Page 10 of Better Together

“Huh?” She really needed to focus. “Okay.” Their fingers brushed as she took the roll from his palm. She wrapped his injury and taped the gauze in place. “Next time you shower, let me help you.”

The shit-eating grin on his face made her realize what she had said. Her face heated. “I mean . . . I’ll help you wrap the bandage with plastic wrap before you take a shower. Come on, I made breakfast, and it should still be hot. Put some clothes on.”

Both hungry, they consumed their breakfast in comfortable silence.

“Sorry, I should have texted I was on my way home last night.” Zeke set his empty coffee cup on the island. “Not that I didn’t like the surprise.”

Alexis could feel her face flush and cursed her fair skin. “Did you sleep well?”

“Could have been better,” he said. “Tell me your news.”

Alexis threw the wrappings away and stacked the empty containers to take back home. “I met with the new owners of the Whitmore Estate,” she said over her shoulder.

“Did they hire you?”

“Yes and no.”

“Either they did or they didn’t.”

“It’s a little more complicated than that.” She filled Zeke in on meeting Susan at the Veterans’ Center grand opening and the subsequent meeting at the Eagle’s Nest.

“Wow, they bought two homes. That’s impressive. I don’t see the problem, though; who cares if they bring a contractor in from the Twin Cities? You’ll win hands down.”

Alexis leaned against the sink. “I’m not worried about winning on my ability. I know I can design the better home.”

Zeke stood, winced, and walked to his recliner. “So, what’s the problem?”

Alexis followed and sat on the edge of the couch, facing him. “The competing contractor is my ex-fiancé, and he’s my ex for a reason.”

Zeke knew Alexis had been engaged once upon a time, but never heard what happened.

“I started on Ryan’s crew, working new construction,” Alexis explained. “We got engaged, and then he slept with someone else.” She shrugged. “I broke it off, made a few bad business decisions, sold my house, followed Maggie to Deer Creek Falls, and opened a remodeling business. I haven’t looked back since.”

“Is that why you don’t date? Because . . . not all guys cheat.”

“I’ve dated. And yes, I know they’re not all two-timers. In fact, I went on a date while you were in California. Your sister and the girls talked me into going on four blind dates. One down, three to go.”

A jolt of jealousy surged through him. “I’m sorry you’ll have to deal with that asshat of an ex again. Let me know how I can make his life miserable.”

“Thanks.” She smiled. “I’ll let you know.” Alexis relaxed back into the comfortable couch. “I’ve put it all behind me. He did me a favor. Of course, I didn’t look at it like that at the time, but if I hadn’t discovered his infidelity, I wouldn’t have moved here. I love my life, this town . . . I have no regrets. My dad would be proud of me for building a foundation here.”

“I believe that too, but I know he was proud of you no matter what. You can see it in that photo you keep on your mantel, the one where the two of you are standing in front of that tree fort you built together.”

Alexis’s eyes welled up. “We both loved building that tree fort.”

Zeke cleared his throat. “So, back to Ryan. Why is he remodeling a house here, of all places?”

“Small world? The Hennings said he’s done work for them in the past.” Alexis shrugged. “Don’t worry, we’ll win.”

“Thatta girl.” He knew she couldn’t resist a competition, and he had no doubt she’d win this one. The saying “I am woman, hear me roar” fit Alexis perfectly.

Zeke turned slightly and smirked. “I can’t wait to meet the Hennings and your ex. But there’s something else on your mind, so out with it.”

Alexis tucked one leg under the other and sighed. “I’ve already started the renovation on the church for Kate Davis, the contest house starts in a few days, and I don’t have enough crew to handle both projects. Brad’s wife had the baby, so I’ll be overseeing both jobsites.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “I put a call in to my former foreman from Minneapolis, but I haven’t heard back. I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle everything, but I need to. I need the money.” Alexis fiddled with a string on her sweater.

Zeke sat up straighter in his chair. “I’ll help. I can run from jobsite to jobsite and assist with anything I can. I’ll take care of the electric on both places. Plus, I’ve picked up a few skills working with you and Maggie. Let me help out.”

“Are you sure? What if you’re called away again to help Luke?”