation to make a woman feel pretty.” Maybe she did need to shake up her routine a little. Just because her college boyfriend had stabbed her in the back, and the dickhead she’d dated after college had tried to steal her clients didn’t mean she couldn’t trust all men. 

“On that note, I’m outta here.” Bryan drained the last of his beer. “If I don’t get home and help my wife pack, she’ll have my hide.”

“Me too,” said Jamal. “Promised my mom I’d stop by and fix her garbage disposal.”

“And I’m off to meet my sister at the mall,” said Penny.

Chairs scraped as everyone except Devin and Jess pushed away from the table. She wiped her damp palms on her jeans and wracked her brain for a topic of conversation. Hopefully one with a graceful exit line. The powerful attraction she felt for Devin was unnerving.  

“Is this a childhood friend you’ll be visiting this weekend?” Jess felt satisfied she’d come up with a nice, neutral question. One that would get him to talk about himself.

“Yeah, he is. How’d you figure that?” Devin leaned back and hooked his arm over the back of the chair. He reminded her of one of those malt shop bad boys who didn’t need to work at being cool. His pose pulled his t-shirt snuggly across his broad chest showing off hard-earned contours and ridges. 

“It seemed like a reasonable assumption. You haven’t been back in the area long. It’s unlikely you’d spend the weekend in the city with a new friend, so it had to be someone you knew from before.”

Again those crystalline blue eyes bored into her. “I’ve known Law all my life. When I left, we stayed in touch.”

“Law, that’s an unusual name.”

“His given name is Lawrence but other than his parents, people use it on pain of death.” His dimples reappeared. “He won’t admit it, but when we were little, he had a thing for my sister.”