Rory: Hope City, Book 7 by Maryann Jordan (uplifting books for women txt) 📕

in the field like this, but if I was to spend more time there, I’d want you to come in and redo it.”

“Just let me know when, and I’ll be sure to give you a discount.” Her gaze scanned the room, and she heaved a sigh of relief. “This is my first huge multi-office space contract, and I’d love to get more.”

“Me too.”

Her gaze shot back up to his as her chin jerked back quickly. “Really?”

“Yeah, I’ve been involved in smaller jobs, but have never overseen one this size. There’s a different site manager for the upper eight floors where the condos are located, but for me to have oversight of the first eight floors for offices is a big step for me.”

As they finished up on the third floor, he signed off on her plans, and she gave him a copy that she’d brought with her. He escorted her back to the elevator, but before she pushed the button, she turned and looked up at him. “Dave, I’d like to ask a question, but have to preface it by saying I know it’s none of my business.”

Cocking his head to the side, he nodded. “Okay. I admit you’ve got my curiosity up. If it’s something I can answer, I will. If not, I’ll let you know.”

“Fair enough. It’s just that I notice Perkins Electrical Company is doing the wiring in the building. Obviously, this doesn’t come under my purview, but I do remember reading about them in the news.”

“And you’re wondering about the scandal they were in a couple of years ago,” he surmised.

“Yes, I am. I can’t imagine why the Partridges would want to employ anyone but the best to work on their building. Especially since the scandal involved Perkins Electricals using subpar materials, creating possible fire hazards.”

“I questioned the same thing, Ms. Carmichael, and was told that after paying all their fines, Perkins Electrical Company had a change in management. They ousted the original Perkins that was in charge at the time, and his son took his place. I’ve taken a look at the work they’ve done so far, and while wiring and electricity is not my specialty, everything looks to be in order. I’ve also got someone under me that’s inspecting work before the official inspectors from the city come in.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, she nodded. “Thank you for that. As I said, I know it’s none of my business, but I’m putting a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this account and would hate to have anything go wrong. I want Partridge Tower to be a success probably as much as Anthony Partridge does!”

Chuckling, he said, “Not sure that’s possible, but I understand what you’re saying.” The ding of the elevator caught their attention, and he reached forward, placing his hand on the door, holding it open. “Thanks for coming by, and I’ll give you a call once we start making the initial modifications. We’ll start at the office on the second floor first.”

Returning her hard hat to Heather, she was almost out of the lobby when her name was called. Turning, she observed Anthony walking toward her. Cocking her head to the side, she waited to see what he wanted.

“I’m glad I had a chance to catch you. Is everything going okay?”

“Absolutely. I just met with Dave and went over the approved plans with him. We walked the space and he’s ready to begin. If everything stays on schedule, you should be able to have your first set of clients move into the building in about two months.”

He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving a little squeeze. Her smile slipped and she quickly said, “I need to get back to the office—”

“Actually, Sandy, I wanted to ask you something. I was wondering if perhaps you’d be free for dinner sometime.”

Inwardly cringing, she kept her smile. “Never turn down a man of power, Sandra. Or at least if you do, do it in a way that makes him feel like he has not been dismissed. You never know when you might need a man like that.”

“Anthony, that’s so nice of you, but I make it a practice to not go out with clients. And right now, this job has me very busy.”

“I understand. But we’ll certainly have a lot to talk about as this job continues, so we could have working dinners. And then when I’m no longer a client…”

“I’m sure a working dinner will be fine, but for now, I must run. Thank you for the invitation. As soon as I have more plans for you to approve, I’ll be sure to get them to you.” With that, she turned and walked at a measured pace over the rest of the marble until she moved through the doors, barely breathing until she got outside. Pulling her sunglasses from her bag, she snapped them open, then placed them on her face. Walking more quickly, she didn’t breathe easily until she climbed inside her SUV. Sighing heavily, she drove back to her office, her thoughts in turmoil.

Why wouldn’t I want to go out with him? He’s smart, driven, interesting. And handsy. Rubbing her hand across her forehead, she had to admit Anthony just didn’t do it for her.

A siren was heard in the distance, and she slowed down, waiting until the ambulance had passed safely through the intersection. A flash of Rory hit her, and she swallowed deeply. She’d only kissed him once but felt something she’d never felt before. More than lust. More than friendship.

Safe. He made her feel safe.

Snorting, she rolled her eyes. Yeah, and look how that turned out. Maybe I just don’t know how to pick a man.

9

Three-B-three.

Rory and his crew made their way to the local animal shelter in their district, answering the call for an animal attack with unknown status.

“Is Animal Control on their way?” he asked, wanting to know what they might be facing once they got to the shelter.

“They’ve just arrived,”