Chapter Three #2
Andrea looked at him expectantly from across the table.
She was hospitable and polite, but there was something no-nonsense about her, and he knew he was intruding.
Time to make his case. “But as I mentioned, this project I’m considering embarking on could be an exciting one.
The first thing I’d like to do is assess the area and determine what else is hiding under that ground.
Would you consider coming out to the site to have a look?
Talk me through what you think we should do as next steps? ”
“And what exactly are you planning on doing if any more fossils are discovered?” Andrea asked.
Seth took another sip of his coffee. “Over a decade ago, there was talk of building a tourist attraction in the area. An immersive experience, with exhibits and activities and ways for people to learn about dinosaurs in a fun and engaging way. It never ended up happening, but I’m considering investing in something similar.
I think the only way to get it off the ground would be to confirm that this area of land we’re on was a hotbed for dinosaurs, and that the fossils are from this very place.
Like I said, I have a hunch that they’re under there, and I want to get started as soon as possible on breaking ground. ”
He tried his best to read Andrea’s expression, but she wasn’t giving him anything but a quiet intensity that shot straight through him. Between that and his excitement for this project, he’d be wise to put this coffee down now, and not take another sip.
“It’s no small thing, an excavation like the one it sounds like you’re picturing,” Andrea said. “I’m not sure who owns the land, but the permitting could take a while, especially if it’s with the Bureau of Land Management or the National Parks Service. Even if it’s private property—”
“Which it is,” Seth said.
“Fine. But there will still be the matter of setting up the legal arrangements for the ownership and handling of any fossils discovered.”
Seth found himself hanging on her every word.
Even talking about something as dull and dry as drawing up contracts, Andrea Spence was mesmerizing.
“I’ve thought all that through,” he said.
“I’m more interested in the viability of the dig and then moving forward as soon as possible before the ground freezes. Will you come have a look?”
Seth noted a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, a flash of distrust. Why was she so reluctant to get involved?
He knew that renos were a lot of work, but surely a paleontologist would have at least a passing interest in the discovery of bones, not once but twice in the same area.
“I would, of course, compensate you for your time,” he said, but he sensed that wasn’t what was holding her back.
The sound of a phone ringing from the hallway interrupted them. “I should get that,” Andrea said. “It might be one of the electricians I called to come by and do an estimate.”
“No problem at all,” said Seth.
* * *
Andrea plucked her phone off the workbench and hesitated for a moment before answering.
Look where answering an unfamiliar number had landed her already this week.
She hit the button to send the call to voicemail, then took a moment alone in the foyer to gather herself before returning to the kitchen.
Seth Taylor was probably the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen, and while he spoke and moved with confidence, he didn’t possess the same arrogance as Harold, who seemed to believe the world revolved around him just because he had beautiful eyes and hair that waved just so.
Seth was smart, and genuine. And the way he spoke about the site and the potential plans for a dig stirred something in her. She might have walked away from her job, but her passion for her field and the curiosity about a potential discovery were too tempting to deny.
When she reentered the kitchen, Seth was at the sink, washing his mug with the sponge.
He’d taken off his leather jacket and hung it over his chair.
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that,” she said, noting the broadness of his shoulders and the perfect cut of his button-up shirt, his sleeves rolled up to reveal thick, toned forearms. Andrea swallowed.
Seth placed the mug on the drying rack, then looked up at her, his deep blue eyes sending a ripple of pleasure right through to her core. “So, what do you say?”
“I’ll come look,” Andrea said.
“Tomorrow?” Seth said. “I’ll pick you up.”
“I’m busy tomorrow. But I can do Friday,” she said. No need to be too available.
Seth nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up in a slight grin. “It’s a date,” he said.
It’s most certainly not a date, Andrea wanted to say, but instead, she showed Seth back to the foyer, and shook his hand again, this time without leaving his palm covered in dust.
“Looking forward to it,” Seth said, the warm, firm grip of his hand on hers sending a shiver of pleasure skating across her skin.
Seth Taylor was a handsome man, there was no denying it.
But this level of gorgeous? It was just the warning she needed to let go of his hand as quickly as was professional, and step back.
“Oh, and Andrea,” he said, placing his Stetson back on his head.
Even the way he said her name poured like a sultry kiss out of his lips, now smiling in a way that radiated confidence.
“Have you thought of a name for this place yet? I can start to spread the word.”
Andrea shook her head. She’d been mulling over some options ever since she’d signed the papers, but nothing was sticking just yet. “I haven’t,” she said. “It feels like a big commitment. I’ll be looking at it and saying it all the time. So I think I’ll know when I know.”
“I’m sure inspiration will strike soon,” said Seth as he descended the steps toward his car.
He looked around at the property, then back up at the doorway before he got in.
“Place like this? Hard not to be inspired. Bye, Andrea.” He slipped into the car and shut the door, and moments later the engine was roaring to life.
Andrea watched as Seth drove back toward the road, then took a few steps out on the ranch’s front porch, which wrapped around the building and would eventually make for the perfect spot to put out some rocking chairs, or maybe a swing.
Guests could sit and look out at the beautiful vista, relaxing in the serenity of the peaceful space while she worked in the background to keep the place clean and cozy, and make sure that a drink and a bite to eat was only ever a wave away.
Now she had to focus on finishing it, so she could open as soon as possible and start to generate revenue.
One step at a time.
Taking time off to indulge in Seth’s dino dig dreams was probably a mistake, but she’d already agreed. She’d go out once, have a look, give her two cents, then get back to work.
But as she glanced back at place where his car had been parked, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that Seth Taylor was going to be harder to dismiss than she’d like.