He remembered she didn’t have much of a family. A dead father and a mother with the nurturing skills of an insect. If she had the kids, she would belong, he thought. But he would bet she hadn’t considered that. Pia would choose to carry the embryos because it was the right thing to do. She didn’t need an example—she just knew.
She pushed aside her salad and drew a folder out of her large bag. “Go ahead and eat,” she told him. “I’ll tell you what I’ve come up with and you can think of reasons to tell me I’m brilliant while you chew.”
“I like a woman with a plan.”
PIA GLANCED AT HER WATCH and was stunned to see it was already after two. “Yikes. I have a three o’clock I need to get to,” she said, opening her wallet and pulling out a couple of bills.
“You’re not buying me lunch,” Raoul told her, picking up the check.
“But you said—”
“I was kidding.”
“Too macho to let a woman pay for your food?”
“Something like that.”
He tossed money onto the bill, then stood. When she rose as well, he moved close and placed his hand on the small of her back as they walked out.
She was aware of every millimeter of contact. Her faux-cashmere sweater only amplified the sensation of heat and pressure.
When they reached the sidewalk, she turned to face him. “I’ll get back to you with a schedule of deadlines,” she said. “I think coordinating with a few of the festivals will work out well for the camp.”
She found herself wanting to babble, even if she avoided looking directly at him. What was wrong with her? This wasn’t a date. They weren’t at her door and she wasn’t debating whether to invite him in. This had been a business meeting.
“Thanks for your help,” he said.
She drew in a breath, squared her shoulders and met his gaze. “You’re welcome. You know Robert, our former treasurer, was the kind of man everyone thought was nice, and he ended up stealing millions.”
“You’re saying I’m a thief?” He sounded more amused than insulted.
“Not exactly. But how much do we really know about you? People should ask questions.”
“You think too much,” he told her.
“I know, but that’s because there aren’t enough distractions in my life.”
“How about this one?” he asked, right before he leaned in and kissed her.
The contact was light enough—barely a brush of lip against lip. Hardly worth mentioning.
Except every cell in her body froze from the shock. The fingers holding her bag tightened into a death grip on the handle. Before she could figure out what she was supposed to do, he straightened.
“Thanks for lunch,” he said, then turned and walked away.
Leaving her gasping and alone. And very, very confused.
RAOUL ANGLED AWAY FROM the mirror as he slowly raised and lowered the weight in his hand. He’d been working out long enough that he rarely needed to check his form or speed. The movements were automatic. Unlike some guys, he didn’t get a kick out of staring at himself.
Next to him, Josh Golden worked his triceps. Both men were dripping sweat and breathing hard. It had been a hell of a workout.
“In case you were wondering,” Josh said as he lowered the weight to the bench in front of him, “I’m the only hero in this town.”
Raoul grinned. “Worried, old man? Or should I say, threatened?”
“I’ve been here a whole lot longer than you. The town adores me. You’re some newcomer. The question is, can you last through the long term?”
“I can outlast you.”
Josh grinned. “In your dreams.” He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his face. “Everyone appreciates that you offered the camp. Without that place, there wouldn’t have been a school.”
“I’m happy to help.”
“Good. That’s what we do around here. Those who have more, give more. Life in a small town.”
More rules, Raoul thought, remembering the ones Pia had listed. Something about where he was supposed to get his hair cut. Or not. He hadn’t really been listening. He enjoyed listening to her speak, watching the emotions chase across her face. Her eyes were expressive. Her mouth…tempting.
“Earth to Raoul.” Josh waved his hand. “Who are you thinking about?”
“A friend.”
Josh picked up the weight again. Raoul set his down.
“You had lunch with Pia the other day,” Josh said flatly.
Raoul raised his left eyebrow. “You’re married.”
“I’m not interested in keeping her to myself,” Josh said firmly. “I’ve known Pia for years. She’s like a sister. I’m watching out for her.”
Raoul was glad someone was. From what he could see, Pia was pretty much on her own. “We’re working together. Some of the festivals tie in with the work we’re doing up at the camp.”
Josh bent forward, keeping his upper arm still, moving the weight up and down to work his triceps. “You’re getting tied in here. Sure you’re ready for what small-town life really is?”