by Tara Randel
“You are the least clingy person I know,” Alveda insisted.
“And I don’t like feeling this way, but ever since Reid went back to the office, it’s like everything else takes second place.”
“You know that boy thinks he has to prove something.”
“I do, and that makes me feel like a small person for feeling left out.”
She rose to pace the tight area between the living room and table where she’d spread out her accounting projects.
“I don’t expect him to drop everything for me, but we were going to start da—ah, spending more time together and so far, nothing.” Thankfully she caught herself. She hadn’t revealed to Alveda that she and Reid had talked about dating. It was still too soon. “He’s already pushing back about the party for the teens at the community center. Worse, I wanted him to go with me to the house inspection and he’s backtracking.”
Alveda was silent for a long moment, then said, “Are you upset about his time constraints or is it something else?”
Heidi flopped back down onto the couch. Mr. Whiskers let out a plaintive meow.
“It’s silly.”
Alveda reached over and patted her hand. “Nothing you tell me is silly.”
“It̕ s just...” Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “What if I’m not enough?”
“You stop that train of thought right now,” Alveda ordered. “That boy is lucky to have you.”
She brushed away a lone tear. “You’ve always been my biggest cheerleader.”
“It̕ s been my honor and pleasure.”
“But?”
Alveda placed the cat by her feet and scooted closer.
“You’ve always shied away from love, although, if you ask me, you’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know. You’ve also turned into an amazing young woman. If there is a special bond growing between you and Reid, then trust that things will work out the way they’re supposed to.”
Heidi rubbed her temples as she considered Alveda̕ s advice.
“So, you̕ re saying I expect too much?”
“No. I’m saying you go out there and make it happen. You’re not the only woman who’s ever had to fight for love. Give Reid a reason to see that this can work between you both, no matter your individual hopes and dreams.”
“But I want us to be in this together.”
“Then make sure you tell him that too. He won’t know otherwise.”
Could it be that simple? Yes, she wanted to see where the change in their relationship would take them. Was ready for them to officially start dating. Alveda was right, he wouldn’t know if she kept silent.
* * *
“OOOOH, LOOK AT this sharply dressed man,” Heidi said as she waltzed into Reid’s office the next morning. Heidi had needed space to cool down after her conversation with Reid. After her heart-to-heart with Alveda, the time had also allowed her to examine her feelings about them becoming a couple.
This was Reid, the one constant friend in her life, so how could she stay mad? Now that Reid had settled at the office, she hoped he’d gotten his confidence back and could focus on them now.
“I have an image to maintain,” he said, his face lighting up as she gave him the once-over.
She had to admit, she was impressed by the professional clothing of crisp blue shirt, striped tie, paired with navy suit pants and shined shoes. He’d gotten his hair trimmed and had shaved, a world away from the slightly scruffy construction foreman look Heidi was getting used to, and, to be honest, liked.
She tilted her head. “I kinda miss the tool belt.”
He laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll be wearing it this weekend.”
“Working two jobs?”
“For a while.”
“Welcome to my world.” She moved some papers aside and placed a bag from Frieda’s Bakery on his cluttered desk.
“You’re feeding me again?”
“It’s the only way to see you at this point.”
He’d been holed up in the Masterson Enterprises office long enough. She’d decided she was tired of waiting for him to make their relationship a priority and surprised him with a midmorning snack.
“Sorry. It’s taken me longer than I thought to get up to speed with the current projects. Then I saw a couple of new opportunities, so I’ve put in a lot of late nights.” He opened the bag. “A chocolate doughnut? You know me well.”
She did. He was clearly in his element. So, why did a sense of sadness creep over her?
“Making progress?”
“I am.” He smiled and the shadows that had been so prevalent in his eyes were gone. He looked...happy.
“When is your dad due back?”
“Next week, I think. I haven’t spoken to Mother since they went away.”
Heidi leaned against the desk. “Think you’ll stick around?”
“I’m going to sit down with Dad. Clear the air once and for all.”
This was a positive and important step, facing his father to decide the future of the company. What did that mean moving forward? Of course, he wouldn’t have an answer until the conversation took place. But until then... “What about your current renovations?”
“I’ll still be involved to a degree. But Ernie can lead the crew.”
“And the final inspection on the Hanover house?”
He met her gaze head-on. “I haven’t pushed it off, Heidi. We had to reschedule because Phil didn’t finish the final staining and cleanup like I asked.”
She supposed she was glad it wasn’t held up because his work here took precedence, but she was disappointed in the delay.
“I had to ask.” She paused. Took a breath. “I want us to be open now, Reid. About everything.”
“I agree, Heidi.”
The conviction in his voice put her at ease. She sent him a relieved smile.
“And it’ll get done, I promise.” He pointed to the cluttered desktop. “I have enough to keep me busy until then.”
Which meant this was where he wanted to be. She supposed she shouldn’t fight the inevitable. He’d made no secret of the fact that if things worked out, he’d return to the family business in a heartbeat. Did his insistence to prove himself to his father cancel out a personal life permanently?
“Do you have lots to catch up on?” she asked, fiddling with the tie of her wraparound denim dress.
“Yes, but nothing I haven’t done before. One project in particular has really taken up the majority of my attention.” He pulled a file out of a stack. “Mind if I run something by you?”
He had that intense gleam in his eyes, the one that made her heart skip a beat. Would it always be like this? Heidi affected by a mere look? She hoped so.
“It’s a project I’m reviewing.”
He was sharing his work problems with her? That was huge. She reined in her excitement. “Sure.”
Reid handed her the file.
“What am I looking at?”
“My dad started projections for a new affordable housing complex about thirty minutes south of here. It’s a pretty ambitious project.”
She read the concern on his face. “You guys have never done anything like this before?”
“Not on this scale.” He frowned. “I’ve been reading the proposal, which at first seemed doable.”
“But?”
“I started crunching the numbers. I can do the job for a lot less than Dad has laid out, with subcontractors who I feel do a better quality job.” He pointed at the file. “Would you compare his numbers against mine?”
Surprised, but pleased, she said, “Reid, I don’t advise on construction jobs.”
“No, but you do know how to read a financial report, and that’s what I need here. A neutral opinion.”
She pulled out the papers, laying them on the desk, side by side.
Her mind whirled as she calculated the figures. Reid was right, his father’s analysis was much more expensive.
“I agree. Your dad’s numbers are high, especially if you want the end product to be affordable for buyers. You seem to have a better handle on the bottom line.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “That’s what I’m afraid of. He won’t like me second-guessing his work, but in order for this project to stay on budget, we have to start with lower numbers.”
“What will you do?”
“I’ve already made calls to contractors I’ve worked with in the past and who I trust. If I can get estimates from them, I’ll have a better plan to approach my father with.”
Instead of putting the matter aside, his forehead furrowed in thought.
“Is there more?”
He rubbed the wrinkles away. “I don’t know. Just a hunch that he’s gotten himself in too deep.”
She placed the papers back in the file and handed it to him. “If anyone can figure it out, it’s you.”
He sent her a distracted smile. “Thanks.”
“Look at us, being all couplely,” she said, hoping to take his mind off the upcoming conversation with his father and move it back to them. They hadn’t been out once since deciding to date. Did that make them a couple? She wasn’t sure. “Is that even a word?”
He chuckled as he tossed the file on the desk. “It is now.”
He rounded the desk and looped his arms around her waist. Pulled her close. She inhaled his tangy cologne. Placed her fingers against the soft fabric of his shirt, feeling his body heat beneath.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so preoccupied,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ve missed you.” Then he proceeded to kiss the breath out of her.
She twined her arms around his neck and returned the gesture one hundred percent. While their first kiss had been breathtaking and exciting, this kiss felt more lasting. Like she’d found her way home. To Reid.
Breaking away, she smiled shyly at him. “I might make these morning visits a regular part of my day.”
“I wouldn’t mind.” He moved in to kiss her again when his desk phone rang. He blew out a breath. “Sorry. I have to take this.”
When he dropped his arms, she missed his warmth. Was she being silly? Good grief, he was only steps away from her. She turned to look at him, the light pouring in from the window framing him, and her heart melted. Oh, she had it bad.
He was in his element here. He’d taken command, just like he had with the house renovations, but there was something different today. A purpose that seemed to glow from within. He carried on his business, totally professional, unaware that she was watching him.
Soon, he hung up and began writing on a legal pad.
“Are you going to be at the community center tonight?” Heidi asked, another reason why she’d stopped by his office.
“Hmm?”
“You missed last week.” Josh had filled in for him. Heidi had been surprised he hadn’t told her, but chalked it up to his busy week at the Masterson office. “This will be our last get-together. School is out soon.”
He looked up. “I forgot.”
“We’re having a pizza party for all the kids.” She reined in her disappointment. “How could you forget? We planned this weeks ago.”
“I should be able to make it,” he said, searching for something on his computer.
She wasn’t convinced.
“The kids are looking forward to the end-of-school bash,” she reminded him.
“So you said.”
“Reid.” She couldn’t keep the annoyance from her tone.
He found what he was looking for and gave her his attention. “Sorry. My mind was elsewhere.”
“Reid, I know what being here means to you. I’m glad you have this opportunity to be part of the family business you’ve missed so much. But at what cost?”
The air in the room suddenly grew thick. “What do you mean? I have a chance to prove to my father that I’m needed here.”
“That’s true, but are you going to completely put aside the rest of your life? You’ve started a good business flipping houses. You’ve made a mark in the community by renovating older homes. Can’t you do both? And what about carving out time away from work?”
His lips thinned into a hard line. He walked to the window, shoving his hands in his pockets as he stared outside for what seemed like forever. Finally, he turned to her.
“We’ve discussed it, Heidi. Flipping houses has been good, but you know I want this. I have a different attitude now. I’m willing to do whatever I need to in order to stay.” He shot her an imploring look. “This is where I’m meant to be, just like you know the house on Hanover Lane is your forever home.”
Her heart sank. She’d dreamed of nothing else but owning that house since the first moment she saw it, well before her relationship with Reid had changed. As they grew to be more than friends, she realized now she couldn’t live without him. She’d never imagined she’d be in this place.
One glance at his unyielding stance and Heidi knew she needed to voice her opinion before she chickened out. It might ruin things between them, but she was his friend first and would always tell him the truth.
“Isn’t your whole argument for feeling left out that your father puts the business before you? That he never takes your suggestions seriously? I don’t want to see you lose out on a life beyond his impossible expectations.” She paused. Tried to form the right argument to get him to see reason.
“I don’t want to see—” she waved her hand between them “—whatever this is happening between us flicker out because you need to prove your worth to your father. You are worthy, Reid. To me, anyway.” She waited a beat. “Doesn’t that count?”
He looked shocked and she wondered if she’d gone too far.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“You sure know how to get to the root of the problem,” he said in a hoarse voice.
“I want the best for you.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I know you do.”
She decided to take things down a notch. She’d made her point. He would have to take the next step. “Do you think you can slow down for one night?”
“I can.” He met her gaze, his solemn. “I promise.”
Relief poured through her. She’d take him at his word. If he said he’d be at the community center, he’d be there.
“I need to get going.” She looped her purse strap over her shoulder. “Call me later? Maybe we can get lunch.”
“Not this afternoon. I have a meeting.”
“Tomorrow then.” She hoped he didn’t hear the fear in her voice. She didn’t want to sound needy.
His expression was carefully blank when he said, “We’ll talk after the party tonight.”
“About the house?” Or them? She was almost afraid to ask.
“That and more.”
She puffed out a breath. “Could you be any more vague?”
“It’ll be worth it.” His phone rang again. “I really need to answer this.”
She started to leave. “Get it.” But he didn’t hear her since he was already speaking to the person on the call, as if she’d been dismissed.
She left the office and tried to ignore the growing ache in her stomach. Did her distress come from simply missing Reid or was there more to it? Could this be why she was feeling...off-kilter? He promised to be at the community center later. With news. She should be excited, right?
Still, the worry wouldn’t leave her. Once at Blue Ridge Cottage, it didn’t take Serena long to notice Heidi was not herself.
“What’s up?” her boss asked, sitting on the other side of the counter, her colored pencils and sketch pad out as she shaded another Golden nature scene.
Heidi looked up from a quarterly report she was trying t
o study. “Up?”
“You’ve been unusually quiet since you started your shift.”
“It’s nothing. Just some things on my mind.”
Serena pointed a green pencil at her. “Try again.”
As much as Heidi was grateful to have good friends, she didn’t like the fifth degree or having her emotions read so easily.
“I...” Where did she start?
“It’s about Reid, isn’t it?”
She frowned at Serena. “Like you don’t already know?”
“It’s been pretty obvious since you became his intern.”
Heidi’s cheeks grew warm. She never really thought she and Reid were going to fool others by easing into this relationship. Turns out they’d been obvious all along.
“What gave me away?”
“Your little smiles whenever you talk about him. How you two look at each other when you’re together like there’s no one else in the room. I’m surprised you didn’t notice the growing attraction sooner.”
One eyebrow kicked up. “Sooner than when?”
“Last fall. At Oktoberfest.”
And here she thought they’d only ever been friends like always. Seems she was the last one to know. “Yikes. Talk about being slow on the uptake.”
“That, and you’ve mentioned his tool belt a dozen times.”
She lifted one shoulder. “It’s a nice belt.”
Serena laughed as she took a blue pencil to add color to the drawing.
Heidi scowled at her friend. “Stop.”
“I’m not surprised. You two are good together. He makes you happy and you ground him.”
“You figured all that out just by a few tells?”
“I always thought you and Reid would be a good match, but Logan advised me to stay out of your love life.”
“Love life?” she scoffed.
Serena’s eyes took on a serious glint. “Exactly.”
Heidi froze. Love?
Hearing Serena’s words echo in her head, she wondered if it could be true. Yes, she’d fallen in love with Reid. Heart and soul. There was no going back for her, and that was saying a lot since she didn’t give her heart away easily. Love completely. Heidi had doubted she’d ever be family material.
