Free Nailed by Desiree Holt Page A

her to hide. The one that had scared off
her first really serious relationship. But also the one that had gotten her
into the situation from hell.
    Will I never learn?
    Deliberately she put everything out of her mind and pulled
up a file on her computer. She’d focus on work. Obsessing with numbers would
block everything else from her mind. But even as she began to analyze the
information on her screen, she shifted slightly in her chair and her ass felt
as if she’d sat down on a bed of stinging nettles. Well, that was what she got
for breaking her rules—weekends only, avoid emotional attachment, limit her
interaction with any one person. Maybe her sore ass would keep her from doing
anything else foolish.

Chapter Six
     
    Tyler was just about to head for the elevator when Alex
stopped him.
    “Off to the job sites?” he asked.
    Tyler nodded. “We may have the timeline pushed up on one of
the jobs and I want to eyeball where we are just in case. But I’ll be back
after lunch.”
    “What’s up?”
    “The two men I’m hiring on permanently will be in to do
their paperwork. Pass the word. I’d like to introduce them to you and Josh at
the same time.”
    “Okay. I’ll let him know.” But he still didn’t move.
    “Something else?” Tyler wanted to know. “I’d like to get
going.”
    Alex shoved his hands in his pockets and stared down at his
feet. Tyler stared at him. What was going on with his brother?
    “If it’s trouble, just spit it out. I can take it.”
    Alex chuckled. “Maybe yes, maybe no. It has to do with
Livy.”
    Tyler gawked at him. “You want to talk to me about your
wife?”
    “Sort of. Maybe not exactly.”
    “Jesus, spit it out already, will you? I’ve got stuff to
do.”
    “Okay. We’re having some people over Saturday night to
barbecue and Livy wants you to come.”
    Tyler studied his brother’s face. “And you didn’t want to
invite me to dinner because? Are Josh and Ness coming?”
    “Yeah. Of course.”
    “So, you what? Thought I’d feel like the odd man out?”
    Alex shook his head. “Not at all. In fact we’re having a
bunch of people.”
    “Then I don’t understand.” But then he did. “Oh, shit.
Please tell me your wife isn’t trying to fix me up with some woman.”
    Alex sighed. “I wish I could say you’re wrong, but Livy’s
got a bug up her ass about some woman from work who she thinks would be just
perfect for you.”
    Tyler set down his bulky briefcase and crossed his arms.
“What is it with you guys and your wives? Just because you both bit the big one
you can’t stand to see me running around unattached?”
    “Would you believe me if I told you Ness and Livy think
you’re too sexy to be without a woman?”
    Tyler laughed. “If your wives think I’m sexy, you guys must
be doing something wrong.”
    “Maybe we’re doing it too well,” Alex joked. “They want you
to have what we’ve got.”
    “Yeah, well, thanks but no thanks. I don’t want to be served
along with the appetizers.” He lifted his briefcase and started toward the
elevator again but Alex blocked his way.
    “Come on, bro. One night. It won’t kill you and I can score
some points with my wife.”
    “Like you really need to. Can I go now?”
    “Only if you say yes.” Alex gave him a pleading look.
“There’ll be a bunch of other people there. And you can leave any time you
want.”
    Tyler had to laugh. “Oh. A bunch of other people— and one
single woman . If I bug out I’ll look like an ass and then Livy will be mad
at both of us.” He chuffed out a breath. “Okay, I’ll do it. But you will so owe
me big time for this.”
    For one scary moment Tyler thought his brother was going to
hug him. Then Alex just held out his hand.
    “Thanks. And yes, I’ll pay you back big time.”
    “She’d better be worth the effort,” Tyler called to him as
he punched the button for the elevator. “If I show up and she’s a character
from Dorks R Us you will all be in very big