Until now.

“I was sorry to hear about Kurt,” Carter said. “He was a good guy.”

Brady nodded. “Thanks. And yeah, he was.”

Carter could tell Brady didn’t want to talk about his brother. Most guys didn’t want to get into the emotional stuff, and what had happened with Kurt had been awful.

“Is that why you’re back in Hope?” Carter asked.

“Partly.”

The guy didn’t have much to say. Then again, his work spoke for itself. And if he wasn’t too chatty, that was good. He’d rather have Brady focused on the work and not on bullshitting in the garage.

“You’ve mainly done a lot of custom motorcycle body paint.”

“Yeah. But I started out doing body jobs and worked my way into the custom work. I can handle what you need.”

“I know. I talked to some guys you worked with in Memphis. They said you’re the best body guy around.”

A smirk was all he got in reply. That showed confidence, though, and Carter appreciated a man who knew he was the best.

“I heard you’re interested in starting up your own custom paint place.”

“You heard right,” Brady said. “But I need cash for that, and I’m strapped at the moment. I figure working for you for a while will give me a head start.”

Carte appreciated Brady not hiding that from him. Upfront and honest he could deal with. “Are you intending to leave Hope anytime soon?”

Brady shook his head. “No. I’m gonna plant it here for a while.”

He wasn’t going to ask why, but that’s the answer he needed.

“You got a place to live?”

“I’m looking into it. Not exactly interested in staying with my parents.”

Carter smiled. “Imagine that. I might be able to hook you up. There’s an apartment above the shop here if you’re interested. I could cut you a deal on the rent, and you could work your custom jobs here during your off-hours.”

Brady studied him, then frowned, no doubt suspicious about Carter’s motives.

Carter could understand that. After all, Brady didn’t really know him.

“Why would you do that?” Brady asked.

“Because before you dump and run and start your own business, you’ll agree to find and train your replacement here. And I want at least a year out of you.”

Brady let out a short laugh. “I can manage that.”

They worked out the details, and Carter showed him the vacant apartment upstairs. He’d stayed there himself before he’d bought his house. The apartment was serviceable, had a few pieces of furniture, like a bed, a couch, and a crap table in the small eating area off the kitchen. There were a set of dishes, utensils, towels, and stuff. Enough for Brady to survive. Anything else he needed, he could get for himself.

For a single guy, it would do, which was exactly what Brady said once he’d looked it over. He took it on the spot, and Carter told him rent wouldn’t be due until next month.

One major problem resolved. He filed Brady’s application and paperwork, and was looking forward to him starting work next week.

After that was finished, he headed home, changed into his old jeans and a T-shirt, and decided to wreck the guest bathroom. He had already ordered the new countertop and bought new fixtures, so instead of spending time at the gym today, he decided to get his workout in by tearing up some things.

He pulled out the sink and faucets, took out the cabinets and tossed them in the back of his truck since they were rotted out and of no further use. Then he got to work chipping away at the hideous tile. He was dripping with sweat when he heard footsteps.

“I can’t believe you’re having this kind of fun and you didn’t call me.”

He swiped at his brow, then grinned at Luke. “Shouldn’t you be with your wife on your day off?”

“Emma had a couple unexpected surgeries this morning, so she’s going to hang out with the furry kids for a while longer this afternoon. I thought I’d drop by here to see if you wanted to have some beer and watch football. This looks like more fun.”

“You keep calling it fun. I don’t think you know the meaning of the word.”

“Come on, man. If Emma had gotten off work on time, we would have been at the mall.” Luke grimaced. “Trust me, this is better.”

“You asked for it. Go grab a pry-bar and a wrench and start chiseling some tiles.”

“Now you’re talkin’.”

Two hours later, they had the tile down and were taking a beer break in the garage when Molly drove up. She looked good in a pair of skinny jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.

“Lazing the day away drinking beer and watching football?” she asked as she made her way into the garage.

“Would I be sweating like this if we were watching football?”

She gave him a close look. “You are sweaty. And filthy. What are you two up to today?”

“Working on tearing up the guest bathroom.”

“Carter promised it would be fun,” Luke said.

Carter shot Luke a glare. “I promised no fun. You insisted on helping.”

Molly laughed. “I’m going inside to take a peek. Is Emma here?”

“She’s still at the clinic, looking after some post-surgery patients.”

“Okay.”

After Molly disappeared inside, Luke took a long swallow of beer, then turned to him. “How’s it going with Molly?”