Build a Nerd

by Wendy Smith

  Build a Nerd

  Wendy Smith

  Edited by

  Lauren Clarke

  Cover Design by

  Moss Book Covers

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Epilogue

  Also by Wendy Smith

  About the Author

  1

  Bridget

  “Bridget.”

  Something sharp hits me in the ribs. I wriggle to get away.

  “Bridget. If you want to get to work on time, you have to get up now.”

  I open one eye, pushing a lock of errant hair out of my face.

  A stunning set of abs greets me, and it’s a pretty sight. It’s a shame about the index finger that’s poking my ribs.

  Slowly, I raise my gaze all the way up that massive chest until I meet Jackson Booth’s eyes.

  “What am I doing here?” I groan.

  “You were in no state to go home. You crashed.” He chuckles. “I did put you on the couch, but sometime in the night, you migrated to my bed.”

  My eyebrows shoot up. “We didn’t …”

  “No, darlin’. We didn’t. But I did sleep in here because you’re not about to push me out of my own bed.”

  His laughter pisses me off. I’ve done this twice now since Brad rejected me. He broke my heart, and I’ve been so determined to move on.

  So far, I’ve got as far as the bar.

  “It’s still dark.” I yawn.

  He nods. “It is, but I’m about to make some breakfast, and I think it’s a good idea for you to eat something before you go home to shower and change.”

  I sigh. “Yes, Dad.”

  Jackson shakes his head. “What am I going to do with you?”

  “I’ve got a few suggestions.”

  He tugs on a T-shirt. “I’m not going to fuck away the heartache with you.”

  “Why not? It might work.”

  Bending over, he plants a light kiss on my temple. “It didn’t work last time, and I don’t think it’ll work now. Not that I knew you were hung up on Brad back then.”

  He’s right. We’d been together once, a couple of years ago. I’d been mooning over Brad, unsure whether to make a move on my boss when he and his wife, Lane, split.

  Overhearing Brad tell his best friend, Stu, that he wasn’t interested in another relationship yet sent me into a temporary downward spiral.

  Jackson kept me company that night.

  The man could go for hours.

  “I think my vagina’s still aching from last time you pounded it.”

  His lips curl. “You’re such a dirty talker.”

  “You know it.” I yawn again. “What’s for breakfast?”

  “Bacon and eggs. I’ll take you home afterward.”

  I shoot him the side-eye. “I’ll be fine to drive.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not. I’d rather know you got home safe. Your car’s parked out the back, so no one knows you’re here.”

  “Thanks, Jackson.”

  He sighs. “Any time you need me. I’m here.”

  I slip out of bed, wrinkling my nose at the stale alcohol scent rising from me. The sooner I get into the shower, the better. Thank goodness for Jackson. I shudder to think where I’d have ended up without him. “I appreciate it. I know you don’t have to take care of me.”

  His warm smile warms my heart. He’s such a good man, but there’s nothing there beyond friendship. And right now, that’s’ all I need.

  “That’s what friends are for. Come on, I’ll get you some juice. Let’s get some fluids into you.”

  I traipse behind him through to his kitchen. While he pours some juice, I look out the window. Not that there’s much to see except the alley behind the bar. At least he doesn’t have far to go to work.

  “What time is it?”

  “A little after six.”

  “Why are we awake?”

  “Because it’s time to get out of bed. I’ve got a big day today.”

  I sit at the kitchen table and bury my face in my hands. Today isn’t going to be fun. I’m not sure why I did this on a weeknight. Maybe because the day of the week doesn’t matter.

  Brad’s engaged to Molly.

  Doesn’t matter what time it is—the words don’t hurt any less.

  Apparently it happened a while ago, but they wanted to keep it to themselves. Didn’t make it hurt less when I found out yesterday.

  My head pounds, but I’ll be damned if I miss another day of work over them. What I need to do is get over it. My eyes drift closed, even though I’m in a chair. I’m so tired. It’d be so easy just to drift off …

  I rub my face with my palms to wake myself up just as a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon lands on the table in front of me. In my hungover state, it smells simultaneously good and bad at the same time.

  “I’m not sure if this is torture or the best hangover cure ever.”

  Jackson laughs. “The latter, in my opinion. Eat up.”

  “You’re so good to me. What did I ever do to deserve you?”

  His eyes glisten with amusement. “You’re such a great person, Bridget. One day, you’ll find someone who truly deserves you.”

  “You don’t think Brad did?”

  He nods. “I don’t think he was ever the one for you. That man’s already had two great loves in his life. He’d be being a bit greedy with a third.”

  I snort laugh, and cover my nose with my hand. “You always make me feel better.”

  “I’m glad. Now, get eating so I can drop you home. I’ve got deliveries coming this morning.”

  Nodding, I pick up a fork. “Yes, boss.”

  My stomach’s still a little queasy, but once I start eating, I can’t stop. I devour the food, and sigh as I pick up the cup of coffee he’s left by the plate.

  This is the life. This is what I want—someone who’ll do this kind of thing for me once in a while. Someone I can cuddle up to at night. Someone who’ll love me back.

  “You okay?” Jackson sits across from me, eating his own breakfast.

  “I think so. It’s time to shake myself out of the rut I’m in. I’m just not sure how.”

  “You’ll work it out. There’s always a couch here for you to crash on if you need it.”

  I laugh. “Not your bed?”

  “Lady, my bed is my own. You’re just lucky I’m such a nice guy, and I didn’t kick you out last night.” He chuckles.

  Taking another sip of coffee, I savor it before answering. “Your body’s like a gigantic heater. Can you blame me for wanting to keep warm?”

  “I’m not your personal bed warmer, Bridget.”

  I shrug. “I know, but it was nice. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

  “Me too.” He smiles.

  I wish I felt something more for him and he for me. It’d make my life so much easier. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Anything.”

  “What were Brad and Molly like at school? Was she really all that?”

  He laughs again. “Those two only ever had eyes for each other. It was a real shock when Molly ditche
d him like that. I’d still love to know why. But it’s not really any of my business, and they’re both happy now.”

  I sigh. “I guess.”

  “I’m sorry you didn’t get what you wanted. For what it’s worth, he’s an idiot for not seeing you. You’re not bad.”

  Grinning, I take another sip of coffee. “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It is. You’ll work everything out. I promise.”

  “What about you?” I run my finger around the rim of the mug.

  “What about me?”

  “Do you ever think about finding someone to share your life with? You’ve grown your dad’s business. What happens next for Jackson Booth?”

  He shrugs. “Maybe one day. The bar’s so busy, she’d have to be pretty tolerant of my hours.”

  “If I don’t find anyone, I’ll marry you when I turn thirty.” It’s two years away. I take another sip of coffee. We might not be in love, but we’d be happy. I could help Jackson in the bar, and make babies with him … I look at him over the coffee cup. He’s such a big man. Would our babies all have big heads? I’m not so sure about this anymore.

  He nods. “Sure.”

  “You’d do that?”

  “No. You’ll move on. Now Brad’s getting married, you will..”

  “Will I? Or will I be living in one of the units we’re building when I’m retired, still moping?”

  Jackson’s deep laugh makes me roll my eyes. “You’ll be fine, Bridget. Trust me.”

  I shoot a glare at him. “I hope you know I want a big, expensive white wedding. Better start saving.”

  My apartment is cold and dark.

  I know I should head to the shower and wake myself up properly, but it’s a little after seven, and I don’t have to be at work for another two hours.

  Instead, I flop on my bed and close my eyes, sinking back into sleep.

  The alarm blares what feels like five minutes later, and for the second time today, I pull myself out of bed.

  I head to the shower, and drop my clothes on the floor while the water heats up.

  Stepping in, I run my fingers through my hair. They snag on the knots that I need to brush out, but for now, I’ll wash it and tie it back. I’ll deal with that later.

  Like everything else.

  After drying myself off, I drag on some clean jeans and a T-shirt. It’s times like this when I’m glad I don’t have an office job. The effort required to dress for work would be way too much when I’m feeling this seedy.

  Before leaving, I grab a glass of water and swallow down some painkillers in an attempt to get rid of this thumping headache.

  Opening the front door is like torture.

  The sun streams inside, and I palm my face to cover my eyes before peeking out through my fingers. Time to get my big girl pants on and face the day.

  Brad’s not strict on my hours. Not since my promotion. I’m aware I could go back to bed for a couple of hours and just give him a call to let him know I’ll be in late.

  But I’m also still feeling the shame of not bothering to show up to work the day after he rejected me. While he reassures me everything’s fine, I’m not sure it’ll ever be fine for me.

  Stu’s by himself in the office. It’s not unusual at this time of morning. Becky does a coffee run, which I’ve obviously missed, and she’ll be out on-site taking coffee to the workers who’ve ordered one.

  “Good morning, Bridget.”

  Stu’s happy. He’s always happy. He and Becky have been married for a while now, but they’re like newly-weds. It’s sickeningly sweet.

  “You are way too chirpy for this hour of the morning,” I grumble.

  “It’s after nine. Perfectly fine hour to be chirpy.” He frowns. “I heard you were at Jackson’s last night. Are you okay?”

  “Where did you hear that?”

  His lips curl into an uneven smile. “Becky went to Madison’s for coffee. Janie saw your car parked out the back.”

  I slam my palm into my forehead. The diner staff share that back alley with Jackson—of course they’d seen the evidence. “I drank too much and Jackson moved my car to stop the gossip. Guess that didn’t work.”

  Stu shrugs. “Who cares what people think. I’ll take you to get your car later. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just need some more coffee and to get to work. I’m glad it’s Friday.”

  He nods. “I hear that. I’m looking forward to a lot of sleep this weekend. There’s a coffee for you in the kitchen.”

  I just want to crawl into a hole and die right now, I feel so bad. But I’m not about to admit defeat.

  The office door swings open, and Brad walks in. I catch my breath. He’s all dark hair and beard, and as yummy as he’s always been.

  He’ll never be mine.

  “Morning.” He’s beaming, and he’s been like that for weeks. It’s all kinds of gross.

  “Morning.” I shoot him a smile.

  “I’m out. Let me know when you want to go and pick up your car, Bridget.” Stu passes Brad and disappears out the door.

  “Your car? What’s wrong with your car?” Brad asks. “Has it finally died?”

  “It’s parked behind Jackson’s.”

  One of his eyebrows arches. “If you need a tow, I can …”

  “There’s nothing wrong with it. I just need a ride to go and get it.”

  Brad nods. “Sure. If Stu can’t take you, let me know if you need help. And before you go, I’ve got something I need to talk to you about.”

  My skin prickles. Things have been okay between us, but maybe he still knows how hurt and upset I’ve been.

  “I’ve got a new project for you. One that you can own for yourself.” He smiles.

  “You trust me that much?” My heart races. This is the opportunity I’ve worked so hard for. My promotion a year ago to site supervisor was amazing, but this—this is what I’ve wanted in forever. It’s worth all the overtime I’ve put in.

  He nods. “You know it.” He takes what appears to be a deep breath. “I want you to run the construction for Molly’s new corporate headquarters.”

  There it is. It’s the sucker punch I had a feeling was coming.

  The biggest opportunity Brad’s ever given me and it’s linked to her.

  2

  Bridget

  I don’t like Molly Beckham.

  She swooped in and stole the man I was in love with right from under my nose.

  If only Brad wasn’t so happy. If only Molly wasn’t so damn nice.

  After a quiet weekend at home, I pull into the driveway of Molly’s property. There’s not a lot here yet—just a big empty plot of land, and a temporary building in one corner.

  I can’t lie. I’m proud that Brad sees me as capable of running this by myself. He’s always had a lot of faith in me when it comes to my work, and this is a big step up. I need to embrace it.

  At least, I tell myself that as I walk up the ramp leading into the office.

  I pull open the door, and two blonde heads turn to look at me.

  “Hi,” one of them says.

  “Hi. I’m Bridget. Is Molly here?”

  She nods. “Well, her car is. She just walked away with Grace.”

  Of course. It’s nearly time for school to start. “Cool. She’ll be back in a minute, then.”

  “She sure will. I’m Claire.” She nods toward the other woman. “And this is Belle. You’re from the construction company, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Molly’ll be back really soon. Help yourself to coffee.” Claire smiles and I nod. I just want this initial meeting with Molly to be over.

  I lean against a desk and pick at my fingers. I’m good at my job. It’s why Brad put me in charge. Unless he’s doing this to get me off the work site he’s on.

  No.

  Molly’s important to him. He wouldn’t give me the job if he didn’t think I could handle it.

  I really need to stop second guessing myself. />
  I’m so lost in thought, I jump when the door opens, and I look up to see Molly walk in.

  “Good morning.” She smiles as she pauses by the desk near the door. This is the temporary office until we finish construction, but it’s the weirdest setup I’ve ever seen. There are only a couple of other employees here with her so far, but there’s no separate office for her. She sits with the others open-plan style.

  “Morning, Molly.” Belle and Claire, greet her in unison. It’s like being in school. I snort, then pretend to cough to cover it up. Molly looks at me with one eyebrow raised.

  “Hey, Bridget. I just got a call to say Tom’s plane’s landed, and he’s on his way. I’ll do the intros and he can show you what he’s been working on.”

  I nod. “Sounds good.”

  “I’m just going to make a coffee. Want one?”

  I can do this. “That’d be great.”

  She drops her laptop bag on her desk and heads to the coffee machine.

  “How do you take it?” she asks.

  “Black. No sugar.”

  She nods. “No problem.”

  When she’s finished, she hands me a cup of coffee and sits on the nearby couch. I take a seat in a chair opposite.

  “Before Tom gets here, I thought we should have a word,” Molly says.

  “Oh?”

  She lets out a long breath. “He can be very particular. Don’t get me wrong; it makes him good at his job. There’s not an i he doesn’t dot, or a t he doesn’t cross. But it can make him difficult to work with at times.”

  I nod. “So, he’s fussy.”

  She takes a sip of her coffee. “It’s a bit more than that. He’s quite the perfectionist. I’m sure you two will be fine working together, but if he drives you a little nuts, just let me know. All the other projects he’s managed have been game-related, so I’m a little wary that this is the first building project he’s worked on.”