Or mine now, I supposed. It felt odd thinking of owning something. I wasn’t staying, but I had plans to renovate and use the property for income. I never stayed anywhere very long. I rubbed my eyes, not wanting to think too deeply on that subject today. I didn’t want to think about anything, especially not the one thing I couldn’t seem to get out of my mind.
Ava.
From the moment I had first seen her, she had fascinated me. Intrigued me. Our last two encounters had only cemented both sensations. Kissing her was dangerous. Having her close was an enticement I found too difficult to resist. That smart mouth of hers tempted. Her sexy laughter was an invitation to trouble. Even knowing she was part of the BAM family hadn’t diminished the draw I felt toward her. After what happened on Sunday, I knew I had to stay away from her. I had the feeling she could throw my entire world into chaos.
It didn’t stop her from popping into my head frequently, though.
I recalled the day I arrived in town and went to the lawyer’s office. He went over the will, explaining the house and property as well as a small inheritance that was involved. I had been shocked enough finding out about my grandfather, never mind that he’d left me some money.
“What are your plans?” he asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
“Many. Keep it, fix it up and rent it, sell it.” He shrugged. “It’s yours now to do with what you want. But there is an interested party.”
“Interested party?” I asked.
He only nodded, but I heard his secretary, Natasha, mutter something. She was younger than me, pretty, but there was a hard edge to her expression, as if she’d been wronged once too often.
Whatever she said, he ignored, and he handed me a copy of the will. “Your grandfather added a codicil not long ago, although it’s a moot addition now. You can read this over. I’ll make myself available for any questions you might have.”
I left, standing outside, unsure what to do next. Go see the property and decide, perhaps. That seemed the best course of action.
Natasha came out, handing me a card, distaste in her voice. “Mr. Daniels asked me to give this to you. This is the company that wants the property if you were interested.” She sniffed. “Your grandfather disliked them.”
I glanced at the logo on the card. BAM.
“Why?” I asked.
“They pressured him. Always snooping around the property, making up excuses to be on it. He complained to me more than once.” She leaned close. “Rich, entitled snobs, they are. Too good for any of us around here. Always throwing their weight around. They own all the land around yours, and they wanted more.” She shook her head. “They always want more. Your grandfather was sure they would ruin the entire landscape with their plans. He held firm.”
I hated high-handed tactics. I had seen them too often in the various jobs I had held. If that was how this company worked, I wanted no part of them.
Yet, Ava didn’t seem to be that way. But I didn’t really know her. And I never would.
I shook my head from my thoughts and returned to studying the lists on the table. Someone slid into the booth across from me, and I looked up, surprised to meet the beautiful eyes of none other than the woman herself. Ava Callaghan. She was in full business mode, a dark green suit hugging her torso, her hair swept into a knot at the base of her neck, the purple streaks barely visible. A silky-looking white blouse peeked out from under her jacket, and her makeup was minimal.
She was stunning.
“That seat is taken,” I said dryly.
Her eyes danced in the sunlight filtering through the windows. “It is now.”
My waitress came over and placed my meal in front of me. She smiled at Ava. “Coffee?”
“No,” I said at the same time Ava nodded.
“Please, Connie. And some rye toast.”
Good God, was there anyone this woman didn’t know?
Connie looked between us and shrugged, walking away.
“I don’t remember asking you to join me.”
She grinned, not at all put out by my tone. “I felt it. It’s one of my superhero talents. I can hear your inner voice.”
I picked up my utensils. “I hope you can hear what my inner voice is saying right at this moment. In case you’re unclear, that’s not ‘hey, you.’”
She giggled. A full-out, girlie giggle that seemed so out of place given her outfit and the vibe she was putting off.
The sound made me want to smile.
Which pissed me off and I deepened my frown.
“Don’t you have corrupt city officials to bother instead of me?”
“Nope, I’m all yours.”
“Lucky me,” I said sarcastically.
“Where’s Cash?”
“Locked in the house, no doubt trying to figure out how to pick the lock and escape.”