Page 57 of Sunset Tides
“What kind of attorney?”
“He specializes in eminent domain takeovers.” Lucy dropped the words stiffly, as if they were sharp on her tongue. “He says we have a tough case ahead of us.”
Rob winced. “Really?”
“I have confidence, though. The community will be behind us on this one.”
His hands were getting clammy. He slipped them under the desk so she wouldn’t see. “Any idea what they’re planning to develop? You know, in case the community likes that too?”
She bit her lip. “Good point. Hopefully it’s something dumb like a waste management plant, and not something shiny and exciting like…I don’t know, a waterpark.”
“You’re right.” He cracked a smile. “The residents have been clamoring for a waterpark.”
Lucy let out a laugh. “Whatever it is, we’ll be ready.”
He needed to tell her the truth. She deserved to know what he’d done. If she found out from someone else, she would never forgive him.
She still might never forgive him, but…
“What?” She leaned forward. “Don’t you believe me?”
He jolted out of his thoughts. He didn’t need to tell her yet. He could still fix it. “I believe you. I always believe in you. That’s what scares me.”
She threw her head back and cackled maniacally. “Sorry,” she said after a moment. “I’m a bit off kilter.”
“More so than with the farm?”
“Of course. This is personal.” She paused, staring into his eyes. “You know, now would be the time to do something nice for me.”
He sputtered out a laugh. “I’m sorry?”
She nodded. “You heard me.”
His mouth had gone totally dry. She knew. She must know. Why else would she say something like that? She was waiting to see if he confessed and he didn’t. Now –
“You ruined my horseback ride,” she said, leaning forward, “and now I’m going to be stressed about the hotel for two weeks. I could use something nice.”
His heart pulled the throbbing lump out of his throat. “What were you thinking?”
She shrugged and stood up. “I don’t know. Think about it and get back to me.”
She walked out of the office and left Rob sitting there with his mouth hanging open.
He was in trouble, and in more ways than one.
Chapter Twenty-five
Was that too forward?
Lucy got to her car and the doubts started flooding in. Rob had seemed caught off guard by what she’d said.
But she couldn’t help herself! All of this business with the hotel had her in a tizzy. Lucy felt wild, out of control. Plus, Lillian’s teasing had been echoing in her mind, and something just snapped.
Maybe she liked Rob, maybe she didn’t. How else would she know if she didn’t force him to take her out?
It was entirely possible he didn’t like her. That was fine. She could deal with that. Rejection was nothing new to Lucy.
Rejection was better than him being scared of her. He wouldn’t be the first guy she’d scared off, but for him to act all tough and cool and then panic theonetime she demanded to be taken out?
