The sad truth was that there was nothing he could do. It had to come from her. “Just keep being yourself.”
“That’s all?”
“It’s more than enough. Especially when you wear a pink and white apron.”
“Does it soften my rough edges?”
Andrea sighed. He didn’t have any rough edges, and that was the problem. She kept looking for a character flaw, a behavioral issue that would make him someone completely different. Someone like her ex-husband.
“Your rough edges are already softened.”
David stood a little taller. She could have sworn he sucked in his stomach. “Are you saying I have middle-age spread?”
She laughed. “I can’t imagine you ever having middle-age spread. You’re built like a muscly string bean.”
With a dramatic groan, he took the lid off the container she’d given him. “On that depressing note, I’ll get the leftover muffins ready for Mabel.”
If she’d thought for a minute he was upset, she would have apologized. But the laughter in his eyes told her he knew she was teasing him.
Before he left the kitchen, she handed him another plate of muffins. “There’s one more thing you should know.”
“Don’t tell me. You’re allergic to people from New York City?”
“No. I like people from New York City, especially if they’re muscly string beans. They’re my favorite type of people.” And, before she did something foolish, like kiss him, she picked up a bag of trash and took it outside.
It was just as well David was spending most of his time away from Sapphire Bay. Otherwise, she’d be in serious danger of falling head over heels in love with him.
Chapter 12
David stood beside the portable cabin that was BioTech’s onsite office while the new research facility was being built.
He was supposed to have flown home yesterday, but he’d decided to stay in Sapphire Bay. With Peter and Katie’s wedding next Saturday, it was the sensible thing to do. More sensible than trying to understand a woman who constantly confused him.
Instead of thinking about Andrea, he focused on why he was here. With the final plans approved by the county, teams of builders moved around the site, preparing the foundations for the canopy of structural beams that would be lifted into place. Everything from the ground up was being modified, replaced, or refurbished. The scale and scope of the work was bigger than anything that had happened in Sapphire Bay for decades.
The meeting he’d had with Peter and the project manager, Bryce Taylor, had gone well. Bryce wanted to make sure everything ran smoothly in this phase of the build. Any delays could have a major impact on the project and jeopardize the completion date.
Peter stepped out of the cabin and stood beside him. “What are you worried about?”
“Everyone’s talking about shortages in materials and shipping delays. We’ve done everything we can to reduce the chance of either issue affecting this project, but no one can guarantee it will go smoothly. That worries me.”
“It worries everyone, but there isn’t a lot we can do. If we postpone the project, the building costs will rise until it’s not feasible to do anything.” Peter looked across the yard. “I forgot to ask about the additional accommodation for the construction crews. When will the tiny homes be ready?”
For the first time since he’d arrived on site, David smiled. “Four houses will be ready in three weeks. The builders who don’t have somewhere to live are staying in cabins and tents at the local camping ground until the others are finished.”
With limited rental accommodation in Sapphire Bay, BioTech was working with the construction company to find somewhere for the builders to live. Fortunately, the local church was developing a plot of land into another tiny home village. After negotiating with Pastor John, BioTech had agreed to pay for eleven tiny homes to be built. While the research facility was under construction, builders would live in them. Once the project was finished, the church would use them for community housing.
Peter’s cell phone rang. He looked at the caller display and frowned. “I’d better get this. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.” David returned to the cabin. This morning, he’d received the results from BioTech’s latest upgrade of a new prosthetic. If everything was as promising as their team suggested, this could be the breakthrough they wanted for people whose arm was amputated above the elbow.
What the staff at BioTech were achieving was nothing short of a miracle. After the new research facility was finished, they could upscale production and make a difference in more people’s lives. All he had to do was make sure BioTech’s Board of Directors was happy with their progress.
“Mom? Where are you?”
“I’m in the garden, Charlie.” She looked up from the vegetable patch and smiled at her son. “You look happy.”
“Diana said I can take Charlie and Gonzo for a walk with her. Is that okay?”
