Crap.This is a dangerous train of thought.
I sank deeper into the bubbles, pushing away thoughts of my enigmatic boss.Whatever was developing between us—professionally or otherwise—I'd face it tomorrow.
I wanted to savor this rare moment of peace.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CARTER
I surveyedthe bustling construction site.The noise of a nearby jackhammer poked at the headache simmering beneath my skull.Dust swirled in the crisp September air, mingling with the scent of freshly cut lumber and diesel fumes.I inhaled deeply, this was the smell of progress.
Olivia stood beside me, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail.She wore a tight black shirt and dark jeans, looking every inch the capable professional.But I didn't miss the tension in her shoulders, the way she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
“Ready for the grand tour?”I asked, pitching my voice to carry over the roar of machinery.
She flashed me a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.“Lead the way, boss.”
As we picked our way across the site, I was hyper-aware of her presence.She moved with a grace despite her obvious discomfort, asking insightful questions about the project's scope and timeline.
“The community center will be the focal point,” I explained, gesturing to a cleared area where the foundation was being poured.“We're aiming for LEED Platinum certification, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a green roof.”
Her eyes lit up.“That's fantastic.Have you considered partnering with local schools for educational programs about sustainable building practices?”
My eyebrows shot up.“We've discussed outreach initiatives, but nothing concrete yet.That's an excellent idea.”
She ducked her head, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.“Thanks.I did some work with educational programs at the humane society.It's amazing how engaged kids get when they feel like they're part of something bigger.”
A pang tightened my chest.Admiration?I pushed the sensation aside.
We approached a group huddled around a set of blueprints.Emmett gestured animatedly as Callie stood with her arms crossed, a slight frown creasing her brow.Wick towered over them both, his shoulders tense as he listened intently.
“Morning, folks,” I called out.“I believe you all already know my new assistant, Olivia.”
“So formal, Cassidy.Livvy is practically family—an honorary Price!”Emmett's face split into a wide grin, and he pulled Olivia into a hug.I bristled at him touching her.Odd.
Watching the easy banter between the four of them, a knot formed in my gut.This was precisely why I avoided mixing business with personal relationships.Things got...messy.I needed to steer this conversation back to safer waters.“Olivia will be assisting me with various aspects of the project, including community outreach and stakeholder engagement.”
Emmett clapped his hands together.“Perfect!We could use a fresh perspective.Now, Carter, about these revisions to the community garden layout...”
As the team delved into the nitty-gritty details of the project, I found my attention divided.Part of me was fully engaged with the discussion, debating the merits of various design choices and construction timelines.But another part, a part I was decidedly uncomfortable with, kept drifting to Olivia.
She held her own admirably, offering thoughtful insights and asking probing questions.But I didn't miss the subtle signs of her discomfort—the slight furrow between her brows, the occasional sharp intake of breath when she moved too quickly.
Wick noticed too.Our eyes met over Olivia's head, and I saw my own concern mirrored in his gaze.
As the meeting wrapped up, I felt as if I’d been transported back in time.Suddenly, I was twenty-five again, presenting my first major project to a room full of skeptical investors.
My hands shook as I clicked through the PowerPoint slides, my voice growing stronger with each passing moment.The conference room was stifling, but I barely noticed, caught up in the thrill of sharing my vision.
“By incorporating these sustainable design elements, we're not just creating a building.We're creating a blueprint for the future of urban development.”
The doubt in their eyes slowly gave way to interest, then excitement.By the time I finished my presentation, the energy in the room was electric.
As the investors filed out, murmuring amongst themselves, my mentor clapped me on the shoulder.“Well done, kid.You've got a real gift for this.”
Pride swelled in my chest.I was going to change the world, one building at a time.
When had I lost that fire, that unshakeable belief in the power of my work?When had cynicism and self-preservation become my default setting?
