Page 2 of Wood Lessons
Peter comes over to shake my hand.“Nice to meet you.”
A blush stains my cheeks as I return the sentiment.His rough hand sends my imagination into overdrive as it leaps to past fantasies of lonely lumberjacks claiming their women.
You’ve just met the man; no one’s claiming you.
“She’s here to see the progress we’ve made.Join us, you’re the one doing the bulk of the building on this one,” Cora says.
Shoving the ridiculous thoughts aside, I take a deep breath and remind myself I’m here on business, not to drool over this attractive man.Save that for later.
When we reach my project, a plea runs through my mind:please don’t embarrass yourself by asking stupid questions.
“So, what do you think?”
Even unfinished, it’s beautiful—the perfect statement piece.Relief that I made the right decision relaxes my tense muscles.“Wow, it’s amazing.”I reach forward to touch it when Peter quickly grabs my hand.
“Careful; it’s not completely sanded yet.”His gruff voice softens as I freeze at the contact.
“Sorry.”My hand pulls back, but it takes a second for him to let go.Or you wish he hesitated, I berate myself.Pull yourself together.Remember: professional.
“Right...”Cora glances at Peter before returning to me.“You can see that the base is built, and once Peter’s done sanding, I’ll get started with priming and painting.But you’re satisfied with the work so far?”
“Definitely; it’s way better than I imagined.”Massive, towering over my short stature, I’m grateful I won’t be the one carrying it up my apartment stairs.
“Did you want to add anything else like doors?Because now would be the time to do it,” Cora asks, making notes on her phone.
“No, I think this is fine.”I’d already gone back and forth with the door idea and didn’t want to revisit the debate.
“In that case, I think we’re good here, Peter.Anna and I will finish up with the color choices.Thanks for your help!”
Peter nods, his gaze lingering on mine before leaving with us following behind to head towards the house.Cora’s studio is in the front room, shining bright with creams and blues decorating the walls and furniture.It resembles one of the HGTV showrooms I’d thought of when I came up with this original plan.
After an hour talking about different shades of grey, which I oddly enjoy as a graphic designer, we finish and go back outside where the guys are taking a break.Both of them rest against a wooden bench with water bottles held between their hands.
“All done?”Chris asks as we reach them while Peter straightens to his full height—the gesture of respect warms me.Maybe chivalry isn’t dead, after all.
“Yep!How are things here?”
“Good, we’ve made a decent headway on the Garth family’s collection.”He gestures to a table and two chairs with intricate legs sitting at the edge of the barn’s concrete floor.
Admiration washes through me, and I absentmindedly murmur, “I wish I could do stuff like that.”
“I could teach you,” Peter suggests, confounding me with the immediate offer.Chris and Cora exchange confused looks while I struggle to decide if he’s being serious.
“Oh, no, That’s not—”
He cuts me off in a rush.“I have everything at my shop, and once you have the tools it’s easy to get started.We could make a simple birdhouse for you to try first.Very basic.”Earnest grey eyes bore into me, and my potential answer hangs in the air like it’s of vast importance to him.
Yes or no.What’s it gonna be?
“Alright, sure.I’d like that,” I agree.
Why not?I want to change my life, right?Old me would never agree to spending time alone with a man I don’t know—especially not a man as hot as Peter.Anxiety about sounding dumb or humiliating myself would be too much of a risk to take.
Who are you kidding?
I’ll still be nervous, but I’m committed now.
“Cool, I can get your number from Cora, and we can work something out.”
