Josh’s face fell. “Is lunch over already?”
Elsie checked her watch. “Ten minutes ago, actually. Sorry I was a little late. But no cavities for Molly.”
“That’s great!” Piper might have been a little over-enthusiastic, but she was eager to get back to training. Also, she wasn’t sure she could handle one more comment about the virtues of spandex bikewear. She stood and turned to Josh. “Thanks so much for lunch. It was delicious.”
Disappointment still lined his face. “We’ll do it again soon. I usually order in on busy days, so you’ll have to let me know your favorite restaurants around here.”
“There’s an entire file filled with menus. I’ll show you where they are,” Elsie added. “Can I help clean up?”
“Yes, me too.” Piper didn’t wait for an answer as she began closing cartons and clearing off Josh’s desk.
“Thanks, ladies.” Josh gave Piper a grateful smile and then stood. “Since you two will be busy training, I’m going to head out on a few errands. I’ll be back in an hour or so.” He looked at Elsie. “Forward any important calls my way—especially if you hear back on the Briarwood sale. We need to get going on the paperwork.”
Piper kept her mouth shut. She wasn’t about to broach that topic again, though she hoped for Savannah’s sake the broker would give on the whole confidentiality thing. Piper stacked the cartons, mulling it over. If they were sticklers on privacy, it was highly unlikely they would let Savannah use the chalet for weddings.
“Let me help you with those, dear,” Elsie said, taking the carton tower from Piper. “We can keep them in the mini fridge. I’ll show you where it is.”
“Thanks.” Piper followed her into the front reception area, and then down a back hallway near the restroom.
“See you soon, Piper,” Josh said, giving her a nice smile.
“Okay.” She smiled back, grateful that for once, he didn’t wink.
Chapter Fifteen
Drew drove up the winding drive to Briarwood Chalet. He’d driven past it before, knowing as soon as he saw the place that he wanted it. Once he’d discovered it was empty, he’d put things in motion to acquire the property. Now that the sale was going through, he needed to do a more thorough inspection.
He’d called the real estate office earlier, hoping Josh could meet him during his lunch break, but had been surprised to hear Piper’s voice on the line. He hadn’t anticipated she would be taking calls her first day on the job, and like an idiot he’d tried to mask his voice and said he’d call later. Now here he was, hoping that Tom, their broker, would be able to get the call through to Josh to come and meet him. With Gran’s impending arrival, he needed to get a move on with any necessary remodeling. They’d arranged to rent from the previous owner, who lived overseas, until the sale was final.
Drew parked his car in the curved driveway that led up to the massive front doors. He stepped out and smiled. The chalet was impressive, constructed of huge pine logs, rustic beams and windows showcasing the mountain views. Best of all, it was completely swallowed in the mountains, with acre upon acre of pines that ran as far as the eye could see.
Gran was going to love it.
Drew closed the door and slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks, his mind drifting to Piper again. He wished she could be here to see it with him. An idea took hold in his mind. She was always talking about the mountains. She would love it up here. He’d planned to take her to a nice restaurant on their date tonight . . . but what if he brought her here instead?
He put a hand to his chin and surveyed the area, his mind churning. How could he explain why they were there? He walked around the building that was big enough to be considered a small hotel. He’d seen pictures of a large stone fire pit in the back, and a gazebo that looked out over the mountains. There was even a luxury hot tub . . .
He forced his mind to stop there. He was going to take things slow with Piper and seeing her in a bathing suit wouldn’t help that cause. Besides, even though the sale was going through, the property wasn’t technically Gran’s. Yet.
He circled to the back and nodded in satisfaction. The fire pit was perfect for what was sure to be a chilly evening. And there were several tables and chairs. Now all he had to do was come up with an excuse. The idea came faster than he’d expected, like a lightbulb just waiting to be flipped on. Not only could he bring Piper here for dinner, but it would allow him to have her meet Gran next week as well. He pulled out his cell and dialed Gran’s number, but before it rang a man came around the side of the chalet.
“Hello?”
Drew cancelled the call and forced a smile on his face. “You must be Josh. Thanks for meeting me here.” He stepped forward, shaking Josh’s hand and noting with satisfaction that Josh was a few inches shorter than he was . . . but that still didn’t keep him from wishing there was a big birthmark or other deformity on Josh’s pretty-boy face.
Josh smiled and returned the handshake. “Drew Livingston?”
Drew nodded and dropped his hand to his side. “I’m Margaret Livingston’s grandson. I’ll be handling the sale on behalf of my grandmother.”
“Great. I got the call from Tom and came up as soon as I could. I hope you haven’t been here long?”
“Just a few minutes.” Drew rocked on his heels, forcing himself not to ask about Piper. “This is quite a place.”
“It certainly is. I’m confident your grandmother will be happy here.”
Drew tipped his head. “Of course. Although she’ll most likely only visit in the summer. She doesn’t tolerate the cold well.”
Josh nodded. “Yeah, the winters can be harsh. Will you be staying here with her?”
“I haven’t decided yet.” Since Drew was handling the sale and signing documents, it was necessary for Josh to know his identity. But the last thing he wanted was for Piper to find out about it. That would be tricky, with her working right under Josh’s nose. “I understand Tom gave explicit instructions on confidentiality?” he asked.
Josh nodded, reminding Drew of one of those bobble-head dolls—constantly nodding and smiling. The image made him feel better and he cleared his throat. “I can’t stress enough how important that is. Our family is involved in certain—delicate—matters, and Gran needs this place as an escape. It’s imperative that you not mention our name to anyone.”
Josh’s face straightened. “Absolutely. We’ll use complete discretion. Of course, I may need to have my assistant involved, but I’ll make sure she is fully aware of the confidentiality clause.”
“No,” Drew said, a little too forcefully
Josh raised an eyebrow and Drew kept steady eye contact. “I’m sorry, but not even your assistant can know, or the deal’s off. I’m requesting to solely work with you on this transaction. That way I’ll know who to blame if word gets out.”
Josh paled. “Of course. That’s fine. A little unorthodox, maybe—but I understand.”
Drew gave him a curt nod and relaxed now that they’d reached an understanding. If Piper found out about him, it would ruin everything, and that wasn’t a risk he was willing to take. “Tell me a little about the property,” he said, lightening the mood.
Josh straightened. “Absolutely. Have you seen inside yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Great. I’ll take you in and give you the tour.”
“Sounds good.” Drew took one last look around the outdoor space. In only a few hours, he would be back here with Piper. He couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face as he turned and followed Josh toward the chalet.
Chapter Sixteen
“Piper, is that you?” Savannah called from the kitchen.
Piper winced. She’d tried to come in quietly after work, hoping to avoid seeing Savannah and breaking the bad news. No such luck.
Savannah stepped into the hallway, her face tight. “How was your first day?”
Piper hung up her purse, knowing the real question her friend wanted to ask. She turned, he
r mouth pulling into a frown. “It was good. But . . . I asked Josh about Briarwood.”
Savannah clasped her hands. She seemed to be holding her breath. “And?”
Piper’s shoulders fell. “It turns out he isn’t allowed to talk about the new owner. Not even with me. He met with him this afternoon and the owner insisted on complete confidentiality. Josh is expediting the paperwork and the owner has requested to rent the place and move in next week, before the sale is even official.” She frowned. “I’m so sorry, Savannah. I know this is a major blow.”
Savannah leaned against the wall and put a hand over her eyes. “It’s okay. Thanks for trying.” She dropped her hand and gave Piper a weak smile. “Sharon and I have been busy looking into other venues. I found a nice place up Trapper’s Canyon. It’s no Briarwood, but it will have to do. I’ll start the phone calls to the couples in the morning.”
Piper’s face pinched. Savannah’s clients were high-end and many of them would likely not take the news well. “I wish there was more I could do. Do you want me to ask Josh if he knows of any other venues available that could be rented for weddings?”
Savannah shook her head. “You’re sweet to offer, but I know you’ve got enough on your plate trying to learn the ropes,” she paused, “and bonding with your new boss. So tell me—was there any chemistry between you two?” Her blue eyes sparkled as she wiggled her eyebrows.
Piper snorted. “It was my first day. I was so busy trying to learn that there was hardly time to think about chemistry.”
Savannah shrugged. “When there are sparks, there are sparks. It’s not something that requires extra thought.”
Piper acknowledged the remark with a nod. There were certainly sparks with Drew, right from the moment she’d laid eyes on him. An excited flutter filled her chest at the thought of their date. He would pick her up in less than two hours.
Savannah tilted her head. “What’s that smile?” Her eyes widened. “There were sparks, weren’t there? I can see it in your eyes!”
Piper laughed. “I promise to fill you in on any sparks that may or may not take place from here on out. But for now, I want to take a nice long shower and get ready for my date with Drew.”
Savannah took a step back. “You’re going out again tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Hm.” She tapped her chin.
“What?” Piper gave a small laugh, trying to play it cool. “He’s a good friend, that’s all.”
Savannah gave her a look. “A friend you’ve kissed. Is he picking you up here?”
“I think so.”
“Good.” She smirked. “I want to meet this ‘friend’ of yours.”
Piper rolled her eyes at Savannah’s air quotes, biting back a smile as she headed toward her bedroom. She could pretend all she wanted, but Savannah knew her too well. The truth was, the jittery anticipation she felt at seeing Drew again went far beyond mere friendship.
Chapter Seventeen
Piper’s stomach erupted in butterflies when she heard the doorbell ring.
Savannah paused the TV and jumped up from the couch. “I’ll get it,” she sang, giving Piper a teasing smile.
Piper winked before she realized what she was doing. Were winks contagious? Savannah skipped out of the room, her dark hair swinging. For a split second, Piper worried about letting Drew meet her. With her shiny raven hair and blue eyes, Savannah was one of those girls who always turned heads. Would Drew be more interested in her, like Greg had been?
They’d agreed to have Savannah answer the door so she would have an excuse to meet Drew. Piper listened from the living room. She heard Drew’s low voice and warmth radiated down low in her belly.
“Hi. Is Piper here?” she heard him ask.
“Yes, come on in,” Savannah answered. “Piper!” she called.
Piper got up from the couch and made her way to the entry.
“I’m Savannah, Piper’s roommate.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Drew.”
“Drew . . .?” Savannah waited for him to fill in his last name.
He cleared his throat. “Drew Carson.”
Piper entered the hallway. Drew wore a polite smile as he shook hands with Savannah, but as soon as he saw Piper the smile reached his brown eyes. His gaze locked on hers and her heart melted.
“Hey,” he said, dropping the handshake and stepping forward to give Piper a hug. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” she said, a little breathless. It was hard to think straight when his arms were around her. The hug was brief, but it warmed her entire body.
Savannah stood behind Drew. She grinned at Piper, widening her eyes in a “holy cow, he’s hot!” look.
Piper bit her lip, fighting a smile.
“This is a nice place,” Drew commented as he pulled away.
“Thanks,” she said. “We really like it here.”
“You’ve decorated it nicely.” He glanced around the space. “Our apartment still has bare walls.”
“Piper could help you with that,” Savannah interjected. “She’s the one behind most of the decorating here. She has an eye.”
Drew glanced at Piper. “Really? That would be great.”
Piper’s cheeks warmed. “I’d be happy to help, but you’d probably want to ask your sister first. I’m sure she has some decorating ideas.”
Savannah frowned at her but she ignored the look. She would love an excuse to spend more time with Drew, but she didn’t want to step on Olivia’s toes.
“I’ll ask,” he said, “but I’m sure she’d love your help. We both would.”
The smile he gave her made her heart stutter. “Okay.” She glanced down, needing to collect her thoughts. “I hope I’m dressed alright. I didn’t know what the plan was.” She’d tried on four different outfits before deciding on a mustard mock turtleneck sweater, distressed skinny jeans, and ankle boots.
His eyes took on the mischievous glint she’d come to recognize. “It’s a surprise. But you’re dressed great. You’ll just want a jacket if you have one.”
Piper raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, something outside then?”
“Possibly.” One side of his mouth lifted.
“Well, you guys have fun.” Savannah’s gaze travelled between them, her eyes bright. “It was nice to meet you, Drew.”
“You too.” He gave her a friendly nod.
She nodded back, and when his attention was diverted, she gave Piper a cheesy grin and two thumbs up.
Piper had to dip her head to keep from laughing. Nothing made Savannah happier than seeing a potential couple in the making, so she was grateful when Savannah turned and walked toward the living room. Piper wasn’t sure she could handle one more goofy expression from her friend without reacting. Her senses were already on high alert, and it wouldn’t take much to tip them into nervous laughter, or some other embarrassing display. Drew had a dizzying effect on her. And the way he looked in his jeans and high collar sweater—not to mention the intoxicating scent of his cologne—caused the butterflies in her stomach to swarm into a frenzy.
“Let me just grab a jacket and I’ll be ready,” she said.
“Sure.” Drew waited as she opened the coat closet and grabbed her dark grey pea coat jacket. It was warm and stylish, and it complemented her outfit well.
She smiled as he helped her put the jacket on. It was nice to know chivalry wasn’t dead.
“See you later, Savannah,” Piper called down the hallway. The TV was already going again.
“See you!”
Drew held the door open for Piper and they stepped out into the mild spring evening. “How do you feel about shish kabobs?” he asked, taking her hand in his as they walked down the steps.
Piper’s heart beat rapidly, thrilling at his touch. His hand was warm and strong. It fit perfectly with hers. “I’m definitely pro shish kabob.”
He grinned. “Good. I made a couple different kinds, some without meat in case you’re vegetarian.”
She quir
ked an eyebrow. “You made us dinner? I’m impressed.”
He gave her a sideways smile. “I’m a man of many hidden talents.”
“Apparently.” Her pulse quickened at his smile, the look in his eyes giving her tingles. She cleared her throat. “And for future reference, I’m not vegetarian. It’s kind of hard to be when you work in a steak house.”
“True.” He gave a quick nod and opened the passenger door.
She climbed in and he closed the door, circling around to his side. Piper loved the way his broad shoulders moved when he walked.
He got in and started up the engine. “I didn’t want to bug you all day with texts, but how did your first day go?”
“It was good.” She fastened her seatbelt and relaxed back into her seat.
He glanced at her, his brown eyes coaxing. “Good? I’m gonna need more than that.”
She lifted a shoulder. “There’s a lot to learn, and I’m a little overwhelmed. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. In another week or two, I’ll have it down.”
“I have no doubt.” He smiled, turning his eyes back to the road as he made his way into traffic. “And your boss? How do you like working with him?”
She may have imagined it, but she could have sworn his jaw muscle twitched.
“He’s great.”
His eyes flicked to her, something passing over his expression before he masked it with a smile. “Good.”
The car was filling with an awkward tension, so she changed the subject. “How was work for you today?”
He shrugged. “Just another day at the bank. No pretty redheads came through my line, so that was disappointing.”
She laughed. “I wish I had enough money to make deposits every day.”
He laughed too, but a thoughtful crease formed between his brows. “What would you do if you had that kind of money?”
The question threw her. She looked outside, not really seeing anything. “I-I’m not sure.” In all the years she’d dreamed about having money, she’d never really thought about what she would do with it. To her, money meant one thing—security. It was more than independence. She had that, even with her meager waitressing wages. But security meant she wouldn’t ever go hungry again. That she would always have a place to live. That her kids could take karate or ballet lessons if they wanted to. Sure, exotic vacations and a fancy wardrobe would be nice, but it was security more than anything that she craved—something she’d been without for the majority of her life. Her thoughts strayed with a guilty stab to her mom’s unreturned call before Drew broke through the silence.
Lucky You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 1) Page 8
