Page 26 of Sunshine

She clears her throat, pulling my attention, and glances around at… the air I guess, and nods. “Seems like nice enough weather.”

I do the same, trying not to look at her nipples beading under the silk. “Not many of these days left, I imagine.”

She sighs, her eyes going skyward slowly. “Chatting nicely with me about the weather isn’t going to change my mind, Case. I want you out of the trailer.”

“Why’s that?” I ask, wondering what kind of lie she’ll come up with because I know why she wants me out. She’s here licking her wounds and I’m an easy target. That’s the only thing I can think of.

Her eyes land on mine as she answers. “It’s an eyesore. That old thing is rundown and past its prime.”

I know she’s not talking about me even if she’s making it seem that way. I may be older than I once was, but my body is in better shape than it ever was.

“It’s gotta go.”

“I understand. And I wouldn’t dream of trying to change your mind,” I say with a half-smile, watching as she narrows her eyes a fraction in suspicion.

“Then why are you darkening my doorstep?”

“Thought I’d let you know, since I’m not sure you have access to Lily’s email address. I’ve contacted the Landlord Tenant Board. They’re backed up. But I filled out the forms anyway and got us a hearing.”

She straightens. “I thought you weren’t going to try to change my mind.”

“I’m not. I’m planning on giving in at the hearing. But in the meanwhile, you’re stuck with me.”

“Fine.”

I turn the phone to her, pointing at the spot where the hearing date is. “December the year after next, it’s all yours.”

Her eyes flick up to mine but that’s it. She doesn’t show even the slightest bit of annoyance. But she doesn’t have to, I know in my gut, I’ve won this round.

“Have a lovely day,” I say, turning and walking off her porch.

“Let the games begin, Mr. Biker.”

I pause at the little gate in her yard, but I don’t turn around. What have I gotten myself into? I don’t have time for this bullshit.

“I don’t have time for games, Tessa. I’ll be happy to play with you once my house is built. Hell, after that, we can play games till we’re wrinkled and gray, yeah?”

My answer is a slamming door.

Again, it’s quiet for a few days, no notes, no looks, nothing, but I’m not dumb enough to think she’s given up.

I’m barely on the site when Mack spots me, and, shoving his phone into his pockets, heads straight for me.

“Case. We’ve got a fucking problem.”

“What’s up?” I look back at Tessa’s, squinting to see if she’s outside yet. My gut knots. I don’t even have to know the problem to know she’s the cause.

“You hear anything about our lumber delivery being delayed?” Mack’s words have me turning back, but with the sun partially blinding me from behind him, I can’t see his expression. I shove my hard hat on to block the piercing rays, and see his face is stoney. That’s normal for Mack but the muscle ticking in his jaw isn’t.

“What’s going on?” I ask, grabbing my tool belt and wrapping it around my waist.

“It hasn’t arrived.”

I check my watch. “You’re sure it isn’t here? It was due to be dropped off early this morning.”

He places his hands impatiently on his hips. “I think I’d fucking notice if there was a giant pile of lumber around here.”

His short tone doesn’t offend me. Instead, I shoot him a half grin. “Right.”