AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But you’re the one who asked them. Without you doing that, you and I might’ve managed two guest rooms. Instead we painted the entire west wing.”
“That we did. They’re wonderful and thoughtful people.” I leaned closer again. “I’m just counting the minutes until I can get you naked.”
It wasn’t a lie, but this moment itself was pretty damn incredible, having this beautiful woman looking down at me with her eyes sparkling and her appreciative, joy-filled smile aimed at me.
She kissed me again, this one lingering a little, sparking my hunger for her instead of sating it. It was over too quickly. “The sun’s sinking fast,” she said. “I need to close all the doors up there to keep the bugs out.”
“Let me do it. You stay here and rest and be social.”
She looked about to protest, so I cut her off by touching my finger to her lips. “I insist.”
After studying me for a moment, she smiled and rose to her feet so I could get up. “Don’t forget to lock them—”
“I’ll lock the doors, close the windows, make sure the box fans are on high. I’ll lock each interior door too.”
“Please.” She extended her hand to help me up.
Taking hold of it just to touch her, not because I needed help, I resisted the urge to pull her back down on top of me, stood, and kissed her before heading up to the building.
I went in through one of the open guest room doors and systematically made my way through all of the rooms, closing them up for the night and turning the lights off. The sand color we’d painted all twelve rooms was drying evenly. A second coat wouldn’t be necessary thanks to the premium one-coat paint Jake had recommended.
After the first-floor rooms were locked up, I went up to the second and did the same, then went back down, this time through the lobby. Magnolia had left the paint crew early to shower and cover the desk this evening as scheduled. I knew she wasn’t particularly liked around town, but I didn’t have any bones to pick with her. Now that her rich daddy wasn’t controlling her, she seemed to be legitimately trying to make her own way and be a decent person. She’d been good to Ava, between helping at the desk—granted, as a paid employee—and becoming a friend, and that’s what mattered to me.
“Hey, Magnolia. Did Chloe drop off some pizza for you?”
“A whole pie,” Magnolia said. “I ate two pieces and I’m stuffed. Why don’t you take the rest down to the group. Someone will clean it up.”
“We’ve got plenty. How about I put it in the fridge in the kitchen and you can take it home with you. We’ve got pizza coming out of our ears.”
There was a wary look in her eyes for a split second, but then she smiled and nodded. “Sure. If you guys have enough.”
“More than. Come down and join us if you want. I’m sure Ava won’t mind if you put the sign up.”
“I might do that after I make note of the reservation I just took.” She pointed to a notepad.
I nodded, started on my way, then paused. “Thanks for rounding up your friends. It means a lot to Ava—and if Anna works out as a manager…”
She smiled genuinely. “I hope it does. I don’t know if Anna wants it or if Ava will like her, but to me, it seems like it’d be perfect.”
“Can I bring you a drink?” I asked, thinking she wasn’t unlikable after all.
“I’ve got a big ice water, but thanks.”
“Okay. See you.” I took the pizza box with the leftover pizza to the kitchen and stuck it in the fridge.
When I went out onto the main deck, Knox Breckenridge was leaning on the railing, peering at the painting crew below. Like a reflex, I gritted my teeth at the sight of his pretty-boy head, but then I caught myself. Loosened my jaw. Let out my breath.
“Knox,” I said as I walked up to his side.
“Hey, Cash.” He straightened and smiled, as friendly as he always was to me, which only highlighted what a jealous prick I’d been. “Looks like I wasn’t invited to the party.”
My gaze followed his to the gathering, my eyes zeroing in on Ava. She’d moved from the chair where I’d left her and was ensconced in the middle of the women. It looked like my sister was telling a story, with everyone’s attention on her. She made a gesture with her hands, and we could hear the feminine laughter peal from here. My eyes were glued to Ava, who threw her head back as she laughed. I loved seeing her laugh, especially after how down she’d been when she’d first come to town after her aunt’s death.
“Don’t feel too bad,” I told Knox. “It was a painting party. We painted the rooms in the west wing.” I hadn’t thought about asking him, but even if I had, I wasn’t sure I would’ve. Which was ridiculous. I was the one in Ava’s bed every night. I understood, at least now, that the ties between Ava and Knox were only platonic and professional.
“All of them?” he asked.
“Every last one. Ava treated everyone to pizza, beer, and soda.”
