“Whatever it takes, I want that place torn down,” Cole Wright barked. He’d paid top dollar for the location and wasn’t about to put it on hold because some do-gooder group thought that shithole was worth saving. Whatever qualms they had should’ve been addressed before the paperwork was signed. As far as he was concerned, it was a done deal. If they couldn’t see the possibilities a casino was going to bring to this town, that was their problem. Cole didn’t have time for their delay tactics. This was happening one way or another.
“They aren’t budging. If you aren’t careful, they are going to make this a media show and drag your name through the mud,” Jeffery Girard said.
“That’s what you get paid for,” Cole snarled from across the desk.
“By default, but muscling activists wasn’t part of my job description.”
It didn’t matter if Jeffery was right or not. The longer they sat here arguing the more that group was going to dig their heels in and hinder progress. Jeffery had the developer and the builders ready to go. Cole should be in his jet, scoping out the next big hit. This was bullshit. He’d anticipated resistance but this was more than he’d bargained for. I don’t walk away. And I don’t cower to threats. “This isn’t the first time we’ve encountered resistance for one of my casinos. Hell Jeffery, I’m not sure what it would be like if things actually went smoothly.”
“There’s a difference here. I’m not sure what it is, but these people aren’t going to stop. I’ve done some research.”
“Shouldn’t that have been done before I signed on the dotted line?”
Jeffery ran his hand through his hair and shrugged. Cole wished the guy would at least pretend to be intimidated by him, but he liked at least one person on his payroll who wouldn’t shit themselves when he started barking orders.
“You might want to look in the mirror for that one Cole. I build them, you buy them. I’m telling you, if you think throwing money at them or hauling them off the property in handcuffs is going to put an end to this, you’re wrong.”
He’d been wrong many times in his life, but those were two words he never allowed to direct his path. His father never let a day go by without telling him what a failure he was going to be. Cole was driven to succeed, maybe more so because of his father’s lack of emotional support. Once Cole put his mind to something, it was full speed ahead, and he didn’t blink at whatever got in his way.
That’s why Jeffery was a valuable member of his team. He cleaned up whatever mess Cole left behind. It was just business, nothing personal. Hearing that Jeffery hadn’t been able to resolve this before it escalated was a disappointment. That meant he needed to handle it himself.
The window for breaking ground was quickly closing. That was the problem doing business up north. Once the ground froze, all would halt. He looked out his office window and could see the green leaves in the parking lot just beginning to change colors. There were many people who would travel to see such sights. He wasn’t one of them. They’re going to regret making me stay in Quinton, Massachusetts any longer than I have to.
“I want to meet with these bastards before the end of the day.”
“They’re one step ahead of you. They want to meet first thing in the morning,” Jeffery replied.
Cole wasn’t hiding his frustration. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me that in the beginning?”
“Because you think meeting with them is actually going to be beneficial for you. I think it’s going to be like throwing gasoline into a raging fire.”
“I know what I’m doing and trust me, I’ll get results,” Cole said, glaring at him.
Jeffery laughed, which only pissed Cole off even more. “You’re going to get something, but I’m telling you, this group is unlike any we’ve encountered before.”
“Meaning?” If he and Jeffery weren’t friends, he’d toss his ass out of the room. But Jeffery never got flustered. He was as even tempered as they came. If this had spiraled out of control, he couldn’t blame him. Cole was the owner and should’ve nipped it in the bud.
“Meaning they’re as invested in blocking the building of this casino as you are in building it.”
That didn’t make any sense to him. The old hospital had been closed years ago, due to bankruptcy. It was dead space infested with vagrants. This city should be thanking him for what he was trying to do instead of coming at him as though he were the devil himself. “What is it exactly that they want?”
“Something you’re never going to deliver,” Jeffery stated flatly.
Cole arched a brow. He enjoyed a challenge more than many, but he could tell from Jeffery’s expression this wasn’t one he thought he could win. Since when do you doubt me? “And that is . . .?”
“To fix the hospital and reopen it.”
This time Cole laughed. “When hell freezes over.”
Jeffery got up from his seat and headed toward the door. “That’s what they said about you tearing down the place. Looks like I better bring some popcorn to work tomorrow. Because this is going to be one heck of a show.” Before he left the room he turned back and said, “Oh, walking your dog isn’t in my job description either.”
Cole looked down and saw Bear looking up at him as though he agreed with Jeffery. Opening the desk drawer, he pulled out his long leather leash. Bear got up and began wagging his butt anxiously. “Yeah I know. I missed your afternoon walk. Don’t blame me. It’s Jeffery’s fault.”
He’d forgotten what it was like to travel with his English Bulldog. But the kid he normally paid to watch Bear decided to go off to college, and he wasn’t leaving his dog with just anyone. There were only a few trusted friends he could count on always being there and Bear was on that list.
The benefit of not being in a large city was having a park in walking distance of his temporary office. He hated that the sun set so damn early. The office wasn’t closed and dusk was fast approaching. Like most places, people with questionable character only showed their faces after dark. That wasn’t going to stop Cole. It wasn’t because Bear was any protection either. He was all bark and no bite, unlike Cole.
Bear did his usual business then dragged him even farther into the park. Cole would’ve rather headed back to the office and gotten a couple more hours in, but he understood; Bear had been stuck in the office all day and wanted some play time. Cole could use some of that himself, but not until he had an agreement from the protesters and knew the building was going to start. Right now every day they were delayed was costing money, and that pissed him off. Jeffery was right about one thing, tomorrow was going to be one hell of a day. It was time for them to be put in their place.
The park appeared to be vacant. Cole knew the law was to keep dogs on a leash at all times, but Bear was far from aggressive and needed some freedom. Bending down, he unhooked his leash and Bear instantly took off. Cole wasn’t worried. He knew with one call of his name Bear would return to his side.
Bear wasn’t the only one who needed some alone time. It was pretty dark, but there was a bench farther up the path calling out to him. Silence appealed to him right now. As he turned the bend he noticed Bear had beaten him there. Unfortunately, the solitude he was searching for wasn’t going to happen.
He called his name, but Bear didn’t come back as usual. Making his way over, he could tell even in the dim moonlight that a woman had Bear’s full attention. Bear, you always have a way with the ladies. Usually he’d humor them both and chat for a while, but tonight he wasn’t in the mood for small talk. As he got closer she came into view but seemed oblivious to him as she focused on his dog. “What a pretty boy you are,” she said as she scratched Bear behind the ears.
Pretty? Before Cole made it to the bench, Bear dropped to the ground and rolled onto his back. Bear, you’re really working it. The woman got up and all Cole could see was her sweet bottom as she bent over and began giving Bear a belly rub, her tight jeans hugging every curve.
“Oh, does that feel good?” she asked softly as she continued to dote on his dog. Bear let out a loud snort in response. She obviously was a dog lover and his dog was soaking it all up. Bear turned his head toward him, and Cole saw his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, looking as though he was smiling. He had no idea what her face looked like, but the view from behind was pretty nice. It was the first time Cole was actually jealous of his dog. “I don’t know who you belong to, but they sure don’t deserve such a sweet boy like you. Maybe I should take you home with me.”
Bear wasn’t going anywhere with her. “He’s like this with everyone.” That wasn’t true. Bear was friendly, but his loyalty was to Cole. However, now he wasn’t budging from his spot on the ground. Usually when he heard Cole’s voice, he was by his side. Traitor.
She turned to look up at him but didn’t stop petting Bear. “You do know there are laws about keeping your dog on leash.”
“I didn’t know there was anyone else around.”
She stood up and put her hands on her hips. “This isn’t just about safety to others but to him as well. Any wild animal could come rushing out of the wood and attack him.”
Her tone was filled with judgment he’d normally set straight. But damn, she was stunning so he let it slide. Besides, her opinion meant nothing to him; he had bigger issues to deal with. Cole couldn’t deny he found it amusing that she was worried about Bear and not about herself. Even through layers of clothing he could tell she was slender, delicate. He preferred big busted brunettes. She was also a blonde. Nothing about her was what normally appealed to him. Yet, he was captivated by her beauty. I get why Bear didn’t give a crap about me. Cole wanted to grab Bear by the collar and show him who his master was, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “He can take care of himself. More than I can say about you.”
He’d been trying to be nice, but his warning ignited her frustration even further. It was adorable how her nose wrinkled as she sniffed at his comment. “We’re not discussing me. This is about you not being a responsible pet owner. Maybe you shouldn’t even have one,” she said, glaring up at him.
“You can determine all this in less than three minutes? Wow. Maybe I should hire you because most people need to at least have a conversation with someone before they judge them.” He never stopped meeting her eyes and saw his words hit home.
Her brown eyes widened with shock then she lowered them. “I’m sorry. You’re right. That was uncalled for. I had a bad day, and I’m taking it out on you.”
Now he felt like shit. Cole should’ve realized that only a woman who was hurting would be sitting on a park bench alone at night. Softening his tone, he said, “That makes two of us.” That explained Bear’s reaction to her. He must’ve sensed her mood. “By the way, the dog drooling on your leg is Bear.”
She bent down slightly, scratching the top of his head. “Nice to meet you, Bear. I’m Sharma.”
“I’m Cole.” Since she didn’t seem to recognize him, he figured he would leave out his last name. It only brought out the worse in people and right now, he wanted to talk to someone about anything but that damn building.
Sharma stood up and said, “He’s a cutie. You really should have him on a leash. Anything could happen to him.”
He nodded. “And you really should let us walk you to your car.”
“Why?”
Cole laughed. “Because the next guy you encounter might not be as nice.” Not saying I’m nice.
Sharma smiled. “Very true. But I don’t want to interrupt your walk.”
Bear stood on all fours and barked then nudged the leash in Cole’s hand. “Seems I’m not the only one who wants to make sure you make it back safely.” He hooked the leash and handed it to Sharma.
“I guess it’s settled.” She started walking in the opposite direction from where he and Bear had come.
After meeting her, solitude wasn’t really what he wanted tonight. “Do you come here often?”
She shook her head. “I needed time alone to think.”
“And we ruined that.”
“No. My mind was running in circles anyway. It was best to push those troubles aside. How about you? Come here often?”
“Every time Bear drags me.”
She laughed. “He really is an affectionate dog. And by the looks of him, he’s well taken care of. How long have you had him?”
“Four years and yes, he’s spoiled rotten.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Sharma replied. “Friends of mine have a bullmastiff, Blossom, who is the same way. Only difference is she weighs almost two hundred pounds. When she wants attention, there is no ignoring her.”
“Next time you decide to go for a walk in the park, you should take Blossom with you.”
Sharma’s expression changed. “I wish I could. But she’s far away with everyone else I care about.”
It really wasn’t wise for her to tell him she had no one here. If he was a creep, he could easily take advantage of her. Part of him wanted to tell her what she should do to protect herself, but the truth was, he was leaving tomorrow after the meeting with the protesters. Getting any more involved than escorting her to her car was not going to happen. “Then I suggest finding a different outlet than this park. I’m sure your friends, no matter where they are, would agree.”
“They’d have my hide back on Marpe-Agape.”
Because of his business he knew many places, but that was a name he’d never heard before. It had to be a foreign country. “Where is that?”
“Oh, I’m not sure I’m supposed to talk about it.” He could see her become nervous.
“Since I don’t even know your last name, nor you mine, I guess talking about a geographical location shouldn’t be totally off limits. Unless it’s a breach of national security.” Cole arched a brow looking down at her.
Sharma shrugged. “No, the Davis family likes their privacy.”
It was a common name, but he knew one person in particular that fit that mold perfectly. Trent Davis. Could Marpe-Agape be yours? You’re married. What does this lovely creature have to do with an asshole like you? “I promise not to tell a soul.” That didn’t mean he wouldn’t research the hell out of it.
“It’s just an island I was working on before I came here to become a registered nurse.”
“So you left there to work as a nurse here. Nice.”
“Not exactly. They paid my schooling so I could follow my dream and become a nurse. One day I will return there.”
They had reached the end of the road, and Cole could see only one car in the parking lot. It had to be hers. He wasn’t ready for his conversation to end.
“Do you want to go grab a cup of coffee?”
She laughed and held up the leash. “I think I’ll let you two get back to business. But thank you for walking me to my car.”
He took the leash from her hand. Cole wasn’t used to being shot down. Then again, asking her out when he had his dog with him wasn’t a smooth tactic either. Bear half sat on his foot and whined as they watched her get in her car and drive off. “Yeah buddy, I know. I’m an idiot.” Bear looked up at him and barked once. Great. I even have to hear it from you.
Sharma Lake rushed back to her apartment and locked the door behind her. When she was in the park she’d thought nothing of the danger, but on her way home, his warnings haunted her. She’d been talking and walking with a pure stranger. Anything could’ve happened to her.
It wasn’t as though she was ignorant to the dangers. God knows she’d treated people in the emergency room who’d suffered serious injuries at the hands of others. She also remembered treating her own friend, Rose, when she’d been attacked on the island. She needed to be cautious. If anything happened and she disappeared, no one except work would even notice until it was too late. She couldn’t allow herself to have such a lapse in judgement again.
Most likely nothing would’ve happened to her, but that handsome as heck stranger, Cole, came out of nowhere and ensured nothing did. She wasn’t sure if it was because Bear was so calm or the gentleness she saw in Cole’s eyes, but she didn’t fear him at all. That was odd because the rest of him screamed tall, dark, and dangerous. Sharma was sure he intimidated a lot of people. The effect he had on her was something totally different. Her hands trembled just thinking of him. She wanted to take him up on his offer to go for coffee for many reasons, but there was only one that prevented her from going. The way her body reacted to his eyes gazing on her. It excited and scared her all at the same time.
Sharma was already being pulled in so many directions. The last thing she needed was to add a physical attraction to someone here when she had no intention of making Quinton her permanent residence. She was working seven days a week. Before anything else happened in her life, she wanted to earn enough to pay back the money for nursing school. Even though they told her they didn’t want it and none of them needed it, she wasn’t going to rest until every cent was returned to them. When she returned to Marpe-Agape to work as a nurse, she wanted them to know it was because it was her dream and not because she felt she owed them.
Times like this she really wished she had a friend close by. Instead of being in her apartment by herself they could be sitting on the couch, sipping a glass of wine and chatting about what a handsome man Cole was and what he might look like underneath that bulky leather jacket. It sure would be a heck of a lot more enjoyable than what she had planned. A cup of herbal tea and hopefully sleep.
No matter how she looked at it, tomorrow promised to be a bit overwhelming. It wasn’t the work or hours she couldn’t handle. It was the drama. Ever since the run-down, abandoned hospital had been sold, the people in this town seemed to be divided. That included the staff at her hospital. There wasn’t a day that went by without at least one person reliving a memory of that place. She got it. They were having a hard time letting go. But when you’re in an emergency room environment, there is no room for distractions. And nurses in an uproar were more than she could handle.
She tried talking to them, making them see that change can sometimes be good. The only thing that accomplished was making her more of an outsider than she already was. This wasn’t her fight. All she could manage was to avoid conflict and do her job.
Sharma could empathize with them. There were plenty of things in her past she struggled with and hadn’t been able to let go. First having to say goodbye to the only man she’d ever loved. She was young at that time and thought they’d be together no matter what. That hadn’t been the case. When that ended she was forced to marry someone else. Even though she cared deeply for him they were more like best friends than lovers. If he hadn’t become ill and died so young, they’d still be married now, even though it wasn’t the type of marriage she’d have wanted. Her scars ran deep from losing the two of them. Sharma wasn’t sure she’d ever heal That didn’t mean she try to move on. It just was painful doing so. Knocking down a building that looked as though the wind could topple it was nothing in comparison. We’re so different. I don’t fit here. But what choice do I have?
Times like this made her wish she was back on Marpe-Agape. Although she loved being a nurse, she’d felt valued and appreciated more as a housekeeper on the island than she ever had at this hospital. They weren’t unkind, but this city was so close-knit that newcomers remained strangers for a very long time.
She wouldn’t trade places with any of them. They could be out enjoying the autumn foliage tomorrow instead of protesting the casino. She didn’t have the heart to tell them it was hopeless. From how they described Mr. Wright, the man was ruthless. He’d probably have them thrown in jail or run over with the bulldozer before he lost a penny on that deal. He’s someone I wouldn’t want to ever cross paths with.