Chapter 5

Two weeks later . . .

Regina was having a light brunch with Mika, Rachel, and Lisa. Rachel and Lisa were friends of Regina’s who lived in the neighborhood. She kept in touch with them through text messages and F******k.

The backyard was a mess, so Regina had closed the blinds to the patio doors. But at least things were getting done. It took Scott an extra few days to get the permits, but he started the job a day after he got them. He had three other workers, and he hired an independent contractor for the pool and hot tub.

The ladies were chatting about the latest fashions when the sliding door opened. It was Scott. Sweat glistened off his tanned skin and on his temples. He was wearing a white wife-beater and light-colored blue jeans. The muscles in his arms were prominent and thick, but not bulky. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”

“It’s all right,” Regina said.

“Hi,” Lisa oozed with sparkling eyes. She had short, brown hair and a button nose and pale skin.

“Ladies,” he greeted with a small smile.

“Do you need something?” Regina asked.

“I was wondering if you had a few bottles of water you can spare for me and the guys. I brought a cooler with some water, but we’ve gone through it quicker than I anticipated.”

“Oh, no problem. I have plenty in the fridge,” Regina said. “Help yourself.”

“Yes, please do,” Rachel said in a deep, seductive tone.

Mika suppressed a smile.

“Thank you,” he said with a hint of embarrassment. He walked over to the stainless-steel fridge and opened the door, bending over slightly to get the water.

All four ladies checked out Scott’s ass. It was round and firm.

Rachel, who was practically salivating, turned to look at Regina. “Why couldn’t you put your water on a lower shelf?” she whispered.

Regina realized it was stone-cold quiet. Scott had to realize something was going on. He probably felt awkward. So Regina decided to cover. She cleared her throat and said, “Have you ladies been to the fashion square on Colonial Drive lately?”

“No,” they all said at the same time as they continued to admire Scott’s assets.

Scott stood and turned around. He bumped his body against the door to close the fridge, cradling four water bottles in his hand.

“I would be happy to fix you guys lunch if you’re hungry,” Rachel said. She was a redheaded bombshell who was always ready and willing to entertain a man – or men.

“Thank you, but we’ll probably go out for lunch,” he said as he made his way to the door. “Mika, I’ll be calling your office next week about a fixer-upper I think you might be interested in selling to an investor. It would make a good rental property.”

“All right,” Mika said.

He gave Regina a big smile. “Thanks for the water.” He went out the patio doors. No one spoke until it was sealed shut.

“Good Lord,” Lisa swooned. “He has to be the most attractive contractor I have ever seen.”

“You damn straight,” Rachel said. “Where did you find that hunk, Regina?”

“I didn’t. Mika recommended him.”

Lisa and Rachel looked at Mika.

“When I needed my kitchen remodeled last year, you recommended that slob with the beer gut that hung over his pants,” Rachel said with a turned-up nose. “How come you didn’t recommend that guy?”

“He was busy when you needed your kitchen remodeled,” Mika replied.

“Hell, if I knew that you knew someone that looked like him, I would have waited until he was available,” Rachel said with astonishment.

“I wouldn’t have recommended him for you anyway. You would have been too much for him to handle. He’s a nice, simple man . . . who is a single father.”

“Father? Eh,” Rachel grunted. “I should have known something was wrong with him.” She wasn’t big on kids. Rachel thought they were cute far away, but she didn’t like having them around. She had always said they sucked the fun out of the room for adults.

“How many kids?” Lisa inquired.

“Just one. A boy. He’s cute and friendly,” Mika said.

“He is adorable. He looks just like Scott,” Regina added. “I had the pleasure of meeting him when Scott came over to take a look at the backyard.”

“Well, if he is well behaved, maybe I can overlook it,” Rachel said. “It would be worth a try anyway.”

Regina shook her head.

“Give me some more of his stats,” Rachel requested.

“He’s been divorced for seven years. His dad was in construction, too, but now he’s happily retired. His mother died five years ago, not sure what from.”

“What about the mother of the kid? Why doesn’t she have custody of him?” Rachel asked.

“I don’t know,” Mika said. “I never asked. I never felt comfortable enough to.”

“Hmm, a bit of a mystery man, is he?” Rachel mulled. “Still, he might be worth a try.”

“Oh boy,” Regina sighed. “Do me a favor. Wait until he has finished my yard before you decide to distract him with your—” She stopped and glanced at Rachel’s large, silicon bosom. “Charms.”

The ladies laughed.