“Yes, you must be Mr.... roofer guy.” My God, she just sucked. “Sorry, I’m a little over my head here and can’t remember anything.”
He laughed; it was a pleasant laugh. “Just call me Gary.”
“Well, Gary, I’m sure glad you’re here.” She turned to lead him to the house and ran smack into Jax who reached out to steady her from falling on her ass. Stepping back away from his broad chest, she looked up to see him glaring at the man following her. “If I hear anything from Alisha, I’ll let you know,” she dismissed him, but she should have known that no one dismissed Jax Wheeler if he didn’t want to be dismissed.
When Jax didn’t budge, she skirted around him, past Blaze and Hunter who also wore frowns. Hunter’s was more like a smirk as he stared over her head at what she figured was Jax.
Gary, the roofer guy, was looking at the roof with narrowed eyes. “Well, I can tell you now before even climbing up there you have a lot of rotten wood to deal with.”
“Kind of figured that out already, Gary.” Caroline sighed when they stepped inside and she pointed toward the hole.
Gary paused under the hole and inspected it with a frown. “Anybody hurt?”
“No,” Caroline replied, her gaze skimming past Jax, her face heating with a blush. “So what do you think this is going to cost me?”
Caroline was too busy scanning the ceiling to notice Gary eyeing her up and down, but Jax didn’t miss it. “Can’t say for sure yet.” He gave her a friendly smile when she did look back to him. “Let me get up there and get some measurements.”
“Oh, okay.” Caroline returned his smile and watched him walk out. “He’s a nice guy,” she said, more to herself.
“He’s a dick.” Jax snorted, glaring at Gary’s back.
“Yeah, well, you aren’t paying him, now, are you?” she told him, following Gary.
“Neither will you,” Jax vowed, taking one last glance at the sleeping bag before going outside.
“What?” Caroline heard Jax mumble something, but couldn’t make it out.
Jax shook his head as he stared at her. “Are you staying here?”
Caroline’s attention went from Gary, who was climbing the ladder, to Jax. “Yes, it’s my home.” She gave him a ‘duh’ look like she had seen so many of her kids give, then looked back at Gary who was walking on the roof. “Please be careful.”
Gary tossed her a grin. “Don’t worry. I’ve done this a million times.”
“Bet he goes through.” Hunter stood watching with what looked like a hopeful expression.
“What a mean thing to say,” Caroline scolded.
“Oh, don’t worry.” Hunter grinned. “Jax will jump to his rescue.”
“That I wouldn’t bet on.” Blaze chuckled, glancing at Jax.
“It’s not safe for you to stay here.” Jax ignored Hunter and Blaze.
Caroline ignored Jax other than rolling her eyes. As Gary climbed down the ladder, Caroline headed toward him. “So, how much is this going to hurt?” Caroline bit her lip glancing at his notebook that he had been writing in.
His eyes went straight to her lips before clearing his throat. “I need to get a quote written up before I give you an estimate. It’s going to be costly. But I’ll make sure we can work something out.” He gave her a warm smile.
Jax’s growl gained Gary and Caroline’s attention. “She just needs an estimate for a roof and nothing more.”
Caroline glared at Jax before turning back to Gary. “How long will that take?”
Gary was eyeing Jax cautiously before he answered. “I can have an estimate worked up by tomorrow afternoon.” He looked behind him at the house. “Are you staying here?”
“Yes,” Caroline answered without hesitation.
“Not alone,” Jax added and before Caroline could say a word, he added, “We’ll be waiting for the estimate.”
Gary nodded. “Oh, okay.” He stuck out his hand. “It was nice meeting you, Ms. Fitzpatrick.”
“Thank you for coming out.” Caroline shook his hand knowing her face was flaming red as she watched Gary glance at Jax before heading quickly to his truck.
“Who in the hell do you think you are?” Caroline all but shrieked as she smacked Jax on the arm.
“We’ll go look for a tarp for the roof.” Blaze grabbed Hunter, who was watching with a huge grin.
“Awe, just when it’s getting good,” Hunter moaned, but followed Blaze.
“Telling a man you don’t know that you are staying here alone is not a smart move,” Jax replied, his frown still firmly in place.
“He’s a contactor.” Caroline sighed, really not understanding the mixed signals Jax was sending her. “And I have a gun.”
“He’s a man,” Jax replied as he walked past her. “And good.”
Caroline turned to watch as Jax jumped up on the roof to help put the tarp Blaze and Hunter found to cover the hole. Watching them work Caroline was more confused than ever and wished he was still standing in front of her so she could smack him again.