Free Preserving Love: A Contemporary Romance Series (Nick & Lexi Book 2) by Kay Brody Page B

important. Things like community and friends. I saw people coming together over something important to them. I saw friends stand behind friends. I saw what it meant to belong somewhere. I saw all of that through my work in the community and it made me want more out of life. I had walked away from my career with a choice to settle down here in Asheville. Make a home and life in Western North Carolina with this lovely community and the woman that taught me just how important all of that would be. Alexis Haraway.”
    He took another breath and I steeled myself for what I already knew was about to come. What would surprise the rest of the attendees.  

    *****

Chapter 14
    Evan
    “I’m not here in Asheville simply because of the proposed resort,” I continued. “I am here because I chose to make Asheville my home. Because of the community. That much I want everyone to know and understand. My purpose here is because I want to be here.”
    I paused another moment, looking at Lexi and hoping to see her support. This was the hard part. The part where people were either going to love or hate me and I was afraid of which and from whom.
    A simple smile from her was all it took to find my courage.  
    “Lately I’ve seen a side of that community that upsets me. It’s not what drew me to the area. In fact, it’s made me question that decision. Before you start getting angry, let me talk a little more.”
    This was it. The time that I stood up for myself, Lexi and the community.  
    “The only reason that I am involved with this resort is because it was originally my design. You see, what I do with fighting for a development to be built is not my dream. Designing beautiful buildings like those found throughout the city is my dream. A long time ago, before I’d ever heard of this town, I designed a building that I had hoped to someday see implemented in one of the many cities I’d lived in.”
    The crowd went completely silent. No one could even hear a breath among them.  
    “GHM approached me not long after I’d resigned from my position with the decision to live here and offered to use that design if I would work on the project. I was going to turn it down once I realized that the proposed location was here in yet another historical district. I didn’t want to bring further problems and a worse reputation for myself to this beautiful community.”
    A few people whispered as I took another breath and reached for a drink of water. I heard Brad whisper from behind the makeshift curtain as well.  
    “What the fuck are you doing man?”
    “It was Lexi, known to many of you as Alexis, that convinced me to not give up on my dream. She had no clue what it entailed at the time or that it would involve the city. She just knew that my dream was to design a building and she encouraged me to do so. With her blessing, I accepted.”
    A few grumbles were heard, but I didn’t give them time to continue.  
    “As it turned out, it didn’t matter. The building that is proposed and the design I created are vastly different. Yet it is based on my design, and the rights were signed over, so I have continued with the project. But there have been many variables in this deal that I think the community has overlooked.”
    “Evan, you better get back on track!” I heard Brad hiss at me.  
    “First we have a big company that doesn’t know or care about the details of the community. They are in a business. That doesn’t make them bad, or wrong, it is just fact. They are here to do a job and go back to their own homes and families. So they are doing what is required to get that accomplished. This includes using any information that would benefit them in making this happen fast.”
    “Monroe!” Morgan was behind me now.  
    “They are a good company and their plan is a good one. A resort really would draw people to a place that I personally believe they would love. But their tactics aren’t necessarily something I would choose