but the man standing in front of her was beautiful. GQ beautiful. Had she ever seen anyone so perfect looking in her life? She didn’t think so.
Still, there was a coldness to him that made her a bit nervous. He seemed like the type of guy who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy you if you crossed him.
There was a paper cup of coffee on the table in front of him, from one of their local coffee shops “Grind my Beans”, and he took a sip before staring at her.
“How can I help you today?” she asked.
“I’m looking for a commercial property. You were recommended to me. So, what have you got for me?”
She blinked at him, a little taken aback. “I was recommended to you?”
“Yes.” The slightest hint of impatience crept into his voice. “Talk to me about commercial properties available in Harmony Falls, Ms. Walker, or,” he studied her for a few seconds, “should I be finding someone with more experience to help me.”
She took a deep breath. This was her chance, probably her only chance, to save her job. She wouldn’t let this man’s brusque and teensy bit terrifying personality 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 start with you giving me the details of what you’re looking for?”
* * *
“Wait, so you have no idea who this Stark guy is, but you were recommended to him?” Addie asked.
Kira nodded as she followed Addie toward the canteen. Harmony Falls Sports Complex had been completed early last year, just in time for the start of baseball season. The new facility featured four ball diamonds, a playground area, picnic areas, and a full-service canteen. It was the town council’s pride and joy and was built in direct competition with Willington’s Sports Complex that had been built two years prior.
“I wonder who recommended you,” Addie said.
“I have no idea. I didn’t think to ask him, to be honest. He was a little intimidating,” Kira replied. “I spent the rest of the day finding some properties for him to look at and setting up appointments for next Friday when he’s back in town.”
They were crossing the parking lot now and Addie slipped between two parked trucks. “That’s awesome. Congratulations, honey.”
“It is awesome, but don’t congratulate me yet. I need to actually make the sale first, if I have any hope in keeping my job.”
Addie stopped and took her hand, squeezing it tightly. “You’ve got this, Kira. I know it.”
“Thanks.” She smiled at her friend.
“So.” Addie glanced around. There were people all over the parking lot headed toward the ball diamonds and she lowered her voice. “I met Gracie for coffee after work and she said that you and Connor had to start the ruse early because my brother walked in on you together.”
“Yes. Daniel and Gideon both.” She scuffed her toe against the asphalt. “Hey, have you, uh, talked to your brother?”
“Not since Wednesday. Why?” Addie smoothed her hair when a gust of wind brushed over them.
Compared to Kira who had changed into skinny jeans and a t-shirt before driving over to the ball diamond, Addie looked positively perfect in a pale green A-line dress that brought out the green highlights in her hazel eyes. She had paired the dress with a soft pink cardigan and pink Converse running shoes that should have looked ridiculous with the dress but didn’t.
Kira shrugged, trying not to let her anxiety show as they continued to walk toward the canteen. She had sent Daniel three texts since he’d walked out of the kitchen on Thursday morning and hadn’t heard a thing back from him.
Of course, that wasn’t that unusual. Daniel was a busy guy and didn’t always respond to her texts in a timely manner.
He’s good about texting when he wants something.
She ignored her inner voice. She could only hope that Daniel was just busy and not like, mad, at her for kissing Connor. She wanted him jealous, not pissed off.
“Speak of the devil,” Addison said when Daniel pulled into the parking lot. He parked his truck and hopped out as Kira’s heart pounded with nerves and happiness. He grabbed his bag from the back of the truck and slung it over one perfect shoulder before walking toward them.
She smiled at him when he stopped in front of her. “Hey, Daniel.”
“Hey, doll.” He winked at her. “How are you?”
“Uh, good. How are you?”
“Keeping things real.” He shifted the bag. “You