That afternoon, Sophia walked with Phoebe toward the theatre, enjoying the soft breeze blowing off the lake. They’d both agreed it was much too nice outside to drive over, so they took the scenic route behind the resort.

The Wyne brothers had pooled their money and bought the place, then hired their sister to revamp it into a year round resort. She stopped to turn around and admire her college friend’s handiwork.  Nestled between trees, the resort blended with the surroundings, thanks to its wooden exterior, and the floor to ceiling windows in some of the areas brought nature inside.

“This place is amazing,” she said. “Before she left for Texas, Brandi had been urging me to visit, but I was always too busy with work and couldn’t get the time off.”

Phoebe nodded. “I understand. I was married to my work for years. But I started to get restless, then I met Ethan and his son Tyler, and, well, everything fell into place. My life changed for the better. I’ve slowed down, reprioritized, and I’ve never been so happy.”

“I can tell.” She smiled. “You have a glow about you.”

Her friend blushed. “It’s not just Ethan and Tyler, it’s the fact I’m about to give back to help the youth in this area. There’s so much talent, it’s amazing. And it’s also sad. These kids didn’t have anywhere to showcase their talent, or the opportunity to grow.”

“Well, they do now, thanks to you,” she said, as they continued to walk toward a big building she spied in the distance. “And I was wondering if any are interested in set design? Or if there’s a local technical school or college where I can hire some helpers?”

Phoebe’s smile widened. “That’s a wonderful idea. Ryder’s already volunteered to help out with the sets, and he actually already mentors a few carpentry students from the local college. I bet he could hook you up.”

Her heart rocked at the mention of Ryder and hook-up. Been there, done that. Enjoyed it. Too much.

She needed to get a grip.

That wasn’t why she was in town. Besides, he was in construction, and despite how sexy he looked sporting a tool belt, she was surrounded by men in tool belts all day. Every day.

Her entire life.

Meeting a guy in a different profession would be a breath of fresh air. But none of that mattered, because judging by his abrupt exit at lunch, she got the impression the last thing he wanted to do was hook up with her again.

Although, considering the bomb Phoebe just dropped, avoiding each other was going to be difficult if they were working together. 

She cleared her suddenly dry throat. “I’ll ask him.”

Hopefully, he wouldn’t have a problem with her taking the lead. It was her design and she had no intention of letting someone else run with it, no matter how damn cute he was.

“I have to admit, I found it interesting that he left lunch so abruptly today.” Phoebe scratched her temple and grinned. “He’s usually calm and cool. So, yeah, I found that very interesting. My guess is you’re a blast from his past that sent a tremor in the force.”

Forcing a smile, she sighed. “Ethan told you.”

Phoebe nodded. “He said you two instantly hit it off over a holiday weekend several years ago.”

“It was just a brief thing.” She shrugged. “No biggie.”

“Well, I hope you’re okay to work with him. I feel bad for already lining him up to help.”

She set a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “It’s fine. Please don’t worry about it.”

“Super. So…let’s change the subject. What do you think of the place?” Phoebe asked as they neared.

“Wow.” She stopped to take in the structure that was a lot taller and grander than she’d first realized. And made of reinforced concrete. “You went art deco. I love it.”

Her friend grinned. “Me, too. It’s what I wanted. The more Streamline Moderne version from the 1930’s. Brandi designed everything I’d asked for, and Ryder delivered it down to the very last detail.” She nodded toward a cluster of cars in the parking lot. “Good. My assistant is already here, which means the doors are unlocked and the lights are already on. Wait until you see the inside.”

Bold geometric designs, chevrons, and zigzags met Sophia’s gaze as she stepped into the past. A glamorous one. “Reminds me of the Chrysler Building, and one of the art deco theaters in Oakland.”

“Exactly.” Phoebe beamed.

Black marble covered the walls halfway up, with gold horizontal stripes running the length of the walls. The rest of the walls were a series of tall, tan arches, with a gold, lit panel and a decorative rail inside the arches. 

Straight ahead was a U-shaped stairway with risers on each side that met in an arch shape to form a balcony on the second floor.

“I originally wanted a marbled staircase, but it felt safer to go with the same carpet as the lobby. So we decided on a decorative black wrought iron rail to match the walls.”

“It’s perfect.” She smiled, then rushed up the stairs to gaze out over the lobby. “Truly perfect.”

Laughing, Phoebe met her upstairs. “I think so, too. Come on, you have to see the main theater.” The enthusiastic artist tugged her into the balcony of a grand theater with décor of gold and black, but also cream and red.

“I bet the acoustics are amazing,” she said, eyeing up the high ceiling with more geometric designs and art deco lighting.

Phoebe nodded. “I consulted a specialist. That was the most important detail. Come on.” She grabbed Sophia’s hand again. “Let me show you the rest.”

On the left of the main stage was a hall that led to a smaller theater, and two soundproof classrooms where a few students were already starting to gather. After a few quick introductions, she followed Phoebe to the right of the main stage, into a large wardrobe room complete with racks for costumes, tables, sewing machines, and a long shelf holding reams of fabric.

“Holy smokes.” She blinked. “It’s like a mini factory.”

Phoebe chuckled. “I wanted to make sure wardrobe has everything that’s needed. There are still a few shipments that haven’t come in yet.” Her smile widened as she let her to the final door. “I saved the best for last.”

Some of her friend’s excitement wore off on her, upping her pulse as the door opened to the room of her dreams.

“Oh. My. God.” Goose bumps covered her skin. “I’m in heaven.” Shelves stocked with paints and tools and material lined the far wall, and alongside were several stacks of plywood and a utility sink. She blinked, walking further into an actual space designated for set design. “Set design heaven.”

Her friend chuckled. “Ryder did a fantastic job.”

Right. She’d forgotten. The man was the one responsible for the whole incredible building. “He sure did. It’s perfect. I think I’ll move my bed in here and never leave.”

“Good.” Phoebe winked. “I was hoping you’d say that, because I’d love to work with you permanently here.”

She reeled back. “You would?”

“Absolutely.” Her friend nodded. “I know it’s not Broadway, but this place…it’s special. I can feel it.”

So did Sophia. She still had the goose bumps to prove it. But her dream to design a Broadway set hadn’t happened yet. Sure, she’d worked on them, but was never hired as the sole designer. Her goal. Her dream.

“I’m truly flattered, and definitely tempted,” she finally said.

“But, you have your heart set on Broadway.” Phoebe smiled. “It’s okay. I get it. Believe me.”

She nodded. “I got a call back for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.”

Her friend’s eyes widened. “South Pacific?”

She nodded again. It was her all-time favorite of their musicals.

A shrieking Phoebe rushed over to pull her in for a hug. “Oh my God, Sophia! That’s terrific! And you’re just telling me now? When is your callback?”

“Mid-September,” she replied, drawing back.

“I’m thrilled for you. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

Warmed by the generous offer, she smiled. “Thanks. I will. But right now, I’m excited to nail down the designs for your Rodgers and Hammerstein production.”

Oklahoma was another of her favorites.

“I think you pretty much have.”

She patted her purse. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit in the main theater and double-check my sight lines.” A set was useless if there were patrons unable to see it. “Then I’d like to fill in a few of my sketches.”

“Go right ahead.” Phoebe glanced at the time on her phone. “I’ve got that class to teach. Most of the students were already there when we dropped in during the tour.”

She nodded, and after one last glance at the magical room, she headed into the main theater. The collaboration between Phoebe and Brandi resulted in a one-of-a-kind performing arts building, but it was Ryder who brought it all to life. Spectacularly.

No matter which section she sat in to check her sight lines, Sophia marveled at the talented carpenter’s execution. Art Deco wasn’t exactly a practiced style these days, especially in the middle of the woods, and yet, Ryder nailed it, with a capital N.

Admiration upped her pulse. That was two things the man was good at. She wasn’t sure she could handle a third.

***

By the time Ryder doubled back to Keiffer’s condo and fixed the drain in the master bathroom, the sun was starting to set. Shit. He gathered his tools, and hurried across the room. The last thing he needed was to run into Sophia again.

It was bad enough he was going to have to work with her at the theater. If he had known she was the set designer Phoebe gushed about, he would’ve…what? Refused to help? No way. Volunteering to work on a set was the perfect hands-on lessons for the two college kids he mentored.

Still…why did it have to Sophia?

As if fate were laughing at him, the woman in question walked into the room.

“Hi, Ryder,” she said, not in the least bit startled this time. “It’s kind of a reverse déjà vu.”

He, on the other hand, needed a moment to steady his pulse. Damn thing. “Hey, Sophia. I just finished up in the bathroom. You shouldn’t have any more issues with the sink.”

Jesus, he was babbling like a high schooler. And why was she sitting down on the bed?

“Okay, great. I…uh…didn’t know there was a problem.” She slipped a finger beneath the strap around her ankle and removed her sandal. “I hope I didn’t create a mess.”

“No. Not at all,” he said, gripping his toolbox tightly, as she repeated the process on the other foot. “I don’t think you used it. The one on the right just needed a washer.”

“Ah…I’ve been using the left sink.”  She stood up and smiled. “And you’ve been busy creating a masterpiece.”

He raised a brow. “I have?”

“Yes.” Admiration lit her eyes, and son-of-a-bitch, his heart cracked open a little. “I spent the afternoon at the theater, and it didn’t take long to realize you aren’t just a carpenter, Ryder. You’re a craftsman.”

His chest swelled at her unexpected compliment. “Thank you.” Not many people knew the difference.

But, this was Sophia, and even though her eyes were one color, and hair was a traditional color now, she wasn’t most people.

“Between the theater and what I’ve seen of this resort, I just wanted you to know I think your work is amazing,” she said. “And I look forward to working with you on the sets.”

More compliments.

Growing increasingly uncomfortable, he shifted the weight on his feet. If it weren’t for the flash of surprise in her eyes at her admission, he’d think she was fishing for a compliment in return.

She wasn’t getting one. He couldn’t tell her he looked forward to working with her too…because he didn’t. The woman was trouble. And unlike a certain New Year’s Eve many years ago, he wasn’t looking for any.

“I have a few more things to take care of at the resort, so I should get going,” he said. “If you find anything else wrong with the place, let Ethan know.”

By rights, he could’ve told her to let him know, but he needed to keep her at arm’s length. To keep things professional. 

Her smile faltered. “Okay. Sure.”

Now, he felt like a dick, because he was one. But it wasn’t just for his own good. It was for hers, too.

Other than work, she didn’t need him in her life. He let people down.

He wasn’t worth it.

“Have a good evening,” he said on his way out the door.

The sooner he left, the better. His chest was already growing heavy with guilt. He didn’t need that crap. He needed to focus on work. Starting with the mound of paperwork on his desk back at the office.

Twenty-five minutes later, Ryder wished he’d just gone home. The pile had taken over the top of his desk.

“Do you want me to order some pizza from Martelli’s?” Cathy, his assistant leaned against his doorway, pity darkening her eyes.

He sat back in his chair and nodded. “Yeah. Thanks. Looks like I’m going to be here longer than I thought.”

She nodded, and made to turn away.

“Any news on those bids?”

“No.” She turned around to face him again. “No word yet. And I’m sorry about the Moleski project.”

He blew out a breath. “Yeah. Me, too.”

He was sorry about a lot of things. Sorry he was struggling to find work for his men. Sorry he hadn’t gone to the store when his mother had asked the day she’d died. Sorry he was unable to stop the woman he loved from marrying a stranger her parents had arranged.  Sorry he put the hurt in Sophia’s eyes when she was being generous with a compliment.

She’d called him a craftsman.

A smile tugged his lips while unexpected warmth seeped into his chest. That was sweet of her. She seemed less rebellious, subdued even. But still sexy as hell. An image of her—wrapped in that damn towel—flashed through his mind. His dick twitched.

Son-of-a-bitch.

First, she caused movement in his chest, now below his belt.

He was sorry he had to be rude to her, but not sorry he was rude. It was necessary, thanks to the crazy attraction still sizzling between them. With him scheduled to work with the set designer—her—throughout the summer, physical distance wasn’t an option. However, the same wasn’t true for emotional distance.

Hopefully, she’d gotten the message and wouldn’t waste her time on him, because there was no way he could fight their chemistry for even a week, let alone several months.

Ryder needed to create an invisible wall between them, and counted on his rudeness to lay the foundation for that barrier.

He glanced at his wall calendar.

Time would tell soon—real soon—if it worked.

Two days from now, he was scheduled to meet her at the theater to discuss the project and timeline. With luck, Sophia would treat him with indifference. If not, he’d have no choice but to up the surly factor.