She glared at him thoughtfully, and he regretted the words the instant they’d left his mouth.
He didn’t want her to be just his client, but he’d been trying to make her safe and…
She jerked her hand away and stumbled down the road in the direction of the hotel, waving slightly. “It’s too bad you don’t want to do anything to me,” she called back to him. “I haven’t had any in such a long time.”
His groin reacted to that immediately, and his bear took notice.
Mate. Cave. Now.
No.
He ran up to her and caught her as she stumbled again, hoisting her into his arms. She was such a warm, soft little armful that he didn’t know how he was going to be able to set her down when he got to the hotel.
To his surprise, she snuggled in against him, holding his collar in her hand.
Something so powerfully protective he couldn’t compare it to anything else washed over him, making it suddenly hard to breathe.
She looked up at him expectantly, and he forced himself to listen to his human side, to do the decent thing and take her home and leave her there, alone.
She told him her cabin number, pulled out her keys for him so he could unlock the door, and he walked in and set her down on the couch inside.
He didn’t trust himself to go into her bedroom. Not when she was looking at him with such frank “take me” eyes.
“Well, make sure you do up the deadlock, and don’t let anyone else come in.” He rubbed the back of his hair. “And you shouldn’t usually give a guy the key to your hotel room.”
“Yeah, but…” She held up a hand for him to give the key back, and he did. “I trust you, Garrett. I don’t know why, because I’m not in the habit of trusting people, but I just do.”
God, she was more than he’d ever hoped for.
But this wasn’t the way he wanted to get to know her more. Especially physically.
He was sure she would be embarrassed about this in the morning, and he should go before anything happened that either one would regret.
“All right.” He bowed his head in a slight nod. “I’ll talk to you later. You be careful, all right? And check in if you need anything.”
She nodded dazedly, and then, before he could get to the door and leave, she stumbled over the carpet and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
He sighed, summoning all the restraint he possessed as he turned to extricate himself from her, but stopped when he saw the pure want in her eyes.
She was his mate. How could he say no to her?
Alcohol made people more honest, not totally unaware. So that must mean on some level she did want him, deep down.
Even if it was on a shallow level for now.
She reached up, trying to grab his shoulder, and he leaned down so she could put her other hand in his hair. “I’m just so drawn to you,” she murmured in his ear. “I don’t know what’s happening.”
He was trying to process those odd words when she surprised him by suddenly kissing him, moving her warm, soft lips over his and eliciting a low growl from the animal inside him.
His arm curled around her waist, bringing her close, and his tongue swiped in, claiming her mouth. When she moaned and pressed against him, he nearly melted on the spot.
But then he forced himself to step back, gently setting her away from him. “Dawn,” he said in a pained voice. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” She looked confused and disappointed at the same time. “Is there something tomorrow?”
He leaned in, knowing she wouldn’t remember the words he was about to whisper in her ear. “No, but I’m probably going to want to see you every day for the rest of my life.”
She swayed slightly, pulling back to look at him. “What?”
He caught her around the waist and took her back to the couch, laying her down on it. “Nothing. I’ll tell you again later when you’re able to understand.”
She said nothing to that, just curled up and turned over to face the back of the couch, getting comfortable. Within minutes, she was snoring, so Garrett set the handle lock and left, closing the door behind him.
Surely with even that lock, in this small, sleepy town, she’d be safe.
Still…
“You aren’t thinking about sleeping outside and waiting for her, are you?” A gruff voice came out of nowhere, and Garrett turned to see Grayson and Hunter walking up the street.
“We came to see where you went,” Hunter said, putting a hand on his hip. “So I take it the conquest wasn’t successful.”
“She was drunk,” Garrett said flatly, catching up with his friends. “And no, her door is locked and the hotel seems to have good security, so I’m not worried.”
“But you are,” Grayson said sharply. “I can smell it.”
Garrett frowned. “Well, I’m going to try not to because everything will be fine.”
And because it was fucking crazy to sit outside on a client’s doorstep after letting her kiss him when drunk.
He had no idea how much she’d remember in the morning or how it would affect their working relationship.
But at least she hadn’t heard the last words he’d said when he’d whispered, the words that would have given him totally away.
Even if a part of him wished she could have.
“Well, come on,” Hunter said, throwing his arm around Garrett’s shoulders. “No moping. Let’s get you back to your truck, and Hunter and I are staying at the hotel, so if you want, we’ll keep an eye on her.”
Garrett raised an eyebrow. “How?”
“My room’s that way,” Hunter said. “But no worries.” He put up his hands defensively at Garrett’s protective expression. “For God’s sake, man, we know she’s yours.”
“Tonight definitely confirmed it,” Grayson said, looking thoughtful. “She was in heat for you. I could smell it.”
Garrett couldn’t help it. He pulled back his fist, but before he could hit Grayson, Hunter jerked him out of the way, leaving Garrett swinging at nothing.
Hunter scowled as Garrett composed himself. “I did that because you would regret it in the morning. Calm yourself down, you damn bear. No one is taking your mate.”
Garrett blinked, feeling sanity take back over. He was glad Hunter had stopped him. Even in jest, he had no desire to hurt his friend. “I’m sorry, Grayson.”
Grayson shrugged. “I guess I deserved it, but I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“He’s a wolf,” Hunter said. “Wolves smell things. On the other hand, one doesn’t need a great sense of smell to tell that human wants you. She was practically—”
Garrett raised a hand threateningly at Hunter, who laughed and backed off.
“I get it, I get it,” Hunter said. “Anyway, Grayson will make sure you get to the truck and are safe to drive. I’ll head to my room. Keep an eye on things here.”
“Thanks,” Garrett said, hoping his friend could see that the human in him appreciated Hunter, even if the bear in him was ready to fight anyone for even a whiff of an insult to his mate.
“You’re welcome,” Hunter said, heading off into the night, soon becoming merely a silhouette with a hat in the darkness.
Grayson studied Garrett as they walked to Garrett’s truck, then shoved his hands in his pockets as Garrett unlocked the truck and got into the driver’s seat.
“I really am sorry,” Grayson said. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Garrett looked at his friend apologetically. “I’m sorry, too. I guess this is… unlike anything I’ve been through before.”
Grayson nodded frankly. “Good thing we’re here to help you through it.”
Yes, it definitely was.
Chapter 7
Dawn’s brain hammered against the side of her skull, a pounding headache pulsing to the rhythm of her own heartbeat as she tried to focus on the road.
Thankfully, the uneven, packed earth made her car wobble back and forth uneasily, keeping
her awake and focused but hideously nauseous at the same time.
Hopefully, the aspirin she’d taken before leaving would kick in before she had to face Garrett and his co-workers at the job site.
Last night was still a blur. But she could remember talking with Garrett all night. Spilling her life story. Then things got blurrier after that. She could recall him walking her back to the hotel that night.
And then, before she’d collapsed on her couch, she was pretty sure she’d kissed him…?
Her cheeks flamed in embarrassment, fingers tingling at even the idea that she could have done something so audacious. This was why she usually never drank. She supposed her nervousness had just gotten to her.
Thinking about it, she’d definitely done that kiss.
And to Garrett, her homebuilder of all people! The soft-spoken, hulking hottie she’d hired to construct a house, not be her personal escort.
What was he going to say? Would he quit? Would he sue her for harassment? Would he make fun of her? Surely a man as hot as Garrett had all the dating prospects he could possibly want, with his amazing personality and perfect good looks. Between him and Hunter and Grayson, Dawn figured they could have the entire world of single women worshipping at their feet.
So why did she get the feeling she wasn’t the only one attracted? Just the way he glanced at her, kept close to her at all times.
Especially the way he’d thrown out the overeager guy at the beginning of the night like he was nothing made her wonder if there wasn’t more than just her own one-sided appreciation.
Dawn shook her head, trying to clear out all her drunken thoughts so she wouldn’t start acting weird around him again. She had hired him for a job, nothing more. He was working for her, nothing else.
She’d have to keep her fantasies to herself from here on out.
Finally, her car rolled into the crowded clearing where the three men were already making fast progress from where they’d been yesterday. Today they were all fully clothed, and Dawn sighed in a little disappointment at not getting to see Garrett shirtless again.
It was probably for the best, though. She needed to stop getting ideas. There was enough on her plate already.
“Hey, it’s Miss—” Hunter exclaimed eagerly as he spotted Dawn sitting inside her car.
“Don’t even start.” Grayson interrupted him. “You got to run your mouth all last night. I just want five minutes of peace so I can work.” He shouldered a large stack of two-by-fours and somehow managed to haul them up a ladder to where the framing for the roof was starting to go up.
Hunter, completely unfazed, just shrugged to himself and put a large nail gun on his belt before grabbing two unmarked bags and following Grayson up.
On the other side of the house, she could see Garrett between slats of wood, looking at his clipboard and effortlessly marking things out with his tape measure on the cement foundation.
She hesitated, feeling her throat go dry. More memories of last night flooded into her brain, making her wish she could disappear into the worn cushions of her seat.
But before her own shame could claim her, Garrett looked up, spotting her and waving with a grin. Then, to her horror, he started walking in her direction, giving Dawn no other course of action but to face up to her sins, beg forgiveness, and hope he didn’t quit on the spot.
Granted, with all the progress they’d made, that seemed unlikely. But the threat of it was still there.
She got out of the car and moved a few strands of stray hair behind her ear just as Garrett reached her. Damn, he was tall…
“How are you feeling this fine morning?” His tone was cheery. How could he act so normal when he’d also drunk quite a bit last night? Probably an amazing metabolism or something.
“I… I’m sorry for last night, Garrett,” she blurted out, staring at the ground. “It won’t happen again. I’m not sure what came over me. I’m just stressed with the move and with everything that’s going on. And I had too much to drink. Please, don’t—”
She felt Garrett’s hands on her shoulders, his touch warm, comforting, but his hands only brushing her lightly.
“Hey, it’s all right. No apologies needed, okay? You did nothing wrong. And we’re just going to focus on getting this home of yours built so you can enjoy it as soon as possible. That sound good?”
She finally looked up, and his amber eyes were full of kindness. The sort of kindness she knew she didn’t deserve for stepping out of line like she had. She managed a weak smile, and he grinned back at her. Then suddenly, he let go of her, broke eye contact, walked over to a table next the trailer, and poured something into a glass and brought it back.
“Drink this. It will help with the hangover.”
She took the glass and took a sip. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, tangy and sweet and cool, ran down her throat and helped wake her up.
“Nothing special, but it’s important to stay hydrated,” he said, pouring himself a small glass and throwing it back.
She nodded, finishing her drink and already starting to feel a bit better, trying not to watch as the muscles in his arm bulged as he raised the glass to his mouth.
Man, she was a perv.
“Thank you,” she said, handing the glass back. He took it and just smiled. The air hung heavy for a moment, as if there were a dozen unspoken things that needed to be said between them, but neither of them knew how to broach the aforementioned subjects.
“So would you like me to walk you through what we’ll be working on the next few days?” he offered, breaking the silence and heading toward the house, motioning for her to follow him. Dawn followed after, trying to keep up but finding it difficult to do.
“Actually, I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help out around here.”
Garrett slowed then stopped, and she caught up with a huff. How did he move so fast while looking like he was walking as slow as he could possibly move?
“Hm?” Garrett just looked down at her, waiting for her to say more.
“Well, I…” Dawn took a second to catch her breath. Being hungover didn’t help. “I’m between projects right now with work. And until I get some new clients, things are pretty light. So I was wondering if there was any work I could help contribute to? Maybe speed things up a little.”
“Not unless you want to be a liability.” Grayson’s voice called out from the rooftop over them, and when she looked up, he was in the middle of measuring something, ignoring them both completely.
Thankfully, Garrett didn’t seem to even consider Grayson’s warning shot, and he crossed his arms, looking down at her thoughtfully.
“If it wouldn’t be a bother, that is. The last thing I want to do is slow you down,” she amended, feeling awkward for even asking.
“No, I think it’s great that you want to help build your own house,” he said seriously. “Here, you can come help me with this.”
She followed him as they went back to where he’d been working earlier. Around them, stacks of woods and tools surrounded her, the scent of construction materials permeated by the surrounding forest air.
“Right now I’m putting up the framing for the walls before we put drywall on. That will be the master bath right there.” He pointed to the ground where lines demarcated the different rooms. “And this will be the master bedroom.”
She could almost imagine it, her own home on her own property. No more apartments, no more roommates. Total freedom.
So why, when she thought about living here, was Garrett in her mind, too?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Garrett handed her a huge, steel nail gun worn from years of use but looking surprisingly well kept in spite of that.
“Do you know how to use one of these?” he asked.
For a moment, Dawn didn’t think he was serious.
“I mean, I’ve seen people use them. But I was thinking, I dunno, something a little less dangerous, perhaps?” She looked up at him warily.
“Nonsense. You’
re an adult. Just don’t point it at anything you don’t want to stick with a nail. Besides, if you’re going to help actually build your house, this is the best way to do it. At least right now.” He put his hands on his hips, looking so broad the under-construction house felt tiny around him.
“Maybe you can show me?” she offered, feeling nervous, like a kid with a saw blade in their hands or something.
“Here.” He put up a board, holding it against the joists and the floor support. “Nail here and here.” He pointed at the bottom where the board would attach. “I’ll get the part on top.”
She leaned down, carefully aiming the nail gun at the exact spot he’d pointed to. After a few seconds, she pressed the trigger, and the gun made a loud kchik sound, recoiling in her hands.
“Wow, that’s heavy,” she remarked, noting with dismay that the nail only halfway went in.
“No problem,” he said, undeterred. “Here, try this.”
Before Dawn could realize what was going on, Garrett was behind her, huge arms coming around her and holding her hands as she gripped the nail gun. She felt entirely surrounded by muscle and kindness as he helped her position the tool in the right spot. His scent was so close she couldn’t help smelling him, masculine like pine and mountain air.
“You want to hold it tight, press it hard into the wall, and keep it there as you hit the trigger,” Garrett said calmly.
Even as she mentally knew he was just helping her, teaching her with no ulterior motives than to let her feel like she was contributing to her own home, as a woman, Dawn was very much aware of Garrett behind her. The press of his pectorals in her back, the feel of his callused hands brushing hers, supporting her, the slight tickle of his beard and the air from his breath on her ear as he came around the side of her head to instruct her.
Dawn’s heart leapt, and there was a loud kchik kchik kchik as three nails popped into the board in quick succession. When she moved the gun, she saw all three, perfectly lined and fully in where they belonged.
“See? Just like that!” Garrett exclaimed excitedly from behind. But Dawn’s excitement was for entirely different reasons, all of which had nothing to do with nails or construction.
Love at Furst Sight (Built Fur Love Book 1) Page 5
