Page 53 of To Have and to Scold

I don’t want to disappoint Lila or her parents. I’d also really hate to disappoint Dallas.

“The interior painting is nearly finished, and we’ve installed all the windows that were broken or had missing springs. We’re finishing the guest bathroom near the rear entrance this week. I’ll get my paint crew on the exterior in a few days. It’s looking great.”

“Good.” But Mayor Dobbs doesn’t look convinced. “When can we come by and take a peek? Lila’s dying to see it.” She leans in conspiratorially. “Oh, and I went to a YMCA meeting last night. I’m of the opinion that your plans for the addition to the YMCA were the best we received, both in scope and vision. But your proposal was also the most expensive.”

“I know,” I say. I’ve known Mayor Dobbs as long as I can remember, but she’s not going to play favorites just because she’s an old family friend. “Billy,” she says, which surprises me since she usually calls me Beck these days. “I really want your proposal to win. But I gotta tell you. The powers that be from the state are unsure about whether or not you can pull it off. The other proposals we got from the other builders? They make more sense because the additions are smaller, more straightforward.”

Even though I’d already gathered as much, I feel uneasy. I start to reassure her when she continues.

“Your designs are special, though. Billy, you have a second story loft with a rope swing and rock wall. A smoothie station and board game tables. The teens will love it. And it would be nice to keep this local. No need to have builders from the other side of the state coming in.” Her expression softens. “I hope your designs get selected.”

“Me, too. And I appreciate you hiring me to renovate Willow Wood.”

An image of Dallas floats into my consciousness. Now I’m thinking about how she was at my house on Friday night. And I spent the rest of the weekend in a Dallas-induced stupor—giddy about the way she looked at me when I came downstairs after my shower, the way she watched intently as I helped Leo with his fishing pole.

She seemed like a woman who was interested in me. And I can think of little else now, because I’m interested in her, too.

Which isn’t okay, all things considered. Why am I getting all dopey over a woman from Atlanta who wants nothing more than to go back to Atlanta?

It’s probably a coping mechanism. Because if I allow myself to develop feelings for someone who’s unattainable, it can’t hurt nearly as much when it doesn’t work out, right?

I’m startled out of my thoughts by Mayor Dobb clearing her throat. “Is there a time I can come by to see the progress?”

“Oh, of course. The mansion project is my top priority, so I’ll be there on site every day until we’re finished. Come by anytime.”

“Tomorrow at six?”

I nod, an instant panic hitting me.

“Thanks, Billy.”

I don’t mind it when she calls me Billy, except now I’m thinking of Dallas and remembering when she called me Billy and the magic of that first night with her on the beach.

Except there’s not a real relationship with Dallas. Just some flirting, some interest, and a whole lot of staring back and forth. She appreciated how I looked after the shower, and hey, even before. I’m not so blind that I didn’t notice. But what about the way she looked? Her work attire is nice, but it’s on the formal side. I can’t be sure, but I don’t think she’s worn the same shoes to work twice yet, that’s how many stiletto-like torture devices for feet she owns. But the way she looks when she’s wearing hercasual clothes to paint the mansion—Heaven have mercy on my soul. The rough, raw sexiness is something I can hardly stand.

And even the way she interacted with Ace had me singing opera in my head. Like, “Hallelujah!” She’s a sight to beholdandshe loves my dog.

I didn’t kiss her when I walked her to her car, but, against my better judgment, I’ve thought about it constantly ever since then.

And maybe she had the same thoughts, too.

I take my phone out of my pocket so I can text her the news that Mayor Dobbs is coming by Willow Wood tomorrow. Just the act of doing that should scare us both into keeping our wits about us.

I’ve got to clear my head somehow.

Eventually.

Chapter Twenty

Dallas

“We’ll be with the mayor and probably ten other people, so, yeah, it’s really a date.” I roll my eyes, but Kaia can’t see me since we’re talking on the phone.

It’s a good thing she can’t see me because if she did, she would, without question, continue thinking that tonight with Beck is a date.

Let’s just say I’ve worked extra hard in the hair and makeup department.

“He’s picking you up, though,” Kaia’s voice sings, juicy with meaning.

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