“Wonderful. I’m hoping to steal her to be the executive chef for the restaurant I have planned.”
Piper had a better chance of the town council approving this development than getting Zoe to leave her future husband’s B&B to cook someplace else. But he didn’t say so. In a way he felt sorry for the woman. He could tell this project meant a lot to her. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed her reddened face. “Are you okay? Do I need to slow down?”
“No. I’m fine, just embarrassed. I didn’t mean to blurt out that I was here to steal the B&B’s cook. But since I opened my big mouth, I might as well tell you I know her reputation, which is why I chose to stay at the bed-and-breakfast.”
He chuckled at her confession. Nothing about Piper was big, including her attractive mouth. She was taller than a lot of women but still about six inches shorter than him. He wiped his brow. Oh boy, he’d better change the direction of his thoughts. How had his attention shifted so quickly from the development of the land to unsettling details about this woman?
She caught up with him and matched his stride as they exited the woods. “What was so funny back there?”
“You saying you have a big mouth.” He looked at her lips—pink as cherry blossoms and soft looking as the peaches that grew on the tree in his yard.
She laughed. “That was a figure of speech. I sometimes talk too much, hence the big mouth comment. But you’re right about the size of my mouth, at least according to my orthodontist who mentioned it every time I had an appointment as a teen.” She flashed her perfectly straight teeth.
He grinned, liking this relaxed version of Piper as she rambled, actually preferred it to the professional businesswoman she projected so well. They came out of the woods into the clearing where they’d left their vehicles. He leaned against his Toyota Tacoma. “You know the way back?”
“I follow this road right?”
“Pretty much. There are signs leading to the B&B, so you shouldn’t get lost as long as you don’t make a wrong turn.”
“Well, it’s not like this place is huge. And it is an island.” She flashed another sweet smile. “I think I’ll be okay. Thanks for the tour.”
“My pleasure.” He dipped his head. “See you around.”
“Hey.” Piper stopped him with a hand on his forearm. “Could we meet sometime this week? I would like to run my plans past you.”
“But I thought you…” Better not tell her his thoughts yet. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her she should toss her plans and take a hike. She seemed nice enough and deserved to be heard out. Besides, if she was still planning on destroying the island, he’d need to know what she was up to. “Sure. I’ll stop by the Wildflower or text you.”
“Thanks.” She slid behind the wheel, tooted her horn, and drove off.
Too bad Piper Hunt was on an expedition to destroy this island, because under different circumstances, he’d enjoy getting to know her. For now, though, he had to figure out a way to make her leave.
Chapter Two
Piper parked her car in front of a large, two-story Victorian house and got out, noting the fresh white paint Chase mentioned having a hand in. She was too early for check in and didn’t think the owner would mind her wandering around outside. She followed the path and found herself behind the house with a magnificent view of the Puget Sound. Sailboats dotted the view in the distance and seagulls screeched overhead. She’d always loved the water, and the serenity of the Sound drew her like a child to candy. She could stand here all day, but she had work to do. Maybe the owner would allow her to check in early.
She retraced her steps, grabbed her suitcase and strolled up the stairs. Purple flowers hung from a basket giving off a sweet smell on the covered porch, and a swing to the left of the door swayed as if recently occupied. What a cozy looking place. When booking her reservation, she had paid little attention to details beyond the fact that the cook was an acclaimed five-star chef. Looking around her now, the picturesque house was a pleasant surprise.
The front door swung open and a small child darted out. “I’m playing outside, Uncle Nick,” the boy shouted over his shoulder as he raced down the steps. Seeing Piper, he stopped abruptly. “Hi. Who are you?”
Piper smiled and offered her hand. “I’m Piper Hunt. And who are you?”
“Aiden. This is my uncle’s place.” He took her hand and solemnly shook it.
“Aiden.” A voice drifted from within the house. A man, approximately six feet tall, with brown wavy hair stepped onto the porch. “Hey, little buddy, you know you’re not supposed…” His gaze met hers. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realize there was anyone out here. You must be Ms. Hunt.” He offered her a smile.
“I’ve heard about small town rumor mills, but that is amazing.”
He chuckled. “Actually, you are our only new guest today. Mid-week is usually slow.”
“I see. In that case, is it okay if I check in early?”
“Sure. How about you meet me at the reception desk inside. I’ll be right in.”
She grabbed her small suitcase, briefcase, and purse. “It’s pretty here.” Piper passed him on the stairs as he headed toward his nephew. She paused inside the doorway, curious about what he would say to the child.
“Aiden, you know better than to go running out the front door without me or Zoe with you.”
“I’m five, Uncle Nick. I can play outside alone.”
Piper grinned as she walked to the reception desk, remembering how busy she’d been as a kid. With an island like this to play on, it was no wonder Aiden wanted to run wild. The front door opened and Aiden strode inside, accompanied by Nick. “May I watch cartoons?”
“Yes, leave the door to the kitchen open.”
“Okay.” Aiden darted to the left and out of sight.
“He’s a cute kid.”
“Thanks. I’m watching him until Friday for my brother.” He grinned and handed her a piece of paper. “If you will sign here, you’ll be all set.”
She scribbled her name on the page.
“Thank you.” He handed her a key and a card. “The card has all the information you’ll need regarding the B&B procedures. You’re in the Poppy room. I’ll show you the way.” He slipped from behind the reception desk. “May I carry your suitcase for you?”
“Sure. Thanks.” Though not large, the case was heavy. She’d never actually stayed in a B&B before and wasn’t sure what to expect. In fact she’d probably packed more than necessary, but better safe than sorry.
At the top of the stairs he turned left, and she followed. “Here it is. If you need anything and you can’t find me, my cell number is on the card. Feel free to call it anytime while you’re a guest of the Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast.”
“Thanks. I heard you have a famous chef working here.”
His face lit. “You mean Zoe. She’s incredible. You’re in luck. The normal mid-week cook is sick, so you’ll get to sample Zoe’s food this afternoon. We serve a tea, or light snack if you’d rather call it that, between three and four in the dining room.”
She glanced at the card, which had a small map of the house on one side. “Perfect. Thank you.” Nick went down the stairs. She slid the key into the lock, pushed the door open, and entered the room. Fresh daisies sat in a clear vase on an antique dresser. A queen size bed took up the majority of the space, but a small table and chair placed beside a window overlooking the Sound would be the perfect place to re-work her design plans.
She rolled her suitcase to the closet and slid it inside. She’d unpack later. Right now returning Dad’s call was more important. He needed to know her change in direction. She pulled out her cell and touched his number in her contacts list. “Hey, Dad. I saw the property. Well, at least the portion of the acreage with the lake.”
“What’d you think? It’s something, right?”
“That’s for sure, but I don’t think my original concept is right for this island.” She cringed at her words. Dad didn’t need a reaso
n to doubt her, especially after what happened last time, but getting this right was more important than her pride. Ever since she’d walked into the general store she’d had a feeling her plans were all wrong.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” He sounded more curious than surprised.
“I’m not sure yet, but I know whatever I do needs to fit the historical feel and laid-back vibe of the island. Even the golf club and restaurant are rustic compared to what I’d had in mind. I don’t want to ruin the charm of this place by over-developing the property.”
Silence.
“Dad?”
“I’m here. Just thinking. Go with your gut and let me know what you come up with. Do you need me to send someone down there to help?”
A surge of frustration shot through her at the suggestion. Why did he think she needed help? She was a professional and would prove herself to her dad once and for all. “No. I can do it.” She’d been fascinated by buildings and design most of her life and held a degree in both architecture and interior design. Considering the family business, she was glad she had pursued both fields of study. “I’ll call you in a few days after I have a new plan drawn up.”
“Sounds good. So you’re really going to stay on the island while you’re doing this?”
“Yes, I’m going to spend at least this week. I need to meet people and see what kind of labor force is here.” Plus, she welcomed a break from her parents. She’d seen the look of doubt in their eyes when she showed them her drawings for this project. It hadn’t been the first time she’d felt their lack of confidence in her abilities. She was determined to prove herself, and the Wildflower resort project was her best chance. “Bye, Dad. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
She laid the phone on the table beside the window and pulled out the plans for the resort. The changes wouldn’t be all that drastic really, simply scaled back to fit with the island. She still believed this place had the potential to bring added revenue for the locals, not to mention the profit it could add to the coffers of Hunt Enterprises. Now to figure out how to adjust her plan so that the locals would work with her rather than against her.
She stared out the window. In the distance, a sailboat drifted on the placid water. She’d always wanted to try sailing. Maybe she would while she was here.
She turned her attention back to the plans and sighed. So much for the upscale resort she’d had in mind. But what would she do now? One thing was certain: to get the town council to approve her plans, she needed to have Chase on her side—especially if his attitude was indicative of the rest of the residents.
Chase sat in the kitchen of the Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast behind closed doors, a cup of coffee in his hand. He hadn’t known where else to turn after going home from his meeting with Piper. He needed to talk to someone, so he’d decided to come here instead of staying at home. He’d come up empty on ideas of how to get her to abandon her plans, or abandon the island all together. He sipped the rich brew, then sighed.
Nick sat beside him nursing his own cup of coffee, and Zoe stood across the kitchen island from them. Zoe shook her head, her blonde hair swaying with the motion, and spoke in a hushed tone. “I really don’t see why you’re panicking, Chase. This island could benefit from a resort. Think of the jobs it would create.”
Chase turned to Nick, careful to keep his voice low. “Please tell me that you are on my side.”
“I don’t know, Chase. I agree with Zoe. We shouldn’t judge until we see what she has in mind. Piper seems nice, and Aiden likes her. They met when she first arrived. Aiden is a good judge of character, and I’m inclined to agree with him, even if he is only five. I say we give her the benefit of the doubt for now.”
Chase gripped the ceramic cup tighter. He shouldn’t have expected his friends to understand his position. They didn’t have the same connection to the land he did. He could talk with the town council, but they’d run Piper off without so much as a how-do-you-do. That wasn’t what he wanted either. From the short time he’d spent with the woman he liked her and didn’t want to see her hurt, but if she was determined to change this island, one, if not all of them, was bound to get hurt.
Nick and Zoe spoke in hushed tones. He focused in on their conversation.
Zoe placed a tray on the granite countertop. “I don’t know about the two of you, but I want to get to know this woman and see what she has in mind. I really think Wildflower Island could benefit from a resort.”
Chase scrubbed his hand over his face. “A place like that could put you out of business.”
Nick shook his head. “We have a different clientele. The kind of people who enjoy resorts are not the same as those who prefer B&B’s. I’m not worried about losing business. Besides I could always open a part time practice.” His brow furrowed. “I know I sold my clinic not that long ago, but this island could use a doctor.”
Chase clenched his jaw. Clearly he hadn’t found allies in Nick and Zoe, but maybe it was best to take their advice and not judge yet.
Zoe placed tea sandwiches on the tray, then pulled a fruit platter from the fridge. “Would you like to stay for our afternoon tea, Chase?”
“I should go. The two of you have a business to run, and so do I.” Work awaited him. He had enough clients lined up in Tacoma to keep him busy until the holidays.
“Suit yourself,” Zoe said. “But Piper will probably come down for a snack. She’s been holed up in her room since she arrived. I imagine she’s hungry.” She hoisted a platter and breezed past him.
Nick grabbed the second platter. “If you change your mind, you know where the food is.”
Chase stood and followed his friends. He heard voices murmuring on the other side of the door and hesitated. Maybe he should leave through the back way instead. The door swung open. Piper stood at the dining room table on the other side of the swinging door. Her eyes met his and widened.
“Hi there.” There was no escaping now. He ambled into the room. He may not appreciate her mission, but rudeness wasn’t his style.
“Hi yourself. I didn’t think I’d see you again so soon.”
He raised a shoulder. Large sheets of paper spread across one half of the table grabbed his attention. Were those what he thought they were? He looked again. Sure enough, Piper’s plans for the resort stared up at him
Aiden sat coloring the plans with crayons. Why would Piper allow a little kid to ruin her plans? Maybe they were only a copy. He reached for a finger sandwich, then moved behind Aiden and looked over the top of his head at what appeared to be the design for an elaborate development.
A huge pavilion perched beside the lake, along with a paved parking lot that looked to be at least two acres in size. He’d have to study the plans more to know for sure. And were those cabins dotting the woods? Where was the hotel? He looked a little closer and realized it was in the pavilion. She even had plans for a building that housed paddleboats and bicycles. His stomach soured. “Excuse me. I need to head out.” He nodded to no one in particular but noticed the frown on Piper’s face before he bolted.
The design was even more elaborate than he’d imagined. No way would he allow that woman to follow through on her plans. He’d stop her even if it took making an offer on the land himself and sinking every penny he had into the purchase.
Chapter Three
The next day Zoe sat on a barstool in the kitchen thumbing through a bridal magazine. She and Nick had yet to set a date, mostly because she wasn’t sure what kind of wedding she wanted. She’d dreamed of a fairytale wedding when she was younger but now wasn’t so sure. Nick had been married before, so he didn’t seem to care what kind of wedding they had.
Warm hands slid around her waist, and she smelled Nick’s familiar spicy, musky scent. “What’re you looking at?” He nestled a kiss into the side of her neck.
“A bridal magazine.” She flipped it closed and spun slowly on the stool to face him. “Are you sure you don’t want to have a say in our wedding plans?”
He shrugged. “I’d like it to be soon and preferably small, but other than that I really don’t care.”
Small and soon only left one option, and she rather liked it. She’d spotted a tea-length, flutter sleeve dress in the boutique in town. It was vintage and happened to be in her size. Zoe slid off the stool. “I have an idea. Do you mind if I take off for an hour? There’s something I’d like to check out.”
He lifted a brow. “Sure. I can hold things together here. Will you be back in time for afternoon tea?”
She glanced at her watch and sighed. “It will be close. If I’m not back by then, there’s a fruit platter in the fridge. Add meats and cheeses and the artisan bread to another plate and that will do for today.”
“Nothing sweet?” Disappointment sounded in his voice.
She was beginning to think her doctor—turned B&B owner—fiancé had a sweet tooth.
“Fruit is sweet, but no pastries today. I’ll bake cookies tomorrow. I need to get out of here if I have any hope of returning in time.” She placed a soft peck on his lips and moved to go, but he captured her in his arms.
“Not so fast.” Nick’s warm lips covered hers in a toe tingling kiss. He pulled back slowly and grinned. “Something to remember me by.”
She chuckled and scooted past him before he kissed her again. They definitely needed to move their wedding plans along. She grabbed her purse and hustled to her red convertible.
Nick clicked on the Deckers’ reservation and printed it out. They seemed nice, which was good. He handed them the instruction card that Zoe had created. “You’ll find a map of the house on the back and instructions regarding breakfast and our afternoon tea. House rules are on the front.” He palmed two keys for the Orchid room. “Please follow me, and I will show you to your room.” He led the way up the stairs and down the hall, then handed them their keys. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Island Dreams (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 2) Page 2
