nodded once, then continued. “I wanted to meet with you to see if you had decided on your plans.”
“My plans?”
“Well, as I’m sure you know, Cameron Farms or Joe personally underwrote several events locally. I wondered if you had considered your plans for the future. As mayor, I need to know so that I can move forward and incorporate the information for the rest of the year.” He had practiced that script many times in the past weeks. He needed to stay in control of his emotions when around her. Even today, in a dirty T-shirt, she was sexy as hell and he hated that he found her that way. Focus on her words, not her breasts, or those damn eyes. God, they were still so expressive.
Hale’s posture relaxed slightly. “Things will be tied up in probate for six more months at least. Moe is handling the case. Dad wanted me to continue his legacy by investing in the area. I’m planning on doing that for him and for myself.”
“How?” He bit off the word. It was easy to say that she intended to be active in their town, but so far, he had seen no proof.
“How? What do you mean?”
He was starting to get annoyed with her repeating his questions. That was a common stalling tactic in negotiations. “I’m asking, how do you plan on investing? Are you going to run things through Moe or your assistant?”
Her brow creased as if she was confused. “No, I thought I would handle things myself when they came up.” He had to hand it to her, she really did appear confused.
“Well, they are coming up. You haven’t been available, from what I hear, and there are several committees that would like to speak with you.” He fought the wave of frustration that her confused act was causing.
“They can call and set up an appointment, or I can go to them.” Her words were rushed. “I didn’t know.”
“Well it’s not like you’ve made yourself available.” His tone made it clear that this was a criticism. Once again, Hale had gone off the grid. He didn’t want to let his mind follow that path today. She was gifted at surrounding herself with people who shielded her from others. It angered him that again he was sitting in this room, asking to talk to her.
“I’ve been busy here, Finn. I didn’t know that people were trying to contact me.” She raised her voice a bit. “I will let Ashley know and I will be sure to speak with anyone that calls.”
“I don’t think people feel comfortable coming to you. Nobody knows if you are planning to stay or if you’re just here to settle the estate and then take off.” He wanted to include, “again.” However, he had the feeling that Hale might fly over the desk to punch him if he did.
She shook her head. “I’m here for good.”
“Well, I don’t know if people can put much stock in that.” His censure was clearly evident by the bitterness in his tone.
Hale rocked back in her seat. She was silent for a long minute as she stared at the floor. She slowly raised her head and met Finn’s eyes. “All right, I deserved that shot. You’re right, I left my home, family, and friends fifteen years ago, but I am back and here for good, Finn. You need to get used to it and tell the others.”
“Well, your actions have said differently.” He hated that he sounded so sullen. He gripped the armrests and fought the urge to shift in the chair, now that he too was uncomfortable with his reactions.
“All right, you only get one free shot today, and you’ve used it.” She stood and started around the desk. “I would be happy to meet with anyone that wishes to talk about their good works and their needs.” She now stood by the chair next to him, clearly demonstrating that the meeting was over. “Was there anything else, Finn?”
He stood, stepped closer to her, and looked down at her face. “You should start attending the City Council Meetings. Joe never missed one and as the richest citizen you should, too.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. Obviously, that wasn’t what she’d been expecting him to say. He watched her take a deep breath and search his face. “I’ll try.” She turned to walk to the door and opened it.
Finn followed, then paused right in front of Hale, he tilted his face even closer. “You know that