that there’s nothing to worry about. I’m getting quite tired of having to do that with her. I’m not sure it’s worth it anymore.”
My head was spinning. Not only was he treating me more intimately, but he was now telling me he’s not sure he can continue being with his girlfriend? This was all happening so fast.
“Well, um, I’m not quite sure what you want me to say. I’m sorry you’re having some doubts about her. I think you just need to follow your heart. I’m a true believer that the heart never steers us wrong.”
His lips quirked up into a small smile. “I believe that too. I’m not sure what’ll happen. I’m not going to worry about it right now, though. We need to focus on this new project and helping the residents.”
Relieved at the change of subject, I nodded. “Good. That’s definitely what we need to focus on this weekend. Whatever is meant to be with you and Casey will be. Don’t worry about it for now.”
We were quiet the rest of the ride and I did end up dozing for a little while. We arrived at our hotel and checked into our rooms. Agreeing to meet for a late dinner in fifteen minutes, I hurried into the bathroom to freshen up.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I finally absorbed what he told me in the car. Could he really be thinking of breaking up with Casey after all this time? Why had he suddenly started treating me differently? Why was he upset at the time Ethan spends with me in our office? Am I reading too much into this?
Deciding to once again push those thoughts aside, I ran a brush through my hair, bending over and rising quickly to give it some body. Parting it on the side, I then refreshed my lipstick and added more mascara, hoping it would give my olive green eyes some kick. Grabbing my purse and the room key, I left one lamp on so I could find my way around when I got back and exited the room. Taking a deep breath, I walked down the hall to the elevator and pushed the down button.
This is just business, this is just business, I repeated to myself.
The elevator arrived and I stepped in. As it headed to the lobby, I quietly stood and listened to the awful music. It reached the lobby and the doors opened. When I looked up, my heart stopped at the sight of Paul leaning against the wall, waiting for me. He had changed into light blue jeans and a white linen button down shirt. His hair was in messy waves and his jaw had some scruff.
I was so not thinking this was just business anymore.
Paul smiled at me when he saw me exit the elevator. “Ready to go?” he asked as he held out his arm to me. I grabbed hold of it and sighed. All I wanted was for him to pull me close and kiss me. I had never known such frustration.
“Ready,” I smiled as I took hold of his arm and told myself to focus on what we were in town for.
“Do you want to eat here at the hotel, or would you like to walk and find something elsewhere? I asked the front desk for some recommendations, so I’m fine to go wherever you want.”
He could not be more perfect. “I think a walk sounds nice. Let’s do that and find somewhere to eat.”
Smiling at me, he nodded. “Sounds great. Lead the way.”
We walked out of the revolving door and stepped into the cool evening air. I looked around the small town and frowned a bit. It was quaint, but needed updating. I thought it might be a good idea for Paul and I to drive around the neighborhoods in the morning before we met Mr. Shay. It would be good to see what they look like, to have an idea as to how to make sure Hidden Creek doesn’t stand out in a bad way. I mentioned that to him as we turned right and walked down the street.
“That’s a good idea,” he said, nodding. “I want to give Hidden Creek its own look, but I also don’t want it to stand out like a sore thumb.”
We continued walking and looking around. There was a pet shop on the corner and as we passed, we heard little yips and meows from the window.
“Look, Paul!” I said, clapping my hands together.