Page 14 of Something More

“Sorry, yes. That would be great.” I pointed to where the TV was leaning against the wall. “We were going to put it over there.” I motioned to the spot over the fireplace.

“Let me go get my tools.” He smiled and rushed out of the house. I watched him walk over to the barn with purpose. The gray tee stretched tight across his shoulders, the worn jeans hugging his butt and thighs perfectly. I shook my head. What was wrong with me? Guilt consumed me as I turned away and my eyes connected with the framed picture of Alex and me that sat on the mantle.

I started pacing, talking to myself, trying to convince myself that what I was feeling was normal. I didn’t have to be alone because my husband died. I didn’t have to punish myself for feeling something for someone else. It was easier said than done.

Amid my mini-meltdown, Hank came back. “You ok?” He seemed genuinely worried as he set the toolbox on the floor.

“Ignore me. I’m being silly.” I waved my arm in the air. Hank smiled, and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

I watched as he went to work placing screws in the wall to hold the bracket that the TV connected to. Once he got themount in place, he attached the TV, and then connected all the cables. He stepped back and assessed his work.

As he was packing up his tools, Jack came rushing in. “Yay!” He clapped as he picked up the remote and turned on the TV. When it came to life and actually had a connection to the cable, he clapped happily.

“Must have been pretty bad not having TV, huh?” Hank chuckled as Jack flopped on the couch. “I’ll be back later to get that hoop up for ya.” He motioned out front.

“Sweet!” Jack fist-pumped.

“Thanks for all of this.” I smiled.

“I don’t mind.” He removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair. “You know I’ll always help you.” His eyes softened as he watched me. I nodded. I didn’t really know what else to say.

“Can Hank come to movie night?” Jack blurted out.

“Uh,” I stammered.

“What’s movie night?” Hank glanced between my son and me.

“Every Saturday night we pick a movie. We pop popcorn and have soda and watch a movie together. It’s our thing, but it could be your thing too.” Jack was bouncing with excitement.

“I don’t want to intrude.” Hank’s voice was quiet. Almost a whisper.

“Please?” Jack begged.

“I think you have to, now.” I laughed lightly. “He usually falls asleep before it’s over, so you don’t have to stay long.”

“Ok, I’ll come, but no girlie movies.” He pointed at Jack.

“Ugh, gross. Never girlie movies.” His face twisted and we both laughed.

“We usually start around eight,” I offered.

“I’ll see you then.” He waved and disappeared out the front door.

What did I just agree to? Hank in my house, in the dark. Good thing Jack was going to be here.

Chapter 8

Hank

Why did I say yes to this? I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I’d just gotten back to the bunkhouse from putting together Jack’s basketball hoop, and I was trying to convince myself that going back there tonight was a good idea.

“What are you mumbling about?” Jeff knocked on the door. “You know there’s a line out here?”

“I’m almost finished,” I barked back. I needed to talk to boss man about putting in a second bathroom. This sharing with ten other guys was crazy. I ran the towel over my damp hair before wrapping it around my waist and opening the door.

Steam filtered out into the main room, and all the guys began grumbling. Some were irritated with having to wait, others were teasing me. “Got a hot date?” Johney chortled.

“Shut it!” I warned.

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