Page 25 of Tempting Me

That’s the goal here.

I need to find a way to push past this thing with Shay.

And I need to find a way in just about five hours.

There isn’ta single vehicle in The Marina’s parking lot when I pull up. They’ve been closed for about an hour now, so it makes sense, but still, sometimes a car or a truck might linger for the night because someone made the right choice not to drink and drive.

I’m guessing everyone is at the festival, so business wasn’t booming tonight.

Still, the point is, Shay can’t scold me for this one.

I slide out of my truck, grabbing some tools from the back before I head inside. I glance around to be sure no one sees me. Which is stupid because we are adults and this isbusiness, but I know how badly Shay’s family can hold a grudge, and despite everything, I don’t want her to ever be on the receiving end of that.

I set my things down by the door and return to my truck.

It feels weird driving my personal truck, but all the others have Luca’s Construction printed on them.

“Hurry up,” a high whisper comes from behind me as I reach my driver's door.

I glance over my shoulder. Shay has changed from her festival outfit to a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a tank top. She’s barefoot as she stands in the doorway, waving for me to hurry up.

I grab what I left in the truck and meet her at the door.

“I brought you coffee,” I tell her as I step inside to check out the space. “I wasn’t sure how you took it, so there’s a variety of sugars and cream in my lunch box.”

“I drink my coffee black, thanks.”

Of course she does. Just like her soul.

“I see you didn’t bring a trailer or anything. Are we not working right away?”

What the—? Is she being serious right now?

“You told me not to bring one.”

“I didn’t think you’d actually listen.”

“Well, I did. But it’s fine. I need to take measurements and notes, and we need to get a plan in place. I need to know your vision, timeframes, and whatnot. Plus, all my trailers have the company name on them, sooooo ...”

“Ah. I didn’t think of that.”

“Of course you didn’t.”

“Ugh, is this really how it’s going to be for us?”

“Unfortunately, I think so.”

She rolls her eyes and points to the room just past the bar.

It’s clear this part of The Marina has been well cared for and odd things have been replaced over the years, so the bar area doesn't need to be remodeled the way the dining room and outside deck do.

“I think we need to start with that room. At this rate, maybe finishing one at a time so I can slowly reopen different areas is best. The whole grand reveal isn’t part of the plan anymore. Plus, the cabins still need to be updated once the main room is done.” She looks defeated as she speaks, but then she smiles. “Despite you being the one to help me, I can’t wait to see this place when it’s done. Let’s go.”

She walks away, ready to get to work.

It’s obvious that Shay and I don’t see eye to eye on just about everything in our lives, but this place is different.

So instead of coming up with some quick comeback the way I normally do, I follow her and get to work.

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