Page 12 of (La)Crosse My Heart

“That’s in transit. I was hoping stuff would be here today.”

I’ll have to check the tracking emails I’ve been getting from the moving company.

“Well, let us know if you need help. The guys would be happy to.”

I nod, knowing that’s the last thing I’m hoping for. “I should be okay. The moving company will help bring things in and set them up.”

“Sounds good. If you need anything, we’re very neighborly over here.” He grins and I do everything I can to avoid the sudden flip in my stomach. There’s no way I’m going to let any feelings well up for this guy. We know way too much about each other, and it would be weird.

I try to wave, but with all the stuff in my arms, it’s an awkward move all around.

I turn and walk into the house, wishing things were already set up. My brain can’t concentrate well when things aren’t in line and put away, so this is going to take some mental gymnastics to get any work done tonight.

After the consultation with Clark, I know I need to make a sound plan, or else there’s going to be a lot of wasted time in the next few weeks. The sooner we can get the wheel turning on the fan thermometer for Clark, the better off we’ll be. I might still live across from Clark, but I won’t have to work with him forever.

That’s about the only thing keeping me from insanity. Because as much as I want to hold onto my old feelings about Clark, the older, slightly more mature Clark is breaking down those barriers left and right.

My phone rings, and I turn it over to see my good friend Anna calling. We met our last year of college and have kept in touch ever since.

“I’m so glad you called,” I say when I pick up the phone. We’ve never been the type of people to start with pleasantries when chatting.

She gives a little squeal. “Oh good. I had a feeling I needed to call you. How’s life in the west without me?” Her tone went from bubbly to sad within just a few words. I can picture her with her lip jutting out, showing she’s still bummed I left.

“It’s off to a slow start, but I’m going to succeed. You can always transfer out here so we can still hang out.” I chuckle, knowing Anna is more routine about her life than I am, andthat’s saying something. She loves her job working as a clerk in a courtroom, and I love that she loves it. I’d be bored to tears having to sit and hear all that legal jargon day in and day out.

“I’ll come for a visit once you get settled, but you know how much I love my townhouse. So, what have they got you working on? Or better yet, who is your project? Is he cute?”

“Why do you automatically assume it’s a guy?” I ask, laughing.

“Because I know how to research and I looked up the company you’re working for. Tell me, is he a smoking hot hockey player? I could definitely get behind that.”

I blow out a breath, thinking of the whirlwind of a day I’ve had. From finding out who I’m working with, to finding out he lives just across the street. “I’m helping my brother’s best friend, actually.”

“What? What do you mean?” Anna asks.

“I mean, Brock’s best friend from high school and college is the guy I’ve been assigned to.”

“Is he hot?” Anna asks, getting that conspiratorial sound in her voice.

“Anna! I’m not looking to date the guy. I need to keep my job since I just moved here.”

“Well, you won’t have to work with him forever. There’s nothing wrong with checking him out for the future.”

Normally, the thought of even talking about this with her irritates me, but with how much Clark has matured over the past few years, maybe there’s a chance?

No, no chances given here.

“I’m not looking for a workplace romance. And after everything with Dan, I’ve got to choose carefully.”

“Is it sad you were dating Dan before you knew me? I always said you deserved someone better.”

The truth hurts sometimes, and I still wonder how different life would’ve been if I’d gotten rid of Dan a lot sooner.

“Yes, yes, it is sad.” But I can’t linger on the time wasted. I learned a lot from that relationship, and I hope to not repeat most of it. “What are you up to?”

“Just getting ready for bed. So, what’s your future boyfriend’s name?” she asks coquettishly.

“Clark Denton. There’s not a chance of us going beyond a working relationship, Anna. The guy was a thorn in my side growing up.”

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