Page 18 of Miss Fortune

The younger girl blushed. “Maybe. At least, I’ll be staying in San Diego for a good bit, which I’ll love. So, tell us more about the thing tomorrow?”

I shrugged. “Apparently, we’re building a house, or at least putting the finishing touches on it. Let’s hope it doesn’t involve power tools. I’m clumsy enough with my own two feet and not to be trusted with equipment capable of causing real damage.”

Tory laughed, well aware of my clumsy tendencies. “I would hope they’re expecting everyday people who can wield a paintbrush or help with a hammer, not experts who can install plumbing or use a power saw.”

I blew out a long breath of relief. “Pray you’re right.” I hoped it wasn’t a mistake to go to a work function and combine a date with it.

The next morning, I experienced some nerves about Eric picking me up at my apartment, but I’d committed and there was no backing out now. I dressed the part for manual labor in black yoga pants, a short-sleeved T-shirt, and my tennis shoes. I added a sweatshirt for the morning chill. My hair was back in a ponytail, and yes, my makeup was done. This might be a home building project, but I was seldom without makeup.

Eric pulled up in front of my apartment building in a Jeep Wrangler with the soft top off. He smiled. “Hi.”

“Hi.” It was a good thing I’d brought my sweatshirt as it was a windy drive up the freeway. Not that I minded the fresh air, but between the wind and the road noise, it was tough to hold a conversation.

We parked alongside a long driveway where I noticed a group of thirty or so people gathering around a house. Some were faces I recognized, and others I had yet to meet.

“It’s nice to see so many people out today.”

“Yeah, they’re usually well attended.”

I glanced over at the group noticing a petite brunette woman who was staring in our direction. Weird. But it was the familiar Gillette-shaving-model face which caught my attention.

Son of a biscuit. I’d assumed this event would involve the staff only. I hadn’t expected Caleb to take part, yet there he was.

Eric came around the Jeep in time to see me quickly avert my gaze.

“What is it?”

I tested another peek over toward the group. This time Caleb was looking my way. The only surprise registered on his face was in his eyes. Then he turned away. “Um, it’s just I didn’t expect to see a certain someone here—”

Eric cut me off, gripping the back of his neck with his hand. “Yeah, I guess you heard about me and Wendy, but we broke up.”

Say what now? “Pardon?”

“The brunette who’s glaring at us. Her name is Wendy, and she and I used to date. But we’re not getting back together.”

Was he trying to convince me or himself? “Uh, I was about to say I didn’t expect my boss to be here.”

His cheeks stained pink. “Mr. Morrison is always here since he organizes these events. Sorry about mentioning the thing with Wendy.”

“It’s fine, but I don’t want any drama.” Becoming the other woman in a triangle, especially over a guy I’d just met, was not something I needed. Especially not in an office scenario.

“No drama whatsoever. I promise. Come on.”

His tone rang sincere, and I took a deep breath, hoping he was right. We strolled over toward the rest of the group, but I was so busy gawking at my boss’s exposed, muscular legs in the shorts he was wearing, I missed Eric’s next words.

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I diverted my attention back to him, heat flooding my cheeks from my wandering eye. But in my defense, I’d never seen Caleb outside of a suit. It was clear he was in shape, but exactly how much in shape— Well, it was shocking. The man obviously made working out a priority.

“I was just saying, if this is anything like last year, we’ll work all morning, after which they’ll have a light lunch brought in. I thought we’d leave about five and check out a place in Valencia to eat dinner on the way back.”

“Sure. Sounds great.”

Glancing over toward Caleb, I caught his eye. Giving him a little smile, I waved hello.

He proceeded to ignore me.

Eric chuckled. “Don’t take it personally. Mr. Morrison tends to be all business even during these events.”

It was hard for me not to take it personally, especially since I wondered if he was still annoyed over our interaction yesterday. He’d taken “Operation Payback” with good humor, but then I’d gone and ruined the moment by questioning whether the career he’d spent years building made him happy.