Natasha smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes."I told you it won't be a problem working together again.That was so long ago; it's not even worth talking about."
I thought about our relationship a lot over the years.Whether I'd handled it correctly.Whether I'd made a huge mistake.I didn't like her saying that it wasn't worth revisiting.But at the same time, she was giving me an out."If you're sure?—"
She nodded."I'm positive."
I didn't know her like I had before.I wasn't sure if she was giving me a line or she really didn't care.It was unsettling.But I'd done what Cooper wanted me to do.I'd ensured that we could move forward with the project.
Our relationship was firmly in the past where it belonged.
Chapter3
Natasha
Irritation bubbled in my chest.I couldn't believe he came over to apologize for not breaking up with me sooner.
I wouldn't let him see how he affected me.We were over a long time ago, and I wasn't going to let his presence in my life throw me off.
I was surprised when he'd requested an in-person meeting.I thought he was going to say that he didn't want to work with me or that the project was too big.I hadn't considered that this was about our previous relationship.
He looked at me, his gaze uncertain."I wanted to clear the air before we discussed business.Cooper thought it was a good idea."
"You discussed our relationship with Cooper?"I asked, my voice rising slightly.
Ford nodded."This is my first job since I left the military.I don't want to mess it up."
"Our relationship won't be an issue."Because I wouldn't let it be.
He let out a breath."I don't want to let Cooper or my brothers down."
"I'm sure you won't."He took his obligations seriously.At least the ones that were related to work and family.Other relationships fell to the wayside."You wanted to talk business?"
He handed me the estimate."I broke it down into different projects.That way, you could choose to go with one or even two at first, then add on more later.I added the projected timelines for any possible scenario you wanted to go with."
I looked over the estimate, impressed with the level of detail."This is very thorough."
"I wanted to give you a good idea of what to expect."He stood."You should review it and contact me with any questions."
I rose with him."I'll do that."
When we reached the door, he turned and said, "I won't let our past relationship be an issue."
"I don't see how it could be," I said stiffly, wishing he'd stop talking about it."I think we're at the point where we can safely bury it."
He frowned."I don't know if I like that characterization."
I waved a hand, needing him to leave so I could be alone with my thoughts."However you want to say it."
"I'm glad we can put this behind us."
Everything he said was twisting the knife more.He obviously didn't think much of our time together.He was glad it was over.
His brow creased."Are you sure you don't want us to update your apartment at the same time?"
I tensed."The inn is the first priority.It doesn't matter what my space looks like."
"You live here though," he said as if he was trying to figure me out.
"I need to get the inn renovated first.Then I'll consider it."
