Page 38 of Sweet Harmony

“Seriously?Because he asked for you by name,” Lainey said. The phone rang andshe scooped it up. “Rose and Ray Realty, Lainey speaking. How can Ihelp you?”

Kira walked toher cubicle and set her purse under her desk before glancing at theboardroom. She grabbed a pad of paper and a pen and, straighteningher skirt, walked to the boardroom. She pasted a smile on her faceand stepped into the room.

“Mr. Stark? I’mKira Walker.”

The man, he wastall and broad shouldered with sand-coloured hair and dark browneyes, stood and held out his hand. She shook it briefly beforesitting across from him.

“It’s nice tomeet you Ms. Walker.”

“You as well,Mr. Stark.” She tried to sound confident and self-assured but theman standing in front of her was beautiful. GQ beautiful. Had sheever seen anyone so perfect looking in her life? She didn’t thinkso.

Still, therewas a coldness to him that made her a bit nervous. He seemed likethe type of guy who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy you if you crossedhim.

There was apaper cup of coffee on the table in front of him, from one of theirlocal coffee shops “Grind my Beans”, and he took a sip beforestaring at her.

“How can I helpyou today?” she asked.

“I’m lookingfor a commercial property. You were recommended to me. So, whathave you got for me?”

She blinked athim, a little taken aback. “I was recommended to you?”

“Yes.” Theslightest hint of impatience crept into his voice. “Talk to meabout commercial properties available in Harmony Falls, Ms. Walker,or,” he studied her for a few seconds, “should I be finding someonewith more experience to help me.”

She took a deepbreath. This was her chance, probably her only chance, to save herjob. She wouldn’t let this man’s brusque and teensy bit terrifyingpersonality ruin her shot. Smiling at him, she picked up her pen.“I assure you I am more than capable, Mr. Stark. Why don’t we startwith you giving me the details of what you’re looking for?”

* * *

“Wait, so youhave no idea who this Stark guy is, but you were recommended tohim?” Addie asked.

Kira nodded asshe followed Addie toward the canteen. Harmony Falls Sports Complexhad been completed early last year, just in time for the start ofbaseball season. The new facility featured four ball diamonds, aplayground area, picnic areas, and a full-service canteen. It wasthe town council’s pride and joy and was built in directcompetition with Willington’s Sports Complex that had been builttwo years prior.

“I wonder whorecommended you,” Addie said.

“I have noidea. I didn’t think to ask him, to be honest. He was a littleintimidating,” Kira replied. “I spent the rest of the day findingsome properties for him to look at and setting up appointments fornext Friday when he’s back in town.”

They werecrossing the parking lot now and Addie slipped between two parkedtrucks. “That’s awesome. Congratulations, honey.”

“It is awesome,but don’t congratulate me yet. I need to actually make the salefirst, if I have any hope in keeping my job.”

Addie stoppedand took her hand, squeezing it tightly. “You’ve got this, Kira. Iknow it.”

“Thanks.” Shesmiled at her friend.

“So.” Addieglanced around. There were people all over the parking lot headedtoward the ball diamonds and she lowered her voice. “I met Graciefor coffee after work and she said that you and Connor had to startthe ruse early because my brother walked in on you together.”

“Yes. Danieland Gideon both.” She scuffed her toe against the asphalt. “Hey,have you, uh, talked to your brother?”

“Not sinceWednesday. Why?” Addie smoothed her hair when a gust of windbrushed over them.

Compared toKira who had changed into skinny jeans and a t-shirt before drivingover to the ball diamond, Addie looked positively perfect in a palegreen A-line dress that brought out the green highlights in herhazel eyes. She had paired the dress with a soft pink cardigan andpink Converse running shoes that should have looked ridiculous withthe dress but didn’t.

Kira shrugged,trying not to let her anxiety show as they continued to walk towardthe canteen. She had sent Daniel three texts since he’d walked outof the kitchen on Thursday morning and hadn’t heard a thing backfrom him.

Of course, thatwasn’t that unusual. Daniel was a busy guy and didn’t alwaysrespond to her texts in a timely manner.

He’s goodabout texting when he wants something.

She ignored herinner voice. She could only hope that Daniel was just busy and notlike, mad, at her for kissing Connor. She wanted him jealous, notpissed off.

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