Chapter 10 #2
I nod, wondering if that’s true. The second bedroom is pretty small and would have fit my bookshelves and sewing supplies easily, but some sort of extra wardrobe or extended closet for my clothes? I’m not so sure about that.
I carry a few smaller boxes up, placing them in the second bedroom, even though that room has a long way to go before it’s set up. For now, it’ll be a good spot to keep the things I need to sort and put away so I can get the moving vehicle back sooner rather than later.
“What else?” Cade asks, glancing around the truck, which is now well on its way to being empty.
“I think that’s all for tonight. This was a huge help, thank you.”
“Are you sure? Besides the kitchen table, you really only have boxes left,” Collin states, glancing around.
“Yeah, but most of that is kitchen stuff and more clothes, décor, and some holiday stuff I have to figure out what in the world I’m going to do with,” I grumble, my head starting to swim a little. I have way too much stuff for a woman who downsized her living space.
“How long do you have the rental truck for?” Cade asks.
“Well, I was being really ambitious and hoping to have it emptied by the end of the weekend so I’m not charged another week’s use.
I knew all the rooms wouldn’t be ready to put everything away, but I grossly misjudged the amount of stuff I had versus the space.
I guess we could stack all the kitchen stuff in the living room,” I state, hating that thought.
I really wanted to have the living room set up and livable without having to trip over mountains of boxes, but I guess that’s just not feasible.
“I have an idea,” Cade states, glancing over to Collin.
Even though he doesn’t say a word, I swear I see something like communication pass between them.
Honestly, it’s a little freaky, because Collin responds with a nod.
“Okay, so I have a small trailer I’ll bring over.
What you don’t have room for upstairs can be stored there until you’re ready to sort and whatnot.
Then you’re not under any pressure or timeline. ”
“I can’t do that,” I insist.
“Why not?” Collin asks.
“Because…that’s…it’s…” I take a deep, calming breath. “I don’t know.”
Cade grins from ear to ear. “Exactly. Plus, it’ll save you a few bucks from having to rent the truck another week.”
“I can pay you,” I blurt out, needing to feel like I’m contributing something.
“Fine. You can buy me a beer.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not enough.”
His smile starts slow and lights up his entire face. “You can make me the guest of honor during little black dress night.”
I bark out a laugh and shake my head. “You’re incorrigible.”
“That I am, Miss Lizzie. That I am.”
“Are you sure there is nothing else you need tonight?” Collin asks, his seriousness so very different than his brother’s playfulness.
Looking at the remaining boxes, I shake my head. “No, I think that’s all for tonight.”
Collin flips off a small lantern my brothers had used on Sunday, bathing the small space in darkness.
Reaching up, he grabs the pull strap and starts to lower the door on the back of the truck.
I don’t miss the way his T-shirt rides up, exposing the hard planes of his muscular stomach.
Even in the darkness, only illuminated by a security light on the back of the building, I can see the light smattering of dark blond hair below his belly button.
The happy trail, as it’s so often called, that leads straight to…
“You’re drooling,” Cade mumbles near my ear, causing me to startle.
His laughter fills the space, causing his twin to turn around. “What?”
“Nothing!” I blurt out, praying Cade keeps his damn mouth shut and doesn’t mention the fact he clearly just busted me perving on his brother.
“Nothing,” Cade singsongs, unable to contain his smile. “All right, I’m outta here. I’ll bring the trailer over later this week and can help you get everything transferred over if needed.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my throat a little thick with emotion. I had plenty of family and friends back in Stewart Grove, but to already have found some so quickly after moving here feels pretty amazing. These people don’t know me, but they’re willing to help me.
This is what I love about a small town.
“Later,” Cade hollers to Collin, holding out his fist for a bump. Then, he disappears around the buildings to head home.
Turning my attention to Collin, I realize we’re standing outside in the cool night air. I open my mouth, prepared to invite him inside—for what, I’m not sure—but before I can, he says, “I should head home.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. “I really do appreciate your help. And for running to my rescue when you thought I was in trouble.”
He cracks a smile and walks toward me. His gait is strong, his gaze piercing with each step he takes. Reaching up, he brushes hair off my forehead and whispers, “Good night, Lizzie.”
“Night,” I reply, my pulse pounding in my ears.
I remain where I stand near the back entrance, watching as he heads the same way his brother went. Just when he reaches the corner, he stops and turns back. “Get inside.”
I lift my chin and sass, “You’re not the boss of me!”
He grins. “Get your ass inside, Lizzie. It’s cold.”
“Yes, sir,” I holler, unable to hide my own grin.
I feel his eyes on me as I slowly spin around and move to the back door. I close the heavy door and make sure it’s double locked before leaning back against it and closing my eyes.
Why this man?
I still don’t have it figured out, but he seems to have pushed his way through my defenses without even trying. Not that I have all these walls built around my heart, but a girl is definitely more careful after having her heart broken a few times.
Especially when it comes to someone I work with behind the bar.
Realizing the time, I push all thoughts of Collin as far from my mind as possible and head for the bar. Jani should have just closed down for the night, and since I’m right outside the back entrance to the business, I might as well slip inside and check on her.
Then, I’ll be able to take a quick shower and get ready for bed, where I’m almost certain all thoughts will return to a certain firefighter with a kind heart and the most alluring blue eyes.
It just might be another sleepless night for me…