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“We rented an augur to dig the holes for the new posts.”
I looked around, but didn’t see Sam. As if reading my mind, Sly said, “Dad didn’t feel great, so I sent him inside to rest.”
I inspected the machine, worry creeping in around my appreciation for all the muscle and skin on display before me. The thing clearly had two sets of handles on it. “Is this a two-man job?”
“Not if one of the men is as strong as I am.” He flexed for me, and I felt my eyes roll.
“I’m serious. Aren’t there supposed to be two people operating this thing?”
He shrugged. “I can do it.”
“What if you get hurt?”
Sly leaned in and ran his thumb over my cheek, capturing my jaw. “You worried about me, Clara?”
I stepped closer. “Actually, yes. Your livelihood depends on your physical health, doesn’t it? And don’t you have an exhibition game coming up?”
“Two weeks.” Sly looked slightly less cocky, and then glared down at the augur. “Doesn’t matter though. I’m not dragging Dad back out here.”
“Of course not.” I doubted Sam was supposed to be doing hard work out in the sun. “I’ll help you.” I had an hour before Katie would be done at school. “I just have to pick up Katie in an hour.”
“Mom can do it.”
“I couldn’t possibly ask her. She’s done so much already.”
“Mom lives for that kid.”
She did, I knew it was true. Violet had told me that she hoped my new job wouldn’t mean I didn’t need her anymore. I knew I’d find ways to include Violet in Katie’s life either way. She was a wonderful role model.
“Let me just go put my stuff inside and put on some more sunscreen.”
“You already worked all day. I can’t ask you to—”
“You didn’t ask. I offered, and you’re not saying no. I can at least balance the other side for you.”
Sly raised an eyebrow. “I mean, if you’re looking for things to do for me, I can think of a few more than that.”
I stepped close and kissed him quickly, a thrill spiking inside me that I could. We’d been flirting in stolen moments all week, and anticipation had been building for Saturday, when Katie would be at Betty’s all night, and we’d have a solid block of alone time. “Tell me about them tomorrow.”
Sly grinned as I turned to take my stuff inside, and when I got back out with a glass of sweet tea for him and my work gloves on, he was sitting in the shade of the maple that stood in the Remington’s backyard.
I looked around as he accepted the glass and drank greedily, noticing a shiny new machine installed at the base of the garage stairs. “What’s that?” I asked, pointing.
“I had air conditioning installed in the upstairs apartment over the garage. Upgraded Mom and Dad’s too.” He pointed to an identical machine next to the house.
“Do they spend much time up there?” I asked, gazing up at the garage apartment.
He shook his head. “That’s my place. For now. All new furniture was delivered Wednesday, and I had the place scrubbed top to bottom. Just in case you, uh...”
I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. “What are you suggesting?”
Sly stood and pulled me roughly against his bare chest sending a thrill dancing through my limbs as I tilted my chin to smile up at him. “I’m suggesting that I wanted to have my own place just in case you ever wanted to sneak over and visit.” I had a fleeting worry that Violet might see us, but then realized I didn’t care. Hadn’t she hinted thousands of times that she’d like to see me and Sly together? I’d always laughed it off. But maybe Violet knew something I didn’t.
I slapped him on the chest. “C’mon. Let’s get to work.”
Before I could escape, Sly pulled me closer, kissing me gently while simultaneously using his strong arms to keep me right where he wanted me. I pretended to struggle, but in reality, every bone in my body was screaming that I was exactly where I’d always wanted to be. When he released me, I was breathless.
“Quit stalling, get to work,” he teased, stepping over to pick up the augur from the ground. “Oh, by the way, I owe you a thank you.”
