Page 17 of Betrayal

“True.But at this early stage, I’m open to constructive collaboration from a long-term tenant.”

“You’re assuming this is a done deal?”She tilted her head to one side.

“It’s done if you say it’s done.”

“Have you designed a childcare centre before?”

“Yes.”For Casildo’s older sister, Maha.“I’m interested in sustainability, safety, non-toxic materials, and I’m a demon on storage spaces and the practicalities.”

“Privacy and security are must-haves.”She fiddled with her glass.“My sister and brother-in-law might have landscaping ideas for the roof, if it’s accessible.Plants for the senses.I’ve read about that.”

“This will cost less than your original plans.Antonio might like to have a garden named after him.”

“A roof garden for me, a plaque for Antonio—you have spent some time identifying our weaknesses.”She sipped her water, and he wanted her mouth on him.

He stifled a groan.“Not identifying weaknesses, Anna.Looking at what works for both of us.”

“You’re giving me everything I want.”She paused, as if checking some internal list.“Timing?”

“What’s your time frame?Had you lined up contractors to do the work?”

“I’d put out a few feelers.Hoping three months, but figured I’d be lucky to get it done in six.”

“If all the ducks line up, three’s a good chance.What?”

“I’ve been nervous as hell about this.”She exhaled slowly.

“You don’t show it.And the contract isn’t signed yet.”

“It will be.”

Her conviction shifted something in Hunter.He’d done due diligence as well.Anna Turner’s integrity was rock solid.Having her trust him on this mattered.

“I’m a stomach churner.”She rested her hand on her belly.“How do you show you’re nervous?”

“I’m never nervous.”But she’d upended Hunter’s assumptions about tonight, added humour and insight to simmering attraction, complicating his idea of a short affair.

She picked up his hand, turned it over to trace the prominent veins in his wrist.“Ice in your veins?”

Her touch heated his blood.

* * *

“Would you like dessert?”The waiter reappeared beside the table, menus in hand.

“No, thank you,” Anna said.

Hunter was a private man.Little things gave him away.Although they were tucked in a corner, he’d kept his back to the room.Obviously wealthy men at nearby tables made a performance of calling for service and loudly naming the vintage they’d chosen.Hunter spoke quietly and hadn’t tried to press her when she’d chosen water.Maybe that’s why she’d blurted out her real reasons for wanting a childcare centre.

“Not even hot chocolate?”Hunter’s dimple had its own charm.

“I’ve got a better idea.We’d like the bill, please?”Anna dismissed the hovering waiter, and her butterflies returned as dragons.

“I invited you for dinner.”

“I accepted.But I’ll buy dessert.”Anna hadn’t planned this next move, but Hunter’s deal was more than fair, would save Antonio money, and set off a conga line of dancing employees at Changing Minds.Three months was a gift she hadn’t dared hope for.Yes!She gave a mental fist pump.This is for you, Helen.Helen had always wanted children, and her dream had been brutally snatched from her.“I know a place.”

“Your place?”His question was only half-hopeful because, whatever else he was, he wasn’t stupid.