“So then why live here? You could manage real estate anywhere.”
His brows drew downward in an expression of repressed fury. “Wow. Way to minimize my ‘little’ job, eh? It’s not like I run a multi-million dollar foundation, right?”
Heat flared in her cheeks. “I didn’t say that. All I meant was—”
“Ahem!” Antonio cut in. “Maybe we could go inside, rather than continuing arguing here on the street?”
Cam clamped her jaws shut. She had to remember why she was here. She and Jordan had to put their personal animosities aside if they hoped to make this deal work. She wanted this building, and judging by Jordan’s relentless pursuit, he wanted her to acquire it. So, why couldn’t they behave around each other long enough to make their one common goal happen? Would they always wind up sniping over stupid comments, each of them taking offense at the most innocuous statements? Well, she’d try to remain impassive and hope he followed her lead.
“You’re right, Antonio. Jordan, I apologize. Shall we?” She waved toward the locked door and stepped aside to give him a wide berth for his chair to roll through.
He pushed himself closer and held out the key to her. “Would you like to do the honors?”
She glanced at the door and noted the lock sat a good foot above the latch, probably out of Jordan’s reach. Her annoyance ebbed away, and a sliver of pity pierced her heart. No wonder he was so bitter. Things she took for granted—unlocking a door, finding a parking spot, or even dashing into a bodega for a bottle of water or a bag of chips—required planning and assistance for him. A man as physical and independent as Jordan used to be would probably find making the adjustment devastating.
“Sure.” She took the key and inserted it into the lock.
With Antonio’s help, she pushed open the heavy steel door.
“Light switch is on your left,” Jordan said as they went inside.
Antonio reached over, and with a click, the interior flooded with light. The empty space seemed massive, but Cam imagined the doorways to classrooms, the laughter of children and teens filling the emptiness.
They moved deeper into the vast open area, and Antonio let out a low whistle. “Nice place. Looks like it’s a good size, lots of natural light. I’m gonna go check out the wiring.” He leaned closer to her to whisper, “You okay down here with him?” Cam nodded, and Antonio looked over at Jordan. “Where’s the panelboard?”
Jordan pointed toward the rear doors. “Door back there, marked ‘Electrical Service.’ To the right of the utility closet.”
With a nod, Antonio toddled off, his tool belt dangling around his hips, giving him the stride of a sailor on a pitching deck.
Cam continued to envision how the place might look when it was ready for use for the foundation. Her architect had drawn up preliminary plans for the building, utilizing every bit of available space to its best advantage, including a greenhouse and vegetable garden out back to teach the children about responsibility, hard work, and healthy eating. Despite the vast nothingness, her brain filled in the blanks, and excitement grew. She hurried forward, turning in small circles as she pictured her vision come to life.
Her heels clacked on the floor in rapid succession, the sound thunderous in the cavernous space. Every noise seemed a slap at Jordan, who rolled along beside her, and she winced at how without meaning to, her very presence emphasized how far he’d fallen from the man she’d once known and loved. She should’ve worn jeans and sneakers, instead of a dress that showed off her legs and heels that emphasized every step she took. In trying to bolster her own ego, she’d managed to obliterate his. Talk about clueless. She glanced at him, and guilt constricted her ribcage.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured.
He stopped in mid-roll to stare at her in confusion. “For what? You don’t like the building?”
“No. I’m sorry I’m walking so fast.”
To her surprise, he laughed. “Don’t slow down on my account. And don’t apologize either. It’s not like I resent everyone around me because they still have two working legs.”
“Well, you definitely resent me for something.”
OH, HE HAD PLENTY OF reasons to resent Cameron Delgado. But here and now was not the time, nor the place, for that confrontation. Besides, she’d already managed to take him by surprise simply with the outfit she’d chosen to wear today. She looked like she was about to launch into a day of shopping, brunch, and a trip to the salon with her girlfriends, rather than inspect a dusty old office building.
All part of Cam’s arsenal of quixotic charms. She had the ability to bring joy and color to the dullest activity with her choice of wardrobe, her talent for finding the humor in any situation, and her exuberant spirit. Yet, he also knew she saved her brightest fashions and snarkiest jokes for those instances when her ego was at its lowest.
Had he brought out that self-doubt in her? He didn’t know how to feel about the possibility. Guilt mixed with a smidge of satisfaction. Toss in regret. Shake well and serve.
To change the subject, he pointed to the wall of windows that overlooked the busy street outside. “Plenty of space to display the little ones’ artwork, and with the sheer number of
