Chapter 4
Freen's POV
After lunch, the tension was still there, thick enough to cut with a knife. Becky kept looking at me—no, staring—but whenever I'd look at her, she'd look away. Too shy? Or just trying to play it cool? Either way, I was having way too much fun.. like who wouldn't? Have you seen her?
We were just about to leave when Becky came up to us from the restroom , all casual-like. "So, you guys up for working at the beach house tomorrow? Less distractions," she says, giving me a playful smile. I wasn't sure if she was talking about the project or other distractions.
"Oh, I'm sure the beach house will be full of distractions," I tease, wiggling my eyebrows. "You know, beautiful views, warm weather, and, of course, you." I'm sure she catches the hint because I see her cheeks turn a little pink.
She bites her lip, like she's trying to keep herself composed. "Just focus on the project, Freen," she says, but I can see that little spark in her eyes. "We'll need everyone to stay sharp."
"Sharp, huh? That's the first time anyone's told me to stay sharp in a place like that." I grin. "But, fine, I'll focus. For now."
As we walked to our cars, Becky turned to me, brushing her hair out of her face. "Hey," she said casually, though her tone had a little edge of shyness. "Before tomorrow, let me put my number in your phone. You know... so we can coordinate."
I handed her my phone with a smirk. "Sure. But just so you know, this means you can't ghost me later. Once you give me your number, you're stuck with me."
She rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a smile as she typed in her number. "Please, Freen. You'd miss me if I did."
"Absolutely," I replied without hesitation. "But I'm more worried about how much you'd miss me."
Her laugh was soft, almost musical, and when she handed my phone back, our fingers brushed briefly.
"See you tomorrow," she said, turning toward her car.
"Looking forward to it, princess," I called after her, earning an amused shake of her head as she drove off.
Later that evening, I couldn't resist texting her.
Me: "Testing, testing. Is this Becky's hotline for boring project emergencies?"
Her reply came quickly.
Becky: "Depends. Is this Freen's hotline for annoying comments and bad jokes?"
I laughed to myself.
Me: "Careful, or I'll start charging for every joke I make tomorrow."
Becky: "I'd go broke in an hour."
Me: "Fair. But you'd still laugh at all of them."
Becky: "Goodnight, Freen. Save some energy for tomorrow."
Me: "Goodnight, Becky. Don't dream about me too much."
Her reply made me smile even wider.
Becky: "Who says I haven't already?"
The next morning, my alarm buzzed earlier than usual. I stretched, grabbed my phone, and found Becky's message waiting.
Becky: "Don't be late. I'm expecting you here by 9."
Me: "You know me—always on time."
Becky: "Liar. Be here by 9:15 latest."
Me: "You're just giving me extra time because you know I'm worth waiting for."
Her response was instant.
Becky: "Don't push your luck. Bring coffee."
I chuckled as I got ready, stopping by the coffee shop to grab two cups of iced lattes. As I pulled up to her house, there she was—leaning against the doorframe, looking effortlessly beautiful in casual shorts and a flowy top.
Becky's POV
I didn't want to admit how much I'd been looking forward to today. Something about Freen's humor—and that mischievous grin—had me smiling more than I should. When her car pulled up, I felt a flutter in my chest that I immediately shoved aside.
But when she stepped out, holding two cups of coffee and wearing that casual confidence like a second skin, my resolve wavered.
"Morning," she said, handing me a cup with a wink. "One coffee for the lovely lady, as requested."
"Don't let it go to your head," I said, smiling despite myself.
I climbed into the passenger seat, the scent of coffee mixing with Freen's fresh cologne. As she pulled out of the driveway, I couldn't help but notice how good she looked behind the wheel—her strong hands gripping the steering wheel, her sunglasses perched on her nose, her posture relaxed yet controlled.
She caught me staring and smirked. "See something you like?"
I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks burned. "Just making sure you know how to drive."
Her laugh was low and warm. "Don't worry, Becky. I'll get us there safely. But feel free to keep staring. I don't mind."
The drive was a mix of light chatter and flirty banter. Freen's humor kept the mood playful, and every now and then, she'd throw in a comment that had me both rolling my eyes and stifling a laugh.
"Why are you so quiet?" she teased as we cruised along the coastal road.
"Just enjoying the peace," I replied, sipping my coffee.
"Peace? With me around? Unlikely," she shot back, grinning.
"You're not wrong," I said, shaking my head.
She glanced over, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "You know, I think we make a pretty good team."
"Don't let it go to your head," I said, though the smile tugging at my lips probably gave me away.
When we finally arrived at the beach house, the ocean breeze greeted us, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance set the perfect backdrop.
"Wow," Freen said as she took in the view. "Not bad, princess. I might actually enjoy working here."
I nudged her playfully. "Don't get too comfortable. We're here to work, remember?"
"Sure," she said, smirking as she followed me inside. "But I can multitask—work and annoy you at the same time."
The day was filled with more of the same—productive work punctuated by Freen's relentless teasing. She found every excuse to sit closer, her hand brushing mine whenever she handed me something. And every time she leaned in to point something out on the laptop, her voice dipped just enough to send shivers down my spine.
By the time we wrapped up, the tension between us was undeniable.
"Thanks for today," I said as we packed up.
"Anytime," Freen replied, her tone softer than usual.
"See you tomorrow?"
She nodded, her smile lingering as she headed to her car. "Looking forward to it."
Freen's POV
Later that night, my phone buzzed.
Becky: "Did you get home safe, or should I be worried?"
Me: "Safe and sound. But if I knew you'd worry, I might've stayed lost a little longer."
Becky: "Don't push your luck, Freen."
Me: "Oh, come on. You're smiling right now, aren't you?"
Her reply was delayed but worth the wait.
Becky: "Goodnight, Freen. Don't be late tomorrow."
Me: "Goodnight, princess. Sweet dreams."
She didn't reply, but I could imagine the small smile tugging at her lips. This beach house project was turning out to be much more fun than I expected.