“Why would I do that? Cord has been the perfect host.”
“He has?” There was a note of surprise and utter disbelief in the mayor’s voice. “I mean, I’m sure he has. Is there anything else you need?”
You mean other than the ability to go back in time and take the phone off the hook?
“No. Nothing that I can think of. Cord has taken care of everything.” Almost… “I just feel bad for imposing on him.”
“I…I’m sure he’s enjoying your company.”
At this particular moment, she wouldn’t want to wager any money on that one.
Before she could think of something to say, the mayor continued, “The other reason I called is to let you know that I’ve spoken with the other council members. They are receptive to your idea and would like to hear more. Could you present your ideas at the next town meeting?”
“Certainly.” At least something was going right for her. “When is it?”
“Next Tuesday evening. I’m looking forward to it.”
The mayor rushed off the phone while Alexis reconciled herself to the fact that she needed to modify her presentation to include ways the resort would be beneficial to Whistle Stop.
Her mind was buzzing with ideas. It was just as well, because Cord’s closed bedroom door spoke volumes. He no longer wanted her. They were adversaries, and he was not going to be happy when the entire town was involved in their negotiations. Guilt gnawed at her. Public pressure was not a new concept for pushing through a struggling sale, so why was she letting it bother her now?
She didn’t want to examine her evolving feelings for Cord. She was afraid of what she might find if she did. Because she’d promised herself she wouldn’t risk her heart—it wasn’t worth the pain of rejection. Because in the end, those she loved abandoned her. For one reason or another, she wasn’t worth their effort.
And Cord obviously wasn’t going to be any different.
???
Late the next morning, as promised, Cord drove Lexi into Whistle Stop. He’d been avoiding her ever since the phone call. He didn’t need to ask why the mayor had called. He knew the call was about more than Lexi’s health—it was about the proposed resort. It was a project that could potentially help the town’s sagging bottom line.
What had gotten into him to forget all of this and get swept up in the moment? He usually kept his wits about him, but there was something special about Lexi and her very tempting kisses that had him willing to take a risk. He couldn’t let that happen again. That’s why he’d been up and out the door before sunup. He’d avoided her until it was time to drive her into town for her doctor’s appointment.
And now silence hung heavily in the truck. He didn’t know if she was quiet because she regretted their intimate moment or if it had something to do with her plans for his land. Whatever it was, Cord was certain of two things: One, he wasn’t going to like it. And two, it wasn’t going to change his mind.
When they walked into the doctor’s office, the waiting room was empty. They’d barely sat down when Mrs. Willard smiled and waved Lexi back to an exam room.
Lexi paused in the doorway and glanced back at him. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Me?” He couldn’t believe she’d want him around.
She nodded and sent him a hesitant smile. The fact she wanted him by her side meant a lot to him. He followed her down the hallway. Maybe he’d been all wrong about everything. Maybe she was quiet because she was worried about her hand. And maybe the mayor had called only out of concern for her health—as he should have.
As she sat on the papered exam table, Cord couldn’t help but notice how she appeared vulnerable. “I don’t like doctors’ offices,” she whispered. “They make me nervous.”
“You don’t have to worry. I’m sure everything will be just fine.”
She held out her hand and examined it. “I hope you’re right. If I’d listened to you in the first place, I wouldn’t be here.”
“But you’d have missed seeing an authentic ghost town.”
“True.”
“Not to mention hearing the ghost story.”
“I really liked the story.” Her eyes lit up. “I could just imagine that distraught young woman pacing back and forth in front of the mine entrance, waiting for her true love. But it’s such a sad story. Can you imagine being so close to having a life with your soul mate and then having it snatched away?”
What in the world was he supposed to say to that? He wasn’t even sure there was such a thing as soul mates. The happily-ever-after thing certainly hadn’t worked out for him.
Doc Willard strode into the room, wearing his white coat and his reading glasses propped high on his balding head. “Good morning. How are you feeling?”