Hearts Under Construction Read Free

in Chicago had a corporate takeover. When you told me you’d lost your job, this seemed the perfect fit. For both of us. Of course, I know you’ll miss the adventure, the travels, the million-dollar clients.”
    Cole shrugged. “Those things have their place. But they come with headaches, too. I’m ready for a change.”
    Jax lowered his feet to the floor, laid the pencil on his desk, and picked up his coffee. “I’m glad to hear that. I was hoping you could manage to stick around long enough to make some money here.” Jax winked before sipping his drink.
    Cole shrugged. “Okay, so I’m not exactly Stanley Stability. You don’t have to go into my sordid past. I’m turning over a new leaf. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have accepted.”
    Jax cocked an eyebrow. “So, why the sudden change of heart?”
    Cole looked toward the window. “I’m not sure. Just feels like this is right, you know?”
    “Good. I knew I was taking a risk when I asked you. I’d hoped you would stay.” Jax quickly added, “But I understand it’s a trial thing. No promises.”
    Cole nodded.
    A knock on the door caused them to turn.
    “Come in,” Jax said.
    Ellie stepped inside and paused. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had someone still with you.”
    Jax perked up. “No, no, come on in, Ellie.” He stood and walked over to her.
    “I need to be going, anyway,” Cole said.
    Jax closed the door then turned to them. “No, I need to talk to both of you, won’t you sit down?”
    Cole settled back into his chair, and Ellie sat down in the remaining one beside him. Jax returned to his seat. “We’re going to be working closely together. All of us.” Jax looked at them in turn. “Cole’s going to relieve me of some of my responsibilities out on the job sites.”
    “But, I—”
    Jax held up his hand. “I know you’ve been doing that, Ellie, but it’s too much for one person. Of course—”
    “Too much for one person, Jax? Have I not handled things well by myself? Remember the Ollis job? Didn’t I come through for you when there was a mix-up with the contractors? How about the Person house, didn’t I handle the cabinetry problem without your help?”
    “Well, yes, Ellie, you did, but—”
    “Then I don’t see why we need to change things. We were handling situations just fine before. Why the change? Why couldn’t you leave things as they were? It makes no sense, Jax.” Her eyes flashed, she straightened in her chair. “Just last week, wasn’t I the one who wouldn’t give up when—”
    Jax held up his hand to silence her, but anger wouldn’t shake her free.
    “—the Mills were—”
    “Ellie.”
    “—angry about the—”
    “Ellie.”
    “—foundation crack? Didn’t I put in extra hours to get that matter settled? And when—”
    “Ellie, enough.” Jax’s eyes pinned her. “As I was saying, Cole will oversee things, and he’ll need you to carry out assignments that he can’t do.”
    She paused a moment, took a deep breath, then blew it out. “I see. In other words, he’s my supervisor.”
    Jax studied the pencil in his hand before looking up at her. “Yes, Ellie, he is your supervisor.”
    Cole watched her. He knew she was upset, but he didn’t know how to fix things. “Look, I—” He almost reached for her hand, but the look on her face stopped him cold.
    Their eyes locked for one electric moment. “That’s fine. I’m glad I don’t have to do all of that by myself anymore. Makes my job easier.”
    Jax put on a pleasant expression. “Great.”
    Alex rang over the intercom, notifying Jax of an important call. The three decided to meet later.
    Cole followed Ellie out the door, not nearly as convinced as Jax that things would be so great.

Chapter Two
     
    T he next morning, after making the necessary notations, Ellie shook hands with the Wilsons and said goodbye. She felt energized after every house deal. Of course, things didn’t always run smoothly, and the pesky modifications could drive her