Page 147 of When Love Takes Root

Celeste said something to her client, then made her way toward the back with her purple notebook tucked against her chest. I looked down at the breakers like they’d suddenly become fascinating.

Lord, focus.

Juice saw her coming and immediately found something urgent to do on the other side of the room.

Coward.

Celeste stopped in front of me, and her eyes dropped briefly to my tool belt before returning to my face. “How’s it looking, Mr. Brooks?”

My body reacted to the title before my common sense could settle it down.

“It’s looking safe, Ms. Coleman.”

“Safe is good.”

“Safe is necessary.”

“And are we almost done?”

I glanced toward the back row so I wouldn’t keep staring at her mouth. “We are. We’re waiting on final inspection sign-off. I’ve tested the new runs, but I want the paperwork in your hand before I call it complete.”

She nodded, her professional face returning even though her eyes held the morning between us. “I appreciate that.”

“I know what this shop means to you.”

Her fingers tightened around the notebook.

I wanted to touch her, but this was her business. Respect mattered more than impulse.

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “You good?”

I looked at her.

I brushed my fingers over hers where they rested against the notebook, brief enough for public and deliberate enough for her to understand. “I’m good.”

“You sure?”

I smiled because she had no idea how much she sounded like me now. “I’m sure.”

A little warmth moved into her cheeks. “I made coffee in the break room. I know y’all have been here all day.”

“Thank you.”

“And I ordered sandwiches too.”

I lifted a brow. “For the crew?”

She looked down at the notebook, but the smile stayed on her mouth. “For the crew. And you.”

“Taking care of me, Ms. Coleman?”

Her eyes came back up, and this time, there was trouble in them. “Somebody probably should.”

Heat moved through my chest so fast I had to look away from her mouth.

Juice yelled from the back. “I don’t know what y’all whispering about, but I’m hungry and morally opposed to waiting.”

Celeste laughed, and I looked back at her.