Chapter 10

DARCY

* * *

Matt

I watched that show last night. I can't believe you liked it.

What? You didn't?!? Do you have no heart?

That girl was manipulative and shallow. How can she kiss both brothers?

Because she loves them both. Duh.

Selfish if you ask me. She's totally messing with their dynamic.

This is a typical exchange with Matt. The banter never ends. And I've never enjoyed arguing more.

Three weeks into this project, and the demolition is daunting. I have to check out the big kitchen install today. I'm overwhelmed and stressed because this is a sizable piece of the project. It looked good on paper, but what if it doesn't work in reality? My confidence is on thin ice.

Jay assures me everything is going well, and he wants me to bring Sammie so they can compare spreadsheets or some silly excuse. She's driving us over the bridge to the island while I text Matt. I giggle and Sammie glances at me. I can't believe he watched more episodes when he got home.

You just don't get it. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Still don't like it. See you at the house later.

"Matt is meeting us when he finishes up with baseball camp."

"So, what's going on there?" Sammie asks.

"What do you mean?" Matt and I have spent almost every day together. We work, run errands, and argue about TV shows and music. It's become our thing.

"You two are pretty chummy. I'm worried about you."

"Why are you worried about me?" I glance over at Sammie and see her quirk her eyebrow at me. "What?!"

"Girl, I know you. You've always crushed on Matt. Now, I'm afraid it might be more than that."

She's right. It's more, at least for me. "Don't be silly. He's just being a good friend."

"Nah, that smile you get when he texts? You didn't do that when Ryan texted. Girl, I see it. You're falling for him."

I've never been in love before, not even with Ryan. I'm not sure what that feels like. Being with Matt feels different. He calms my nerves and gives me confidence when I don't feel it. I feel accepted for me, just as I am. Do I love Matt? It's just that childhood crush manifesting into my crazy reality. Love? It doesn't matter.

"He's Cole's best friend, and that's a line Matt will never cross. He would never jeopardize his relationship with Cole, and I would never want him to. So, it's a non-issue. Now, you and Jay, there's something to talk about." I laugh at her blush. Better to deflect than reflect.

"He is pretty great. I wouldn't mind getting to know him better."

"Samantha Chapin, you like him," I say in a sing-song tone. "Sammie and Jay sitting in a tree…."

"Stop it. He's just interesting. Driven. It's impressive."

"His hot body and mesmerizing eyes are impressive, too," I tease.

"What? I hadn't noticed." Sammie tries to act like it's all about character. I know she sees past the physical, but damn, Jay's physical attributes are nothing to look away from.

"Well, tonight is your chance. We'll order dinner, and Matt and I will leave you two alone. Maybe sparks will fly?" I attempt to wiggle my eyebrows at her, which makes her giggle and snort.

"Sparks with who? Me or you?"

"Hey, if we're lucky, both."

* * *

When Sammie and I arrive, Jay shows us around the house, pointing out what's still pending. He has me start a punch list to follow up on items that aren't finished or need touch-ups. The kitchen is almost done, and several bathrooms are ready for wall coverings.

"Jay, this is amazing. You guys have worked hard," Sammie comments.

"Thanks, Sammie. It's been inspirational. The design is fun and unique. I can't wait to see it all come together."

I know I said I'd never been in love, but that was before I saw these cabinets. Picking teal was risky, but they really pop with the gray marble countertops. I snap a few pictures and send them to Chance. My excitement and insecurity well up. What if Chance hates them?

The doorbell rings, and Sammie offers to get it.

"You're pretty quiet over there, Miss Designer. Everything okay?" Jay asks.

I'm overcome with emotion. I'm happy and relieved it's coming together, and I think it's perfect. But what if? Hot tears fill my eyes as I nod my head that I'm okay. Jay puts his hands on my shoulders, and a panicked look crosses his face. Some guys can't handle a crying woman, and apparently, that includes Jay.

One thing I hate about myself is that I'm a crier. I hate my overactive tear ducts. My eyes and tears betray every emotion I have, making me look like a crazy person most of the time. My potent emotions always seem to evoke a physical response.

I close my eyes to pull myself together and the next thing I know, I'm wrapped up in muscular arms and pulled against a broad chest. Hmmm, Jay smells good.

"There, there, pretty girl. No crying on my watch." He kisses the top of my head, and his hand gently rubs up and down my back.

It takes a moment to register it's not Jay, and I put my arms around Matt and hold on tight. I will my tears to stop, but it's no use. The exhaustion, the panic, the joy, the uncertainty, the happiness, the love — it's all coming out at once.

Matt holds me tight, comforting me. How did he get in the kitchen so fast? He must have sprinted through the house. I relax into his embrace, letting his powerful arms hold me against his hard chest. My mind wanders, and I will my hands not to do the same.

"Come on, Jay, let's give her a minute," Sammie says. "Show me the upstairs."

Matt holds me and puts his cheek on the top of my head. I'm very aware that my five-five frame fits perfectly under his chiseled jaw.

"Why are you so nice to me?" I whisper between sniffles.

"You make it easy, pretty girl. Now, what has you all teary?" He puts me at arm's length, and I immediately miss his warmth.

"Would you believe me if I said cabinets?"

He looks around the kitchen, nodding in appreciation. "They are pretty fantastic. I'm feeling a little emotional myself." He twists his face like he's trying to cry.

His teasing makes me laugh, and I swat at his chest. I leave my hand resting on his heart. The steady beat grounds me.

"Are you making fun of me?" I feel foolish, and the heat of embarrassment rushes to my face.

Matt looks down, his thumb wipes away an errant tear, and says, "Never." His eyes search mine, looking for something. We stay like that longer than is appropriate, looking at each other, searching for answers to unspoken questions.

My phone buzzes with a FaceTime request, breaking the moment. I pull my phone from my back pocket.

"Hey Chance, what do you think?"

"Girl, they're amazing. You're rocking it. Everything okay? You look like you've been crying?"

"No, I'm fine. Just," a slight hiccup escapes, and I laugh at my ridiculousness. It's replaced by a smile. "Had an emotional moment."

"I'd hug it out with you if I could, but I'm in Toronto."

"Don't worry. I've got her," Matt says, interjecting himself into the conversation. His tone is serious and firm.

Chance laughs. "Hey Matt, glad to hear it. I knew you were the man for the job."

I smile at Chance's easygoing personality. "Do you want a quick walk-thru since you're here? It's amazing."

"Sure, show me your awesomeness."

I walk Chance through the house, showing him everything on FaceTime. Matt holds my hand and never leaves my side while I'm on the call. He adds a comment when he thinks I'm leaving out a detail, telling Chance what a great job I'm doing. The realization that he was paying attention to my color psychology makes my heart flutter.

We make our way to the top deck, and when we step out, we find Sammie and Jay swinging in the hammock together. "Looks like I should rename the house the Love Shack," Chance says when he sees Sammie and Jay cuddled up.

Chance's voice startles Jay, and he jumps, causing Sammie to fall to the floor. I drop the phone to help her, and Jay apologizes to Sammie, Chance, and anyone who can hear him.

"Sammie, you okay?" Jay asks.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," she says, pushing everyone away. She blushes from embarrassment. It must be contagious today.

"Hey, can I chat with Jay for a minute?" Chance yells from my phone on the floor.

I pick up my phone and see Chance laughing at us.

"Sorry about that," I mumble as I pass the phone to Jay.

Sammie brushes past me and goes back into the house. I hear a door close and assume she needs a minute. I smile at the idea of her and Jay because they make a cute couple. At least one of us can be on the path of a happily ever after or at least happy for now.

"What's got you smiling, pretty girl?" I roll my eyes at Matt's new nickname for me. I know it's a reaction to Chance calling me beautiful. As professional athletes, their competitive spirit never stops. These guys can lay off the flattery, especially when I'm make-up-free, hair barely brushed, and wearing an oversized sweater and ripped jeans. This is not the look of a girl that is beautiful or pretty.

He catches my eye roll and puts his fingers under my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"I'm not sure I'm keeping up here, Darcy. Are you okay?" Matt's face is full of concern. His eyes sweep my face and seem to focus on my mouth.

My lips suddenly feel dry, and I wet them with my tongue. His intense gaze causes my breath to hitch, which he returns with a slight upturn of his mouth. We stare at each other for a long moment. His head leans toward mine. Is Matt about to kiss me? I close my eyes and wait, and Jay comes in from the deck. Matt steps away, and the moment is lost. If there was an actual moment.

Jay hands me the phone and extends his hand to Matt.

"We haven't officially been introduced, but I'm Jay, the project manager."

Matt shakes his hand and smiles at Jay. "Hey man, I'm Matt. I'm Darcy's, um, assistant."

Jay laughs. "Then I guess we both work for this girl. She's quite the visionary, isn't she?"

"Oh, please," I sigh. "I'm a blubbering, anxious, in over my head, hot mess. I know it. You both know it. Chance knows it. We all need to get on the same page." I drop down on the overstuffed chair in the upstairs rec room.

"You are none of those things," Matt says.

I give him a look that says get real.

"Okay, I'll give you anxious." He pauses until I smile. "At times, you might be anxious. But you're not a hot mess."

"And you're not in over your head," Jay interjects. "Chance was very impressed with the work. He said something about Tripp's place not holding a candle to this one. Does that mean something to you?"

"Yeah, it does." I find my confidence and feel much better. I exhale loudly and pull myself up from the very comfy chair.

"You guys get to know each other and order dinner for us, okay? Whatever you decide. It's on Chance so, by all means, order dessert. I'm going to go check on Sammie." I toss the black card to Matt. He examines it and frowns. He's seen me use it to buy house stuff, but he acts like the card is poison or something.

Jay blushes and looks down at his shoes. "Should I go check on her?" he asks quietly.

"Nah, this is a job for her bestie. I've got her. She'll be back better than new. You guys just be prepared to feed us when we come back. And use the card, Matt. Chance gets mad if I don't use it for food."

"I don't care if he gets mad. I can buy dinner." Matt's pride seems to be wounded too.

"I know you can, slugger." I walk by and punch him in the arm. "I don't care who pays for dinner as long as it's here soon. And there's something sweet. Surprise me."

I leave the room in search of Sammie. Boys and their stubborn pride.

* * *

I find Sammie downstairs by the pool. It's a little chilly, so I grab a few throw blankets and join her in the double lounger.

"You okay?" I ask.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just embarrassed."

"You sure looked cozy with Jay up there." I wiggle my eyebrows. I can't do it right, and it always makes her giggle.

"It was nothing. Just staying out of the way so you could have your moment with Matt."

She gets one of my eye rolls. Now those I've perfected.

"Seriously, if you could've seen him practically tackle Jay to get to you. If I weren't afraid for Jay, I would've swooned. He saw him reach out to comfort you, and it became his mission to be the one to do it."

Is that what he did? "It's not like that. He's just protective, like Cole."

"Nope, not like Cole. Trust me."

"He's my brother's best friend. I'm like his kid sister." These are facts. I wish they weren't, or that they didn't make a difference, but they do.

"Yeah," she drags out. "Not gonna lie. I don't think he was looking at you like a sister."

I stare at Sammie with dismay. I thought we had a moment upstairs. Was he about to kiss me? That spark of hope takes root in my heart. Could Matt see me more than Cole's sister?

I look out over the dunes and watch the waves gently breaking at the shore. It's so peaceful here. Sammie and I watch as the sun dips down below the horizon.

I lean in and bump her shoulder, knocking us out of our errant thoughts. "I asked the guys to order dinner. It was a test to see how well they could feed us. They were arguing over who was going to pay when I left. I threw Chance into the mix for fun." I laugh at the absurdity of the male ego. "How about we embarrass them with a little friendly game night challenge? Girls versus boys?"

Sammie lights up at the idea. "Absolutely. We need to make sure they know who's in charge."

"Well, I'm the boss, after all."

"Hell yeah, you are." Sammie high-fives me, and we head inside to prepare for a fun night of reminding them who's the boss.