You Can't Run Hope Davis (free ebook reader .txt) 📖

“It’s not for everyone. How are you liking it?”

“Well considering I’ve done nothing but work the whole time I’ve been here, I guess you could say I’m fitting in fine. I actually like how busy I’ve been.” She scooped what was left on her plate into one pile in the middle. “You seem to have a lot of time to spend with Vance.”

“Yeah, I’m the supervisor. So, I can supervise sites a bit and then leave and check in on the site later. I manage three sites right now and Vance is centrally located between them, so it’s convenient for me to swing by.”

“I’m really thankful he has you. I worry what it would be like for him with a support system and sense of normalcy.”

Naya finished clearing her plate and set it down in front of her, she had been much hungrier than she had thought. She was even thinking of filling a second plate.

“He’s my best friend. We met in university, and he was the one who got me the job on the construction site. I owe him for a lot.”

They were both quiet for a moment and Naya eyed the rice in front of Kevin, it didn’t escape his notice.

“Have more.” He pushed the dish towards her. “God knows you need it. Always trying to get Vance to eat and it looks like you’re always forgetting to feed yourself.”

Naya looked down at herself and knew there was truth in his words, she had already lost weight since she had come here. She hadn’t expected to be thrown into work so quickly, and managing Vance had priority when she was home. She was still deep in her thoughts when she felt his hand lift her chin.

“You look beautiful though, don’t worry. I was just commenting how you should take care of yourself too.”

She didn’t say anything as she found her eyes searching his face. He really was quite handsome. His eyes flickered down for a moment and before she could say anything or pull away, he used his hand on her chin to lean her forward and his lips connected with hers.

She was pleasantly surprised. The kiss was nice, not forceful, and he didn’t try anything crazy like some men sometimes did. She actually enjoyed it. And when he did finally pull away she found herself wanting more.

Kevin smiled sheepishly as he returned himself to his side of the table. Naya found herself at a loss for words.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.” “A while?! I’ve only been here a little over two weeks.”

“And I’ve wanted to do it since that day you walked in wearing those cute jeans and a button up.” He glanced down to the slacks she was now wearing and she answered his silent question.

“Apparently jeans aren’t allowed for detective work here, so I had to switch to slacks.” She brushed off a piece of rice that was on her thigh and stood to throw away her plate, but Kevin beat her to it and took her plate from her hand.

“Well, I think you look great either way, but I was a fan of those jeans.”

She caught his wink and began covering the buffet pans with the foil lids they had come with.

“Do you think Sebastian will take any of this with him?”

Kevin shook his head. “No way, he’s also firmly on team make sure Vance eats.”

She smiled as she began to slide the pans in the fridge, she was thankful. How did Vance come across such loyal friends?

As if he could read her mind, he answered.

“We take care of our own here.”

“I can tell.” She had always thought that small towns were unique, but apparently finding a small-town group of people was possible in a large city. But she also wasn’t surprised that Vance had managed to find them, his friendly personality was magnetic.

“Did you grow up here Kevin?” She asked as they continued to pack up the food.

“Yes ma’am, only a few blocks from here in fact, and now I live about twenty minutes away. Which is quite close by Denver standards. Lots of the guy’s commute over an hour for work because of the cost of housing in the center of the city. If you need more than a one bedroom place, you’re pretty much forced to live in the boondocks.”

She finished loading the fridge, which was now filled to the brim, but she was appreciative since she doubted she would have time to go grocery shopping this week. She leaned herself against the counter, facing Kevin.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“I wish.” He shrugged playfully and took a step closer to her.

“You wish?” She laughed.

“Yes, I was a lonely only child growing up.” He clarified.

“Ah.” She felt herself shift her weight in anticipation as he stepped even closer and leaned in to kiss her again. She enjoyed it just as much as before and didn’t notice her hands had moved to his shoulders until she heard a whistle from the doorway, they broke apart instantly.

It was Sebastian. “I would ask if I’m interrupting anything, but clearly I am, so would be a moot point.” he teased before going back to the living room to give them some privacy.

She and Kevin laughed and Naya adjusted her shirt awkwardly which she suddenly worried might be wrinkled although she was sure it wasn’t.

“I should go to bed anyway. Early day tomorrow.” She walked towards the door and noticed the new key she had made to replace the copy she had given Derek. She picked it up and held it towards Kevin. “I think I should give you this. You know, in case Vance can’t…” she found herself unable to say the words.

Kevin understood. “Of course.