Finding Faith (Return of the Dragons)

Then life—and more importantly, his grandfather—had slapped him in the face with reality. Even though he’d still be in town, he couldn’t move here. He had to stay where he was needed, even if it was the last thing he truly wanted.

“It definitely is,” he finally replied. “I’ve always loved it here.”

“Did you spend a lot of time here?”

“Growing up, yeah, I did. Rob lived with his grandparents, so we were always here. I probably know every inch of this property.”

“You were lucky to grow up with all of this in your backyard.”

Not so much, but he nodded anyway. “It could have been worse, that’s for sure.” They finished their walk around, and he checked out the porch, scribbling in his notebook. “The exterior is in pretty good shape. No cracks in the foundation, and the brick on the exterior is holding up well. I need to go check the roof, and then I’ll be done.”

“Sounds good.”

Turning on his heel, he headed for his truck, pulling out the ladder in the back. His mind was still stuck on her words—and the look in her light green eyes when she said them. For a split second, the thought of him leaving soon hadn’t set well with her.

And he’d practically watched her fight the feeling back.

The corner of his mouth tugged up. That was a good sign. Because other than her friends encouraging her not to be afraid and letting her know he’d been checking her out, he’d had no idea if she even returned his interest.

He still might not know for sure, but he was watching closely for signs. He thought he was seeing them, but he was still going to move slowly. He needed to be sure. And he didn’t want to spook her.

She was already spooked enough.

As he climbed up to the roof and began checking out the damage, he thought about why she felt so vital to him, so soon. But no matter what angle he looked at it from, he couldn’t figure it out.

She just did. And that was enough for

him.

Just before he started to climb back down the ladder, he spotted blonde hair glinting in the sun. Squinting, he looked closer at the edge of the forest where he saw it, and found two figures staring back at the house.

The distance was too great to see them clearly, but a blonde and a brunette woman were standing completely still as they gazed at the house. They must be Fiona and Sierra, and he wondered why they weren’t coming back to the house, since they clearly weren’t exploring at the moment.

Something else to add to the mystery surrounding Olivia.

Once he had the ladder back in his truck, he walked to where she was sitting on the porch steps. She stood as he approached, gazing at him with a question in her eyes.

“Unfortunately, the roof isn’t in very good shape. It’s going to need to be completely replaced. I’m actually surprised that it hasn’t leaked yet, but I peeked into the attic while I was upstairs, and I didn’t see any signs of water damage.”

Wrapping her arms around herself, she exhaled lightly as she nodded. “Well, that part’s a relief.”

“The house was in a bit better shape than I expected, but it still needs a lot of work. What I need to know from you is how much you want to repair. Are we talking the roof, plumbing, new floors and paint? Possibly a new porch too, because it’s quickly going the way of the roof. Or do you want everything? Everything I mentioned, plus counters, appliances, whatever it needs to fully update it?”

Biting her lip, she glanced back at the house for a moment before looking at him again. “Can you give me an estimate for both? I’d like to fully repair and update it, but it’s not completely up to me, and if the cost is too high, the others might not agree.”

“Absolutely,” he replied, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Can I get your contact information? Phone number and email. I’ll work up the estimates and email them, and I’ll call you after so we can discuss it.”

She hesitated the slightest moment before nodding, rattling off her information. He quickly entered it into his phone, satisfaction that had nothing to do with the job filling him. Now, even if she didn’t hire his company, he’d still have a way to contact her.

Although he’d have to figure out how to do that without coming off as a creep.

“I’ll be in touch with the estimates soon.” Wanting to stay, but knowing he couldn’t push his luck, he held his hand out. Not because he had to—but because he wanted to see if that electricity had been a fluke. “It was nice seeing you again, Olivia.”

Her green gaze darted to his hand, and she looked at it for a second before meeting his eyes. Giving him a small smile, she gently grasped his hand. The moment her soft skin touched his rougher, calloused hand, that same buzz he felt the day before raced over his skin.

Definitely not a fluke, then. He’d known it wasn’t, but the confirmation settled something deep inside him.

And judging by the gasp she stifled, she’d felt it too. Again.