“Yes, them. I meant both of them.” Caleb hoped Noah wasn’t too perceptive. But just in case, he gave himself some cover. “Melissa’s been the reasonable one all along. I think part of her is on my side.”
Noah scoffed a bit at that.
Caleb found himself curious. “You don’t agree?”
Had Melissa said something to Noah? Was she only humoring Caleb by seeming agreeable?
“She knows her own mind,” Noah said, cutting the black straps that held the shingles in a bundle.
“Has she said something? About me, my offer, Neo?”
“She admires your success with Neo.”
Caleb guessed there was more to that statement. “But?”
“She’s excited about the Crab Shack, and she’s loyal to her sister.”
“But she can see there’s a path forward with me?”
If Melissa could understand what was in everyone’s best interest, there was still a chance she’d help convince Jules.
“I don’t know what you think she’s told me,” Noah said. “We’re not exactly best pals. I work, she... Well, she does as much as she can. But she’s here every day, and she never complains.”
“And, Jules?” Despite himself, Caleb had to ask.
“Jules is a force of nature.”
Caleb couldn’t help but chuckle at that. He didn’t disagree.
“If I was you, I’d give her whatever she wants.”
“If I give her what she wants, it’ll cost me a million dollars and my dream.”
Noah paused at that, a considering expression on his face. “Might be worth it in the end.”
Caleb narrowed his gaze, trying to penetrate Noah’s poker face. Had he somehow guessed at Caleb’s feelings for Jules?
That was impossible, because Caleb didn’t have feelings for Jules. Okay, he had feelings for her. But a million dollars and his life’s dream? After only one night? Not a chance.
* * *
While the sun was setting over the ocean, TJ Bauer had arrived at the Crab Shack carrying boxes of pizza and a bag of soft drinks. Jules found it hard not to like Caleb’s friends. She didn’t know why Matt had dropped everything at the marina today to help out, and TJ acted like it was the most natural thing in the world to spring for dinner for a group of people, half of whom he barely knew.
They were all good-humored about the situation, concerned about Melissa’s healing hand and even joking with Noah.
TJ had set the food on the drop cloth–covered bar and invited everyone to dig in. Jules would admit to being starving. She’d scooped a slice of Hawaiian and plunked into a chair near one of the picture windows, setting a cold can of cola on the wide sill.
Caleb approached, using his foot to push a second chair close to her.
“I feel like I need to thank you,” she said as she took a first bite.
The three men had finished over half the roof today.
“But you’re not feeling grateful?” he asked as he sat down.
“What I’m feeling is confused.” She’d been mulling the possible reasons for his help all day, but had come up with nothing. “This seems out of character for you.”
“What makes you think you know anything about my character?”
She bought herself some time by taking a bite of the pizza. It was heavenly. She didn’t want to insult him. He’d been a huge help today, as had Matt. But she didn’t trust him either. Nothing he did would come without strings attached.
She composed an answer in her head. “I know you’re willing to put me out of business.”
He shook his head. “I’m trying very hard not to do that.”
“Pretend all you want, Caleb, but you’re threatening to close my road.”
“I haven’t done it yet. And I don’t want to. I’ve told you that.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“What part don’t you believe?”
“That you care anything about me. You want what you want, and you don’t care how you get it.”
He stretched out his legs, leaning back in his chair. “Think that statement through, Jules.”
“Don’t patronize me.” There was nothing wrong with her thought processes.
He took a bite of his pizza and followed it up with a swallow of his soda.
She hesitated for a minute, but then did the same. She was tired and she was hungry, and arguing with Caleb wasn’t going to get her anywhere. She let her gaze wander the room.
Noah was talking with Matt, while Melissa seemed to be engrossed in something TJ was saying. Noah was playing it cool, but his attention kept flicking to Melissa. It was obvious he was attracted to her, but so far he hadn’t made any kind of a move. He was polite, but he didn’t flirt, and he didn’t seek her out.