Page 42 of A Heart On A Sleeve

“Yeah, Coach will count this as at least two days’ worth of weight time. It’s nice to be in the fresh air,” Max chimes in, finding a spot a few feet down from me.

“She’s going to love it,” Howie adds, grabbing another stone. I had no idea how hard of a worker he is. He hasn’t stopped once. “That is, if we finish.” He gives Max and me a pointed look. I guess there’s no break time when Howard is around.

A while later, we lay the last stone on the walkway, and Howie dumps the remaining sand over the top. Max and I use large brushes to fill the cracks and tamp everything down. Bridget comes out on the porch to take in the view.

“This looks amazing. I didn’t think you’d finish today, but it’s incredible. Now the only thing you need is a swing overlooking the water and some lights strung from the trees to light the path. Want to see inside?”

Max, Howie, and I exchange looks. Did she really just suggest great ideas that require more work?

We head over to where she’s standing on the porch and peek in.

From what I can tell, it looks amazing. She’s decorated every inch of the place, turning it from an old, dusty cabin into a cozy home.

I’m so appreciative to have great friends and family.

I couldn’t have done it without them. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

“You did a great job, Bridg. Thank you . . . thanks to all of you for the work today. You’re better friends than I deserve,” I say, meaning it.

“It was fun. Great practice for my portfolio,” my sister replies. She’s working on becoming a certified interior designer. There isn’t anyone in the world with her eye for style or knack for decor. I was happy to be the first to hire her.

“I think I’m going to head out,” Max says, the others nodding their agreement.

I walk with them back to the clearing to say goodbye before returning to the cabin.

I ditch my clothes at the door and head straight for the bathroom to shower.

Once cleaned up, I take a minute to observe my sister’s work.

The L-shaped couch has a new cream cover, and there are too many throw pillows to count.

She’s placed picture frames on the fireplace, hung artwork on the walls, and there are even new rugs in all the right spots.

The bathroom has a new shower curtain, and soap, and toothbrush holders. Bridget went all out.

I head into the kitchen to grab water from the fridge and power up the Wi-Fi.

The cell service is terrible out here, but the wireless internet makes things manageable.

I climb the ladder to the loft and sink into the bed.

I thought Bridget was over the top when she suggested a down comforter and mattress topper, but I stand corrected as I sink into the cushy bedding. I send her a message:

This bed feels like heaven. Thank you again!

Bridget

I told you so. You’re welcome.

Instead of texting Olive like I normally do, I press call on the FaceTime app. It rings a few times before her face pops up on the screen.

“Hey, Sam?”

“Hey. What’re you up to?”

“Um, nothing. Just a little baking. Why are you FaceTiming me?” Her question makes me laugh. It’s not like it’s that weird of a thing to do, or at least I don’t think it is?

“Just wanted to see you. It’s been a couple days, I missed your smile.”

“Oh, okay. I missed you too. Where are you, and where’s your shirt?” She looks closer at the screen like she’s trying to decipher where I could be.

“Well, my shirt was dirty so it’s outside with the rest of my clothes,” I explain, taking pleasure in the way her cheeks instantly turn a bright pink. “And I’m at the cabin. You know, out on my property.”

“Oh cool, that’s cool.” Olive fans her blushing face before continuing, “I didn’t know there was a bed, although I guess that makes sense if your parents used to stay in there.”

“Yep, see.” I shift from under the covers to sit up so she can see more of the loft bedroom. She also can see more of my upper body, and I don’t hate the way it makes her suck in a breath.

“Alright, you can cover back up now. It’s not nice to show off when I’m not with you,” Olive scolds me, and I laugh.

“Noted. Speaking of that, the seeing-me part, not the naked-me part, can I take you away on Friday?”

“Where to? I have to work on Saturday at ten.”

“Here, to my cabin. I made some changes I want to show you,” I explain, hoping she doesn’t turn me down.

“Hmmm, that depends.” Olive presses a finger to her lips. “Will there be food, and will you be wearing clothes?”

“Yes to food, I plan to cook you dinner. Optional to clothing.” I smirk when her eyebrows shoot up. “Are you surprised by my cooking, or is it the clothing comment?” I ask.

“Cooking, I was . . . um, I was hoping clothes were optional,” Olive stammers as she swipes her finger through what looks like some sort of batter and pushes it between her lips, sucking tenderly. My mouth goes dry and my body buzzes.

“Now who’s being unfair?” I choke out.

“What? I’m not doing anything. Just making sure the muffin batter tastes okay.” She bats her eyelashes.

“Mmmk. You’re a naughty girl.”

“Says the man with the dirty mouth,” she quips back.

“You guys are disgusting,” Ariella pops into the screen, making a face like she’s pretending to vomit.

“Hi, Ariella, nice to see you again.” This makes Olive laugh, and Ariella waves. That girl has a way of showing up when I least expect her to. I swear it’s a skill, like she was born to ensure Olive and I always get interrupted when things take a turn.

“Okay, I should go though,” Olive says. “We are baking and drinking wine. If you’re lucky I’ll save some muffins for Friday.” Olive winks at me, then flashes me a megawatt smile before blowing me a kiss.

“There’s only one muffin I’m interested in, just so you know.” I blow her a kiss back and wink.

“Gross! She’s hanging up now.” I see Ariella’s disgusted face before the call disconnects.

I sink back into the bed, laughing to myself. There isn’t a doubt in my mind: I’m in love with Olivia Bowman. I just really hope she loves me back.