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She stiffened. “I’m confident in my business ideas and actions. I didn’t need to.”
I straightened, realizing my mistake. I assumed she needed my help when what I admired about her was her independence. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate that. I just meant I’m here if you need to talk to anyone about it.”
Her expression softened. “Thank you.”
“You’d better get back to Emma. She’s going to wonder where you went.” I stepped back, regretting I hadn’t kissed her when I had a chance. My anxiety about her new business idea had bothered me more than I thought.
“I’ll see you later,” Gia said as she walked away, and I wondered if that was true. Lately, she disappeared from the resort without stopping in to see me. It was more than her being busy; she was still fighting whatever this was.
I’d like to think I had a plan where she was concerned, but I kept changing course. I never encountered a woman who wasn’t completely enamored with me and what I could do for them. Gia was strong and independent, but I wanted her to need me in her life.
I couldn’t seem to get her out of my mind, and I wanted to spend time with her. I just hoped she felt the same.
I immersed myself in meetings that afternoon, and at some point, Gia texted to say she’d checked in with my secretary, who said I’d be tied up in meetings for a few more hours, so she left. I appreciated that she made the effort, but next time, I’d let my assistant know she could interrupt me.
Later that night, Gia texted to ask if we could spend our Sunday together, and I immediately said yes. I wanted more time with her outside our respective businesses and responsibilities. It was the only way I saw the real Gia, the woman beneath her armor.
I had a feeling Gia wanted to spend time on my boat, but I wanted to spend time with her on her turf. I wanted to see her house and get to know her town better. If we were going to have a future, we needed to figure out the distance between us and make it no big deal.
It had to be possible these days with virtual meetings. I refused to believe that there were no options for us, not with our money and resources. We could get work done and spend time together. I was sure of it.
I researched things to do in Annapolis and suggested brunch and then a boat tour. After that, we could play it by ear. But for dinner, I had a surprise I wasn’t sure she was going to be happy about. I hoped she’d understand that I just wanted the best for her.
When I picked her up at nine in the morning on Sunday, I was surprised to see she lived in a historic home downtown. Gia wore a sundress with strappy sandals. She looked cute and fresh. If I didn’t already know she was a business owner, I’d never suspect it. After she locked up, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. “You look beautiful today.”
“Thank you,” she said as I took her hand and led her down the sidewalk.
“We can walk from here, can’t we?” I’d looked at the map, and it looked possible, but I’d never done it myself.
“That’s what I like about this location. I can walk anywhere, including work.”
I remembered that her business was on Main Street, with the restaurants and tourist shops. “Your house is a bit off the main path.”
“That’s why it’s perfect.”
“Have you thought about living outside of town?” I asked her as we set a leisurely pace. I had made reservations at a place called Iron Rooster, but we had plenty of time to make it there.
Gia frowned. “This is so convenient, and when I bought it, I wasn’t worried about school districts.”
“Were you supposed to be?”
Gia rolled her eyes. “My realtor mentioned it for resale value, but this property will always be attractive because of the location.”
“I agree.”
“Why drive to work when I can walk? Not only that, but I can pick up coffee on the way.”
“It’s convenient.” It had the added benefit of being close to the water.
She chewed her lip. “I love your place too. The one on the water. It’s so secluded and private. I can see myself wanting something like that someday.”
Would someday ever be today?
Gia snuck a glance at me. “Why did you want to spend the day here instead of on your boat?”
“The boat is usually what I do on Sundays, but I wanted to see your place and get to know Annapolis.”
“You have plans to move here?” Her tone was light.
