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After inhaling a deep breath, I blurted out, “Has your father decided to sell his property?”
Paul folded the black table napkin across his lap. “He is pretty close to making a decision, I’d say.”
I pursed my lips. Ask him! Don’t overthink it—just do it! “Does he plan to sell it to Sterling Realty or Crawford Corporation?”
Paul placed his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers. “I understand you work for Sterling now, is that right?”
“It is.”
“Are you here on business then, to pitch your new company to me?”
I shook my head. “No. The opposite, actually.”
He raised his eyebrows at my admission. “I’m intrigued. What do you mean by that?”
I leaned forward, jamming my forearms onto the table. “Colton can be a real jerk to work with—I know this better than anyone. But he has great plans for that property. He has thought of every circumstance and provision and has figured out a way to make it work for the community for generations to come. He wants this to be a legacy of sorts. Colton plans to turn your land into something even your grandchildren will be proud of.”
Paul inhaled a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Are you and Colton together? Romantically?”
I narrowed my eyes. “I wouldn’t be here if we were.”
“So, you are making this plea for what gain?”
“There’s no gain for me. I just know what this means to him and I think it’s a great plan. I just didn’t want what happened at your cabin to influence any decision on your family’s part.”
“Well, I can’t say that it won’t. My father takes everything personally. More than I think he should.” He folded his arms and held my gaze. “Why didn’t you speak directly to my father about this?”
“Because he reminds me of my own dad. Stubborn.” I shook my head. “He’d probably go with Sterling just to prove that he could.”
Staring at me with a small smile on his lips, he asked, “You don’t see me the same way?”
I shook my head. “I don’t. I think you’re more rational than emotional. I know I don’t know you very well, but I think I’m a good judge of character.”
He picked up his menu and raised his gaze above the leather binding. “Let’s order, and perhaps I’ll consider taking a closer look at Crawford’s proposal when I’m back in the office.” He smiled and I couldn’t help smiling back.
“Thank you,” I whispered, and opened the menu again.
Before I could read the first choice of appetizer, my body shivered and my eyes jumped toward the front doors. Still wearing his coat, Colton stood only ten feet away from me. His brother, Ryan, followed closely behind him. My heart stopped and sped up again. I wanted to run to him, but I gripped my chair instead, holding myself in place. My eyes, however, pleaded with him. I wanted him to know how much I missed him. Reading the look on his face, he didn’t feel the same.
He stared at me, but betrayal burned in his eyes. When he fired a menacing stare at Paul, I realized what this must look like to him. Oh, he couldn’t be further from the truth. Colton took a step toward us, but Ryan held him back.
His brother led him to the last empty table and pushed him into a chair. Colton’s eyes never left mine. They held me captive. I blinked, wishing he’d release me from their hold, and the chaotic emotions raging through my body. But it didn’t work.
“Excuse me,” I said, and dropped my napkin onto the table. I pushed my chair back and rushed to the washroom. Reaching the end of the narrow hallway, the server directed me down a flight of stairs toward the basement. Footsteps followed me halfway down.
It’s just another patron, Frances. You have nothing to be afraid of.
But before I could push against the bathroom door, two hands grabbed my shoulders and turned me around.
“What are you doing here with him?” Colton growled.
Despite the anger on his face, I didn’t panic. I stood my ground and counted to five, waiting for my frantic heart to slow. Dr. Lee’s voice rang in my ears, Face your fears.
“Frances?” Colton’s voice was softer now. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I must have scared you. I’m just…”
He turned to face the wall and slammed his fist against it.
“Are you two seeing each other?” he asked, still facing the concrete.
