Dad Bod (Under Construction 1)

“No disrespect. Any woman who can turn down a ride on Maverick Reynold’s face obviously has ovaries of steel. Or she's a lesbian.”

I’m gonna kill my best fuckin’ friend with my bare hands.

Carter side-eyes me, then steps between Mav and me just has Mav says, “And believe me, I’ve tried more than once.” All my blood surges to my face suddenly, and my fists tighten at my sides.

“Come on, boss. Check out the crown molding job Fifty did.” Carter claps me on the shoulder and forcibly turns my attention away from Mav.

“Don’t let that asshole get to you, Mad. You know he fucks anything with a V.”

Jordan isn’t just anything, I want to say, but I take a deep breath and try to suppress my emotions.

Fifty stands back admiring his handiwork. “Look at you, givin’ a hundred percent … for once,” Carter tells him.

“I wasn’t about to lay down on this job. That Mrs. Peterson is almost as mean as Robin. She’s harped and moaned about everything.”

“I’m sure if your lazy ass wouldn’t give just fifty percent, your wife wouldn’t have any reason to be mean.”

Fifty deadpan glares at Carter and says, “Have you met Robin?”

“Touché.” Carter laughs.

He’s got a good crew of men.

“Good work, man.” I shake Fifty’s hand. “The angles were cut nicely.” Fifty nods his appreciation.

“Give Mav a hand on the island. Todd and BJ are gonna start cleaning up. We should be finished in a few hours.”

“You got it, boss.” Fifty turns on his heels toward Mav.

I look around the kitchen, happy with the progress Carter’s crew has made. Monday morning we’ll do a walk-thru with Mr. and Mrs. Peterson while Mav leads the crew on the startup of another project. A year ago I never imagined I’d be leading my father’s construction business with my best friends by my side, but fate led me here today, and while the circumstances were unfortunate, I’m proud to have stepped into Dad’s shoes—so to speak. He lived and breathed Davenport Construction, and it’s my vow to continue his success.

“You got this under control, man. I think I’m gonna head home and take Belle to the beach for a couple hours.”

“Sounds good. You gonna come by later?”

I scratch the back of my head, considering the invitation.

“I don’t know. Maybe if Belle decides to stay with Mom tonight.”

“Bring her with.”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. But before you go”—he steps closer and lowers his voice—“what’s going on with you and Jo?”

I cock my brow and shake my head. “What?”

“Jordan. The way you reacted to Mav cuttin’ up. I haven’t seen that reaction from you over a woman in a while.”

Shit. I know Mav well enough to know he wasn’t lying when he said he’d tried to get with Jordan, but why it upset me is beyond me. “I can’t stand the way he belittles women; that’s all.”

“You sure that’s it? He brags about his one-night stands all damn day, and you’ve never got so pissed as you did just then.”

“Jordan’s my trainer. Nothing more.”

Carter nods, eyeing me skeptically. “Okay, Mad. I’m gonna get back inside and get this project wrapped up. You and Belle come by tonight. I might need help wrangling the ladies up after their night out on the town.”

“You really think dealing with four drunk women and a five-year-old you will undoubtedly jack up on Red Bull is a good idea?”