“Earth to Carter.”Olivia's voice cut through my reverie.“You okay there, boss?”
I cleared my throat, trying to recover my composure.“Fine.Just thinking about the next phase of construction.”
She tilted her head, those hazel eyes far too perceptive for my comfort.“Uh-huh.And I'm the Queen of England.”
Despite myself, the corner of my mouth twitched.“Your Majesty,” I deadpanned with a slight bow.
Olivia's laugh rang out, bright and unexpected.The sound sent a pleasant tingle straight through me, warming places I'd long thought frozen.
Shit.
* * *
While we hashedout the details of the sensory playground that would sit just outside the community center, I stole glances across the site, tracking Olivia's progress.She moved from group to group, engaging with workers and project managers alike.Even from a distance, I could see the impact she was having—people leaned in when she spoke, nodding and gesturing enthusiastically.
“Livvy seems to be working out well for you,” Emmett said, following my gaze.
I shrugged.“She's competent.”
Emmett chuckled.“High praise indeed, coming from you.”
I shot him a warning look, but he just grinned.“Relax, Carter.It's not a crime to appreciate talent when you see it.”
Before I could respond, Wick joined our group.“Olivia's impressing the hell out of everyone,” he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.“You might have some competition for her services soon.”
An unexpected surge of possessiveness reared up inside me.“She's under contract.”
Wick raised an eyebrow.“Sure, but contracts end.And talented people have options.”
I clenched my jaw, hearing his unspoken warning.Don't fuck this up, Carter.Don't drive her away like you have so many others.
“I'm well aware of Olivia's value,” I said stiffly.“Now, can we get back to the matter at hand?”
The rest of the morning was taken up by meetings and site inspections.I threw myself into the work, pushing thoughts of Olivia to the back of my mind.But every time I caught a glimpse of her—chatting with a group of workers, poring over blueprints with Callie, even just standing alone, taking in the scope of the project—I felt that hitch in my chest.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, I called a break for lunch.The team scattered, heading for the food trucks that had set up shop at the edge of the site.I hung back, using the moment of quiet to gather myself.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
I turned to find Olivia standing a few feet away, a knowing smile twitching at the corners of her mouth.“I doubt they're worth that much,” I said dryly.
She laughed, the sound making my skin prickle.“Don't sell yourself short, boss.I bet that big brain of yours is worth at least a nickel.”
“Careful, Friedman.Flattery will get you everywhere.”
Her eyes widened in mock surprise.“Was that a joke?From the great Carter Cassidy?I'm shocked.”
“Don't get used to it.I have a reputation to maintain.”
Olivia's smile softened.“Your secret's safe with me.Now, come on.I heard a rumor about a truck selling the best tacos in Columbus, and I intend to test that theory.”
As we walked towards the food trucks, I was constantly aware of her presence beside me.The way she moved, the subtle scent of her perfume, the warmth radiating from her body.It was all uncomfortably noticeable.
We joined the line for tacos, falling into an easy conversation about the morning's progress.Olivia's enthusiasm was infectious.
“You know,” I said as we collected our food, “your idea about partnering with local schools has potential.We should explore that further.”
Her face lit up.“Really?That's great!I'd be happy to put together some preliminary ideas if you'd like.”
