My eyebrows raised. "What?"
"I can tell by your brooding face, and while I admit it's sexy, I want you to pay attention."
Gisselle's unexpected compliment pulled a smile from me. "My brooding face is sexy?"
"Don't let it go to your head. You have other qualities too!" Gisselle poked my chest with her pencil.
I caught her hand and pressed a kiss to it. "Such as?"
Gisselle pulled her lip in. "You make me feel safe, and your bed is pretty comfortable."
I took the pencil out of her hand and set it on the table. I picked her up and headed to my bedroom. "Show me the comfortable part of the bed, because I don't believe you."
Gisselle giggled as I lay her across my bed. "This is the spot, but I need you to confirm it," she said.
I spread her legs and climbed in between. "Is this the spot?"
Gisselle nodded as I moved toward her, and we kissed.
I enteredthe town council chambers, clutching my binder. Six council members sat behind a mahogany table, and right in the middle, eyeing me, was councilman Harold Whittaker, the man who'd attempted to sink my project since day one.
I squared my shoulders and headed toward the podium at the center of the room. Behind me, in wooden chairs, were more people than I expected: construction workers, concerned citizens, or, should I say, nosy town folk, who heard about the attempted arson at the build site and wanted to see the drama unfold firsthand.
Mayor Thompson nodded at me. "Ms. Daniels, thank you for coming on such short notice in light of recent events at thecommunity center. The council has some concerns they would like addressed."
"Of course, I'm happy to walk you through the additional security measures we have implemented since the incident," I replied, setting up my presentation.
A few slides into my PowerPoint, Whitaker cleared his throat. "Ms. Reynolds, given your inexperience with small-town projects, I can't help but wonder if you overlooked basic security measures. It's rather convenient your site was targeted."
I paused the presentation as heat rolled up my neck. It's Daniels, Councilman Whitaker. Gisselle Daniels, and I assure you, security protocols exceed the industry's standards."
"My apologies, Ms. Daniels, but the fact remains that of all the construction projects in Goodwin Grove, yours was the only one that nearly went up in flames." His tone made it clear the mistake was intentional.
I blew out air, pulling up the security section of my presentation.
"I'd like to bring your attention to the comprehensive security plan approved by this very council three months ago. Please note we've installed motion-activated cameras, implemented strict access protocols, and coordinated regular patrols with law enforcement," I noted.
I clicked through a few more slides, showing different views of the camera replacements. I had worked on this exhibit last night while Liam worked on case files.
"These messages exceed the requirements for projects of this scope. The attempted arson was quickly discovered because of these protocols," I explained, making eye contact with each of the council members except Whitaker.
"Yet it still happened. It may be that your big-city approach doesn't translate well to Goodwin Grove. We value thoroughness over flash," Whitaker pressed, adjusting his glasses on his nose.
The implication hung in the air that I was somehow too urban for the small town, and frustration built in my chest like a dam.
"With all due respect, councilman, my big-city approach includes three award-winning historical renovations, along with a master's thesis on preserving architectural integrity while meeting safety codes, and the best industry practices."
Movement at the back of the room caught my attention. Liam slipped into the room quietly with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched, but his jaw appeared tight enough to crack walnuts. I was thankful I wasn't facing this alone. The knot in my stomach eased slightly at the sight of him. I straightened my spine, channeling every Black woman who had to prove herself in a room of doubters.
"Furthermore, the arson attempt at the community center appears to be connected to a series of similar incidents across town," I explained.
Whitaker's eyes moved briefly to the back of the room before returning to me. "Yeah, and that brings me to my next concern. Your relationship with the fire lieutenant raises questions about objectivity in this investigation."
A murmur rippled through the audience. My fingers tightened on the edge of the podium.
"My personal life has no bearing on this discussion, councilman," I defended.
Whitaker smiled. "It does make one wonder if you receive special consideration. Your project was fast-tracked through approvals and record time," he pointed out.
