I smile back, which seems to give him some ease.
“Makes sense,” I say, but something tells me there’s more to it.But, whatever, this is business and I am going to show him my company is the one to stick with.
As we wrap up the walkthrough, we end up back in our cars.
“Well, this all looks great so far.Thank you for coming and meeting with us.I think we will hold off on a decision until after this site is ready.I hope that’s OK.”
Giving him a nod, I hope he can read my body language.I plan to maintain this contract and I want him to know that.And to know that Bellrose Landscaping will be perfect to partner with on future builds.
He reaches his hand out to shake mine and when I grab his, an electric heat sizzles up my arm.Our eyes quickly meet and, by his expression, I think he felt something similar.
What the heck.
“Have a good rest of your day,” I say before scurrying off to my car.
* * *
“So, what I am hearing is that you met a hot-ass bear shifter.”Alona says on our video call with Dinah in the evening.
“Yes, that’s what I am hearing as well,” Dinah teases.
“You two are relentless.Yes, yes, he was incredibly sexy.But who cares?I want a business relationship with this man.Not a romantic one.”
“Mmm hmmm,” Alona says before her husband Ford pokes his head over her shoulder.
“Is my wife harassing you, Abby?”he jokes.
“Yes, she sure is.Constantly,” I say with a laugh.
“Well, I’m taking her away,” he says, looking at Alona.“Dinner is ready.”
“A man who cooks dinner?Damn, Alona.”I tease.
“I bet that hot bear shifter knows how to at least grill.Things to think about!”she teases back.
Saying goodnight to the ladies, I hang up.After digging out some Chinese leftovers from the fridge, I plop down on my couch to watch someScandalreruns.
* * *
The men I hired work through the weekend, and I pay them handsomely to do so.On Monday, I go into the office and find Chase already there.
“We should be all set at the Edison site.Did you want to do a walkthrough before signing off on the work?”
“Yeah, I’ll go do that now, if you’re good here.”
“No problem, boss.”
I drive out to the site, which is quiet compared to when I toured with Barrett.The landscaping looks absolutely gorgeous.I can’t imagine the brothers not being happy with the work.When I walk around to the back, I notice the sliding glass door is ajar.I call out “Hello?”through the opening.No one answers.
I decide to go inside to make sure no animals got in before I close everything back up.The building is cool and quiet.Checking each room, I do not see any furry or feathered squatters.I notice an open window in a room I assume will be an office and step inside to close it.Once I walk in, a breeze rustles my hair and the door slams shut behind me.Closing the window, I go to leave.
The stupid door won’t budge.Crap.I take out my phone and try to call Chase, but I have zero bars.I need to change my provider from who I used in Vegas, because this keeps happening at random times.
Shit.At least Chase knows where I am and will eventually wonder why I haven’t returned.But I don’t have time to just lounge around.I have a new business to deal with.
Sitting on the floor, I rest my head against the wall.There’s nothing for me to do since my phone has no service.Closing my eyes, I drift off to sleep.
I wake to the sound of someone trying to open the door.
