Page 3 of Perfect Guy

Canaan

“Hottiealert.”Isaac,one of my coworkers, lifts his chin. I turn my head to see who he’s talking about and scowl.

“Watch it. I told you to respect her.”

Isaac lifts his hands and smirks. “It’s true, though.” He tilts his head, checking her out. He’s a nice guy, but right now, he’s fulfilling the construction worker stereotype to a T. We’re more than just assholes who whistle at women.

We’re all at the office since we just finished a meeting before heading out to our current job. I’m working on installing cabinetry on a house we’re almost done with. Being one of the few carpenters in the company, I take on different tasks, from woodwork to the structure of a building.

Madelyn looks my way and waves with a smile. I give her a thumb’s up as she follows my boss into his office. I couldn’t help but share some inside information about his thoughts on the additions she made to the plans when I ran into her at the Fourth of July festival.

“Do you like her?” Isaac wears a cocky grin.

“No way, man.” I shake my head. “She’s a friend.”

“I don’t buy it.” He arches a brow and narrows his gaze on me. “Something tells me there’s more there.”

“You’re insane. She’s good friends with Joy, and I’ve known her my whole life. I’m friends with her brothers.” I defend and hope it gets him off my case.

My heart races at the thought, but I won’t go there. It’s true that Madelyn has grown to be a beautiful woman. She’s grown into her curves and transitioned from the tomboy look she always had growing up, especially the days I see her at the office dressed up in either a dress or skirt.

I won’t go there, though. She’s not someone I’d fuck and leave, and I don’t have time for a relationship. Between my demanding job and volunteering at the firehouse in Mason Creek, I barely have time to grab a beer with friends.

Besides, Madelyn is a friend. I respect and care for her. Not to mention I’m seven years older than her. She’s now starting her life after graduating college, figuring out what she wants to do. She always said she’d live in the city. Maybe helping her get this job is a step in her chasing her dreams.

“By the look on your face, I’m calling bullshit,” Isaac slaps my shoulder with a chuckle. “I gotta go. See ya tomorrow.”

I wave him off and get a move on things, too. Once I install the cabinets, I’ll be free to go. The sooner I finish, the sooner I have time to myself in the evening. I glance toward the office door one more time, hoping the news Madelyn receives is all good, and leave to my work site.

“Hey, sis,” I smile as I walk into The Sweet Spot.

“Hi.” She glances up before she finishes packing pastries for a customer.

Thankfully, the cabinet installation went by without a hitch, and I’m back in town at a decent hour.

“Here you go.” Joy hands the box to one of our neighbors.

“Bye,” I wave at her and then look at my sister.

“What can I get ya?” She braces the counter and stretches her ankles.

“You really should hire someone to help you,” I lift a brow.

“Everyone seems to be telling me that lately. I’m on it,” she sighs, suppressing a yawn.

I scan the glass display at the counter and frown. “You ran out of cinnamon rolls?”

“Yeah, sorry. I have cinnamon twist bread. Do you want a piece of that?”

I nod and lean my hip against the counter, looking around the bakery. It’s such a change from when my grandmother had it, but it’s a nice place. I built the cabinets and counters, helping Joy with as much as I could.

“You’re home early. Are you at the firehouse tonight?” Joy asks when she hands me a piece of the cinnamon twist.

“Nope. I finished work early and have an entire evening off.”

“Whatever will you do?” Joy mocks me.

“Right?” I laugh. “It’s nice.” I take a bite of the bread.