I followed the now-familiar path down the hill and towards the worksite. As it came into view, I marveled at the progress they’d made in just a few weeks. The land had been leveled, part of the hillside carved away, and the foundation poured. I knew next to nothing about construction, but it looked as if I might be getting some framing soon. Or maybe a floor.

Hunter waved me over when he caught sight of me approaching. “Hey, Brody.”

“I can’t believe all the progress you’ve made already.”

He surveyed the work in front of him. “We’re in the groove now. We’d be moving even faster if we didn’t have to deal with that pain in the ass hill.”

I grimaced as I took in the incline. The crew had been forced to get creative with how they’d gotten equipment through the trees. “Sorry about that.”

“It’ll be worth it for the view. Why don’t you come meet my foreman and some of the crew? I don’t think I’ve formally introduced you.”

“Sounds good. I met Sam the other day, but no one else.”

He started towards the group, who was currently organizing a pile of lumber. “Guys, this is the boss, Brody James.”

“Already met the boss man. Hey, Brody. How’s the new piece coming?” the burly man asked.

“Kiss-ass,” another man, who I was pretty sure was named Manny, muttered.

Sam grinned at him. “Intimidated by actual conversation that requires more than two words?”

A third man crossed to me, shaking his head as he held out a hand. He had a warm smile, the white of his teeth gleaming against his darker skin. “Don’t mind those two. It’s like this all the time. I’m Cal, the foreman around here. If you need anything and Hunter’s not around, come find me.”

“Nice to meet you, Cal. Brody. Thanks for all your hard work on this place.”

“Happy to. And with a killer view, too.”

He wasn’t wrong. When this place was finished, it would be stunning. The main house had views from the second story, but they wouldn’t compare with this studio and its wall of windows facing the sea. “It’s going to be epic when it’s done.”

“You’re right about that,” Hunter chimed in. “Sorry about the back and forth. Those two are like oil and water.”

“No worries. I just wanted to stop by and check things out on my way to find Shay. Have you seen her around?” I asked.

Sam’s attention turned to us at the sound of Shay’s name. “Think she’s in the greenhouse. Hey, do you know if she’s single?”

I tensed at the question, but before I could answer, Hunter strode towards Sam and slapped him upside the head. “You’re here to work, not hit on women that want nothing to do with you.”