“Not yet,” the guy said just as he adjusted his jeans and stood erect again.

Whoa …

He was built like an ox. “Hi. I’m Jason.”

“I’m—”

“What about Kevin? Has he been by yet?” Fisher totally cut me off. Rude.

“Not yet.” Jason shook his head, scratching the back of his thick, tattooed neck.

I didn’t think I was a big fan of tattoos, but Jason changed my mind.

“Christ … are they fuckin’ sleeping in this morning? I don’t have time to wait around.” Fisher pulled his phone from his pocket and walked a few feet away from me, answering it with a sharp “Fisher.”

“Are you the sidekick this summer?” Jason asked, glancing up as he measured and marked a board.

“I guess. I think he offered me the job as a favor to my mom. I feel like a shadow that’s in his way. I think I prefer working with Hailey.”

“Amen. She’s awesome.”

“Yeah.” I slipped the tips of my fingers into my front pockets, glancing over my shoulder to see if Fisher was still on his phone. “Is he always in such a delightful mood?”

“Just in the mornings. He’s not much of a morning person.”

I laughed. “That’s what Hailey said.” I thought of our ride to the job site. He seemed fine with me.

“Let’s go, Reese. It’s going to be a long day.” He made what I felt pretty sure was a growling sound which meant he was mad, but not at me or anyone in our proximity.

I cringed at Jason and he laughed, shaking his head.

“Well, it was nice meeting you.”

“See ya around. Good luck with Mr. Sunshine.”

“Thanks.” I rolled my eyes and smiled. That smile quickly faded when I turned toward Fisher who was not smiling.

“Are you done rolling your eyes and talking about your boss?” Fisher asked me.

I had nothing to lose. I kinda knew he wasn’t going to fire Rory’s daughter. “For now.” I shot him an extra toothy grin.

“No lunch for you,” he murmured as he trekked toward his truck with me right behind him.

“I have a Cliff Bar in my bag. I came prepared for your less than stellar attitude. And AHHH!” I tripped. Stupid big boots. I hissed a sharp breath, sitting back on my knees as I brought my hand close to my chest with a dirty nail partially impaled into my palm. “Ouch! Oh my gosh! I’m fine.” I hissed again. “I’m not fine. It hurts.” Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to set them free in front of Fisher and his all-male framing crew.

“What did you do?” Fisher hunched down and reached for my arm.

“I tripped,” I said with a bit of irritation lacing my words. What did he think happened?

“Let me see.”