Chapter 3

Genevieve

I runup the stairs as fast as I can until I get to my bathroom that’s attached to my bedroom. I look down at my shirt and groan. My nipples are clear as day. I should have seen this coming. From the moment I spotted Barrett, all I could think was, holy crap he’s hot. I should have known something would go awry. That’s the story of my life when it comes to dating. But this isn't a date. Maybe my problem is men in general.
I pull the shirt off and toss it in the bathtub. Next, I take my thin bra off and hang it up to dry. Why couldn't I have picked a thicker bra today? Or at least something sexy? I swear I’m cursed. Also, freaking Gabi could have warned me that the man who worked on her home was the hottest thing alive. I swear to Christ, I had to do a double take to make sure he didn't have the hammer of the gods with him, because he looks like Thor. Gabi is going to get it. My sister can go on and on about random things, but never once did she mention anything about a hot contractor. She’s always trying to set me up and never once has she hooked me up with the beefcake downstairs.
Digging through my dresser, I find another bra and put it on, then go over to my closet and grab another shirt to wear. I make sure this one is black just in case anything else explodes all over me. When I’m done I brush my hair the best I can, then dig for my makeup bag that has to be around here somewhere. I’ve unpacked most of my room and the bathroom, but I’ve forgotten where it all went.
“Get it together, Ginny,” I tell myself when I see it on the counter right beside me. I put on some lip gloss and mascara and pencil my brows in a bit. I want to look my absolute best, but if I go down there with a full face I’m going to look like a lunatic. “That’s enough for now.”
When I walk out of the bathroom I see my cell phone on the table next to my bed. I’m terrible with that thing and it drives my sister crazy. I bet she’s texted me five million times today.
I groan when I see I have a bunch of missed text and calls. Before I can even check them, it’s vibrating in my hand, reminding me I haven’t had the ringer on.
“I’m alive!” I tell her before she can yell at me.
“Neal told me about these cameras I can install in your house that I can check right from my phone,” she says without saying hello. “They’re on sale right now, too.”
“Maybe you should be wondering why Neal knows this.” I sit down on the side of my bed.
“You think he put cameras in the house?” she whispers.
“Would you really be upset if he did?” She doesn't say anything for a moment, so I’m thinking she’s okay with it. “You’re not putting cameras in my home,” I add before she can go back to pushing it.
“Think on it. You don’t have to toss out the idea right this second. I have a month to return it.”
Of course she already bought it. Now I’m rethinking the extra key I gave her. I wouldn't put it past her to sneak in here while I was gone. When I hear footsteps downstairs I remember why I’m ticked off at her.
“Let’s talk about Thor being in my kitchen,” I say, keeping my voice low.
“Who?”
“Barrett. The hot contractor who just saw my nipples.” I close my eyes, trying not to let the embarrassment swallow me. I still can’t get the look he had on his face out of my head. I wish I was better at reading people, because part of me thought he liked what he saw, but I brushed it aside. No way he wants a nerd like me. He’s a guy, so of course he’s going to stare. And who wouldn’t look at boobs given the opportunity?
“Thor? Like the guy from that movie that carried around a sword.”
“A hammer,” I correct. “How can you not remember your contractor? He is literally the hottest man I’ve ever seen in my life.”
I hear a board creak and I freeze. Turning around slowly, I see Barrett standing in my bedroom doorway. And of course he has a hammer in his hand.
Gabi is rattling on in my ear, but I don’t hear anything. Barrett has a smile pulling at his lips, and he bites his bottom one to try to hide it. My whole body blushes, which is so much worse because of my red hair and fair skin.
“You heard me, didn't you?” I ask, and this time he lets his smile go to reveal a row of straight white teeth.
Could this get any more embarrassing?
I watch as he slides the hammer into a utility belt around his waist. Jesus, even that’s hot. “I need to run to the hardware store,” he finally says, not answering my question. Maybe he’s being nice and trying not to embarrass me. Still, I feel a touch hurt that he didn't acknowledge it.
“Okay,” I say lamely.
“You’ll have clean water before the end of the day,” he adds.
His eyes lock on mine before they trail down to my chest, then I wonder if he’s thinking about the scene from earlier. He’s probably just checking to make sure I don't have them out again.
“How much is it going to cost?”
“We’ll work it out,” he says before he turns and leaves.
Should I go after him and ask for more details on the cost? I’d likely do something to embarrass myself if I did. He knows my budget, and clean water is kind of at the top of my list of things I have to have.
“Wait, did you say he saw your nipples?” Gabi shrieks. Apparently, she just caught the comment I made. And so did Barrett. Great.
“I was wearing a white shirt and water went everywhere.” I fall back onto the bed. I don’t know why I’m embarrassed. This is the story of my life when it comes to men. I’m always making a fool of myself. Though this time I actually care. More than I should for someone I’ve only just met. He was so excited about the house, too, and that makes me like him more.
Gabi giggles on the other end of the phone line. “I really can’t remember what he looks like. I remember him being big though.”
“He’s pretty unmissable,” I sigh.
“I can’t believe he heard you call him hot. I bet your face is so red.” Gabi keeps on laughing.
I debate hanging up on her, but I know she would only call back. Or worse, show up over here. I normally love my sister coming over, but not when Barrett will be back soon. God knows she’ll rush into matchmaking mode and I’d really die of embarrassment then. As if Thor wants to date me.
“Are you going to ask him out?” she asks when she finally stops laughing.
I roll my eyes. “No.” I sit up. “He’s going to be working on my house. This is going to be awkward enough.”
“Neal, stop.” My sister laughs into the phone and I hearing kissing noises.
“Someone is beeping in. Call you later,” I lie and hang up despite her protests.
Neal to the rescue. He’ll keep her entertained for a while. Hopefully all day so she doesn't end up over here. I glance at the clock and see it’s still pretty early. I have a million things to get done, but all I can think about doing is escaping the house for a bit. I don’t want to face Barrett again so soon. I need to get myself together.
Maybe I don’t really have to see him at all. Gabi said she gave him a key and he’d come during the day while she worked. My phone vibrates in my hand. I look down to see I have a text from Mark. I open it and groan. He’s asking about the date we’re supposed to have.
Before it, I see another thirty text messages. Holy crap.
Me:Lunch?
I send the text back. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. Get out of the house while Barrett works, and knock this date out with Mark so he’ll stop asking me when we’re going. His response is instant.
Mark: Pick you up in twenty.
I hop up from my bed and look down at what I’m wearing. I shrug because I don’t care. I’m not trying to impress Mark.
When I get downstairs, I peek out the front door and see Barrett's truck is gone. I find my purse and pull out the envelope with the keys I had made. I take one out, then dig for a piece of paper and pen, leaving a note on the counter with the key. I know I’m being silly by doing this, but I really can’t face him. I can’t even pinpoint why I care so much, but I do. I head for the front door and I’m relieved when I see Mark pull up. I shut the door behind me and leave it unlocked for Barrett.
My hope of leaving without seeing him again dies when he pulls up next to Mark and hops out of his truck. His eyes go from Mark to me.
“I forgot I have plans, but I left a key for you,” I rush to say, opening the car door to slip in. I don’t want Mark to get out of the car. I really don’t want to introduce the two of them.
“Mark,” Barrett all but growls, his voice deep and intimidating.
“Hey,” Mark responds.
Barrett stares him down, and Mark looks everywhere but back at him.
“We’ll see you later,” I say as I shut the car door. Mark pulls out of the driveway, and Barrett stands there with his legs apart and his arms folded over his big chest. He looks pissed as hell, but still so freaking hot. Maybe I was rude to sneak out like that, but for some reason staring at him as Mark pulls away, I’m hit with a giant wave of guilt.