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“Great,” I say, pulling my hand back a little too quickly. “So, let’s take a walk through the place. I want to get some measurements and make sure we’re on the same page before we get started.”
Wade nods, and we start making our way through the old bank, room by room. As I take measurements and make notes, we talk about the place and the work that needs to be done. Bothof us stay away from talking about ourselves and I wonder if he’s curious about me the way that I am about him.
“So, what made you decide to get into contracting?” I ask as we stand in what used to be the safety deposit box room.
Wade leans against the wall, arms crossed over his wide chest. “It wasn’t really something I planned. After I graduated, I knew that I couldn’t afford to go to college and I’m not sure that I would have liked it. School was never really my thing. I was a lot better with my hands.”
I try to ignore the dirty thought his words conjure and I clear my throat.
“I worked construction in high school, and I guess it just clicked. I like the hands-on work, the satisfaction of building something from the ground up, or in this case, restoring something that’s been neglected.”
I nod, understanding more than he probably realizes.
“I get that. There’s something special about taking something old and making it new again. It’s like we’re giving it a second chance.”
He looks at me then, and there’s something in his gaze that makes my heart skip a beat. It’s like we understand each other perfectly. I think he’s surprised by that. To be honest, so am I.
“Yeah,” he says quietly. “That’s it exactly.”
For a moment, we just stand there, the air between us charged with an unspoken understanding. It’s strange, this connection I feel with him, like we’re both drawn to the same things, both searching for something we can’t quite put into words.
“So, what about you?” he asks, breaking the silence. “How did you get into interior design?”
I smile, feeling a little more at ease now that we’re talking about something familiar.
“It started when I was a kid. My mom was really into DIY projects. She’d take old furniture and give it a new life with some paint and creativity. She was so talented. I guess I picked up on that. And my dad… well, he was the practical one. He taught me how to think about things like budgets and timelines. Design just seemed like the perfect blend of creativity and practicality. The best of both worlds, you know?”
Wade nods, and I can tell he’s genuinely interested.
“Sounds like you have some great role models.”
“I did,” I say, my voice softening.
“Shit. I’m so sorry, Auden,” he says and I nod, swallowing hard.
“It’s okay. I miss them every day, but I like to think they’d be proud of what I’m doing now.”
“I’m sure they would be,” Wade says, and the sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten with emotion.
He looks uncomfortable, like he’s not used to comforting people and the fact that he’s trying for me has me softening towards him.
We continue walking through the building, talking and working, and by the time we’ve made it back to the front door, I’m feeling more comfortable around him than I ever have with someone new. There’s still a part of me that’s wary, that remembers the shy, quiet guy from high school and wonders how much he’s really changed. But there’s also a part of me that’s intrigued, that wants to see where this goes.
As we wrap up, Wade turns to me with a thoughtful expression. “Listen, Auden… I know we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot last night, but I’m glad we’re getting a chance to work together. I think we can make something great out of this place.”
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. “I think so too, Wade. And hey, maybe this is our chance to start over, to get to know each other.”
He looks at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine, and then he nods. “Yeah. Maybe it is.”
We stand there for a beat longer, neither of us wanting to break the moment, but eventually, I know I have to go. There’s still so much work to do, and I need to start putting my plans into motion. Work has to come first. I can’t be getting wrapped up with a guy, not even my sexy new neighbor.
“Well,” I say, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “I should get going. I’ll see you tomorrow though.”
“Tomorrow,” Wade replies, his voice a little softer than before.
I try to ignore the way that my body tightens and step outside into the bright afternoon light, feeling a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me. There’s excitement, anticipation, and yes, a little bit of nervousness too. But more than anything, there’s a feeling of possibility, like maybe, just maybe, this project will be more than just a job. Maybe it’s the beginning of something new, something I’ve been waiting forever for without even realizing it.
As I walk to my car, I can’t help but glance back at the old bank, at the man standing in the doorway watching me leave. Wade Collins might be a surprise, but maybe he’s exactly the kind of surprise I need right now.
