Cherry Grove (The Cove Series Book 1)

by Leaona Luxx

  Looking around, I can see the fine details I had not been able to see from the road, and can tell this crew is everything she said they were.

  Thayer is busy showing me some native plants when I hear someone coming up behind me. “What’s up, Thayer?"

  As we turn toward the voice, I’m met with eyes from the depths of the ocean and breathe out, "One.”

  Answering with a smile, my name rolls off his tongue, “Lea".

  Thayer looks between the two of us like she’s watching a tennis match. "So you know each other?"

  There’s a fierce glint in his eyes. "The beautiful woman I walked home a few weeks ago."

  I stand there, not sure if I'm in shock or awe. Damn, he was hot! His shorts hang just off one hip with his tool belt slung low. No shirt. His body glistens with beads of sweat running in all the right places. I would give my bank account to lick every inch of that hard, dark body right down to his...my gaze drops lower.

  "Oh. This is her?" Thayer interrupts my wayward thinking as she grins at me.

  “It is. I think she's stalking me," One joked.

  My face flames, and I advert my eyes. "I was driving," I defend myself. Really? That's what I want to use as my defense? Pull it together, woman. "I was driving by and saw the laborers. Thought it might be worth a shot to stop and ask."

  One watches me carefully. "How are things over there?"

  Narrowing my eyes, I try to intimidate him, but I’m met with what? Heat? Anger? Passion? I try to banish those thoughts, but it isn’t easy. "They’re great. Just need some landscaping and a little renovation work. Thayer says you're the best around, so can I get your information and make an appointment for consultation?" Whatever I see in his eyes turns up in volume.

  "Please. I'd be thrilled to work that piece over."

  What did he just say? "Excuse me?"

  Thayer laughs as she walks away, and One stands there looking at me with that freaking smirk he wears whenever I’m around. "Well, do you want it?"

  Eyes wide with my mouth hanging slack-jawed… what? Either the heat is getting to me, or I’ve been working too hard because I cannot control my wayward thoughts.

  He relents, or has mercy on me because he softly chuckles, “My contact information? Better yet, I'm free this evening. I can run over around eight; that good?"

  I'm still staring with my mouth hung open. Thankfully, my ability to speak returns and I don’t make myself into more of a fool. “Please. Yes, that works. I'll have a list of what I need done ready for you. That way, as soon as you can get there, we can get going. Err, moving. I mean working." Geez. I roll my eyes, praying he just lets me escape with a shred of dignity intact.

  His gaze drops to my mouth and his lips part, taking in a ragged breath. Or did I imagine that? "Okay, eight tonight. Here's my information,” he says as he hands me his card. “It was good seeing you. I was beginning to think that I needed to stalk you."

  A small smile breaks across my face. "I didn’t have your number or your last name to even say thank you. So, thank you. I suppose I'll see you tonight."

  He grins and extends his hand out to me. “Woods. My last name is Woods. Yours?” Holding my hand tightly, he hedges.

  I’m sure I have a case of the vapors from the way his hand is wrapped around mine. “Lloyd. Lea Lloyd.”

  “Nice to see you again, Lea.” Walking away from me, I hear One yell out to his crew. "Get the fuck back to work!"

  When did they stop? Turning, I see One is still watching, but then his gaze shifts and he looks past me with a glare that could burn the rain forest.

  I turn around to see a woman with raven colored hair hanging long and poker straight down her back, built like a track star, long and lean, making her way up the drive. Her icy stare does nothing to me as I begin my descent down the drive, swiveling my hips as I go.

  Once home, I bound for my closet in order to find something cute to wear. But then it hits me, this is not a date. You need to stop; he doesn’t see you that way. You just happen to be a damsel in distress that he protected and watched over one night. I remind myself. He has a hero complex, which does not make him horny.

  I shove the sundress back in my closet and set about putting my house in order.

  Before I know it, it’s seven-forty-five and I'm a dirty mess. Sprinting to the shower, I jump in before the water is even warm. This is probably a new record for showering. I quickly towel off only to realize I didn't bring in any clothes with me. I run out of the hall bath so I can throw on some clothes before One arrives, but there he is standing in my house, looking at me with that shit-eating grin. Geez, he's sexy, I think, gripping that towel with all I have.

  Jerking his head toward the open door, he answers my unspoken question, "Door was open.” That cold expression appears again as if he's mad or something.

  "It's my house, my door. It wasn't open for you to take the liberty to come in." I stand tall and defiant. Why do I feel the need to explain myself to him?

  "Next time I tell you to lock your door and you don't, you'll fully understand why you won’t do it again."

  Who the hell does he think he is? And why am I so wet I can feel it running down my thighs? I storm into my room and slam the door, and begin to pull out anything to dress in as quickly as possible.

  Done with that task, I return and ask, "Would you like something to drink?" I may be angry, but I'm still a lady—at least some of the time.

  "No,” he answers in a clipped tone. Then it’s gone and his tone is gentler, “Thank you but no. I'm sorry about before; it's not my place. You're not mine."

  Well now, what the hell does that mean? "Forgotten. Let's talk reno." He follows me into another room where my list of work needing to be done is located.

  After going over everything, he leans back in his seat and tells me, "I’m not gonna lie. This will be expensive. I hate to ask, but can you afford this much work just after moving here and buying this house."

  Excuse me, but who the hell does this man think he is? Bristling from his tone, I snap, "Do you want the work or not? I'll worry about the money, and you can take care of the house."

  He shuffles from foot to foot as if he is unsure how to handle me. "Again, I apologize. I'm assuming you're all alone, and I just don’t want you to overextend yourself.”

  I try a smile, however, I'm sure it resembles a grimace. "That's fine. You don’t know me, and I certainly don’t know you."

  His smile returns as he adds, "I'd like the opportunity to change that.”

  My core clenches and want so deep goes through my center causing me to tremble all over. "So, tell me about yourself, One."

  Pausing to clear his throat, he evades about as well as I do. "Not much to say. You?"

  It’s almost laughable how we both want to know more, but are unwilling to share ourselves. “Well, this isn’t going to work; neither of us wants to talk about ourselves. Let’s see, I'll give you a detail if you'll give me one. What do you say?"

  He looks deep into my eyes, replying, "Sounds good."

  Yes. Game on. Twisting in my seat to face him head on, I begin, "I moved here after my parents died just a few months apart. I needed a new start."

  One settles further into his chair in an effort to get comfortable. “I inherited my business from a young age; I’ve never really wanted it.” Born with a silver spoon and doesn’t appreciate it, however, before I can comment, he continues, “I appreciate the hard work that built this company, but I’d like to do more. I’ve arranged for my company to help Habitat for Humanity in building houses around the state, and yet I still feel it isn’t enough.”

  I’m stunned momentarily as I digest this new information. “Wow, that’s actually amazing.”

  One holds my gaze. “It’s not enough, but I’m working on it.” His smile grows as he takes me in from head to toe making my cheeks flame.

  Immediately, everything changes because a tall, broad man comes through the opened back door. One turns, eyes trained on the
man making his way across the room.

  "Hey. What's going on?" the newcomer questions as he lays files on the table between One and myself.

  I sit there, mouth agape and eyes wide unable to say anything. Not even when he bends to press a tender kiss to my cheek and snakes one arm around my shoulders all while watching One closely.

  I return the kiss and if looks could kill, One would be in jail. The way he looks at me with this heated gaze, makes me squirm in my seat.

  Swiftly, One gathers his things and I know I need to say something, but what?

  I stand, moving with lightning speed to the door hot on his trail, "One, will you be calling with an estimate?"

  He stops and whirls around pinning me in place with a storm brewing in his eyes and shakes his head. Why is he looking at me like that? "Is that what you want?" he demands.

  Not sure what his question means. I answer. "Of course. Isn't that why you're here?"

  He drops his head for a moment, shaking it a little before he looks up again, capturing my eyes. "Yes, it is. Fine then, I'll be in touch. Sorry we ran long; I didn't realize you had plans."

  What is he thinking? "I don't; he just dropped by."

  "Oh. I see. I didn't know."

  Didn't know what? "Yeah, he does that from time to time."

  His face distorts. "So, you date often? I mean, it’s not my business."

  I’m speechless. He thinks every man he sees me with is a date? So what, I’m a whore? “No, I don’t date often or ever.”

  He stares at me blankly before turning to leave without another word.

  What just happened? Why is this man so insufferable? I’m not sure what I’m missing.

  A voice from behind me brings me out of my daze, “So, who was that?”

  Shaking my head, I replay the last few minutes trying to pick out any clues I might have missed before I answer, “No one. Just a man that’s going to do some renovations.”

  He studies me but doesn’t question me further. Besides, with my past, I can’t even go there. I’ve never deserved a good man, and I’m as messed up as they come with too many secrets and a past that would make any sinner practically a saint. I need to pull my head outta my ass and face it head on; there is no chance. Alice needs to stop dreaming. The whole thing has my head spinning.

  One

  Women are a dime a dozen for men like me. No, I’m not bragging, just a true statement. Most everyone knows me around this area.

  Following a bad breakup, I decided to leave Raleigh, NC and moved south to expand my business and move on. At this point in life, I was settled. I had an ever growing profitable business, enough money to retire today if I chose to, and a good life. What else could a man ask for?

  The small house set in an alcove, had had my attention for a while and there were several times I toyed with the idea of purchasing it, however, when I finally put the wheels in motion, it had already been bought. I didn’t know who had bought it out from under me—in a manner of speaking— until I met her.

  On a job in South Myrtle, my life changed forever. As if arriving out of thin air or on a whim, Lea showed up my current job site. What is she doing here? After our little run in at the restaurant, disregarding the tool she was with at the time, I want her more than I did in the rain. And it turns out, I have an in. She wants my crew to do some work for her. It’s an opportunity I cannot pass up. I need to get closer to her.

  But last night didn’t go as planned. Another man showed up, walking in as if he owned the place, as if this were an everyday occurrence. Did he work with her? Were they friends? Dating? I want to win her, however, to do that, I need to know more about her.

  Today, I got another little shock. After working up the specs and estimate for the work Lea requested, my assistant called to arrange a start date and payment. All cash. She was paying all cash. What the fuck? We aren’t talking chump change here, and she seems to believe she can pay it, and after last night, I’m not going to doubt her.

  It turns out I should never underestimate Lea. Due to an unfortunate time in my past, I now had a crazier than fuck ex-wife, and my parents required background checks on anyone and everyone we did business with—workers, contractors, and customers alike. Lea is more than meets the eye. She sold a business but remained a minority shareholder and has the money for the reno and more. I laugh at the fact that I almost offered my services for free just to spend time with her on the weekends and to help her out. This woman has enough money to buy my company many times over, and yet, for the past several years she has been an enigma. No social media, no nothing.

  She’s gorgeous and intelligent, and I want to know more about her. More than her strawberry blonde hair, more than her perfectly full pouty lips, and more than her emerald green eyes. It’s maddening, and I’m already crazy about her. When we’re near each other, it’s almost electric. And when we’re not close to each other, I feel her pull deep within me. I want her, I need her, and that scares me.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Lea

  It had been a week since One walked out on me, but true to his word, his assistant called the next day and we set up a time schedule. And just as promised, Thayer arrived on time to start on the landscaping. Her ideas and vision are amazing, and she even lets me help.

  I love working outside. Growing up, my parents had their own garden and I always helped. It devastated me when they passed away six months apart, leaving me with memories and my inheritance. Life spins out of control at times, and at times, it’s all I can do to hold on so I don’t fall flat on my face. Like those merry-go-rounds on the playground as a kid. I hated those. They always made me dizzy, and I would fall and scrape my knees. Life treated me like that sometimes. If only my heart healed as quickly as my knees did. Missing my parents was only part of my story. To keep my mind occupied so that I wouldn’t wallow, I’d taken my inheritance and started a beauty website, which seemed to grow overnight before selling to the highest bidder.

  Life also enjoyed throwing me curveballs when I least expected. One had permeated my every pore, but we could never be. He, like most men, only desired me for sex. I would not be that girl.

  I hoped working with Thayer will give me a much-needed distraction.

  And I was right. Getting to know my landscape artist has been amazing, and I’m sad she was only scheduled for the one week. She’s great, and we became fast friends. Today, being her last day, she asked me to have lunch with her and I readily agreed. I needed a friend. Even knowing she and One were siblings, didn’t stop us from bonding.

  I also need to find a job— not for money but my sanity.

  I meet Thayer at a local diner and after enjoying the slight breeze as we sit on the deck in the shade eating, she mentions, "Have you spoken to One?"

  I try to look uninterested, failing miserably. "No, not since he left after inspecting my house. His assistant is the one who called with my estimates and everything else. His crew is supposed to start at my place on Monday, though.”

  Looking out over the water’s edge, the urge to ask about One is almost overwhelming. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself, and the words tumble out, "He left so quickly, I'm not sure what I did."

  My eyes drift from the glassy water to Thayer, a little surprised to find her smirking just like One does. I need to stop thinking about him, but being friends with her makes it difficult. “What?” I demand.

  "Do you think it might have had something to do with the guy that showed up at your place?”

  With eyes wide and my mouth agape, I stare at her trying to determine what she knows or thinks she knows, completely surprised he told his sister anything. "He told you?"

  Her grin makes me more curious and I wait for her to explain, “My big brother tells me everything, but he has yet to admit that he’s actually interested in you. Part of the reason I invited you to lunch is to pick your brain and see if you might have feelings for him."

  I wave her off and tell her, "You can't be serious?
One is far from interested in me. Why would he talk to you about me?" She almost looks offended.

  Her eyes narrow, and I have the distinct feeling I’ve poked the bear. She won’t give me guff or lie to me, and that’s good because I’m sick of bullshit. Her serene voice is laced with steel, "You know, Lea, you're not the easiest person to read, and I’ve decided fuck trying to ask in general. You evade any and all personal questions. That being said, I call bullshit on you right now. Why wouldn't One be interested in you? You seem like an intelligent, independent, and amazing woman…not to mention your looks. So I ask again, why not?"

  A blush creeps up my cheeks. I shake my head because they have no idea who I really am or what I bring to the table, but regardless, my plate is full. "Well, ya got me there. I just like to keep to myself and have had some issues trusting people in the past. I mean, no offense. But why talk about me with your brother?”

  Thayer’s head bobs knowingly. Yes, I’m still evading, but my wounds are still too fresh and I’m not about to lose my head over a man I didn’t believe I had a snowballs chance in Hell with.

  "Did you know we have different fathers? His was killed in an accident when he was young and it took years before our mom decided to remarry again. There’s ten years between us and by the time I arrived, he decided to be the best big brother he could be; at least that’s what our mom says. We’ve been close ever since. Although, I did want to kill him when I was a teen and tried to date. If they didn’t pass his approval, I wasn’t allowed to leave the house. Talk about difficult. I say that to say this, we share everything and talk about anything including you.”

  He might be older than I thought, maybe not that much younger than me, but in order to know for sure, I inquired, "How old are you?"

  Thayer’s toothy grin spreads across her face in an all-knowing smile, "I'm twenty-four, and don’t think I don’t know that’s your way of finding out how old One is. You two can’t be that far apart in age. You’re what, thirty-three?”

  A full-out belly laugh builds from deep down. "You think I'm thirty-three? Awesome. Not hardly." That's when she gets it. I see the lightbulb go off above her head the moment she realizes my issue isn’t with her brother, it’s myself.