“I have. I think it makes sense to do this in phases. Develop one section of the mountain and get it dialed in before moving to the next section. That way we’re pulling in revenue even as we build out the rest of the park.”
Straight to the point. I like it. “That was my thought, too,” I agree, “and we can post signage advertising the future plans, so people make it a point to come back and try out the new terrain.”
“Exactly.” Carter’s mouth spreads into a wide grin.
“I’d like to get on the mountain and check it out in person before we finalize anything, but I’m thinking we could start with some green runs because that mostly just involves moving dirt, not building any features. And personally, I find green runs a great option for all skill sets. Even if you’re capable of something more difficult, it’s still fun to glide down a flowy trail.” I can’t stop the giddy smile that spreads across my face as I think of my favorite green trail back home. I mean, back in Utah.
Carter laughs and shakes his head, apparently amused by my enthusiasm. “I’ll take your word for it, but if that’s the kind of face people make riding bikes, then I guess I have to try it.”
I snap my jaw back in place—hopefully before he noticed that it fell open. “You’re going all in on a bike park and you don’t even ride?”This I was not expecting.
“It makes sense for business.” His tone seems to say“duh.”“And most of my friends here are enthusiasts so it’s a project they’ll help support.”
“Fair enough, although I’ll hold you to trying it when it’s finished.”He’s gonna be so awed by the time I’m done.
“Deal.” Carter extends his hand again. “What can I do to help you get started?”
“Did you get the list of personnel and equipment requirements? Does that look okay?” Although some parts of the trail will have to be dug by hand to avoid disturbing the trees, other sections can be dug with a skid steer loader.
“I did, and my manager has been assembling everything on it.”
“Manager?” My brows lift in surprise. I’m not opposed to having one, although I thought I’d be the one to hire him or her.
“Yes, Blake. He’s a lifelong resident so he’s well networked within the community. He’s pulled together a team with decades of experience in trail management from the local parks and recreation department. They’re all eager to get started. Just tell Blake what you need, and he’ll take care of it.” Carter lifts his eyes over my shoulder. “Here he is now.”
Spinning in the direction of Carter’s gaze, I turn to find the guy I picked up in the bar a few weeks back striding toward me, and a mixture of panic and excitement takes over my body. The rhythm of my heart turns erratic, my palms grow sweaty, and it feels like someone has vacuumed the air from my lungs, all at once, leaving me unable to do anything beyond staying frozen in place.
Blake… Here?
Memories of our night bombard me, heating my cheeks, and I say a silent ‘thank you’ that my new boss is standing behind me so he can’t see the way my eyes bug out.
There have only been two lovers I’ve fantasized about long after our time together, and the man closing in on me is one of them. Strong yet gentle, frenzied yet savoring… Blake made me feel desired and treasured, which is why I’ve replayed that night in my mind over and over again. Now, the object of those dreams is walking toward me? What are the odds? More importantly, are there rules about sleeping with your subordinate, or can that be overlooked since he wasn’t technically working for me then? How do I explain this to Carter? Am I obligated to?
I run a hand through my hair just to do something with it, letting it drop to my side when I realize the fact it’s shaking might be less visible down there.
When he’s about ten paces away, Blake’s step falters slightly, realization sinking in, though his face remains expressionless. Still gorgeous, just blank.That’s some trick, I need to learn that.
He offers me a hand as he closes the distance between us.Ooh-does that mean we’re going with strangers then?"Blake," he says, formally clasping my hand as if he isn’t already intimately familiar with it. And other…places.Strangers it is.
“Kane.” It's a lost cause. One would think that having scratched the itch would help keep the sparks floating between us at bay. One would be wrong. They're just as strong and unruly as they were when he caught me staring at him from across the bar. The second his hand closes around mine a current of electricity shoots up my arm, down to my stomach and into thedangerzone.
“So, you’re the one who helped Jackson build that bike park in Utah? I’m sorry I missed you when I was there.”
I pull my hand back, so I have a chance of speaking coherently. “That’s me.”Use more words, Kane.
“Impressive.” He nods methodically. “I got a chance to ride it briefly, and I can’t tell you how excited I am about bringing something like that here.”
“I’ll leave you two to go over the plans and map out a schedule.” Carter claps Blake on the back and gives me an encouraging nod before retreating to the administrative office. When he’s out of sight, I turn a wary gaze to the man whose mere presence is making my heart race.
“So.” I clap my hands together and rock back on my heels. “Fancy seeing you here.”Those are the best words you could find? You need help.
Blake laughs, his hazel eyes showing a trace of mischief, which instantly relieves the pressure in my lungs. “KP, I assume? What are the odds, huh?”
“Yeah, short for Kane Price, although it’s mostly just Jackson who calls me that. And I literally just asked myself that same question.” I exhale heavily, feeling a thousand percent less self-conscious. “So, is this cool? It’s probably not too late for me to turn down the offer if this is too weird.”
He rubs the bridge of his nose and sighs. “I think it kind of is. Besides, I’m assuming this is a pretty good opportunity for you, and I wouldn’t want you to miss it on my account.”
I wring my hands together just to give them something to do. “I doreallywant this job.”
