Page 14 of Tempting Me

I narrow my gaze on my dad, but he just chuckles.

“I did raise you, you know. I know you.”

I make some weird grunting noise and sit back down.

“Why don’t you go talk to Shay? Make an offer.”

“I did. Last summer, and she told me to fuck off.”

“Luca Asher,” Dad scolds.

“Sorry.”

He hates it when we curse.

“She told me to leave multiple times, and because she’s a fine and kind lady, I listened and skedaddled.”

Dad chuckles.

“Much better. Thank you.”

I can’t help it. I laugh, too, and instantly feel lighter, thanks to him.

I wasn’t kidding when I said family is important to me. Trust is important. And it’s probably a good thing Shay won’t hire me, because trust is not something she and I have in each other.

“Why don’t you just apologize for whatever it was that happened all that time ago and move forward?”

I nod.

I never told my family what happened. Not even Miles. I was, and still am, ashamed of my side of it, so not telling them any of it seemed easier. Plus, a part of me thought it might all blow over, and I didn’t want there to be a rift between the parents. They were friends, too.

It never blew over, and Dad lost, too.

It kills me that I played a part in that.

“I’ll think about it,” I tell him and then look away. I can see in his eyes that he wants me to say more.

“Good. That’s a good plan.”

He stands to hug me and then leaves.

I hear the guys as they return to the shop to drop their things off and then as they all leave. I take that as my cue to fill a cooler with water and ice and go check on the sites. Asher Contraction is currently hired for six projects. Anything from a new deck on Mrs. Whittaker’s back porch to the new house for the elementary school principal.

I grab a fresh stick of sunscreen before I walk out the door. A man can never be too prepared for the rays of that afternoon sunshine.

My face is burned.

Figures.

I reapplied and yet, my nose already hurts to touch.

I step into Hudson’s Bar around seven and practically groan with pleasure as the air-conditioner assaults me.

If it wouldn't cause a scene, I'd whip my shirt off right now and really soak the cool air in.

I close my eyes and drop my head back.

It’s heaven here. Now I just need a beer, maybe a club sandwich, and some?—

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