Page 42 of Tempting Me

Well, I hope they get to have a theme anyway. If Luca doesn't come back, I'm screwed. That's it. I can't afford to waste more time looking for someone new.

I groan to no one.

I could always start watching YouTube videos and learn how to build a wall myself. I bet Grace would help me if I absolutely needed her.

With another deep breath, I scrub my hands over my face.

I can’t give up.

I’ve come too far.

Still, I feel like there is so much against me right now. I’m the only one who sees what this place could be again and being the only one who believes in myself is exhausting. Luca was starting to make me feel like I wasn’t alone in this anymore, but so much for that.

As if the universe wants to remind me of this, my phone rings with my brother's face appearing on the screen.

“Leo, I thought you only called me at night when you couldn't sleep?”

“Yeah, well, I thought I’d surprise you with a call during the day when you might be more willing to talk.”

“I’m always willing to talk.”

I don’t like the direction his conversation is headed.

“Mom and Dad are talking about reaching out to Linc again when they get back.”

“What?” I practically yell into the phone as I stand and start to pace.

Again. One call to him is one thing, but multiple?

Do I even still have a chance?

“The summer isn’t over yet.”

“No, but they must have someone keeping an eye on you, because word is, your contractor bailed and now the renovations are halted. Selling that place is going to be even harder now that it’s half finished.”

“It’s … I have a new contractor, and we just got started this week. Let the word get around about that.”

But not too much.

Shit.

“Who is it?”

My frustration is so heavy right now that a part of me almost blurts out that it’s Luca, but the other half of me knows admitting that would be more fuel to their current decision.

“Another out-of-state guy,” I say instead.

Defeat runs through my entire body quickly.

I’m a grown woman and shouldn't need to lie, but until this place is legally in my name, I can’t afford to tell them the truth.

“All right, well, I'll pass the message on. I can’t promise it will change their minds though.”

“No, but maybe they'll appreciate how proactive I'm being.”

Just then, two guys who look to be in their twenties walk in through the back door. Both are in cutoff shirts, board shorts, and flip-flops. Sure, they look lake ready, but from theway they walk and the way they look at me, I know they aren’t locals. I didn’t even notice them pull up, but they are staring at me as if my lack of greeting is insulting. Which, to be fair, is not the image I want this place to have.

“I have to go. Give everyone my love,” I tell Leo quickly and hang up.

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