Page 29 of Falling for a Grumpy Hero

“We’re a unique subset of the population.” To put it mildly. “Taylor seemed to think it was a good meeting, sure.”

“And you?” she asked, curiosity in her gaze as she turned her head to keep looking at me while we walked. “What did you think?”

I shrugged. “I thought it was interesting to hear what those guys had to say.”

“And?”

“And what?” I frowned, somewhat thrown off by her gentle, but genuine interest in my opinion. “I won’t share the details, if that’s what you’re after.”

Her eyes widened and she shook her head. “No, that’s not it at all. I was just wondering how you felt about the meeting, but we don’t have to talk about it.”

Damn straight, we don’t.

“Have you had any other ideas for the Heritage House project?” she asked, once again smoothly but completely changing the subject. “I was just looking over some of the concept designs I did for it before Addy invited me out. It’s a mammoth task, waiting for you at that house.”

“I know. I welcome it.” I dragged in a deep breath as we rounded the final corner into the parking lot. I decided that since she was so easy to talk to, I’d dig a little deeper tonight. Give a little more than I should. “There are things I’m worried about, as you know, but if we can pull off even just a fraction of what we’re aspiring to so we can save the original structure, that’ll be a huge win.”

She stared up at me for a silent beat, as if she was surprised that I’d been so forthcoming. Then she smiled so wide that my heart twisted. “It sure is going to be something to be proud of when you’re done, and I know you’re going to do it. Save that house.”

I didn’t say anything, not really used to having people put blind faith in me anymore. Lila smiled again. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, are you from around here? Is that why you’re so passionate about the history of these homes?”

“No, I’m not from around here.” I scratched around my insides and came up with another offering of random tidbits no one else would get out of me. “I moved here after I left the military.”

We reached my truck and I loaded her bike before doubling to open the door for her. She seemed a little surprised—again—and I wondered if I’d been so bad to her that having basic manners could come as a shock. Either way, she smiled and climbed in, turning to face me once I got settled behind the steering wheel.

“Do you have any siblings?” she asked. “I don’t. I’m an only child. So is Addy. After we figured that out, we decided that we’d be like sisters.”

I didn’t answer her question. I’d had brothers. At least, guys who had been like my brothers even though we hadn’t shared the same parents. Once upon a time. A long, long time ago. Again. Shit, everything about my life happened a long, long time ago now, hasn’t it?

“How’s that working out for you so far?” I asked instead of falling down that particular dark rabbit hole.

She chuckled. “Pretty darn well, actually. I remind her to worry less and to lighten up, and she worries for me about stuff I probably should be worried about.”

I grimaced. “That sounds… complicated.”

On our drive back to her place, she asked a few more questions and I answered some. Deflected others.

This time, the goodbye wasn’t so long. Rook and I simply dropped her off and headed home, even if I had been able to tell that she’d wanted to invite me up. She’d sort of lingered for a moment, which was why I suspected she’d still wanted to have that drink she’d mentioned, but I’d taken off before she could ask.

The time I spent with her, the more she got to me. I didn’t need that. After Rook and I got home, he went to sulk on the couch, where he wasn’t technically allowed, while I opened my laptop to distract myself from thoughts of her.

It looks like even my dog misses her when she’s not around. It’s crazy.

I opened up my emails to check for a response from the historical society but found myself reading through an invitation from the support group to a running event they were hosting this summer. It was an annual thing and Rook and I would definitely be there.

We were both active and we jogged every day, but I was looking forward to doing it for a good cause again. Of course, as soon as I RSVPed, my mind drifted back to Lila. Obviously, she liked cycling, but I wondered if she’d be interested in running—and then I wondered when and how I was going to get over this sudden infatuation I had with her.

It was becoming absurd and yet I craved that sunshine she brought to the table. Craved it a lot more than I’d craved anything in a long ass freaking time. I definitely craved it a heck of a lot more than I should.

15

LILA

Afew days after seeing Ford outside that bar so unexpectedly, I sat behind my computer at the office, constantly looking up to see if he was here yet. He was a busy man, though. On the move more often than not.

He hadn’t been in at all today, but I was expecting him to make an appearance soon. As if right on cue, I saw him through the glass walls as the elevator doors opened. He strode out of the car with his sharp features stoic and straight.

For him though, not scowling was the equivalent of a smile. I looked him over while he was still far enough away that he couldn’t see me doing it, and yet, his gaze was riveted on me. A shiver rushed down my spine, but I wasn’t even sure if he was actually looking at me—or if he was just staring straight ahead.