Page 9 of Perfect Guy

I tilt my head. What’s he playing at? Canaan has never given me more than friendly attention. He’s definitely never looked at me with interest.

“The sun’s beaming down pretty hard,” I respond and shiver as the water hits my stomach.

“Mads-lyn, you came in!” Oliver yells.

I smile at my buddy and nod. “Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, look what I can do.” He swims like an uncoordinated frog, and I chuckle.

I walk over to him, leaving Canaan and his lingering eyes behind. “Let’s do something.” I hold on to him and turn him on his back, keeping my palm on the center of it so he can float.

“Look, Mommy!” He calls to her.

“Good job, baby boy,” Camille says and smiles at me.

Levi comes beside us and gets on his back, floating next to him.

“You’re doing the same as me, Horseman,” he uses Levi’s nickname.

“I am.”

“Madelyn, you wanna go to Pony Up tonight?” Joy asks from a few feet away.

“Sure.” I nod and put my attention back on Oliver.

“I’m bored,” he says, dropping his legs into the water. I help him straighten and carry him until he is near the shore, where he stands without danger.

Caleb arrives with another cooler, and everyone cheers before they go back to separate conversations. It’s exactly what we used to do when we were younger, except the alcohol was illegal, and I wouldn’t hang out with my brothers. I was too young to go to their parties, so I’d stick with my friends. The cold winters are worth enduring to enjoy lake days like these.

I manage to steer clear of Canaan except for the interaction in group conversations. That doesn’t mean I miss the way his abs glisten in the sun when his skin is wet or the way his arm flexes when he slicks back his hair. I’m allowed to admire an attractive man. No harm in that.

The danger would be acting on that attraction. Canaan is older, and while it’s not a huge age difference, he has different life experiences than I do. He also got me the architecture job, and I don’t want to mess that up. Getting involved with a co-worker spells disaster with a capital D.

I walk to the bar after dancing nonstop to get a refill and rest. I love when Tucker sings at Pony Up. Nothing beats live music, and I’ve always enjoyed his performances. My throat is sore from singing so loud, and my feet hurt.

“Having fun?” Canaan smiles. Of course, he’s by the side of the bar I walk to.

“Yeah, I love hearing Tucker sing.”

“Ah, the musician fantasy. I haven’t forgotten.” He taps his temple.

Of course he hasn’t. Earlier today he mentioned it at the lake, giving me a damn good visual that would rival any cover model. I wave a hand at the bartender, ignoring that train of thought.

“Are you excited about starting the project on Monday?” He switches gears, thankfully, to a safer subject.

“I am,” I nod with a huge smile. Excitement rolls through me.

I’m still in disbelief that this is happening. I thought it’d take much longer for me to work in the field if I ever decided to try again. This just fell from the sky. Being an architect in a small town has its perks since there aren’t many of us. Not to mention I’m a recent graduate who hasn’t been working, so they knew I wouldn’t fight them too much on pay, and I have no other jobs, so I’m free as a bird. Kind of, because I’m still helping on the ranch.

“It’s going to be great, Mads.” He gives me a boyish smile, and it’s the Canaan I’ve known my whole life, not this different version that’s been flirting with me.

“I know. I’m excited and nervous.”

The bartender finally comes to my side, and I order a beer. Canaan waits until I’ve been served before speaking.

“Don’t be nervous. The plans are solid, and the guys know what they’re doing. Soon, you’ll have more people asking you to design their homes. Everyone’s going to love this one.” His words of encouragement are a balm to my splintered heart and damaged confidence.

“Thank you. I hope you’re right.” I look down at my beer bottle and take a drink.

---