At Once: The Adams Brothers

By Mindy McKinley

She's finally found peace. One kiss and it all goes out the window.

 

Starting over has been tough for Gabi Turner. A new city, a new business, and a new life is enough to scare anyone, but with the help of her best friend, and their burgeoning interior design business, Gabi is starting to heal from her tumultuous divorce. With everything in delicate balance, the last thing she needs is the swaggering, simmering local carpenter to upend it all.

 

Riding high on the recent success of his furniture business, Mason Adams feels like there isn't much in the world he can't do. But when a client's demands bring Gabi Turner into his shop, everything turns upside down. She's the only woman that has told him no and he'll stop at nothing to change her mind.

 

As Gabi and Mason find themselves working together on a gutted Victorian house, the sparks that fly between them threaten to burn everything to the ground. Can Gabi trust her heart with a man who makes her dream of the future, or will her troubled past keep her from trusting another man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: Dec 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781949931983

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Gabi

Are you sure about this? Gabi asked as she stepped out of the car and into the hot summer air. This looks a little sketchy.

Kylie rolled her eyes and shut her door. "Mason makes amazing furniture, you’ll see. Have I ever steered you wrong?"

Gabi could think of at least seven times in college that could qualify.

Cabo doesn’t count, Kylie added quickly, knowing full-well where Gabi’s mind had gone. Trust me, you’ll love this stuff. She lowered her voice as they made their way to the door of the industrial warehouse with the name AdamsMade in large red letters on the side. "Besides, you’ll thank me just for the visual. Mason is gorgeous."

Gabi rolled her eyes. She didn’t need a gorgeous man. She just needed to make this interior design business take off. And if Kylie said he made beautiful furniture, then she would take a look. Her best friend might not have the best taste in alcohol or one-night-stands, but she did have a flawless design sense.

You’re not trying to set me up again are you?

With Mason? She made a dubious face. Even I know that’s impossible. That man is a hard-core bachelor.

"You couldn’t get him?" It was hard to believe. Men threw themselves at her blonde friend’s tiny feet wherever they went.

Well, I tried. Hard, she answered easily, pulling the door to the shop open. You’ll understand when you see him.

Gabi sighed in pleasure when the cool air-conditioning hit her—it took a moment for her eyes to adjust from the hot white sunlight. The small gallery was artistically lit, with directional lighting falling on each piece of furniture in a way that highlighted each attribute.

The pieces were stunning. Wood grains that made her eyes pop, shapes that surprised her, and details that were so unexpected, she felt giddy walking around the store.

Oh, Kylie, she breathed, looking at a particularly gorgeous zebrawood coffee table that was so finely polished it looked like a tiger’s eye stone.

Her friend smiled triumphantly. What did I tell you?

It’s just perfect. She ran her fingers along the simple curves; it made her feel something deeply. Can I have it?

Of course. A deep, chocolaty voice startled her from across the room. Shall I ring it up for you?

Fingers still on the table, Gabi looked up to find the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on leaning against the doorframe that separated the gallery from the workshop.

Holy. Shit.

He grinned at her, his green eyes were a piercing contrast to his dark hair. His massive arms strained the sleeves of his threadbare Cubs shirt, and his well-worn jeans fit perfectly around his toned waist. Kylie had not exaggerated. This man was ...

Kylie shot her a knowing look, which she promptly ignored.

Mason, Kylie, gushed, moving forward to shake his hand. It’s so good to see you again.

He took her hand in both of his and Gabi could see Kylie swallow from the contact. Kylie, it’s always a pleasure. He nodded toward Gabi. And who have you brought to my humble shop today?

Gabi blushed. Fucking blushed when he looked at her. Which made her blush even further. Goddammit.

Kylie waved her over and she stupidly obeyed after waiting an awkward beat.

This is my partner in crime, Kylie told him, Gabriela Turner.

Ah, he said The G of G&K.

The very one.

Gabi felt every inch of her skin flame when he gave her a grin and reached out to take her hand.

It is very nice to meet you, Gabriela, he said, wrapping his fingers around hers.

Her breath caught in her chest. It’s Gabi, she managed to get out, then pulled her hand away quickly. The feeling of his skin against hers was deliciously sinful, and she was having enough trouble thinking at all near him. He was so massive, so engaging—like a planet pulling her into its orbit. It’s nice to meet you too, she added stupidly, clasping her hands behind her back as if she were hiding something.

His smile deepened into two perfectly formed dimples, and it was so irritatingly attractive it made her slightly angry. It was ridiculous that a man like him could exist in the real world. She thought they were all trapped in black and white cologne commercials.

So. What can I do for you ladies today? he asked, finally tearing his eyes away from hers.

We have our first big client, Kylie told him proudly. An entire Gold Coast Victorian.

He let out a low whistle. Nice. That is a huge undertaking.

You have no idea, Kylie answered. It practically had to be gutted, plus the client is ... She looked at Gabi for help.

Slightly irrational and aggravatingly impatient?

That’s it, Kylie said.

Mason chuckled. It was deeply musical and rolled through Gabi like an electrical current.

It so surprised her that she had to fist her hands to get her brain to work again. Which means we have a lot of furniture to buy for a very specific taste. She willed her heart to stop racing. Kylie suggested we stop here. Your work is beautiful, by the way.

Thank you. He grinned, clearly pleased by her praise. Is there a particular piece you’re looking for?

I need a massive kitchen table, she said, glad for the distraction. To seat at least twelve people. I made some sketches. She rummaged around in her bag for a moment, pulled out her sketchbook, and held it out to him. Can you do something like this?

I can do anything you want, he answered easily, lowering his voice. Her stomach rolled with pleasure as she waited for him to take the sketch.

He grabbed the design but only after a heart-stopping amount of eye contact. This should be no trouble, he looked up after studying it for a moment. I like the Contempo-Victorian vibe you’ve managed to create.

She smiled despite herself.

What kind of finish are you going for?

Ugh, Kylie groaned. Walnut, the client wants everything to be walnut. Walnut this, walnut that.

"Well, it is durable, Mason pointed out, and I’ll make sure it’s beautiful."

Kyle beamed. That’s why we came to you.

I do aim to please. He sent a meaningful smile toward Gabi.

Her heart stopped, and despite the thrill rushing through her, she managed a well-timed eye roll. Dear Lord, this man.

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Mason

"Damn, Kylie is so hot," Cruz told Mason as he wandered back to the workshop after the girls left.

Mason shrugged. Kylie was definitely attractive, but blonde, blue-eyed, and bubbly was not his type. Gabi on the other hand ... Fuck. He wanted to wrap her red hair in his fist and take her every which way he could. As he picked up a sander, he let his mind wander to how her breasts pushed against her tissue-thin green blouse, how her rounded ass made her very demure pencil skirt seem anything but.

And then those pale blue eyes.

Jesus, it was like the universe put everything perfectly together in one tiny frame. She didn’t even come up to his chin. He loved that. He would let her climb him any time she wanted.

He sighed as he worked the machine over the tabletop. It didn’t matter, she was clearly not available. It wasn’t as if she had a ring on her finger, but the vibe he got from her was definitely closed off. And he wasn’t going to put a lot of effort into pursuing anyone if he didn’t have to. He had plenty of other women lining up to take her place.

Wanna grab a beer after work? Cruz asked when he shut off the sander a few minutes later.

Yeah, man, let’s hit Dub’s. He checked his watch. Actually, if you’re done for the day, let’s get out of here now, I’m not going to stain this baby until tomorrow.

Cool, I’ll be done in about ten, Cruz answered.

Mason went around the workshop and made sure all the machines were shut down, checked on a few of the staining and lacquer jobs his other employees had been working on, and when he was satisfied, met Cruz at the front.

He felt a bubble of pride form in his chest when he locked the door to his building. His. That never got old. He had taken this business from his garage to a full-blown operation in the span of five years, and things simply continued to get better.

His success had everything to do with the people he surrounded himself with. He was picky and it paid off. Cruz was his best friend and right-hand guy. He’d been by his side since day one and had been every bit as responsible for the success of AdamsMade as he had been. He was lucky and he knew it.

Do you think you could get me her number? Cruz asked as they sat down at the bar at Dub’s.

Who?

Kylie, he answered as if Mason was stupid. You know, the blonde with big ... He held his hands up to indicate her chest.

He laughed. I’ll ask her if I can give it to you.

Cruz shook his head. I just can’t stop thinking of her. He sighed. Which would have been depressing if he hadn’t immediately followed another blonde with his eyes.

Mason chuckled. Cruz had no trouble with women. His Latin lover thing worked very well for him. Chicks loved that shit. Dark hair, dark eyes, accent. He had seen women actually fucking swoon when he spoke in Spanish.

All you can think about, huh? Mason asked, amused.

Cruz grinned. It could have been her man, I had to be sure.

Right. Then caught himself staring a little too hard at a redhead across the bar.

Well, shit.

I saw that, Cruz called him out, clearly amused. So it was that little redhead that got your attention? He shook his head. Can’t say I blame you, did you see her ass?

Mason nearly choked on his beer. Did he see her ass? What kind of question was that? It was the first thing he fucking saw. He felt himself harden slightly at the thought. Uh, yeah. I saw. I’m not blind.

Cruz laughed at his discomfort.

More than ready to change the subject, Mason put his beer down and sobered his expression. Anyway. How’s your family?

His friend’s face fell a little. Mom is doing better, he spun his beer bottle on the bar top, not looking up. Still haven’t heard from Dad, and Veronica... He sighed. That depends on the day. With any luck, she’ll graduate in May.

Since Cruz’s father had gone back to Mexico six months ago, no one had heard from him. His mother was in and out of the hospital with kidney failure and his sister was still in high school. Like the stand-up man he was, Cruz had moved back in with them, taken over the finances, and made sure his sister stayed out of trouble. Which was difficult considering the fact she was just as hard-headed as her brother.

Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Cruz nodded. I appreciate it, man, but you’ve done more than enough. I still can’t thank you enough for paying Mom’s hospital bills.

I didn’t.

Cruz laughed. Well, whether or not you’ll ever admit it, I know you did, and just know I’m thankful. We all are.

Mason simply lifted a shoulder. I’m sure whoever did knew your family deserves it.

Knowing Mason wouldn’t give on the subject, Cruz shook his head and turned the conversation back around to Kylie. Mason only half-listened as he thought about Gabi bending over to touch that zebrawood coffee table. Fuck him. He didn’t know how, but he knew it wasn’t going to be the last time he saw her.

He’d make sure of it.

Chapter 2

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Gabi

I brought two bottles, Gabi sang as she walked into Kylie’s apartment later that night holding up their favorite cheap white wine.

You are my hero. Kylie kissed her cheek, taking both.

And—she pulled a bag from her purse—dark chocolate.

Kylie moaned in happiness. Oh, Gabs, I love you, have I told you lately?

Only six or seven times, she said as she pulled two wine glasses down from the cupboard.

Well, it’s true, Kylie twisted the corkscrew into the first bottle. When it popped open, she smiled and poured two very large glasses. We deserve this, she said happily, taking a drink.

Kylie, we do this every night. They were neighbors. Literally. Gabi lived in the apartment immediately next door. They spent nearly every evening together drinking wine and watching their favorite BBC shows. There was exactly nothing different about this night.

So what? she asked pertly, grabbed the bag of chocolate, and went to settle into her side of the couch. We survived another day of Mrs. Finch. If that doesn’t earn me some wine and chocolate, then I don’t know why I’m doing this.

Gabi laughed. She had to agree. The woman was as exacting as a dictionary. She questioned every last detail of every last inch of the plan the girls were putting together for her Victorian.

It was maddening.

But Mrs. Finch also had a lot of pull in the exact community they were aiming to break into, so it was grin-and-bear-it until they pulled it off.

Once settled into her go-to spot on the other end of the well-loved couch, Kylie turned on the TV. Tonight was Doctor Who night, and there was very little that was better than watching a sexy man with an accent defeat aliens and robots.

After a couple of episodes and more than a couple of glasses of wine. Kylie paused the show and looked at Gabi.

So what did you think?

Gabi crinkled her nose in confusion. Of what? Of the show? They didn’t usually make much commentary over the show, short of squeals and hand clapping.

Kylie rolled her eyes dramatically, her drama often increased with each glass of wine, and she had had several. I mean Mason, duh.

Oh. She looked at her wine and then back up to her very eager friend who was now sitting crisscross, waiting for her to answer. What about him?

Oh my God, Gabi, you are so dense sometimes I swear. She collapsed against the sofa and gestured grandly with one hand. I mean, what did you think of how fucking sexy he is?

That sexy wasn’t even a good enough word? That thinking about his green eyes made her lady parts twinge in a way that should very definitely not be happening? He’s fine, I guess.

Kylie looked at her with her mouth open and eyes wide. Fine?

She shrugged and tried to play off the blush that was climbing her neck. It was a curse, this blush. It always started on her chest and then swallowed her like a rogue crimson wave. I mean, he’s handsome, sure, but I don’t know what else you want me to say.

Ugh, Kylie groaned, throwing her hand up and letting it fall. I don’t know what to do with you. She was about to look away, but she spotted the flush rising on Gabi’s neck.

Fuck.

Wait a second. She sat forward, eyes sparkling. She grabbed the neck of Gabi’s T-shirt and pulled it down. Why, Gabriela Turner, are you lying to me?

No. She pulled her shirt from her friend’s fingers. Why would I lie about that? He’s handsome, end of story.

She shook her head. "Nope, you’ve got the reds, and that tells me sooo much more. Kylie narrowed her eyes. You mean to tell me that you haven’t thought about that super cut body or those gigantic arms on either side of you, or him leaning in to kiss you?"

Gabi had to squeeze her knees together at the sudden image, and she groaned as she felt her flush overtake her entire face. She was caught. How was it fair that she had a built-in lie detector? She could never hide anything. Especially from Kylie.

What she wouldn’t give to be swarthy and mysterious.

She cleared her throat. It doesn’t matter whether or not I think he’s attractive, she defended. I’m not interested. If I never date another man again, I won’t care.

Gabs, doll, Kylie soothed, it’s been three years since the divorce.

She held a hand up, knowing precisely where this was going. And I’ll be single for the rest of my life if I can help it. There was no way in hell she was going to find herself at the mercy of another man. Not after what Matt had put her through. She’d rather die.

Kylie pursed her lips but refrained from saying whatever else was on her mind. She was the one person in her life that knew all the terrible details, the one that helped her out when she saw no other way. Just admit that you think Mason’s hot and I’ll drop it.

Gabi laughed and threw a pillow at her friend. Okay, yes, he’s hot. Those shoulders alone make my knees feel funny.

And those eyes. Kylie sighed. He really should be a model or an actor, not stuck behind a lathe all day long.

I don’t know, Gabi mused. "There