The Firefighter's Twins. Heidi McCahan

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       Chapter Four

      Natalie massaged her aching back. In her brief history as Magnolia Lane’s owner, she’d glued hundreds of bows on party favors and re-strung dozens of white twinkle lights in the barn, but none of that compared to the fatigue she felt from being hunched over, squirting glue on narrow pieces of wood.

      Shay and Trent kept going, though, so she would, too. After she’d finished spreading the glue, she’d taken over snapping the chalk lines so Trent and Shay could nail down the floorboards. She wasn’t a stranger to swinging a hammer, but they definitely worked faster than she did.

      Long shadows fell across the wood they’d installed. The reddish-orange glow of late afternoon sunlight reminded her she still had plenty to do today—and it didn’t involve spending quality time next to Shay Campbell. Even though she’d vowed to quit, she’d caught herself staring at him more than once, especially when he tossed his windbreaker aside and revealed yet another snug-fitting T-shirt. Every time he moved another sheet of plywood, her gaze was drawn to his muscles rippling beneath the faded fabric.

      She saw Trent look at his watch. “Do you need to go?”

      “Yeah, I should. Caroline will want to feed the girls supper pretty soon.”

      Natalie palmed her forehead. “I was going to bring you guys something to eat.”

      “We’ll be back to help you again.” Trent packed up his tools. “You can feed us some other time.”

      “But I offered—”

      “I can’t speak for Shay, but I’ll have to take a rain check. Something was already cooking in the Crock-Pot before I left the house. Caroline will not be happy if I’m not there to eat it.” Trent shrugged into the faded plaid button-down he’d discarded earlier.

      “I understand.” She sneaked another quick look at Shay. He pressed his lips into a thin line while he cleaned up his work space. He hadn’t declined her offer for a meal, but he wasn’t expressing much interest, either.

      She hung back, staying out of the way while they packed up and headed outside to their trucks. The other guys who’d come with them had left already.

      “Thank you, Trent.” She gave her friend’s husband a side hug. “Please tell Caroline and the girls how much I appreciate them giving up an afternoon with you.”

      Trent grinned, squeezing her shoulder. “No problem. I’ll try to round up some more help, especially an electrician.”

      “Yes. I’m desperately seeking an electrician. If he can recommend a great plumber, that would be sweet, too.”

      “I’ll see what I can do.” Trent climbed into his truck and waved at them through the open window. “See y’all later.”

      Shay gave his friend a casual salute. “Have a good night.”

      After Trent drove off, Natalie turned and faced Shay. “Thank you, again. Are you sure I can’t feed you? The boys are welcome to come over to The Grille for cheeseburgers, too. Or...”

      His pained expression caused her to trail off.

      “What? What did I say? You look like I kicked you in the teeth.”

      He lowered his tool belt to the ground and jammed his hands in his back pockets.

      “I’m not very good at taking the boys out by myself.” His voice strained, he scuffed the toe of his work boot against the ground.

      Her heart climbed into her throat. “Oh.”

      “Germs, food allergy issues, the stress of handling two little kids in public... I can’t seem to—”

      “Shay, it’s fine. I get it. Not a big deal.”

      He held up a hand. “Please, let me finish. Selfishly, I’d like to have supper with you tonight. But it’s chaotic and messy and very little adult conversation will take place.”

      Talk about mixed signals. “Is that an invitation? I’m confused.”

      Sighing, he scrubbed a hand across the stubble clinging to his jaw.

      Her eyes trailed his fingertips, sending her thoughts places they shouldn’t go.

      “What I’m trying to say is that evenings with the boys are a struggle. Throw in a meal in a public place and we’re a disaster waiting to happen.”