Shattered Trust (Colorado Trust 4)

Maybe that’s why she’d been so nervous this morning. Not because that jittery feeling returned to her stomach when she’d heard his knock, but because she didn’t like someone else giving orders on her turf.

Yeah, that’s exactly the problem.

She looked around again. Nate and Warren were off to the side, joking about something. Tom stood near the blueprint table with Chuck Hager, the job supervisor, and Andy Hyer, their electrician. Chuck was reviewing the building plans, but the other two just stood there.

The only real work being done was by none other than Matt Pearce, Justin, and Felipe Hernandez. Granted, they were all new to her team in the past couple weeks, and maybe trying to prove something, but the morning break had ended ten minutes ago.

She paused next to the bulldozer. It became apparent Matt and Felipe deferred to Justin and looked to him for direction. Justin frowned toward where the others stood idle before looking at his watch.

Suddenly, she felt like she wasn’t doing her job. Her spine stiffened, and she started forward to say something. Justin spoke before she could.

“How about a few guys get on this wall over here, we need the corner braces secured,” he called out.

Warren and Tom headed over right away, but Nate took his time. Marley pressed her lips together and decided she’d address everyone at lunch. She didn’t plan on spelling out all her troubles, but she’d let them know they’d have to pick up the pace and stick to the schedule.

At the very least, it would be a start and then she could focus on finding some real solutions to save her career.

Chapter 3

Marley shifted in her chair the next morning and watched through the coffee house window as Dale Blake exited his silver Bentley. For the first time, she noted his height and blond hair. Like Justin.

Oh my God, Marley, this is getting out of hand. Enough already.

She took a sip of coffee and focused on her reason for being there. Dale Blake had called her after her father died. She’d thought, as acting CEO of Hunter Construction, he simply wanted to extend his condolences. Instead, he’d revealed that he’d been a friend of her father’s years ago. They’d had a falling out and though he’d attempted to mend the rift numerous times over the years, her father refused to speak with him.

She didn’t doubt that. She’d loved her dad, but he’d been a hard man. Driven, cold, and certainly not forgiving—especially if he was off the wagon. He’d taught her everything he knew, but never once in all the years working by his side did she get the feeling that he forgave her for being a girl. No matter how hard she’d worked in his world. Over the years, Marley had never shaken the belief that she didn’t measure up simply because of her sex.

She’d never understood. Still didn’t now. Which was partly why she continued to meet with his estranged friend of the past. Maybe she’d figure out what had made her father the way he’d been.

So far, she hadn’t learned much, other than she liked Mr. Blake. For being the CEO of a major construction company, he was surprisingly…normal. At first she thought it was a bit strange, meeting him like this, but he was warm and sincere, and showed genuine interest in her goals and dreams.

At his request, she’d brought in her portfolio of business designs. One in particular had caught his attention; a drawing she’d done for a job she’d heard through the grapevine would be up for bid next week. He’d taken her work back to his office to study. Despite his warning he couldn’t promise anything, this morning she hoped he’d offer the internship she needed with Hunter Construction. It would be just the beginning to get her and Nate started on their future.

“Good morning, Marley,” Dale said as he sat down with his coffee and a muffin.

See that? Blue eyes. Not like Justin at all. Justin’s are hazel.

“You look…nice…today,” Dale added.

She gave Justin’s image a mental shove and smiled at Dale. “Thank you.”

Doubt had lingered over the black and white checked suit she’d found on the clearance rack, but the price had been right. Never comfortable picking out clothes other than jeans and tee shirts, she felt stupid asking impeccably dressed saleswomen for help. No matter how often she rationalized it was their job, she couldn’t shake the fear that they’d realize how clueless she was when it came to fashion and laugh at her. Dale’s compliment eased her deep-rooted insecurity.

“Would you like something besides coffee this morning?” he asked.

“No, thank you. Nate and I usually eat breakfast together before he leaves for class and I go to work.”

In the middle of unwrapping his muffin, Dale’s fingers stilled at the mention of her brother. “How’s Nate been?”

She wondered at the tension in his question and tensed herself. Had someone called corporate about Nate’s habitual tardiness? She hoped not. Pasting a smile on her face, she said, “He’s good. I’m sorry he hasn’t had time to join us yet, but with his classes and—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Dale murmured. “Nate and I will meet when the time is right.”

Something in his tone sent a shiver of unease down her spine.

“I looked over your design.”

Her gaze met his. He smiled, his blue eyes warm and interested. She shrugged away the disquieting sensation and listened to his words.