“We’re interacting with the community.” I study the pockets of people in their Friday attire, doing their very best to shrug off the week. I jump off my stool and plaster on my best, bright, sunny disposition. “I’m headed to the bar. Who needs a drink?”
Darcy raises her wine goblet. “I’ll take another Pinot Grigio.”
“You want me to go with you?” My sister’s gaze is troubled, an expression she’s been wearing all week that irritates me.
“I’m good.” There’s nothing to be troubled about; everything is fine.
I weave my way through the crowd and stand at the edge, leaning over the counter while I wait for Sam, who’s taking care of people at the other end of the bar.
There’s a tap on my shoulder.
Unreasonably, my heart leaps in my chest, filling me with a stubborn hope that will not die. I swing around. The hope is snuffed out because it’s not Charlie. Why would it be? He’s not even here.
Instead, the tall, broad, handsome Cole Montgomery is standing there, grinning at me. “Hey, how was the rest of your week?”
Unlike my disaster of a meeting with Charlie, my meeting with Revival’s new fire chief was comfortable and easy. No friction at all.
He’s exactly who I should hook up with to get over Charlie, but my treacherous body couldn’t care less.
All because I’m pining over a man.
I’m so disappointed in myself.
What’s worse? My predicament is entirely of my own making. If I hadn’t decided to put on a show of indifference, I wouldn’t be in this mess.
Now I’ve gained the attention of a guy I don’t want and lost the attention of the guy I do.
Why do I always end up being my own worst enemy?
“Hey, Cole.” I slide my elbow onto the bar, my credit card in hand. “Thanks for sending me the documents I requested.”
He flashes dimples that make him rakishly charming. “You couldn’t have come along at a better time. The last guy was like ninety. I found policies that haven’t been updated since the 1930s.”
“Seems we have good timing, then.” I spot Sam at the end of the bar and catch his eye, raising my card. When he acknowledges me with a tilt of his chin, I turn my attention back to Cole. “Make sure you tell the mayor how glad you are that I’m here, so he knows I’m worth the budget.”
His gaze travels the length of me. “Well worth it.”
Inwardly, I sigh. I’m going to have to correct his perception that I am an option. I only hope I can do it before he decides to ask me out. Without Charlie as an audience, I haven’t taken any of the subtle openings Cole’s offered, and he seems like a smart guy. I’m hopeful he’ll figure it out without my needing to get involved.
Before I contemplate further, the front door of the bar opens, and Charlie walks in with Ryder and the mayor.
I can’t help but stiffen as his gaze finds mine. It’s always like this when I’m in his vicinity. As if I can sense him on the wind the second he steps into my orbit.
Cole touches my arm and then follows my line of sight.
Charlie takes us in, his expression hardening into a scowl.
Goddamn it! Now it looks like I’m here with Cole, when I’m not.
All this is going to do is push Charlie further away.
That’s the last thing I want, but I have no idea what to do about it. It’s not like I can set him straight in front of my brother and my new boss.
Ryder spots me, and the three men head my way.
I steel my spine, squaring my shoulders like I’m preparing for battle against a formidable enemy. Even though Charlie is the last person I want as a nemesis.
When I look back at Cole, he’s studying me like he’s caught me revealing something.