“What sort of thing?” Her eyes challenged me.
“The morning after kissing a woman I’m supposed to be professional with.” I ran a hand through my hair, wishing I was wearing my Stetson because weirdly it made me feel more confident and assured. “Especially one I’ve spent years arguing with.”
She smiled and flicked out her tongue along her bottom lip. “Is that what we were doing? I thought that maybe it was foreplay.”
My jaw nearly hit the floor as heat rushed through me. Shit, she was a surprise, and I was pretty sure she might just be one of the best kind. Before I could respond, my phone rang. It flashed up as ‘County Office’. Who the hell would be calling me from there on a Sunday morning?
“I should take this,” I said reluctantly.
Cassidy nodded and moved over to Charlie’s desk to give me some privacy, not that I needed it.
“Gunner Miller,” I answered.
“Mr. Miller, this is Sandra O’Neil from the County Environmental Department. I know this is a Sunday, but I’ve received a concerning report about potential violations at the development site near your property.”
I straightened and looked at Cassidy. “What kind of violations?”
“Construction equipment was moved in overnight, despite the snow,” Sandra replied. “And they’re clearing land in an area marked as protected wetland habitat. I urgently need your help.”
It looked like permits for the camp would have to wait.
“Son of a—” I cursed and shook my head, my gaze on Cassidy. “Sorry. How is that possible? Don’t they need permits?”
“They do,” Sandra told me. “Which is why I’m calling. I need documentation of the wildlife you mentioned at the town meeting. Specifically, the weasel breeding grounds which borders your land and the area they’ve moved machinery to. Anything at all that you have that proves what it is and where it is.”
Cassidy was staring back intently; concern etched on her face.
“Yeah, I can get that to you,” I said. “I even have photos, GPS coordinates.”
“That’s fantastic. The sooner the better. They’re moving fast.” She sighed heavily. “But can you keep this between us, not everyone here sees this as a potential issue like I do.”
“Basically, the County Mayor says it’s a done deal but not everyone is on board. Am I right?”
“I can’t comment on that, Mr. Miller, but let’s just say money means more than wildlife to some people.”
“I get you.” I mentally thought about the details that I needed to gather. “Give me a few hours and I’ll email it to you.”
“I’ll give you my personal email,” she laughed humorlessly, “I’m sure you understand why.”
“I do. Now, what’s the address?”
After hanging up, I explained the situation to Cassidy.
“Sounds like they’re trying to destroy the evidence before they can be stopped,” she said, anger flashing in her eyes. “We need to document everything today.”
“I need to show you something first.” I pulled open my desk drawer and took out a folder. “These are some other camp plans I’ve been working on since you suggested it.”
I spread out a rough but fairly detailed drawing across my desk—a larger facility than we’d discussed.
“I’ve been thinking,” I started unfolding more of the plans across my desk. “This room here,” I stabbed a finger at the blueprint, “it could be an office. Your office if you like, with built-in bookshelves. It would have full southern exposure, the view of the mountains and enough space to do, well, whatever you need to do. Then all along here,” I continued, drawing an invisible line. “That would be more riding rings, a small swimming pond, cabins. Maybe even a workshop and classrooms.”
“Gunner, this is... incredible,” she breathed.
The awe in her eyes made me falter and wonder what it would be like to receive the gift of that expression every day. I continued, wanting more of it from her.
“I was thinking that the camp doesn’t have to just be a summer thing. These kids need and can get all year-round support.” I met her eyes. “I want to register a non-profit so that with the right funding, we could make this permanent.”
Her eyes widened. “Why didn’t you say? Have you told your brothers?”
