Unhurt Read Free Page B

to work on these pieces. Just drop them by my place along with the tubs and I’ll work them into the rotation. I’ve got a few small projects in the works, but other than that the only job I’ve got is Bobby’s and at the rate you’re going I’ll have plenty of time to fit in some bedroom pieces before the Monk is ready for further furnishings.”
    He chuckled. “I’m going to let that one slide since I really want you to do me next.” He shook his head. “Damn. Why do I keep doing that?”
    I watched as his cheeks turned a bright crimson and I couldn’t keep from laughing out loud. “Your game is lacking, buddy.” Which was weird really because Derek didn’t look like the kind of guy who had ever struggled in the chick department. He was tall, tan and built. Like, seriously built. Never mind his shaggy blond hair, bright baby blues and ever-present half-smile which was both adorable and delicious looking to the point I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss it or lick it.
    Shit. Now I was blushing, too.
    “I should probably get you out of my bedroom before I say anything else that really creeps you out.” He came to guide me out toward the door and I felt his hand land gently on my lower back. It only added to the overall chaos of awakening urges running amok in my body.
    “You are pretty creepy, Derek.” It seemed like the safest response even if it couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
    Back downstairs things only became increasingly awkward and we wasted no time in climbing back into his truck and returning to the bar where he dropped me off with my Bronco.
    “I’ll just get your number from Bobby if that’s cool, and we can work out a drop off for this weekend.”
    I opened my door and climbed in halfway. “Yeah, that works. If I don’t answer, just text me. For the love of GOD, do not leave me a voicemail. I won’t listen to it and seeing the little icon in the corner of my screen will drive me to the brink of madness.”
    Derek’s half smile spread. “Don’t want that.”
    He waited for me to get all the way in, then closed the door for me, tapping the roof of my cab twice, signaling the all clear.
    I waved and took off, watching him in the side view mirror for as long as I could. I was halfway home before I realized he had stayed out there doing the same for just as long.
    I was tempted to call Bobby and get the lowdown on Derek from him, but I didn’t. What would be the point? Sure, I was pretty certain there was a mutual attraction there, but what difference did that make? None. That’s what.
    When I pulled up in front of my house, I wasn’t surprised to hear music blasting through the open windows of my home.
    I took the steps up to the front door and danced my way inside. My keys had barely hit the small dish on the foyer table when Wyatt came storming over, jumping up and wrapping his arms and legs tightly around me.
    “Mommy!”
    “What’s up little monkey man? Let me guess, you had blueberries with lunch.”
    He looked up at me with wide eyes. “How did you knowded?”
    “Because mommies know everything. Now go wash your face.” I set him back down and scooted him toward the bathroom while I walked deeper into the house following the sound of Janis Joplin belting out Bobby McGee.
    “Hey Debbie.”
    Aunt Deb was the tie dye sheep of our family. Which naturally made her my favorite.
    “What’s up, Wacko-doodle?” Clearly, I was hers as well.
    I was about as certain she was adopted as I was that Bobby was fathered by the milkman. Unlike the rest of our uptight clan, Debbie was a free spirit who reveled in all things metaphysical and energy healing. She also happened to have a passion for some old school rock and roll. All in all, in lieu of present parents, I knew I was always in good hands with Aunt Deb. And so was Wyatt.
    “Drop off went well, plus I scored another gig while I was down there.”
    Debbie turned down the music. “Oh yeah? What kind of