Page 17 of His Curvy Distraction

“Phase two would be the structure. Amelia suggested using it for weddings, and I thought we could use the property for a winter wonderland kind of thing. We’re trying to come up with other ways the property could bring in money for the town so it’s not a drain.”

“Those are good ideas,” I said.

Her gaze snapped to mine again. “Thank you.”

“Do you have other ideas? Other phases?”

She nodded. “I… There’s a lot of space at the property. Almost too much for summer camp. It would be easy to have the kids get lost out there, so I would consider multiple structures to hold different types of camps. Maybe a science camp, a camp that focuses on sports, one for theater, and a general one that does all of it. We could build a bigger pool. Possibly even move the entire community center out there. But all of that is way long term. Phase three would be fencing in the property.”

As she spoke, and her excitement grew, I hesitated to agree, but I loved to watch her talk. She loved the whole thing. She lit up as she spoke about the options and ideas she had. It was infectious and drew me in.

By the time she finished her thoughts, I was leaning toward her, the distance between us shrinking. My gaze dropped to her lips.

They parted, a tiny inhale making me freeze.

Dammit. I forgot where I was. What I was doing. I had to get the hell out of there. “Maybe we should finish this another time.”

“I thought… Yeah, that’s a good idea,” she agreed slowly.

I stood, turning away from her so she didn’t see the effect she had on me. “I’ll have Jane reach out to reschedule our meeting for another day.”

“Okay.” Natalie’s voice was soft, timid.

I made my way down the stairs onto the gym floor, giving me space from her, and turned to look up at her. The jeans she wore were loose around her legs but hugged her hips. Her top was a simple tee, an old band tee that was well worn and soft looking. She was in her element, ready for anything the kids threw at her when they showed up in a few hours.

“Is Amelia going to be here later, or are you on your own with the kids?”

She startled at my question and shook her head. “I won’t be alone. We have staff that comes in for the afternoon.”

I nodded, unsure why I asked the question. “Good.” I took a few steps away, then stopped again. “We will have another meeting, Ms. Edwards. You have some great ideas. I think some fundraising options will be good, too. As far as what you told me today, I agree with your current assessment and what has to happen before you can open.”

A smile tempted her lips, but she stifled it with her teeth. “Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

“I do expect that you’ll keep me informed of what you’re doing, though. And no more canceling meetings. It’s not a good look, Ms. Edwards.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. Her nod was one of a reprimanded child instead of an adult taking responsibility for her actions.

I didn’t want her to feel like either.

“This project is important. I know that. But that means I need to know everything that’s going on. I need to be kept informed every step of the way. I can help get things done, but only if I know what needs to be done.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded. She hadn’t moved off the stage with me, which meant every step I took carried me farther from her. That was a good thing. I needed space from her.

But I didn’t want space from her. I wanted to sit at that table and learn everything there was to know about her.

I wouldn’t, though. Once burned and all that. I wasn’t meant to share my life with someone, and getting close meant sharing things. Casual dates and even more casual sex were better for me.

And neither of those applied to a woman like Natalie Edwards.

It was best for me to go.

“Thank you for your time today, Ms. Edwards.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

I nodded once more, then turned and left the building.

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