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I can see the passion in her eyes with just that simple comment. It is then that I realize I haven’t really asked her anything about herself.
“So did you work in design back in the city?”
She snorts. “No, I sold advertising space for magazines. But I have always wanted to do a project like this.”She looks around the house before picking up her drawing of the kitchen design.
“Do you have a kitchen manufacturer yet?” I ask as I stir the sauce and find the bowls.
“No. I’ve been trying to find a builder that will take on my design and build it for me, but I haven’t had any luck.”
Guilt. That must be the only reason the words fall from my lips.
“I have a guy. I will ask if he is available,” I say, knowing that Griffin’s team can do it. He is excellent at this kind of thing.
“Really?” she asks, her smile one that looks as if I just gave her the world.
“I’ll call him tomorrow.” I nod in confirmation. Her eyes narrow on me as her smile fades.
“It’s still a no on selling you my land, just so you know,” she says, watching me skeptically.
“Just eat your pasta.” Sliding a bowl of pasta over to her across the kitchen counter, we both start to dig in, happy to have come to our truce.
16
VICTORIA
Ithought for sure I would stumble down my stairs to find him gone. He just saw me outside in my robe, then barely wrapped up in a towel. I couldn’t scare him away more if I tried. But while I am completely mortified, the way his eyes not only looked at me hungrily, but the fact that he was also gentlemanly enough to pass me my robe quickly, turn around until I was decent, and then help me to my room afterward, had me swooning so hard that I was almost lightheaded.
Truth be told, I haven’t felt attractive since I found Josh with Natalie. I mean, if I can’t keep my new fiancé interested in me, then clearly I have some work to do. But the way Tanner was just looking at me instilled a boost of confidence. When I managed to pull my embarrassed self together and get dressed, I looked in the mirror, wet hair, fresh skin, but happier than I have been in a long time. My eyes are actually sparkling. I think it is the fresh country air or something.
It has been a while since someone has cooked for me,and even though it is a simple meal of pasta, it tastes heavenly. After the day I have had, I half thought about locking myself in my room until he left.
He is a total contradiction. One minute, demanding I sell him my property, and the other, falling over himself to look after me. A man like Tanner must have women lining up. Probably has a different girl each week. I swallow down the bitter taste of jealousy that prickles my tongue and relax.
“I packed up outside for you,” he says as he takes another bite. I look out the window and see everything is tidy. “I also called Kevin’s mother, Annabelle. She said she will send Kevin up early. He can let out the goat, check the eggs, and milk the cow and so you don’t have to worry about it. She just asked if they could have some eggs.”
As much as his thoughtfulness makes me want to swoon, I wonder if he is genuine or just trying to sweeten me up so he can pull the wool over my eyes and grab my land.
“Of course. I will tell Kevin to help himself,” I say, nodding. “What is their situation?”
“Kevin’s dad passed away a little over a year ago. It has been a bit tough on them. She has a two-year-old as well but has just started back at work as a teacher at the local elementary school. The town supports them, but they have struggled at times.”
My heart breaks at hearing that, and I swallow as I take in the information. Then I remember what he told me when we were fighting, and I want to know more about it.
“So you have a son?” I ask, then shovel in more pasta. I am starving, having not eaten for most of the day.
“I do.” He only nods.
“What’s his name?” I ask, and he looks at me surprised. “What?”
“You know nothing about me at all, do you?” he asks inquisitively, head tilting as he looks at me.
“No. Should I?” I snort. Is he being arrogant or serious?
“No. Just most people around here know everything about everybody, and, well, Connor and I are well known for the distillery and such.”
“I don’t really drink whiskey. I have heard of the Whiteman brand and did a little research on the town when I moved, but I can’t say that I dug too deep into the distillery to know much,” I tell him honestly with a shrug. He obviously does well for himself. Hell, he just flew to his property in a helicopter; his truck looks like it costs more than this house, and his collection of watches is impressive. I’d assume the whiskey business is soaring. But money has never been a huge motivating factor for me.
“Connor is thirty-five,” he says, and my fork stops midway between my mouth and the bowl in shock.
