When my eyes rose to meet hers, I could’ve sworn they held a hint of a gleam. Yet she was all business when she spoke.
“So, I received the two quotes from my contractors. The estimates aren’t that different, but only one feels they could get the job done in the timeframe we need. Any chance your quote came in?”
“Actually, it did. I’ve only glanced at the bottom line, so why don’t we take a look at all three and see where things stand.”
We moved over to the round conference table to spread out, and Sophia and I exchanged estimates. It only took a quick look to realize both of her estimates were significantly lower than mine. While my contractor felt comfortable committing to get the work done in three months, he’d included a number of rush charges throughout. The only extra fees Sophia’s contractors charged were for things like required night differential and overtime.
While we were reviewing the estimates, Sophia’s cell phone rang. She quickly sent the call to voice mail, but not before we both read the name on the caller ID.
I felt a stab of jealousy in my chest. “I thought things were over between you and the boring Brit?”
She sighed. “Can we both pretend you didn’t see that just now?”
My jaw flexed. “If that’s what you want.”
Sophia nodded and went back to reading the estimates. A few minutes later, she pushed the papers aside. “Well, I think it’s obvious who we should use.”
Maybe on paper it was. But I hadn’t forgotten the way Travis Bolton looked at her. “It’s not always about the lowest bidder.”
Her tone was defensive. “I know that, but the Boltons are also the most confident that they can get the job done, and they have a great reputation and have never let my family down.”
“I’ll need to make some calls to ask around about them.”
Sophia’s lips pursed. “Whatever you need to do. But obviously the sooner we decide the better.”
Fuck. I wanted to suck on those puckered lips. We had an obvious history of our attraction heating up when we were pissed off, but at the moment I was confused as to what the hell I was even pissed about. Was it because my estimate was clearly the shittiest one? Or because her asshole ex had just called her? Or did the thought of Travis Bolton hanging around her while doing the construction here drive me a little bit nuts?
Sophia’s cell phone interrupted my thoughts again. We simultaneously read the name Liam, and I put my hand out, palm up. “How about I answer?”
Her eyes widened, and she sucked in her bottom lip. “What would you say?”
“Is it over?”
She nodded. “I want to bury the body deeper than eight feet.”
I flashed a wicked smile. I could easily have picked up the phone from the table, and I doubted she would have stopped me. But I wanted her to hand it to me.
“Give me the phone.” My hand was still extended, waiting.
I felt a surge of pride when she dropped it into my palm. The cell rang for a third time, so I swiped to answer and brought it to my ear.
“Hello.”
“Who is this?”
“This is the man fucking your ex-girlfriend. And we’re busy at the moment. So what can I do you for, Liam?”
Sophia’s eyes looked like they might bulge out of her head. She covered her mouth with both hands.
The asshole on the other end of the phone had the balls to sound indignant. “Put Sophia on the phone.”
I leaned back. “No can do. She’s a little tied up at the moment, if you get my drift.”
“Is this a joke?”
“A joke? No, the joke’s on you. I bet you didn’t even know our girl likes to be tied up, did you? Such a shame. Maybe if you had taken your time exploring what the beautiful woman needs, she wouldn’t be moaning my name at night. But that’s not your thing, is it? You’re only into fulfilling your own needs. You know, like with her cousin.”
I kept quiet for a few heartbeats and waited to see what good ol’ Liam had to say about that. Though, apparently I’d stumped the idiot. I could only hear him breathing loudly. So I figured I’d end on a fun note.
“Okay, then. It’s been great chatting with you. And Liam, lose Sophia’s number.”
I swiped to end the call and offered the phone back to a very stunned Sophia. She continued to stare at me, bug-eyed, even as she took her cell. From the look on her face, I thought a tirade was likely on the way once she managed to get her bearings again.
“Too much?” I asked, lifting a brow.
Sophia’s mouth hung open. But then her lips slid into a giant grin. “Oh my God! That was awesome!”
“Glad you think so. I was beginning to think you were going to lay into me. Although, that would turn into a big fight, and we both know where that seems to take us. So it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”