Page 31 of Bennett

“Yes, thanks. I appreciate it,” Laurel said, her tension easing slightly. “And good to see you again, Tyler. Please tell Piper I said hello.”

Tyler’s grin widened. “Will do. She was hoping to catch up with you at the diner tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there,” Laurel replied. “Someone has to keep Aunt Annie from sneaking off to do more than she’s supposed to.”

“You’ve got your hands full with that one,” Matthew said, chuckling.

“Don’t I know it.” Laurel unzipped her duffle and glanced at her stash of supplies.

A few packs of granola bars, protein snacks, bottled water, and a couple of apples she’d swiped from the diner.

Dinner of champions.

“Speaking of hands full, you sure you want to stay here tonight?” Carter asked, his expression turning slightly more serious. “I mean, until we get all this wiring set up, this apartment won’t be tightly secured.”

“I know,” she said. “But I’ll be fine. I’m not about to let some jackass with a crowbar or whatever they’re using scare me away.”

Laurel was an avid kickboxer, had been since her teens, and was confident enough in her skills to use them if necessary, although she hoped it wasn’t necessary.

“Well, even though this apartment won’t be finished tonight, we’ve got eyes on the building,” Carter informed.

Matthew nodded. “Yeah, so don’t worry.”

Smiling, she nodded as their words eased the stiffness in her neck. At least they weren’t leaving her completely unprotected.

A half hour later, Carter glanced at Tyler, who was already gathering his tools. “Well, we’re about done for the night. We’ll be back first thing tomorrow to finish the wiring and get the system fully operational.”

“Until then, try not to get into trouble,” Matthew said with a grin.

“You guys really know how to boost a girl’s morale.” Laurel rolled her eyes.

“We aim to please,” Carter replied with a chuckle. “Lock the door behind us—well, metaphorically, since your lock’s nonexistent at the moment. But you get the idea.”

She snorted. “Goodnight, gentlemen. Try not to get lost on your way out.”

Their laughter trailed behind them as they filed out, leaving her alone in the silent, unfinished apartment. And for the first time since making her announcement, doubt began to worm its way into her mind.

Laurel let out a long breath as the guys’ voices faded down the stairs. The quiet rushed in, thick and oppressive, as if the building itself had taken a breath and was now holding it.

She shook off the sensation and picked up her duffel bag, carrying it down the short hallway to the master bedroom. The newly installed door swung open on smooth hinges, revealing the empty room with its freshly painted walls and bare floor.

Carter had unrolled the sleeping bag and dropped the pillow near the far wall, clearly making himself at home while setting things up for her. A note, written in messy scrawl, sat propped against the pillow.

For the stubborn Ms. Sinclair. Don’t strangle Bennett if he gets too bossy. Unless he deserves it. —Carter

A laugh slipped out before she could stop it. That was a pretty big “unless” and probably unnecessary, since she’d see him with the guys in the morning. Assuming he even bothered to show up. His absence tonight hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Had he asked to be reassigned?

The thought gripped her chest with an unexpected tightness. She’d pushed more than one man away with her willfulness and independence. But disappointment still washed through her. She’d honestly believed Bennett had a stronger backbone. Thought he was different.

That was her mistake, and it was a stupid one.

Heck it wasn’t like they were a thing or even friends.

They were acquaintances at best.

Forcing her mind off the broody, irritatingly attractive man, Laurel tucked the note into her pocket and shook out the already unrolled sleeping bag, her fingers smoothing the fabric until it lay flat.