No One But You

in hand.
    “Wyatt?” She walked toward him in the glaring spring sunshine. “What are you doing here?”
    “Just thought I’d take one last look at my property.” He circled his car, stepping onto the sidewalk, tucking the phone into his pocket as he approached. “What about you?”
    “Back from the architect’s.” She tucked the canister of drawings under one arm. “Lots to do before we can break ground.”
    “I know all about it.” He stalked closer, looking good. Very good. “I signed the papers this morning. That means this land is almost yours.”
    “I know. I’m on my way to the closing office to sign.”
    “Then this is a big day. When I pulled up, it looked like you were doing a little daydreaming.”
    “Guilty as charged.”
    “I know what it’s like to have a dream and build it. It’s what I do for a living. Granted, I usually stand and envision an office building and not something as worthwhile as your shelter, but it’s still a big moment.”
    “It is. Now if I can just get everything in line for the construction phase.”
    “I take it from reading Ella Jean’s emails that you landed a construction grant.”
    “It covers only part of the cost. We’re getting a loan for the other half. It’s already approved. The construction company is planning to start next week, fingers crossed.”
    “That’s great news.”
    “It’s finally real. Thanks to you. I sent you an invitation to our ground-breaking ceremony. It should come in today’s mail.”
    “I’ll keep an eye out for it.” He slipped his hands into his pockets, studying her with a look that made her wonder if he was thinking about the last time they were together, and their almost kiss.
    “How’s the building permit coming along?” he asked.
    “Good question. The city is stretched thin in this economy, just like the rest of us.”
    “Maybe I can help. Don’t mean to take over. Just offering a helping hand, if you need one.”
    “Thanks.” The word didn’t come easily to her. “Anything for the shelter.”
    “Right. I’ve been emailing your son all week.” He glanced away, staring at the empty lot. “He asked me about the summer camp. Said it was okay with you if I looked into it for him.”
    “The experience might be good for him. He’s pretty excited about it.” Her throat felt tight with emotions she didn’t want to examine too closely, afraid of what she might find. “He said he saw you at the community center last night. You had your first league practice, but I didn’t see you there.”
    “We were on the other court. I’m still sore from it. I’m more out of shape than I thought, but it’s a good group. I fit in just fine. They’re participating in the hoop fest tomorrow.”
    “Don’t tell me you signed up, too?”
    “Bill at the center squeezed me in at the last minute. You wouldn’t want to sponsor me, would you?”
    She laughed, not knowing why she thought that was funny. “Sign me up, since you’re playing for my favorite cause.”
    “Thanks. At least I won’t be embarrassed. I have one sponsor.”
    “Surely you can come up with at least one more?”
    “Sure, but you’re the first.” His phone buzzed.
    Perfect timing. Something was happening between them. Her feelings were softening for him. That was not what she wanted. Not at all.
    “It’s the closing attorney,” he said. “I need to take this. Want to make sure there’s no last minute problems with the land transfer.”
    “Tell them I’m on my way.”
    “Will do. See you tomorrow bright and early.”
    “I’ll bring my checkbook,” she called over her shoulder. Every step took her farther away, but the sight of the man in his dark suit and tie, phone to his ear, lingered with her. So did the warmth in her heart…just friendship, or was it more?
    She didn’t not know.
    * * *
    Saturday morning sparkled around her. The hoop fest tournament, in full swing, was a spectacle of sights and sounds. Friends and family cheered on their teams, vendors sold wares, and the energy of the matches peppered the air as players charged, feinted and scored. Shouts rang, whistles blew and Mariah watched Jake on the sidelines, talking with his teammates, dressed to play.
    “His match is about to start.” Sunni nudged her. “I’ll take over the booth advertising the shelter. Go cheer for him.”
    “Thanks. Keep an eye out for Bill. He’s short a volunteer and one of us may need to help with the scoring sheets.”
    “I’ve got