Page 13 of Rhett (The Swift Brothers #3)

CHAPTER TWELVE

Tripp

R hett and I work together about three days a week for the next few weeks. Every morning, he gets me a coffee. On the third day, I started bringing him little treats to go with his lunch. The first day was a piece of apple crisp Meadow and I made the night before. We didn’t have the ice cream to go along with it, but Rhett seemed to like it all the same. We’ve made chocolate-chip cookies, which I brought him too, and when he mentioned liking banana bread, that was next on my list.

I’m pretty sure the coffee is Rhett’s way of trying to pay me back for letting him work with me. But then, there are other small things he does that make me think Rhett is a secret caretaker and the coffee is only one of his ways of taking care of me. We got a soda the other day, and he opened mine for me before handing it over. Then, when we were hauling materials through the house and my boot was untied, rather than telling me, Rhett stopped me, knelt, and tied it for me.

I must admit, that one stole my damn breath—so much about Rhett does. The more time I spend with him, the more attracted to him I get, but it’s more than that. I like him. I just really fucking like Rhett Swift. He’s a good man who doesn’t see it, and I crave being around him.

Today is our last workday of this week. We’re still at the same job, now renovating the bathrooms.

“Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?” Rhett asks, which is new. He’ll ask me more questions, start more conversations now than he used to.

“Yeah. My brother, Bruce, and I used to work with my dad a lot around the house. Dad is the kind of guy who can figure out how to do just about anything, so most of the time, if anything broke or if Mom wanted anything built or remodeled, Dad would do it himself.”

“Did that happen a lot?”

“I wouldn’t say a lot, but I got some experience and realized I liked it. Me, Bruce, and Dad built a treehouse when I was in sixth grade. It was nice too, lots of space. It’s where I used to go to get away. Also, I kissed my first girl in that treehouse.” I waggle my brows, and Rhett chuckles.

“In sixth grade?”

“Nope. Eighth at that point. Molly. She moved away in high school. Anyway, it was also in eighth grade that my mom found this junior carpenter class. It was just an after-school thing for fun, but she signed me up because she knew how much I liked working with my hands. There was no going back after that.”

“Your dad didn’t mind? He’s a realtor. Bruce works with him, right?”

I frown at his question—that he has to ask it at all. Gregory would have had an issue with Rhett taking a class for something he liked and choosing a career that’s his passion rather than following in his footsteps. “No, Rhett. My dad didn’t mind.”

He nods, the mood heavier, like he realizes why he asked. He’s letting me see so many more pieces of himself that I’m not sure he’s ever shared with anyone. There is so much meaning in that.

“Thank you, Rhett.”

“For what?”

“This.” I shrug. “Us. I like being your friend.”

He looks away. “I like being your friend too.”

I grin. “Good. Because I have an extra special surprise for you today.”

He faces me again. “What is it?”

I look at the time. It’s twelve thirty, so that works. “Come here.” We go to the kitchen, wash our hands, and then I pull a covered container out of my cooler, grab a bag, and set them on the counter.

“Open it.” I motion toward what I brought.

Rhett looks at me funny, but then does as I say, getting out the bag of Ruffles and opening the container of homemade ranch dip.

“Surprise!”

“Ruffles and ranch?”

“Yep. I’ve been saving that one on my list.”

He shakes his head but can’t hide the grin. Christ, Rhett has a beautiful smile. So fucking honest and emotional. I love that I can make him do it, love that I get to see it.

“I don’t understand you.”

“Yeah, but you like me.”

“Which I’ve said before.”

“It’s not something one can ever hear too much.” I open the bag and push it toward him. He takes one out, dips it, then pops it in his mouth.

“I like you more because of this.”

“My plan worked.”

We take a break, eating chips and dip for lunch. Not the healthiest, but I don’t think either of us minds. When we’re done, I say, “I need to call Archer real quick. I have to head out tomorrow to pick up materials a couple of hours away. Mom has an appointment and can’t pick up Meadow from school. Since my best friend is currently unemployed, this is a job for Uncle Archer.”

Just as I’m about to dial, Rhett says, “I can pick her up. It’s fine if you or Meadow would rather he do it, but I’m able…or if Archer is busy, just let me know.”

Inexplicably, my heart beats harder, like it’s…I don’t know, pleased or excited at his offer. I know that took a lot for Rhett, and it means the world to me that he did.

I push my phone into my pocket. “That would be great. Meadow will enjoy it too. She keeps asking about you. I swear, she wants to steal all my friends.” I chuckle, and Rhett does the same.

“Okay. That works. I can bring her home or anywhere else she wants.”

“Don’t tell her that. She’ll have you flying to the city. Home is fine. Maybe you can hang out and wait for me, and I’ll bring us dinner.”

He stares at me for a moment, my heart still going uncharacteristically wild. He does this sometimes when we’re talking, just looks at me like he’s trying to figure me out. I’ve also noticed him doing it sometimes when he doesn’t think I’m paying attention. We’ll be working together, and I’ll feel Rhett’s gaze on me. Sometimes I’ll look and he’ll turn away, and others I’m more incognito about it. When he doesn’t realize he’s been caught, Rhett Swift doesn’t turn away.

“We can do that. What should I bring?”

“Just you…and, well, my daughter.”

He rolls his eyes. “I have to bring something. Wine?”

“Beer maybe? Wine is a taste I haven’t acquired.”

“I’ll bring both. What does Meadow like to drink?”

“She’s partial to vodka.”

Rhett nudges me with his arm. “You’re playful today.”

I am, and it’s because I’m enjoying my time with him so much. “Do you like me this way?”

“I like you every way.” His pupils blow wide as if he can’t believe he said that. Before I can reply, he closes his eyes. “Jesus, why did I say that?”

“Was it a lie? Because I like you every way too.” I don’t even know what I’m saying, what he’s saying. I don’t think Rhett means sexually, though again, there’s no denying I’m attracted to him, both physically and emotionally.

He opens his eyes again. “It wasn’t a lie, but it was weird.”

“I don’t think it’s weird.”

“You also just told me your thirteen-year-old daughter likes vodka.”

“Clearly, I was joking.”

He smiles, then I smile, and we’re just really fucking smiley.

I don’t want to make Rhett uncomfortable, so I figure changing the subject is the smartest course of action. “She likes those nonalcoholic sparkling apple ciders that look like you’re drinking champagne.”

“Okay. I’ll bring that,” he says, and then we get back to work.

I feel Rhett watching me the rest of the day.

*

Me: Help. I need to talk to my best friend.

Archer: Want me to come over?

That is the kind of man Archer is. If someone needs him, he’ll be there, no questions asked.

Me: Taking Meadow to dance. Meet me at the coffeehouse around the corner?

Archer: Sure thing. On my way.

As we drive to her dance class, Meadow talks about school, what they’re working on in dance, and the new outfit she’s making. She was excited when I told her Rhett would be picking her up from school tomorrow and then staying for dinner. She’s the most social person I know. I think she would be friends with the whole world if she could.

“I’m going to have coffee with Uncle Archer while you’re in class.” I park in the lot and turn off the truck. It’s cold as shit out, but the coffeehouse is close enough to walk.

“Okay. Tell him I said hi.”

I walk her to the door, then head over to meet my friend. I realize I’m being slightly dramatic, but I’m feeling all sorts of things right now that have my head in an unfamiliar place.

Archer is inside waiting for me, and we order our drinks, then find a table toward the back. As soon as my ass is in the chair, I say, “I like Rhett.”

“Like him, like him?” Archer raises a brow. “Christ, we sound like we’re twelve.”

“Yes, that kind of like, and yes, we do. I blame myself.”

He snickers before getting serious. “Okay, so you want to hook up with Rhett? Want to date him? What are we talking about here?”

“Hell, man. I don’t know.” I rest my elbows on the table, then bury my head in my hands. “I haven’t dated anyone seriously since April. I don’t…fuck, I’m not sure I even know how to do that anymore. Or if I have it in me. It about killed me and Meadow when she left. I don’t ever want to put her through something like that again. You know how she is. The girl is all heart. If I date someone, she’ll get attached, especially if it’s Rhett. Then what happens if we break up?”

“Then she’ll be sad. That’s a part of life, Cass. You can’t protect her from everything. Does that mean you’re going to stay alone forever so you don’t risk her getting hurt?”

“I was thinking about it, yes,” I deadpan.

He shakes his head. “That’s not fair to you. You’ve always been the type to want to be with someone. You don’t want to be alone.”

We’re quiet as the barista brings over our drinks. When she leaves, I say, “I’m not alone. I have my family, friends, and my daughter.”

“You know what I mean.”

I sigh. He’s right. I do. “It’s not only because of Meadow, though she’s the biggest part of it. I just don’t know if I can go through that again, Arch. I’m not sure if I can ever give myself to someone that way again.”

“Nah, that doesn’t sound like you. I know you better than anyone. You’re not the type to run away or give up. Maybe it just takes the right person to make you see that. Maybe it’s Rhett, maybe it’s not, but you’re the strongest, most levelheaded person I know, and that big heart your daughter has? She gets it from you. You can’t stop it from feeling what it does.”

I…have no idea what to say to that, so I settle on, “You’re no help at all,” making Archer laugh. “Seriously, though, this is a bit of a mess. My issues and fears for Meadow aside, is wanting him smart? I’m fairly certain he’s straight, and he’s…he’s so sad, Archer. More than anything else, I feel like Rhett needs a friend, and my complicated…emotional attachment—I don’t even know what to call it. I’m not in love with the guy, but I’m definitely interested—I don’t want that to mess up our friendship. I don’t want to risk losing that. And I don’t ever want to hurt Rhett.”

“You don’t think I had those very same concerns when I started to fall for East? I was scared to death I’d do the wrong thing, scared of fucking things up and being another heartbreak East had to endure. But we can’t control how we feel, and we can’t live our lives missing out because we’re afraid. All you can do is take into consideration Rhett’s feelings and struggles in the decisions you make. His feelings, but yours and Meadow’s too. I know it’s a lot, but if anyone can navigate it, it’s you.”

I ponder that as I take a drink of my coffee. “Why do you have to go and have so much faith in me?”

“You did the same with me.”

“Best friends are the worst,” I tease, the two of us sharing a laugh.

“I think you’re good for Rhett, and he’s good for you. Maybe it’ll become something, maybe it won’t, but don’t count yourself out before you even know if there’s a chance. That’s not fair to you or Rhett. Do you know how big of a deal it is that he’s working with you? He also made barstools for Morgan and never told him whom they were from, but he let Dusty tell him. You should have heard how excited East was when he found out that Morgan and Rhett talked. The birthday party and all those things, I’m not saying they happened because of you, but I bet something about you has smoothed the way. Sometimes all a person needs is someone to be there for them, and when they are, it helps them see who they are, to appreciate they’re worth it and to fight for themselves. Maybe you’re that person for Rhett.”

My thoughts are echoey hearing what Archer is saying. I don’t figure I’m that for Rhett, but I want to be something for him—friend, lover, both? All I know is I’ve enjoyed these past few weeks with him. They’ve made me understand how alone I felt before. Sometimes we can get so distracted by life that we don’t realize something is missing until a space is filled, and then it’s like…oh, there you are. How did I not realize I need this?

“Of course, there’s a very good chance he’s straight and this conversation is moot.”

Archer grins, and I chuckle. “You asshole.”

“I’m giving you shit. I do know he and Dusty kissed a long time ago. I don’t know if it meant anything, but most straight guys don’t kiss other guys.”

No, they don’t. “Wow…I wonder how that happened.”

“It was a mistake. A big mistake.”

I nod, unsure what to say.

The truth is, no matter how frightening this is, I’m excited. It feels good to be interested in someone again, to look forward to spending time with them.

Now I just have to hope those feelings don’t ruin everything.