Her gaze drifted back to Wade. At their first meeting months ago, she’d hoped to interest him in more than her listings, but looking at him now she felt less enthused. His friendly face and warm smile were still appealing, as were his sandy-colored hair and pressed clothing. His business acumen remained as impressive, his personality as affable. And yet he failed to make her heart race and her knees weaken. Truth be told, perhaps he never really had. Had she only set her sights on him because he’d been mature, which she’d assumed meant he’d be looking to settle down?
A mental image of Trip’s muscled torso surfaced, causing her insides to quake like the San Andreas Fault. Flashbacks like that had been driving her crazy since he’d left her apartment. Thank God she’d avoided running into him in town since that night. She needed to get over their sexual encounter before facing him again.
At the outset, Kelsey had convinced herself she could protect her heart from that man. Then her stupid subconscious started leaking through the cracks of her defense shield. Cracks that wouldn’t mend as long as she kept that now dry-pressed white rose beside her bed, or purposely summoned memories of the heavy, hot sensation of Trip’s body. Shoot.
She forced herself to focus on Wade again, to listen to his pleasant voice as he spoke about the Sterling Canyon community, job creation, and the unique features of his planned five-star resort. People all around her watched him with admiration while he delivered the public speech with relaxed confidence. A copse of aspens swayed in the breeze of a beautiful summer day, providing a gorgeous backdrop to the scene. Feel something, Kelsey.
Nada.
Wade and his crew each lifted a shovel for the cameras and then took a first stab at the land that would soon be excavated. She clapped along with the crowd and then, when Wade caught sight of her and waved her over, walked around the cordoned land to join him.
“Kelsey, thanks for coming.” Wade shook her hand and kissed her cheek in the same friendly business manner in which he’d always treated her. Still no sparks. “Can you join our little project team for lunch?”
“Not today, but thanks. I’ve got a client appointment at noon. How about a rain check? I’d love to discuss the Copeland property development more.”
“Same. Shoot me a text with some dates and times and we’ll get together again, ideally with one of the Copelands.” He briefly diverted his attention to nod at someone in the distance. “I’m headed to Seattle for a week or so, and after that I’ll be in and out of town as this project gets underway.”
“I’ll speak with Nick Copeland and get back to you. I’m sure we can put this together.” She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt because, if Trip’s opinions were shared by the majority, it wouldn’t be a slam dunk deal. Fortunately, most folks like Trip only talked big and loud in the bars. “In the meantime, congratulations on all of this,” she said, gesturing toward the acreage. “I hope everything proceeds without a hitch.”
“Well, that’ll be largely up to that guy right there.” Wade pointed at an attractive man who was staring at Kelsey with apparent interest. “Hey, Mason, come on over and let me introduce you to this lovely young woman.”
Except for a quick glance to acknowledge Wade, Mason kept his polite gaze fixed on Kelsey. He carried himself with self-assurance, which she always found appealing. She also appreciated his taste in clothes: dark denim jeans, cowboy boots, a tailored shirt, and linen-blend blazer.
When he removed the hardhat he’d donned for the ceremony, she noticed his closely cropped hair contained a few hints of distinguished-looking gray. The outer edges of his deep-set, coffee-colored eyes crinkled when he smiled, a pleasant smile that softened his dark features.
“Mason Cutler,” Wade began, “meet Kelsey Callihan, Sterling Canyon’s finest real estate broker.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mason.” She extended her hand, which he gently grasped with both of his. She felt something not unpleasant, although his open scrutiny suggested a certain familiarity she knew they lacked.
“Pleasure’s all mine.” Although Kelsey exceeded his height in her heels, Mason’s smooth, deep voice belied his smaller stature. His expression turned a bit coy. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Heard about her? She took a slight step back, glanced briefly at Wade, then returned her attention to Mason. “Cutler, as in Cutler Construction, I suppose?”
“Yes.” He clasped his hands behind his back and cocked his head to the left. “We’re very excited Wade chose us for this particular project.”