Chapter 26

Dawson stood off to the side, watching Zoey. He’d convinced the guys to swing by her shop on the way back from their last call. Now, parked on the curb, he stared at her.

“You just going to stare at her, or are you going to go and give her a morning kiss?” Uri joked from behind the steering wheel.

Dawson smiled. “Yeah… I’ll be right back.”

He slipped from the truck, slowly making his way toward her on the sidewalk. Slipping up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her midsection.

Zoey jumped as he pressed his lips to the tender flesh where her neck met her shoulder.

“It’s me.” His hot breath whispered into her ear.

“I hope so,” Zoey giggled as she spun in his arms, “Or a stranger is about to get kneed in the balls.” She pressed her lips to his.

“I needed to see you, so I convinced the guys to swing by.”

Zoey peered over his shoulder, spotting the giant red truck on the street. She threw her hand up in a wave at his teammates, watching them from inside the rig.

“Well… tell them thank you.”

“The builder running late?” Dawson scanned the street, expecting to find the person she was meeting.

Zoey let out a frustrated sigh. “Looks that way.”

“Hey… don’t stress. I promise it will all work out.”

“I know. It’s just…” Zoey took a breath, “this wasn’t in my plan. You know, having to start all over again is so frustrating.”

“Well, this time, you’re not alone. You have me.”

“Thank you.” Zoey kissed him again. “Have I told you I love you lately?”

“Yes, but I never tire of hearing it.”

Dawson’s radio beeped. The sound of dispatch filled the air, reminding them he was at work.

“Shit… I gotta go. Call me, let me know what he says.”

“I will. Be careful. I’ll try to stop by when I’m done.”

Zoey watched as he got in the truck and pulled off. “Excuse me,” a voice caused her to jump. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you Zoey Horton?”

“Yes,” Zoey smiled. “I take it you’re the contractor?

“Yeah, Mike Prince,” he shook her hand. “Shall we get started?”

Zoey followed him into the wreckage and listened as he talked about his recommendations. He suggested turning the second floor into an open loft for her work portions of the shop and the lower level for sales. He also thought moving the office upstairs was a better option. Zoey liked the idea but told him she’d have to think it over since this had been her living space before the fire. If she took his recommendation, she’d have to keep living with her mother. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to commit to that just yet.

Dawson was sitting on the couch in the common area when Zoey walked in. He could tell she was stressed about something right away.

“What’s wrong? Did your meeting not go well?”

Zoey smiled as she sat down next to him. “It went well. I just need to decide whether I want to make the changes he’s suggesting.”

Dawson wrapped his arm around her. “What did he recommend?”

Zoey spent the next few minutes going over the contractor’s plans. “So… I have to decide if I can stand living with my mom or not.”

“Or…” Dawson swallowed. “You could just move in with me.”

“What?” Zoey lifted her head to look at him. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

“I don’t see why not. We’re always together, anyway.”

Zoey sucked her lip in and bit down on it. “I don’t want you to offer out of some sense of nobility or something.”

“Are you serious, Zoey?” Dawson shifted. “I love you. I wouldn’t have asked for any other reason other than that.”

Zoey appraised him. “Thank you.” She pressed her lips to his. “I still don’t know what I did to deserve a guy like you, but yes…” she smiled, “I’ll move in with you.”

“Good. We’ll move you in tomorrow when I’m off.”

“Wow… that fast?”

“Zoey,” he stood, tugging her with him. “I can’t imagine going another moment without you by my side.” He pulled her hand, guiding her towards the stairs.

“Where are we going?”

“We’re going upstairs.” Several of the guys smirked as Dawson dragged her upstairs. Zoey blushed, throwing her hand up in a wave as she stumbled up the steps behind him.