Page 73 of Rookie's Redemption
That's when I notice the other contractors have stopped working and are gravitating toward us. The plumbers, the electrician, even one of the kennel delivery guys—all drawn like moths to the flame of local hockey celebrity.
This is what dating Ryder Scott means,I realize.Even in my own shelter, he's the main attraction.
But instead of feeling overshadowed, I find myself oddly proud.
This gorgeous, talented, famous man chooses to spend his free time here, helping me build something meaningful. Even if that means I have to sleep on his floor instead of the perfectly comfortable bed I have at my own place.
"Alright, everyone," I call out, clapping my hands to regain attention. "Back to work. These kennels won't install themselves, and I'd like functioning air conditioning before summer hits."
The contractors scatter back to their tasks, but I notice more than one phone being discreetly aimed in our direction.
"Popular as always," I tease Ryder as we move toward the quieter corner where the new quarantine room is taking shape.
"Just wait until word gets out that I'm dating Iron Ridge's most eligible animal rescuer."
"Please. I'm about as eligible as Gandalf over there."
"Speaking of whom..." Ryder eyes the supply closet, which has gone suspiciously quiet. "Should we be worried about the silence?"
"Probably. It usually means he's plotting something."
Ryder laughs, the sound warm and rich in the midst of all the construction noise. "You love it."
"I love the animals. The chaos…? That I tolerate."
But that's not entirely true anymore.
The chaos feels different now. More manageable. Like instead of drowning in an endless tide of needs and emergencies, I'm finally riding the wave and moving forward for once.
As Ryder tells me about his day, Bear emerges from behind the new kennel installations. I know his actual name, but I've been calling him Bear in my head because honestly, what else do you call a man who's approximately the size of a small mountain?
He's got to be six-foot-eight, with shoulders broad enough to shelter a family of four and hands that make my coffee mug look like a toy.
"Sorry, Miss Harper," Bear rumbles in a voice that sounds like distant thunder. "Tell my dumbass again where you wanted these water dispensers installed? I forgot already."
"Oh, um..." I stare up at him, my neck actually cramping from the angle. "Wherever you think makes the most sense?"
"Right. I'll need to check the plumbing connections," he says, then flashes a smile that transforms his intimidating face into something surprisingly gentle.
I'm dimly aware of Ryder moving closer to me, his hand finding my lower back in a gesture that's probably meant to be casual but feels distinctly possessive.
"Thanks, Bear," I manage. "That sounds great."
"Bear?" Ryder asks once the giant man has moved away.
"His name is actually Bernard, but Bear seems more appropriate."
"Right." Ryder's jaw is doing that tight thing it does when he's trying not to say something he'll regret. "And the shirtless guy?"
"I honestly don't know his name. He just started today."
That's when an electrician approaches from across the room, and both Ryder and I do a literal double-take.
"No fucking way," Ryder breathes, staring at the guy who looks like Brad Pitt decided to abandon Hollywood for a career in electrical work in Iron Ridge. "Oh, comeON. Are you kidding me right now?"
Seriously. He has the same bone structure, same easy charm, probably mid-fifties but the genetics are definitely working in his favor.
I glance at Ryder, who's looking like he's seriously considering whether assault charges would be worth it as Brad Pitt's doppelganger finishes up his work and heads toward the exit with that trademark movie-star swagger.
