Love Under Construction: Haven, #4

By Beth Gildersleeve

Andi Carlson always plays by the rules. Rule one: family first. Rule two: stay away from the unscrupulous Ball family. She followed rule one until her father betrayed her. Now she's juggling her remodeling business while going to college, chasing her dream of becoming an architect. But her dream may die when her school requires her to become a full-time student. Andi can't afford the time or the tuition. She'll have to drop out, unless she breaks rule number two and accepts a crazy offer from the notorious Eric Ball.

 

Eric admits he used to be a jerk, but he's never been shady like his father, who is up to something sleazy again. But to escape his father and help his mother, he's going to have to lie to Andi. She's his only option for remodeling a dilapidated Queen Anne. If she refuses, he's ruined. When he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he figures they'll both get what they want. Except he hadn't counted on being so attracted to her. 

 

Andi's due for some fun. Who better than drool-worthy Eric Ball? The family feud should guarantee a fling, not a relationship. But when she discovers his lies, will it take a wrecking ball to any hope they have to build a future together? 

 

If you like a fun-filled, enemies-to-lovers, small town romance, get Love under Construction today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beth Gildersleeve
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201478612

Beth Gildersleeve

Beth Gildersleeve lives for a happily ever after, especially when it's part of a contemporary sweet romance story. Beth's a big fan of Dr. Brené Brown and her work around shame, vulnerability, and bravery. Her characters' struggles and successes reflect these themes. When Beth isn't plotting or writing, she's busy Googling answers to her adult daughters' questions (they still think she knows everything), finding misplaced items for her husband of almost thirty years, serving her rescued dogs' needs, losing at Words with Friends, and searching for the last three books to complete her Betty Neels collection. She is a member of RWA and Northern Lights Writers.

Book preview

Chapter 1

O h, no. Not again. Andi heard the concern, and a dollop of pity, in Rica’s voice as she clawed her way back to consciousness.

I’m thinking we should stock some pillows in the closet. Maybe a cot, too, Miller said. She liked the idea.

Hell, this is embarrassing. She’s Handi Andi. She could cut a hole in the floor and put in a fireman’s pole. Slide right down to her hidey-hole when she’s too tired to walk down the stairs, instead of crashing on our conference table. Leave it to Croix to think she could slide down a pole when she didn’t have the energy to walk down fifteen measly steps.

Why don’t we meet in my office? Let her get a bit more sleep. Miller’s deep voice washed over her, and she envied her friend Wren, waking up to that each morning.

I think she has her final today, Rica said. Now that Andi was more or less awake, heavy on the less, she heard her friend’s concern sans pity. She heard all of their concern. They kept telling her she couldn’t keep up this pace, but she had for the last four years. And she’d keep doing it until she had that degree in her hand, even if it killed her. Which it just might. Dreamworld and reality warred for her attention.

I think we should wake her, Croix said, and she felt someone lean over her. Her eye cracked open as a very male hand placed a white cardboard cup in front of her. Magic bean juice. Energy in a cup. Coffee. If we don’t, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the book crease running down her cheek will fade by test time. And if she keeps drooling on it, she’ll ruin it.

Her hand reached for the cup and the other casually swiped her mouth. No drool, fool. She shifted in the chair. Her muscles protested the movement and a few joints cracked their complaints just like every other time she’d fallen asleep on the conference room table at Fortress Advisers.

Look. It’s alive, Croix said, as if announcing Frankenstein’s birth.

Croix Adams, I don’t know if I should hit you for the drool comment or marry you for the coffee. Andi turned her head and glared at him through her open eye.

Common sentiment amongst the women in Haven, Miller mumbled into his cup.

Maybe Miller gave you the coffee, Croix said as he took the seat next to her.

Andi sat up, rolled her shoulders, and stretched her neck from side to side. Nah, it wasn’t a well-manicured hand. It was one of your mangled ones, she teased as she stuffed her own mangled hands into her lap, lest she give him any ammunition. It was too early to verbally spar with Croix.

She noticed the smug look on Miller’s face as he admired his nails. He pushed up his cuff and looked at his watch. Andi glanced at hers and felt relief course through her. Or maybe it was the coffee hitting her system.

It’s early. What are you guys doing here? she asked.

You mean here? In our conference room? Croix’s sarcasm wasn’t lost on her, especially with his heavy emphasis on whose conference room it was.

It’s the partners’ monthly meeting, Miller answered her. And you should stay for breakfast.

Please? Rica asked. It will help dilute the testosterone.

Andi didn’t want to stay, but she could see Rica’s point. It must be difficult to be the only female in this group, even though Rica was a certified financial planner and a CPA, both considered to be male fields. Andi could relate.

People didn’t know what to do with a female general contractor, either. And then she considered Rica’s work partners, Croix Adams and Miller Lynch.

Croix was the official CPA in the group and the designated man-child. One never knew what was going to come out of his unfiltered mouth. He never intended his comments to be cruel, but he was unflinchingly honest with them.

Miller was a former model turned hot-shot divorce attorney. He’d admitted to Andi one early morning that he hadn’t liked either, but they’d been a means to an end. Modeling had put him through law school and had allowed him to pay for some of his younger brother’s college tuition. Being Haven’s top divorce attorney had allowed him to make a name for himself. Now he handled all types of legal matters and very few divorce cases. And last year, he’d helped Parker, Andi’s part-time employee and Rica’s fiancée, through his custody issues with his infant daughter, Charlotte.

Andi stretched her neck from side to side, preparing to move. She needed to head downstairs to her basement apartment and review her notes one more time before making the hour-long commute into Minneapolis.

The bakery bag on the table caught her eye. Whatever was inside was from Jo’s Joe, the same place the coffee had come from, and Andi knew it would be yummy and sugar-filled, if Miller had been the purchaser. But she had granola bars and raisins downstairs, and those were just as sugary, right? Studying downstairs would be the responsible thing to do, and Andi was the Queen of Responsibility, a title she’d gladly relinquish for a while.

Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise! Wren’s sweet voice broke her reverie. She set her basket on the table, and Andi spied the biscuits underneath the cloth napkin. Hmmm, looks like my biscuits will be competing with whatever’s in that bag, she said as her sweet voice soured.

Nothing can compete with your biscuits, Miller said as he patted Wren’s backside while shoving the offending bag further down the table. Good morning, Mrs. Lynch, he said before giving her a kiss.

Counselor, she said. She slipped out of his embrace, grabbed the bag, and sat down next to Andi. She set the offending baked goods on the floor between them. She leaned toward Andi, saying, I did not get up before the rooster crowed to make homemade biscuits only for him to ruin it with Jo’s goodies.

If the smile on his face is any indication, I think he likes your goodies just fine, Andi teased. Wren rolled her eyes, but Andi saw the happiness there. She didn’t think Wren and Miller would leave the cocoon of newlywed bliss anytime soon.

Sorry I’m late. Parker strode through the door with a foil-covered casserole dish in his hands and a small black dog on his heels. DD took forever to do her doggie business.

You’re here, too? Andi asked. I mean, I get Wren being here at a partner’s meeting since she’s the office admin, but what are you? Facilities manager?

Worried, boss? He set the dish on the table.

Maybe? Andi held her thumb and index finger closely together to show how worried she was. Parker showed up on time, he did a full day’s work, the customers loved him, and he knew a common nail from a finishing nail. She’d never once had to redo anything that he’d done. So, yes, she was more than worried.

Miller sat next to Wren and casually draped his arm over the back of her chair. Partners’ breakfast includes spouses and soon-to-be spouses. If we know what’s going on personally and professionally with all of us, we can plan better.

That’s awfully enlightened of you. I’m impressed, Miller.

Thanks. Miller flashed his thousand-watt smile at her.

Hey, it was my idea, Croix grumbled. And we’d rather have Parker bring breakfast than Rica. Burned water is not how I want to start my day.

So, if it was your brilliant idea, what did you bring this morning? Andi asked as her stomach growled. Again.

Croix’s in charge of plates and silverware, which he brings from the kitchenette, Miller said.

And I clear the table and load the dishwasher, Croix added.

When does the summer session start? Rica asked as she settled in on the other side of Andi. Parker removed the foil topping, and Andi’s nose twitched as he stuck a serving spoon into it.

Finals are this week and then I’ll have a week off before starting back.

And when will you be done? Wren asked.

Never, at the snail’s pace she’s going, Croix answered.

Sometimes I think Croix’s right. I can only handle about one class a semester. I can’t afford not to work.

You know I’m more than happy to pick up more hours, Parker said. I’d much rather work for you than bar tend for Nelie at the Galley.

Tips are better at the Galley, though, Rica reminded her fiancée.

True, but the late nights are a drag, and I’d rather be home with you, Charlie, and Abby.

Not to mention getting hit on all the time, Croix added. Rica scowled at Croix and narrowed her eyes at Parker.

You make a good point, Croix. Andi, Rica said, turning toward her, please give Parker as many hours as you can. Charlie would love to have her daddy home in the evenings, and we don’t have that much time left with Abby before she leaves.

Good grief, she’s going to the U, not Timbuktu. She’ll be less than an hour away, Croix reminded Rica as he helped himself to another serving of the cheesy chorizo breakfast casserole. Andi knew Rica would miss her younger sister when she moved out of their bungalow. Growing up, Rica had been more of a surrogate mother to Abby than a big sister, but over the last year they’d moved away from their tumultuous relationship into a somewhat easy sisterhood and friendship.

Rica sure had been through a lot in the last year: buying a house, starting a business, having her sister thrust on her when her parents moved across the country, taking in Parker and Charlie when his houseboat burned, falling in love, and rescuing DD, who she saw Rica sneak a piece of chorizo to. Rica joked that DD had actually saved her. If it hadn’t been for that little black dog, she wouldn’t have had the courage to open her heart fully to Parker and Charlie.

It seemed like all of her friends were finding someone to commit to. The only thing she had the energy to commit to right now was her pillow or another serving of the egg bake and a biscuit. Thank goodness for her high metabolism.

So, Rica said they found you asleep on your book here in the conference room. What gives? Why weren’t you down in your apartment? Parker asked as he pushed the sour cream and salsa closer to her.

Sometimes I study up here at night, especially if I need to spread out. And it’s nice to open the windows for fresh air. It’s really no big deal. If it is, I’ll give my key back.

Parker held up his hands in defense. Whatever works for you. I just thought your own bed would be more comfortable than a textbook.

It’s not a problem, Parker, Croix said. We only have to put up with this for what, maybe five more years, Andi?

Maybe three, God willing, Andi replied. Three more long grueling years, not including the internship.

Assuming we don’t lock the door, teased Miller.

Listen, if you guys don’t want me up here, just tell me and I’ll hand in my key. Please let me stay, she silently begged. She’d started sneaking up to Fortress Advisers several months ago. She’d been struggling with her blueprints primarily because she couldn’t completely roll them out in her small apartment. In a fit of desperation, she’d grabbed her rolls and her key, and she’d climbed the fifteen steps leading up to the floor above. Andi had been careful that night to put everything back the way she’d found it. But a few weeks later, Croix and Miller had busted her red-handed.

They’d nearly scared ten years off her life when she’d turned on the conference room lights and found them sitting in the chairs. Neither man had said anything as Miller frowned and handed Croix what looked like a twenty-dollar bill. Croix had then pushed the bill toward her. Consider this your seed money for our coffee fund. If you’re going to be up here, you might as well enjoy yourself, and Mr. Fancy-Pants here insists on the expensive brands, he’d said, pointing at Miller.

Adding some B&E to your resume? Miller had asked, and she’d broken like an old dam. Until that point, no one outside of her family had known about her going to school part time for her degree in architecture. It was less stressful that way. The fewer people who knew, the fewer people who could question her goals or be disappointed in her if she failed. But it had felt good to finally tell the truth. Unfortunately, she also knew the truth wouldn’t stay in this room. Croix couldn’t keep a secret, even if he wanted to. His brain wouldn’t let him. And she knew they’d tell Rica, who would then pillow talk about it with Parker. To everyone’s surprise, Parker had kept his mouth shut, and he hadn’t shared the news with everyone he met. Andi’s secret was safe inside Fortress Advisers.

Andi, you are more than welcome up here, Rica said, and Andi felt the fear crawl back to its usual hiding spot in the pit of her stomach.

Miller’s just grumpy because I took away his sweets, Wren said as she picked up the white bag and opened it. Mmm. Cherry cheese Danish. Will you split one with me?

Andi nodded. She sat back in her chair and savored the moment. Her belly was full. Her friends were chattering nearby. And today looked like it was going to be the perfect spring day. The sun shone through the big picture windows overlooking the Poplar River, warming her face. Every house I design is going to have a big sunny window, she promised herself.

She loved living by the river and watching all the wildlife. A duck’s butt in the air never failed to bring a smile to her face, but it didn’t compensate for the lack of natural light in her apartment. There wasn’t a single window, not even in the entry door or the garage door. And the natural-spectrum light bulbs she used were not even close to the real thing. This window was another reason she loved to study up here. She could stare into the night sky when she needed a break, and she could crack it open when she needed an icy blast for a quick pick-me-up or some fresh air.

What time is your test? Wren asked as she handed Andi her half of the Danish.

Later this morning. I’ve got just enough time for a quick shower before I head to class. I like to get there early enough to review my notes in the classroom before the test. Gah, I sound like such a geek.

I used that strategy, too. Do you have anything fun planned afterward? Like celebratory pizza with the other students?

No. I need to hustle back here for a full afternoon. At that, Parker turned toward her, all ears. I need to stop and pick up the paint for tomorrow’s job, pop into the Ng’s to see how their bathroom remodel is going, check out the framing on the family room and kitchen bump out at the Murphy’s, then I’ll see you when I drop the paint off at the Gimple’s and check in on your dry walling of Mr. Gimple’s man cave.

You won’t find anything to complain about there, boss. At least not until the paint is dry. And with all the craziness of yesterday, I forgot to tell you that I stopped in at the Ng’s and checked on the shower tiling. It looks great. The tiles and layout you and Kimmy Ng picked out are perfect!

Thanks for checking, Parker, but could you back the bus up? Why won’t I be happy with the paint job in the man cave?

Because it’s going to be an eyesore, what with Vikings’ purple on the baseboard and Packers’ yellow on the crown molding. Just pick a team and commit. Parker grimaced.

Vince Gimple? Croix asked, and then he spent the next five minutes regaling them with a story about watching a Vikings versus Packers game with Vince and the emotional turmoil the man had been in.

Every day should start with a full-body laugh, she thought as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Thanks, all, for the breakfast, but I need to hustle. Andi stood.

Go get ’em, tiger, Miller said.

You got this. It’ll be like water off a duck’s back. Wren smiled.

Make us proud, Croix yelled at her back.

No pressure, Andi thought as she left her dirty dishes in the kitchenette and walked down the stairs to her apartment. It had been so much easier when only her immediate family knew she was in school. Now, especially at test time, she felt like her success reflected on everyone. That her failure would be theirs, too. But their knowing had made her life a little easier, too.

Parker had taken to checking in on her jobs and working with her other crew members to problem-solve sticky situations. He claimed his curiosity drove him, but Andi didn’t believe him. Parker’s life was just as crazy as hers. He didn’t have the time to indulge a whim.

Miller, Croix, and Rica let her use the conference room and left treats for her to snack on.

Her brothers kept her truck running. They said they wanted to make sure she was safe, given all of her driving. She didn’t think their motives were quite that pure since every time they worked on it, they pestered her to quit all of this nonsense and join them and her dad in the family construction business, Carlson Construction.

Andi’s dad wanted her organizing and running his office, not hers. Plus, he argued that she took business away from them, and her brothers had families to take care of. She didn’t take business away from them. If anything, she brought them business, like the Murphy’s bump out. That was more construction than she liked her crew to do, so she’d subcontracted that part out to Carlson Construction. After the framing was done, her guys would take over.

And her friend, Jo, who owned Jo’s Joe, often gave Andi her too-old-to-sell muffins and breads.

Three more years of this and then I’ll be free. I’ll be free to spend money on something other than tuition. And my time on something fun. Maybe even date, she thought, grabbing a clean pair of work pants and a T-shirt and flinging them on her bed. I’ll have windows and a man. She reviewed her schedule one more time as she tossed everything into her workbag. Crap! she ground out as she spotted the last appointment of the day. I’ve got that meeting with Eric.

Chapter 2

Eric pushed his sunglasses onto his head as he stepped into the office, and the whistle died on his lips when he spotted their latest admin. He’d stopped trying to remember their names. Ball Realty had an endless parade of exiting admins. Don’t stop whistling on account of me. I like it, she said as she handed him his message slips.

Any requests?

Flight of the Bumblebee?

Eric chuckled as he dropped the contract on her desk to enter and upload to all the real estate platforms. I’ll have to work on that one. This one might stick, he thought as he pulled his laptop from his bag and plugged it into the docking station. He had just enough time to tie up a few loose ends before his next appointment. He wanted to get to the house before Andi did so he could prepare. He had one chance to get this right. Landing her for this job was a long shot, but he had to try. Andi was the best, and he only wanted the best. He was nervous, excited, and happy. The end was in sight.

What? You don’t pop in and see your old man when you get back? Greg Ball said as he dropped into the seat across from Eric.

Sorry, Dad. Your door was closed, and I didn’t want to interrupt.

Did you get the contract?

Yes.

When is the old biddie moving out?

Oh, wrong contract. This isn’t Mrs. Byrd. It’s a condo at the top of the hill. Third floor. Killer view. Should move fast, Eric answered.

You didn’t get the Byrd house? Eric heard the disbelief and disgust in his dad’s voice. For as long as he could remember, conversations with his dad were like riding a roller coaster. One minute you’re on top of the world and the next you’re white-knuckling it as you plunged down.

Not yet. There are a lot of moving pieces on this one, and she’s not ready to sell. But I will get the listing, eventually. Don’t worry, Eric reassured him.

Eventually isn’t an option, Eric. I needed it yesterday. Greg stood. And don’t even get me started on moving pieces. I’ve got so many on this one, your head would spin. He turned toward the door and Eric’s stomach unclenched. Looks like the ride is coming to an end. Dammit, I thought I could count on you, but you’re just like your mother. Emotional and soft. Or he’s just getting started. Eric knew his dad could escalate this, and he didn’t want a shouting match or a talking down in