Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“Yeah! We could tie Chrissy up with legal stuff until Township is done,” Avery echoes.
Hazel laughs evilly. “Or literally tie her up in a barn somewhere until Jesse’s done. I’ve got rope and could borrow a barn, no problem. How long do you need?”
I shrug as I do the mental calculations. “At least a month, maybe closer to two, to finish the bulk of it. We’ve got three more streets, but the last one at the back of the development is shorter because of the pond.” In my mind, I’m already making a cut list of what I’d need. “I could push the guys. Most of ’em would be good with sunup to sundown for a short time if it meant big paychecks, piling in the overtime. I’ll warn them that after this build-out, jobs are in question, though, so nobody goes out and plops the cash down on a new truck or some shit. And materials were ordered in bulk when we started, with a delivery schedule per street. I could see about moving up those dates. As long as the weather holds, I can get it done.”
“Jesse—” Winston knows how much work I’m talking about. He’s been eyeball deep in Jed’s operation before, and understands the scope of work a development like Township requires. “You really willing to do that for Cold Springs?”
“Hell no,” I answer, shaking my head. “But I’m willing to do it for Wren. She said this contract is important to her, so if I need to turn myself inside out so that it doesn’t fall apart, I will.”
Wren drops the book she’s holding to the floor and strides directly toward me. One hand on each arm of the chair, she bends down to meet my eyes. “You are an amazing man, Jesse Sullivan.” And then she kisses me solidly.
I can’t believe we were so stupid for so long, her worried she’s too much and me sure that I’m not enough. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Because together, we’re perfect, and she can use my rough edges to polish the shine of her diamond all she wants.
“That’s really sweet and all,” Francine says, “but I also don’t want a whole development speed built that’s going to give our residents problems later. No offense, Jesse.” I dip my chin, understanding her concern and that it’s not a slight of my work. “What if we rewrite the contract with Chrissy? We could add in some clauses to our favor.”
Ben and Wren have some sort of sidebar conversation that I don’t get, and after a minute, Wren says, “We agree. I’m going to have to work with Chrissy and Oliver to revamp the contract. That also means that all construction is going to have to stop, because the deal they’re built under is no longer in place.”
She looks at me apologetically, but it’s not me who needs an apology. It’s my crew.
“Effective when?” I grit out. She’s doing what she has to do, but I’ve got an entire site and a bunch of guys I’m responsible for who she’s affecting in the worst way.
“Uhm . . . as soon as I tell Jed and Chrissy that their contract with the city is under reconsideration.”
I nod, furious even though I understand. “Gimme till Monday, at least. Please. I can have the guys bust ass tomorrow and all weekend, working overtime. We’ll get as much done as we can, so the guys get a little cushion and we clear out some materials so they don’t go to waste before this gets straightened out.”
“I can do that,” Wren agrees, looking at Ben and Francine for consensus.
I stand and take a deep breath. “I gotta go, then. I’ll let the crews know, but I want to spend some time out at the site tonight making a plan of attack.”
Wyatt and Winston rise too. “We’ll go with you and help. If nothing else, we can help set up materials so they’re ready to roll in the morning.”
I shake both their hands appreciatively. “Thanks, the pay is zero dollars an hour, but I’ll order us pizza later. Overtime’s a beer at Puss N Boots.”
“Deal,” Wyatt says.
Winston kisses baby Joe on the head and then Avery. He points a finger at Grandpa Joe, instructing him, “Take care of my girl and my li’l man for me.”
Grandpa Joe couldn’t do a thing but press his emergency alert button if something went wrong, but Winston respects him and his place in their extended family unit.
I wrap my arms around Wren, and she presses her palms to my chest. “I’ll talk to you later, Birdie. Maybe set your meeting for as late on Monday as you can?”
She smiles and curls her fingers, digging her nails into my flesh through my shirt. It’s all the answer I need, and I have to swallow the growl that threatens to escape. I think her dad would have my hide if I made those kinda noises with his little girl, no matter the fact that Wren likes them. As evidenced by her sweet smile turning sly. I bend down as she raises up to her toes and our lips meet in the middle. It’s a goodbye for a few days while we both bury ourselves in work, and a promise to bury ourselves in each other after Monday.