Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

“No, I absolutely deserved that,” she says as she lowers her eyes, letting out a soft chuckle and tucking a fallen wisp of hair behind her ear.

I’m immediately desperate to hear her laugh like that again. I look away. Keep it together.

Steph turns as we approach. I’m relieved to have another human to help me keep my mind on the work. As they shake hands, I try to focus and silently vow to steer clear of any flirtatious territory with Olena. I’ve got to keep this professional, though her sweet scent at my side is pulling my thoughts in a very different direction.

Because damn, I can’t stop imagining pulling her against me, tangling my hands in her hair.

“So, Jude,” I hear Steph say, and quickly snap back to attention. She takes off her ball cap and smooths down her short hair before putting it back on. “I wanted your opinion on this oak branch over here.” Steph leads us to a nearby tree she’s already flagged. She uses a laser pointer to show me the partially broken branch hanging at a precarious angle above the side of the house, a few other branches taking its weight.

I cross my arms and study the tree, frowning. “Oof, definitely need to get that out of there,” I comment quietly, almost to myself. Yes, think about the branch. Only the branch.

“That looks like it could cause serious damage to the roof if it fell,” Olena agrees.

Steph nods. “Exactly. But I also noticed there’s some die-back at the crown. See up there?” She points to a small section of bare branches at the top of the tree. “Do you think the tree will need an assessment? I’m thinking there might be rot.”

“Could be,” I say.

“It might have to be cut down?” Olena asks.

“Hope not.” Steph shrugs.

“That’d be a shame.” Olena furrows her brow. “Especially for such a big tree, providing shade to the house,” she adds, squinting up at the tangled branches and shielding her eyes from the sun with one hand. Then she looks down, taking in the surrounding area. “But you know, if the oak did go, we could plant a line of cedars along this face of the house… or even bamboo would grow quickly and provide some shade.”

“We’d have to figure out what’s infected this one before choosing anything new… and consider the soil.” I run a hand over my beard. “And we wouldn’t want to plant right on top of the ground-out stump.”

“Totally,” says Steph.

I’m feeling good now; this is appropriate, professional territory. No more mooning about my dog’s adoring instincts or staring longingly at Olena’s neck.

“Well, let me know if you get word from the arborist; I’ll be making a design call for that area this week.” Olena looks in her element, too; I can see the wheels turning as she takes in the area and jots some quick notes before stuffing her notebook back into her bag. She lifts her camera and snaps a few photos of the area.

I make sure to focus on the tree as I wait. Steph moves to get back to work and I take that as our cue to carry on.

I lift my chin, indicating the other side of the clearing. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the guys,” I say, then add under my breath, “Apologies in advance about Teddy.”

Olena’s eyes shine with curiosity, then she places a hand over her heart with a solemn look. “Hey, a promise is a promise.”

* * *

“What did you say?” shouts Teddy over the sound of the small excavator. We’re standing a half-dozen feet away but the rumble of the machine is intense.

“Dude, turn it off so you can hear us!” I cup my hands around my mouth. Teddy squints at me, trying to read my lips. I roll my eyes and make a key-turning gesture. He finally gets the message and kills the motor on the digger. I sigh and shake my head. “Thank you.”

I lean toward Olena and gesture at Teddy, smiling. “See, Teddy here never quite grew out of wanting to play with toys all day.” Teddy’s worked for me for years and never tires of using the heavy equipment.

Olena lets out a soft chuckle, pulling her eyes from mine to watch Teddy, amusement playing on her face.

He clambers out of the digger and grins. “It’s true. This is my favorite part.” A pause. “You must be Alanna! Nice to meet you!” Teddy enthusiastically offers his hand with a boyish grin.

“Olena, actually, but that was very close,” she replies good-naturedly, shaking his hand. Seeing the regretful expression on Teddy’s face, her eyes widen as she quickly adds: “Happens all the time.”

He looks reassured.

She gestures to the area he’s been excavating. “What’s happening here?”

“Teddy’s digging this area out to get rid of the boulders. I’ve been calling this spot the too far gone area, but I think in a few days we’ll need a new name,” I explain.

Olena smiles and looks at the mini-excavator, then at Teddy. “Well, Teddy, I’m with you. That thing does look like fun to drive.”