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  Once my stomach was full, I finished off my second cup of coffee. I told Gram that I’d be home later tonight and hopped into my car to head to the lumber yard.

  I parked right by the entrance and decided to take a look inside before walking over to the garage. I opened the glass door and walked inside, seeing the guys at work in the back on various projects. While we didn’t process the wood in house, we had it delivered from various parts of the state set aside for this very purpose. Customers from a few towns over came in to pick up wood and place orders. It was a successful business that made me proud.

  I greeted the guys that were close by, making my way to the office to check the email.

  “Good morning, Colton.” Cora said. I glanced up to see my assistant, Cora. She was a striking brunette that was a great helper, but I’d deflected her advances from the start. She’d been with the company for ten years and Gramps loved her like a daughter. I wasn’t about to fuck with that dynamic.

  “Morning, Cora. How are you?” I asked as she walked in, shaking her hips in the clingy jeans. I ignored it, focused on my computer.

  “I’m great. Everything is set up for today. We have a delivery coming in today and several orders being worked on.

  How’s Gus doing?” She asked.

  I never used Gramp’s real name, and I smiled.

  “He’s great. Fishing today and living the good life.” I assured her as she sat down across from me, nodding. “Everything is on schedule? I can’t let him down.”

  “It’s fine, Colton. I don’t want to let him down any more than you.” Cora’s tone was snarky, and I glanced up at her.

  “I’m running two businesses right now. I need you to understand how important this one is. I need to be able to trust you with everything,” I reminded her as she rolled her dark brown eyes.

  “Hallie is back, from what I hear. She can handle the shop.” I sensed that Cora wasn’t the biggest fan of this Hallie.

  “Who is that?” I asked as she frowned.

  “Brian’s daughter. She doesn’t show up much, but she’s here now. Let her handle it.” There was definitely some resentment there, and I held back a laugh. Women were so catty, no matter their age.

  “I doubt that she’s into working on cars. She’s probably here to take care of her father.” He’d been sick for a few weeks now and needed the help. From what I’d heard, his daughter was all that he had. I wasn’t going to judge her by the amount of time it took for her to visit. Cora made a small noise, and I chose to ignore it. I was here to do my thing, not to worry about some beef from God knows when.

  Cora made her way into the main part of the building and I sighed. She was handling everything great. I just didn’t want to bond with her in any way.

  I shut down the computer and stood to head to the shop. I had five cars to look at today, barring any that dropped by. I left the yard and strode down the street the few feet needed to reach the door. I grabbed the keys and opened it up, locking it behind me so I could prepare for the day. I got the money in the register, counted down from last night. I started the coffee going in the corner and decided to just open the bays. I’d deal with anyone that came by for a while, since it was early.

  The sun was just peeking over the hills as I glanced outside. I looked over the cars, knowing that the old sedan was first. I felt like the owner was putting too much money into it by fixing the transmission. He loved it though and at his age, let him do what he wanted. He might not be driving once the old car decided to give up. I pulled it in and started working on it after I turned on the Bluetooth speaker.

  Chapter 3

  Hallie

  I woke up in the morning after sleeping hard for several hours. Dad was still asleep, and I rose quietly to make some coffee. We both needed it to wake up. I looked around the house and smiled at the memories here for a moment. The sun was shining through the generous windows in the old house, offering me a generous view of the scenery.

  I was pouring a cup for myself when I heard Dad coughing in the living room. I hurried in with some water and handed him the glass, watching his face with worry etched on mine.

  “Are you okay?” I asked as he nodded slowly.

  “It takes me a while before I’m all clear. Thank you.” He took the water and sipped it slowly.

  I looked back into the kitchen. I knew that he had to take his antibiotics throughout the day and wanted to get him his morning dose.

  “Do you need to take your pills with food? Do they bother you?” I asked as he cleared his throat.

  “They’re strong. I have been. There’s some yogurt in the fridge.” He replied as I nodded.

  I walked in and opened the heavy door to see several strawberry containers on the shelf. I grabbed one, checking the date before I got a spoon and the prescription bottle. I emptied one into my hand and walked over to give him everything.

  “Want coffee?” I asked brightly, trying not to think about how sick he was.

  “I’d love some after I get this down.” He smiled warmly at me and I nodded, retreating to give him some space. Neither of us were morning people. I grabbed my phone and sat down at the small, round table to check emails and social media. I felt so far away from New York right now and I missed it as I scrolled through pictures that friends posted. The city never stopped, even when I wasn’t there. I pushed away my longing to be back as I moved on to a news page to distract myself.

  Dad asked for some coffee after he was finished with his quick breakfast. I brought him a cup and discarded the yogurt container before sitting down on the couch.

  “So, who is running the shop again?” I asked, unclear on who the guy was.

  “His name is Colton. He’s Gus’ grandson.” Dad sipped his coffee with a smile on his face. “You probably don’t know him since his mama took off when she was young. Good kid. He just started getting close to them and Gus offered him the yard.”

  I thought for a moment, picturing Gus and his pretty wife. I only knew their son, but he lived in some other state. I’d never heard too much about a daughter.

  “How old is he?” I asked, wanting to picture this guy. I knew everyone in this town and the idea of someone I’d never seen helping me troubled me.

  “Thirty-five. He’s not a kid.”

  “Is he doing a good job?” I queried as Dad looked at me. He was smiling as he nodded.

  “If he didn’t already have the yard, I might hire him myself.”

  “Huh.” I said thoughtfully as I leaned back. “Maybe I should go down there and introduce myself to him. Offer him any help that he might need.” I had no idea what to do in an auto shop, but he might need help with customers or something. It had to be backed up down there.

  “That’s a good idea. You can help a few hours a day. I can be left alone some.” Dad assured me, and I nodded.

  “I’ll try to get down there soon. I want to thank him at the very least.” I sipped my coffee, planning things I needed to do ahead. I worked as an assistant to a magazine editor on the city and was used to multitasking, but running a home was not my forte. I hadn’t cooked in years since there was take out at all hours of the day by my small apartment. I worried about my dad’s favorite meals and how to cook them.

  “Are you okay with your job?” Dad asked as I nodded.

  “They’re fine with me taking some time off. They encouraged me to be gone for longer. I work a lot.” The office was crazy all the time with writers working and people dropping by for interviews and photo shoots. We had a section of the building where those were done if the writer didn’t want to go to a specific location. It was chaotic and gorgeously modern.

  “Do you take care of yourself? You’ve lost a little weight.” I heard the concern in his voice.

  “I don’t always sleep eight hours a day. I won’t lie. Everyone in the city eats out more than in but we walk it off. Most people walk everywhere. I wouldn’t dream of trying to drive there.” Dad knew all this from his visits. I used cabs to get us pl
aces or a friend with a car would drive us. He told me several times that he didn’t like the lifestyle.

  “I can see why.” He scowled, and I smiled gently at him.

  “I have the car here though. I need to get some stuff at the store and you need to tell me your favorites.” I looked at him and he nodded as he coughed again. “I should learn how to make soup. That’s good when you’re sick.”

  “Half the town is offering to cook for me. I think you’ll be fine.” I shrugged.

  “You’ve done so much for me that I want to help you, Dad. I haven’t been here for you.” I frowned.

  “You have a life and that’s what I wanted for you.” It was. He always told me to chase my dreams even if he didn’t agree with them.

  “You don’t think I left you… like Mom?” I asked quietly as he let out a sigh.

  “No. You were old enough to go live your life. She was just selfish.” I nodded. “I love you, Hal. I want you to be happy.”

  “I am. I miss you is all.” I stood and hugged him lightly, knowing how wrecked I’d be when he was gone. This brought me to reality if nothing else.

  Once he was napping in his chair again, I dressed to head to the store. I chose worn jeans and a thick sweater from my suitcase after showering. I didn’t need to dress up here. I slipped my feet into thick boots and checked on Dad before leaving.

  I had the list in my purse of what he wanted to start with. I vowed to look up recipes for soup and things that I could freeze for him once I was gone. I drove to the main road and glanced to the right before making the sharp turn. I might as well stop by the shop and introduce myself to this Colton guy. I wanted to be helpful. I drove a couple blocks before parking to the side, taking a long look at the huge building that housed most of the lumber yard. It was a fixture here in Chester. It was beautiful, and it looked as though someone was taking care of it.

  I looked at the shop after that. Both bays were open, and I saw two cars parked inside. I went to the front door first, surprised to find it locked. I strode to the bays and stepped inside, looking around.

  “Hello?” I called out, only hearing some rock music.

  “Yeah. What can I help you with?” I heard a masculine voice, and a guy moved from under one of the hoods. I stared at him for a moment, stunned into silence. Colton was tall, at least six feet and I could tell that he was in shape even with the coverall on. His eyes were a bright blue that reminded me of tropical waters and I blinked. “Can I help you?”

  “Is there a reason the door isn’t opened?” I asked as he smirked at me.

  “I got caught up working on this sedan and I’m working here on my own. I’d go through these doors, anyway.” The man looked around. “Do you have a car that needs fixing?”

  “I… no. I’m Hallie. Brian’s my dad.” Something passed over his face as he took me in. “I was going to the store for him and thought I’d stop by.”

  “Hallie. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He wiped his hands on the shirt and stepped forward. “I’m Colton Hansen.”

  “Hi. I’ve heard some about you as well. My dad really appreciates this.” I smiled, trying not to show him how much he was affecting me.

  “It’s no problem. He’s a good man and I have a great staff at the yard.” His brown hair was tousled and looked like he’d been running his hands through it. Even if they were covered in oil and his hair might be the same way, I considered what it would feel like with my hands in his hair.

  “Still, it means a lot to both of us.” I licked my stained lips lightly. “If you need any help, I could come in and lend a hand. Do the books, run the counter, whatever you need.”

  Chapter 4

  Colton

  Hallie was gorgeous. I could see why Cora was being bitchy towards her because Hallie was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen. She had caramel curls that were pulled back into a loose ponytail and these light, bright green eyes. Her skin was pale and flawless, and my eyes slid down her body slowly. She was a bit on the thin side, but I could still see her curves.

  I tuned into what she was saying as I blinked. She was feisty, and I watched as she clenched her keys in her hands. She was saying something about the door being locked and I explained myself to her. I knew how to run a damn business. I was doing it with the one next door. I realized that she was just here to introduce herself and I was surprised that she offered any help.

  I walked forward and took her in closer. Hallie was a few inches shorter than I was and looked to be a couple of years younger. She blushed as I got closer and took her in.

  “Help, huh?” I asked as she nodded.

  “Of course. I’m here to help Dad but he worries about this place.” She smiled gently. “It’s his life.”

  “I know. I can tell that about him. I’ll bet he’s glad to have you home.” I took her in for another moment. “I open at nine and close at five Monday through Saturday. Feel free to drop in anytime. I’m not great at the paperwork with the lumber yard in the back of my head.” Our eyes locked, and she widened hers for a moment.

  “Yeah. Of course. I’ll be here when I can, depending on how Dad is doing at that time. He’s my focus more than anything.” Her smile was bright, but I saw the emotions swirling in her gorgeous eyes. They displayed everything. Hallie told me that she needed to pick up some groceries for him and reminded me to text Brian if anything serious came up. We’d already had that set in place, but I nodded with the crooked smile that usually melted the panties off women. It hadn’t for a while, looking back and I held it in place as Hallie looked down at the ground. “I’ll be here when I can.” She promised with a quick glance to my face before turning away.

  “See you then,” I called out as she slipped into the sleek car, starting the engine, and pulling away. I watched her walk the entire time, taking in her juicy ass. Hallie was hot but more than that, I could see how much she cared for her father.

  I returned to the car to finish the transmission as soon as I could before tackling the brakes on another. I thought about my life back in Denver compared to the one here as I worked. I was always working, always out. Before my wasted relationship, I was dating women and sleeping with them regularly. Mindy consumed me when I first met her, and the year long relationship moved quickly. I knew that she was sleeping with other men immediately once I caught her with the bartender from her favorite dive bar in our bed. It was obvious that she was skilled at what she was doing in the second that I had to watch. There was an intimacy to the sex. Mindy filled me in after that and I knew that I had to get the fuck out of there.

  I believed that we had something.

  Here, I had only slept with a few women outside of town. I went to a bar several towns away when the itch was bad, lying about my name and where I lived. I didn’t want them to find me and I sure as hell wasn’t doing it in Chester. I hadn’t wanted to with everything else in my head, but Hallie was a game changer.

  I finished the cars in the time that I had that day, closing with time to walk over to the yard and make sure that everything went well. It was nearly seven before I was in my car, driving to Gramps to eat something and get some sleep. I knew that Gram would reheat dinner for me and sit with me as long as she could stay awake. She always did even though she went to bed early with Gramps.

  I walked in to her watching a game show on TV. Gram smiled as she greeted me, and I decided I needed to get my own place. She deserved to enjoy his retirement without worrying about me. I cooked a bit, and I’d get by. I could visit for Sunday dinners. Tonight, I ate the leftover roasted chicken and vegetables that she’d made before showering and dropping into bed.

  I wasn’t sure how long I’d be helping with the shop but even after that, I owned the yard. I was busy with that and I’d be tired. I had an excellent staff to handle things, but I was a hands-on kind of man. I always had been and now, I had Hallie in my head as I imagined my hands all over her.

  She was Brian’s daughter. I had to keep that in mind even if she wa
s his adult daughter that could make her own decisions. I could still see those eyes in my mind and the way they took me in. She didn’t even know that she was checking me out for that time, but she was. If she did know, she was caught red-handed, and I’d see if she came back. She was still his daughter and would remain nothing but a fantasy. I was just wondering if she’d be by.

  I woke up the following morning to the alarm and started all over again. This morning, I checked the paper for places available for rent as Gram cooked, playing it off when she brought the plate over. I wasn’t going to tell her of my plans until we were sitting down for a real meal. Gram wasn’t the casual type as loving as she was. She deserved to hear it from me when we could talk about it. I ate, and we chatted about some plans they had that evening with friends. She asked if I could handle dinner since that was part of their night. I chuckled as I nodded, reminding her that I was a grown up. Gram flushed and told me that she knew that. She just had years to make up for, reminding me of Mom. I needed to call her to see how everything was in Chicago. I needed to try to convince her to come here for a visit again.

  I dressed for the shop, skipping the trip to the yard. I was there late last night, and things were great. I’d send a text to Cora checking in when I had a minute. I unlocked the front door this time, laughing to myself at the memory of Hallie asking me why it wasn’t opened yesterday. She had sass, and I liked that in a woman. Mindy was sweet and submissive when we first met. I knew that Hallie had spirit from the beginning.

  I brewed the coffee as I turned on the lights, checking to make sure the small room was presentable. I had three more days of this before I’d have a break from the shop as well as the yard. Some Sundays I went in to check on things, but the lumberyard ran like a well-oiled machine. Gramps did a great job with it.

  Chapter 5