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He gazes at me, his laughter fading and his face taking on a more serious expression.
“Well, most of the plumbing is outdated. We’re going to need major work there,” he says as he flips through his notes. “Also, the wiring in most of the units seems to have problems. Some aren’t even up to code.”
I make a note of these points in my own notebook, appreciating his thoroughness. As we continue discussing the problems and potentially viable solutions, I feel a newfound respect for Parker’s professional abilities. His flippant persona gives way to someone who clearly takes his job seriously.
Still, there’s so much work to be done. I don’t know how I’m going to manage it. It’s a lot for my first listing, for sure.
Did Mr. Holt pick me for this project on purpose? Does he somehow want me to fail? Maybe he’s been trying to decide if I’m worth keeping around, and my work here will help him make up his mind.
I push that thought away. Mr. Holt might not be all that friendly, but he’s not cruel enough to set me up for failure.
As the sun starts to set and the long shadows of buildings stretch out across the streets, we finally wrap up our discussion.
“All right,” Parker says, tucking away his notes and looking at me with an unreadable expression. “I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of what we’re dealing with here.”
I nod in agreement, feeling mentally exhausted but also strangely satisfied. We’ve made progress today; not just in examining the units that needed updating, but also in navigating this precarious balance between our personal situationship and professional obligations.
“Let’s call it a day before my brain explodes,” I suggest with a small laugh.
Parker chuckles, agreeing wholeheartedly as he jumps into the driver’s seat of his truck. I climb in beside him, feeling the exhaustion creep into my muscles now that the adrenaline of work has subsided. The drive back is quiet once again, but it still feels comfortable.
This time, I lean back against the seat and let my eyes flutter shut.
Parker’s low chuckle rouses me enough that I crack my eyes open to look over at him.
“What?”
“Oh, nothing,” he says softly, his eyes on the road. “I just think we make quite the team.”
I can’t help but smile at his words.
“Yeah," I admit quietly as I gaze out the window at the city lights twinkling in the twilight. “I think we do, too.”
Chapter eight
Parker
The next few days pass without much opportunity for Chloe and I to hang out. Apparently, Holt has given her a few more listings since he’s so short-staffed, and she’s been busting her pert, little ass trying to stay on top of everything. It really sucks, and I find that I miss her. Yeah, I definitely want to have sex with her again, but I also just like being around her.
I’ve sent her a few texts, but each response I get is just a different way of telling me she’s busy.
Sorry, Holt gave me another house. I have to go look at it this evening.
Grr…I need to finish putting some random listings together for Holt.
Can’t, I have to organize a house showing tomorrow.
Releasing a long, frustrated breath, I lean back in my office chair and stare up at the ceiling. What am I supposed to do? I want to see her, but I don’t want to cause her any more stress than she’s already under. I’m not her boyfriend, so it’s not like I can just show up at her house out of the blue…right?
As I’m sitting there, twirling a pen absentmindedly in one hand, I remember our night together and how good it felt to touch her…kiss her…slide deep inside her…
Suddenly, my cellphone buzzes and yanks me out of my wandering, dirty thoughts. When I see that it’s Chloe calling me, I scramble to answer.
“Hello?” I say, then I clear my throat and try to act cool. “Long time no talk, gorgeous.”
“Hi.” She sighs, and I hear the exhaustion in her voice. “Sorry, things have been crazy. I just wanted to call and apologize for ditching you so many times the last few days.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” I assure her. “Holt’s been putting a lot on your plate. I get it.”
