Page 21 of Nailed

I was elated. Callum was not only tall and athletic but he was a genuinely good guy. I couldn't imagine anyone having an issue with him, so he really was the best possible option to help me out with this.

*

The next morning, I decided to switch things up and get some fresh air while the guys did their thing. After getting ready, I slung my camera around my neck and made my way downstairs.

“That's not exactly work-friendly attire,” Rafe said, raising an eyebrow at my corset-style top and maxi skirt. But that didn't stop him from keeping his eyes glued to my outfit anyway.

“I'm taking the day off and heading to the park,” I replied, keeping my voice breezy and not gracing him with snark today. “Let me know if you need my help with anything. I know I'm the MVP of this crew, after all, what with me being so very useful yesterday. Especially testing the ladder for you guys.”

Callum chuckled and Rafe's mouth tugged at the corner but he opted to stay quiet. I greeted them and went on my way but right before I could leave through the front door, Brock seemed to materialize out of thin air and stopped me.

“Oh, jeez,” I said, sighing in relief after the initial shock wore off. “You're really quiet for such a big guy, you know that, right?”

Brock raised a shoulder and the casual gesture seemed almost awkward for such a usually formal man.

“I didn't mean to scare you. So a trip to the park, you said?”

I put a hand on my camera. “Yep. A solo date. I do that sometimes to get my head clear and take some pics.”

Brock nodded, but he looked as though he wanted to say something yet had no idea on how to actually get there.

“Brock? Something bothering you?” I pressed.

“No. Not really.” I don't think either of us believed him.

I sighed and leaned against the wall. “You are an awful liar. I just need to put that out there. If something's bothering you, please tell me.”

He paused a moment longer before giving in.

“I guess there's not really a smooth segue into this. I've noticed that you seem intent on spending more time with the crew during this reno job and that makes sense considering we'll be in close proximity for a long time,” he started. “Miss Wolfhaardt, I have no place to try and tell you what to do.”

“Lauren,” I repeated for the millionth time, a bit more quietly now.

Was he going to tell me I was ruining their professionalism? Maybe I did a bit too much yesterday. They were still doing a job at the end of the day, and I wasn't—

“Stay away from Merrick.”

All thoughts came to an abrupt stop. He didn't tell me to stop spending time with the crew, or even with Callum, whose company I'd been keeping the most by far. No, he was telling me to stay away from Rafe.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I wrinkled my nose in confusion.

Brock crossed his arms, his eyes temporarily darting behind me to where the other two were continuing on in ignorant bliss. When he looked back at me, his face was as impassive as ever.

“I meant what I said when I praised his skill. He's one of the best guys to have on this crew right now.” His gaze hardened. “But if I can offer you a single piece of advice, it's to steer clear of him outside of this project. For your own sake.”

I didn't get the chance to ask another question. Brock walked back to the rest of the crew and their work, leaving me dumbfounded in my own entryway.

Where did that come from?

9

Lauren

Time began to march by in a blur of rotating equipment, dust and wood shavings.

While the most utilitarian spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms were sited for earlier completion, the rest of the building was still being ripped apart down to the bare bones.

Some days, I assisted the guys where I could. Others, I alternated between working and getting better acquainted with the city. But as the renovation got more and more underway, I was finding more inspiration inside the firehouse than without.