Built To Last

“Well, like I said, she’s a great office manager. She’s worked here five years and she’s been going to UC Irvine the whole time. She graduated last month.”

“Oh man, how old is she? She’s not twenty-two or something, is she?” After Lindsay, he wasn’t ready for a relationship with someone who had their focus on something bigger and better than right here in Laguna Beach.

“No. She took ten years to get her degree. She’s been going one class at a time while working.”

Whew. That was close. Since Lindsay had broken up with him nine months ago, he’d had little interest in dating anyone else. Content with his work and his dog. But meeting Erin stirred up dreams he had all but abandoned. How had he managed to live in Laguna Beach for more than two years and not meet her? Why had Austin been keeping her a secret all this time?

“I think I know that look.”

He’d almost forgotten Austin was still here, he’d gotten so lost in his daydream. “What?”

“Nothing. I can just tell what you’re thinking. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that expression on your face, though.”

Jake shoved his wallet and keys in his pocket. “Yeah, well, I’ve been busy.”

“You should never be too busy to meet a wonderful woman. I know Lindsay did a number on you, man, but you’ve got to get back out there. It’s the only way you’re going to find the one.”

He sighed. Austin lived the life Jake had hoped to have by now. The beautiful wife, the great kids, the family home. Jake had the home, but not the wife and kids.

He thought he’d found his happily-ever-after with Lindsay. They had dated for almost two years and it had been serious—until he proposed. He’d set up a romantic dinner on the beach with candles and a table set for two. Everything had been going great until he’d dropped to his knee and pulled an expensive ring out of his pocket.

She’d cried.

Happy tears, he’d thought—hoped—until she said no. She didn’t want to get married or live in Laguna Beach. He offered to move somewhere else with her, anywhere they could be together. But it turned out it wasn’t the town she didn’t want. It was him. She didn’t want to be “tied down” anymore. Where he had been hoping for the great love of his life, like his parents had, she yearned for the young, single life in a bigger city. So she had headed off to Los Angeles, and he had stayed in Laguna Beach, living in his dream home without a family to come home to.

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Well, a little tip. The girls are headed to happy hour at the SkyLoft tonight. Maybe you oughta check it out.”

“Yeah, maybe,” he repeated. As much as he wanted to find someone to spend the rest of his life with, happy hour wasn’t where he looked. He didn’t think he could start a meaningful relationship over cocktails and appetizers.

But he debated giving it a shot because the woman with the brown hair and cat green eyes intrigued him.

Austin opened the door and motioned for Jake to exit. “Listen, man. I’m glad you came in today, but sorry for the reason. It’s been too long. Let’s not let so much time go again. I’ll talk to Abby and we’ll plan dinner.”

“Sounds great. I’d love to see Abby and the kids again.”

He followed Austin down the hall, disappointed when Erin wasn’t at the front desk.

“I guess the girls have already headed out,” Austin said after seeing Jake scan the empty desk. Austin dropped his file on the top of a pile and turned back to him, hand extended. “Good to see you again. Don’t be a stranger.”

“You too. And thanks for working me in today.” He twisted his head from side-to-side. “It did the trick.”

“Then I’ve done my job. Have a great night.”

Jake’s climb into the cab of his truck was definitely easier than it had been earlier. He sat for a minute, his hand poised over the ignition. His conscience told him to go back to work. He looked at his watch. After grabbing his cell phone, he made a quick call to the work site.

“Hey, Jake,” Ryan answered on the first ring. “How’re you doing?”

“Better. X-rays were clear. It was still hurting, though, so I hit up Austin for an adjustment. How’s it going there?”

“Great. Master bedroom is hung, taped and mudded, and most of the downstairs drywall is done. We should finish the rest of the hanging on schedule.”

“Sounds good. I’m heading back out there.”

“No need. We’re getting ready to knock off for the day. We’ll see you on Monday.”

That’s what he wanted to hear. And the reason he’d brought on a partner. Maybe there was some truth to what Austin had said. Maybe Jake hadn’t made enough time for a woman in his life. He could remedy that tonight. “You sure?”