“Mm.” I nodded, careful not to meet Samuel’s gaze again.

Cherry stood beside me, her eyes sharp with curiosity and mischief, as though she too had caught on to something unsaid.

“Mr. Scott, could you lift your arm and hold it level, please?” I turned away, switching to a longer measuring tape, my voice politely composed.

Samuel positioned himself in front of me. As I moved behind him, I became acutely aware of just how tall he was—he must ...