Page 27 of The Other Side

I pluck my hand from my pocket and extend a flipped palm between us. “It’s standard practice, but I apologize for not being clearer,” I say. “We had a couple hours blocked out, but I can get the task done in an hour if you really need me to. I still think it’s best to consider a short debrief afterward. As long as you’re alright with that.”

“Please do. I’m meeting an important buyer and can’t miss this sale,” he states. “Luckily, Callie is home if I have to jet right after our conversation.”

Yeah…luckily.

“She’s not working?” I ask cooly.

My gaze drags to the sweeping staircase when a lump lodges in my throat. Then I peek at the living room again.

Nothing.

“It’s spring break for schools. Look, I really need you to get started, so please save the

small talk for later,” he sighs, turning to lead the way. “Think you can do that?”

“You got it,” I clip back.

We greet the wood floor of the living room before he’s facing me again. His dark eyes look over my shoulder to point in the distance, and my best guess is he’s referencing his office by the staircase. “I assume I can check some things off my to-do list while you’re measuring rooms?”

“Of course.”

Jesse’s arm extends to his left as he tilts his head that way. “We’re not using the dining table yet, so you can station your things there. Do you need anything else from me?”

Not a damn thing.

My head follows his gesture, a reluctant grin sewn across my lips. “I’m ready to make this easy for you.”

“Good.”

Jesse nods before walking around me. I watch him re-enter the foyer, only for my attention to land on the tall windows of the living area.

I’m staring blankly for a moment. Eyeing the half-acre of rich grass extending from the rear of the house. My pulse hastens in anticipation, but I finally enter the dining room.

I place my binder and measurer on the mahogany table. My eyes snoop around as I peel my bomber jacket off, my head shifting side to side.

For any signs of her.

I flick my eyes up to the oversized brass pendant. And…that’s it.

I’m resorted to beginning my job.

My stomach sinks while I drape my coat over the back of a chair. I scoop my supplies in my palm, journeying to the kitchen right after. I lay my binder on the marble countertop of the central island of the open room, and then I’m walking over to one end of a wall of cabinets.

The mahogany wood frames either side of the six-burner range. I position my measurer on the metallic-accented backsplash, aligning the tool appropriately. The laser beam stretches to the other end of the wall, registering the distance with ease.

I lock the number on the digital screen before returning to the island. My fingers flip my leather binder open, plucking the pen from the spine to record the dimension.

“Hi.”

My head perks up just as the elegant light fixtures spread a warm glow.

Callie’s standing at the entry point of the kitchen, her fingers resting on the rocker switch. The corner of my mouth raises just as hers does, and then I’m plunging down a well of fascination.

I skate my eyes along the snug blouse above her fitted jeans. The floral print pops along the silk material, and it’s a pity I can’t tell her how insanely beautiful she looks.

“Hi,” I finally say.

Callie strolls in on an angle. Her head is turned to peer out the tall window above the sink on the opposite wall.