"Have you given any more thought to the estimate I delivered the other day?"I asked Natasha.
Eve's forehead creased as her gaze moved from me to her sister."You haven't signed the contract?I thought we agreed that we should get started as soon as possible."
It probably wasn't nice to bring it up in front of Eve, but it gave me a glimpse into what was going on.Natasha was the holdup.
Natasha blew out a breath."I need to sign and send it over."
"Why don't I stop by tonight and get it from you?"I wasn't past being pushy, especially since they wanted the job done.
Eve smiled at me, clearly realizing we were on the same side."That would be great.Thanks, Ford."Then she turned her attention to Natasha."This is why we wanted to work with someone local.They go the extra mile."
"I'm happy to help with whatever you need."I was itching to get moving on something, and the inn was my only prospect.I was positive I could avoid Natasha once I got my crew started.
I tapped the table, and Natasha's gaze snagged on the movement."I'll leave you ladies to it.I'm sure whatever you plan for the town will be great."
Eve smiled."Thanks again."
"I'll see you later," I said to Natasha, and her gaze narrowed on me.I was positive she was going to let me have it later for putting her on the spot.
I headed to the office; the afternoon stretched out before me.Assuming that I'd receive the signed contract tonight, I could plan the project and get my crew ready to go.I got to work, and when it started to get dark, I stood, stretching my back.
Cooper popped in."You get the Mistletoe Inn project locked down yet?"
I grabbed my phone and my keys."I'm heading there now to get the contract."
Cooper moved out of the way as I turned off the light."I bet you're glad to get started on something.I know estimate appointments aren't the best."
"You know me.I don't like to be idle."My brothers wanted me to get settled in civilian life before I started working for the business.But I didn't want to sit around, thinking about what I was going to do with my life.I preferred to stay busy.
Cooper fell into step with me as we walked down the hallway."How’s Aspen?”
I gave him a look."Why are we keeping an eye on Aspen again?"
Cooper cleared his throat."I promised your brothers I'd watch out for her.They worry about how’s she’s doing.”
Maybe it was because I'd been gone for a long time, but I saw Aspen as an adult."I don't think she'd like to hear that you agreed to that."
Cooper huffed out a breath."You're not going to tell her."
"I won't be reporting on Aspen to you or my brothers," I said firmly.
Cooper winced."You make us sound overbearing."
I shrugged on my jacket, which was hanging on a hook by the door."I call it like I see it."
Cooper opened the door, waiting for me to step outside before locking it."If we're responsible for Mistletoe Inn's renovation, everyone will respect our business.We'll have more work."
"I'll do good work."The pressure was on for me to not screw this deal up.
"I know you will."Cooper stuffed his hands in his pockets."You cleared the air with Natasha?"
"She wasn't concerned about us working together."That was concerning in and of itself.
His brow raised."It was a long time ago.But we wouldn't want any lingering emotions getting in the way of business."
"Of course not."It was a good reminder that I needed to keep any feelings for Natasha firmly in the past.
When we reached my truck, Cooper said, "I hope to see the contract in my inbox tomorrow morning."
