Page 26 of Perfect Guy
Madelyn
I get home exhausted. I kicked off my heels in my truck before leaving the worksite. Standing in heels, no matter how low they are, is hard work. From now on I should consider wearing flats when I go to the worksite. Flats can be professional. I didn’t expect to be there so long when I got dressed this morning.
The call from Oscar surprised me, but I didn’t hesitate to make the drive over. When he explained what the owners wanted to add, I got nervous. It isn’t impossible to add a balcony, but it would require some changes. Thankfully, the project wasn’t further along when they made this decision.
I don’t blame them for wanting a balcony in their master bedroom—the view from there is stunning with the mountains—but I wish they would’ve decided earlier. Drinking coffee or a glass of wine there would be an ideal way to relax. It’d be romantic, too.
I sigh, changing out of my clothes. Once I’m ready, I go into the office to look over anything related to the ranch I may have missed. It’ll distract me from Canaan. He looked sexy as hell today. His comment last night is still fresh in my mind. I know he didn’t mean it to be manipulative, but my past experience caused me to shut down.
The reason I rather avoid him now is so I don’t have to tell him about my professor. A part of me feels like it’s so silly to be affected by that. But another part of me, the naïve girl who trusted and admired that man as a professional, feels cheated and insecure. I need to remind myself that I am successful on my own.
The house is quiet, so I walk out to the back. The barn is also empty. The guys must be out working. My parents’ car isn’t parked in the front, so they probably went into town.
My phone rings in my back pocket, and I sigh, seeing Joy’s name. It’s time I take her calls.
“Hello.”
“It’s about damn time you answered me.” I cringe at the disappointment in her voice. “Canaan is avoiding me, too, which only fuels my belief that there is something going on between you two, and neither of you has told me.”
“Nothing’s going on,” I say flatly.
“I don’t believe you. I saw you two dancing at Pony Up. It makes sense now.” She squeals. “Oh, my god! We can be sisters-in-law. Could you imagine?”
“Whoa…” My eyes widen. “What are you talking about? Honestly, Joy, nothing is going on.” At least not yet, so it’s not a total lie.
“Madelyn, tell me the truth.”
“That is the truth. There may have been some flirting, but that’s it.”
“Do you like him?” She softens her voice.
“I don’t know… Yes.” I scrunch up my nose and come clean.
Joy squeals again, and I move the phone from my ear and grimace.
“I think it’s great.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go celebrating yet. I don’t know where we stand. We’ve kinda skirted around it, flirted a bit, but that’s all.” I walk out of the barn and inhale deeply.
“I think he likes you, too. When we had dinner with my parents, he kept talking about you and how great of a job you’re doing. He doesn’t talk that way about other co-workers.”
“He did?” My eyebrows lift. I’m surprised to hear that.
“Yup. Even Brayden made a comment after we left my parents’ house.”
“Huh…” Silence lingers. “You wouldn’t mind then?”
“Me? Why would I?” Her voice is filled with confusion.
“Because he’s your brother, and we’re friends.”
“Uhh…did you forget my track record with Brayden?” She laughs.
“You’re right,” I giggle. “That’s what Canaan said when I used you as an excuse.”
“So there has been talk about dating?”
“Not fully,” I tell her since it’s the truth. Maybe Canaan and I do need to have a talk and clear up everything.