Page 1 of Call It Home

Chapter1

Cam

“No.”

After my ten-minute presentation explaining a wonderful opportunity, that’s all I got? A one-word answer in the negative?

I looked across my desk at the green eyes that stared back at me with resolution and his usual mild irritation. Normally, I got along well with people. But ever since Mac had started working for Sterling Construction, it felt like there was always friction between us. It was like he had no respect for my position, and I found myself goading him into recognizing it.

“If you want to play dirty, there are better ways to do it, princess.”

I still shivered every time I recalled how low and husky his voice had dropped the time I might have “accidentally” taken the company truck I knew he used on work sites when he needed to haul the custom builds he made for us. After all, it wasn’t my fault the gift I wanted to give my younger sister, Bristol, was in the truck’s bed. And just because I’d commissioned Mac to make it, didn’t mean it wasn’t mine to give her when she opened her new business, Head to Tow Garage and Salon, with her best friend, Paige. I’d been the one to find the idea, not him.

There was just something about the way he uttered those words that stuck in my head and still caused butterflies in my stomach when I thought of them.

Anyone else, and I might have fired him. But he had mad carpentry skills, never called in sick, and seemed to get along with the other guys. Not to mention, by all accounts from my site supervisors, there wasn’t any part of the construction process he didn’t seem to understand. Despite our rough beginning and subsequent interactions, I wasn’t dumb enough to cut off my nose to spite my face. Well, at least until now.

Which led me to my current situation. I needed him, but I didn’t want him to know just how much.

“That’s it? Just ‘no’?”

Per his usual, Mac’s expression gave nothing away. His eyes remained dark and hooded by light eyelashes that were unfairly long and thick. “That’s it.”

“Why not?” It was beyond my understanding why he wouldn’t leap at this opportunity. It involved money, recognition, and a chance to show off his talent.

Eight months ago, my all-time favorite home renovation TV show,Renovation Station, announced they were taking applications for their next edition of flipping houses. I didn’t know the specifics, but on a whim—and maybe with the help of a few glasses of wine after a particularly long day—I sent in an application. I knew the odds were slim. But I was addicted to watching the show, always considering the choices I’d make if I was in their position.

Then, like an early present, this past Christmas, I got the word that Sterling Construction would be one of four teams to take part. I’d been beyond thrilled.

Until I remembered who I’d jotted down as my partner, never dreaming of the current situation.

Mackenzie Caldwell was the only guy on my crew who could possibly spend at least six weeks away from home. Unlike anyone else, he had the required skill set and didn’t have a family to miss. Not to mention, he’d look good in front of a camera. I wasn’t stupid. Women across the country would swoon over his handsome face and brawny physique.

“Do I need a reason?”

I snapped back to reality at his question.

Undeterred, I replied, “The overall winner would win a cash prize of 100,000 dollars. You’ll get 50 percent of the prize money. And you’ll also continue to earn your current pay, of course.”

There was a slight pause in his breathing. Then, “No,” again.

I choked back my sigh of frustration. “That’s 50,000 dollars, which, let’s be honest, is nothing to sneeze at for any of us. Besides, this could be a great opportunity for you.”

Mac stretched his long legs out from his chair, crossing them at the ankles while linking his fingers across his flat stomach. “I can do the math,” he retorted. “And what makes you think I need anopportunity?” His gaze bored into me.

I shrugged as if it were no big deal. It was, but I didn’t want to let him know that. “I don’t know. Maybe you’d get the recognition to start a side business making custom builds. Or you could buy a new truck or something.” I wrinkled my nose as I threw out the last comment with a little extra snark.

“My truck is fine.”

I held back an eye roll. Sure, if you called a twenty-something-year-old truck that took more than one try to turn over and was rusting out in the backfine, then sure. Seemed a little strange to me that he’d worked it out with his supervisor that he could use one of the company trucks while he was on company time. “Use it for something else, then. Or maybe someoneelse.”

His body remained still, but those fathomless green eyes shifted just a little, and I knew I’d hit on something. I continued to push. “Plus, with this additional experience, you’ll be eligible to be promoted to superintendent. It comes with a nice raise. Do with the money what you want. Buy a bigger place. Donate it. I don’t care.”

He held my gaze for what felt like minutes. I didn’t flinch.

Mac’s piercing gaze never wavered. “You seem pretty desperate to have me on your team,” he finally said.

Damn it.“I’m not desperate.” I struggled not to shift in my seat.

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