My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1)

by Jackie Castle

  Jeremy could imagine what Colton was thinking. He’d lost his wife a few years ago and hadn’t been the same since.

  “Good night,” Jeremy said with a small wave toward Elisa’s family. “I’ll see you all in the morning.” As he started toward the exit, Duncan was at his side and leading him toward a quiet corner just outside of the room. “What’s up, Dunc?”

  Duncan narrowed his eyes at him. Only family got away with shortening his name. Jeremy enjoyed the nickname a little too much.

  “Listen, I’m seriously concerned about Melody. Is the resort in trouble?”

  Jeremy shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure, honestly. She asked for advice on seeking out investors. That’s all.” He planned to stick around another day or two and see if she’d open up more to him, but wouldn’t push her.

  Duncan poked at Jeremy’s chest. “Why don’t you offer to invest—”

  “Do I tell you how to manage your jewelry stores?” Jeremy was already shaking his head. “I don’t tell any of you how to manage your affairs, and I think we should keep it that way.”

  Folding his arms over his chest, Duncan leveled his gaze on Jeremy. “When I wanted to sell the stores, I came to you and Suzette for advice. Did I not?”

  “That’s right. You came to us. I’ve not asked for anyone’s advice. Besides, it’s not that simple. I still work for the firm, I don’t run it, yet. And I won’t until I’ve met Father’s conditions. And I’m afraid, as much as I’d like to help Mel if she’d let me, investing in a ski resort is not a sound financial decision. They are too risky and most of them are struggling to stay afloat with the changing weather conditions and all the global warming threats. I’d never get the firm to stand behind me.”

  Jeremy started heading for the front doors. He didn’t want to discuss Melody’s problems. Not when he knew so little himself.

  Duncan followed along. “She’s been a long-time family friend. Her parents were dear friends with our parents if you recall. I think we should discuss—”

  Jeremy stopped and faced Duncan. “I’d advise you to take care in what you sink your money into, brother. Don’t let your heart rule your head. We have to show a profit and you, dear brother, are still deep in the red from what I can see.”

  Duncan nodded. “That’s true, but if my projections are correct, I’ll be fine.”

  “So long as you stay on course.” He patted his brother’s arm. “Don’t fret. I’ll see what I can do to help our friend. I’ll not leave her to drown, I promise.”

  Duncan finally smiled. “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. Out of all of us, I think you’re best suited to help if she wants it.”

  “Right. If she wants it. That’s the big question.” He shook his brother’s hand, then went to retrieve his coat that was hanging in the foyer. Once bundled up, he hit the door at the same moment Melody was coming inside covered in snow.

  “Bundle up, Jeremy. It’s really coming down. Which is wonderful. The slopes will be awesome tomorrow. Will you be skiing while you’re here?”

  “Uhhh….” Jeremy stammered. He’d not skied in years. Matter-of-fact, he’d not done anything fun since he’d joined his father’s financial firm straight from college. “I don’t know. I was hoping to get a few—”

  “Do not tell me you brought your work up here with you, Jeremy Cole Grimwood!”

  He ducked his head guiltily which made Melody laugh. It was like the sound of tinkling bells in his ears. Why did she have to be so delightful? Even more so now than when they were children.

  Her head tilted sideways as if he’d just told her that summer had come too early. “No, just no. Listen,” her hands went around his arm as she walked him outside. “First thing tomorrow morning, I’m coming to get you, Mister. And we are going to be the first to hit the slopes.”

  Jeremy started to shake his head. “I don’t have—”

  “I’ll get you outfitted, don’t you worry. Whatever you need. We’ll spend all morning on the slopes. You deserve to have some fun. I’m not going to be able to stand it if you’re here working during your stay. Please?”

  He wanted to go more than anything. Except…he had brought work with him. At least nothing that was too pressing. Maybe if he stayed up a couple of hours tonight, he could get some of it done.

  Melody turned him so he had to face her. They still stood under the portico. Beyond, white fluff fell from the night sky. The lanterns lining the walkways were circled in snowy, golden halos. A blanket of white, nearly three inches thick, lined the roadways.

  “I’m not supposed to go out by myself and my helpers are all busy in the morning. So you’d be doing me a big favor by agreeing to go with me.” She leaned into him, which set his heart pounding so fast heat built up in his chest. “Please?”

  Jeremy thought for a moment, then an idea came to him. “I will on one condition.”

  “What?” Melody asked with caution.

  “I’ll spend the morning skiing with you, if you’ll sit down in the afternoon and explain to me why you need an investor. I want you to tell me what’s really going on. Maybe I can—”

  “I didn’t bring it up hoping for handouts, Jeremy.” She took a step away. “I’m not…I can handle this. I only need to know what options I have. I…you’re a good friend. Your whole family is very dear to me. I’ll not… I don’t wish to look as if I’m taking advantage of—”

  His admiration for her grew even more. Melody came from money, though not like his family had. Of course, money was easily spent, but not always so easily earned. That was one of Father’s favorite sayings.

  “I get it. But maybe if I understand what’s going on, I can help. I’m only offering advice. Maybe I can connect you with the right people, if necessary. I’m not looking to try to bail you out. I know you’d never accept that from me.”

  She studied him for a long moment, then finally gave a nod. “The best way to lose a friend is to do business with them. I don’t want to risk our friendship. But I do have some ideas that I’d like to get an opinion on. If you’re willing to hear them out, then, yes. Let’s plan to spend the day together.”

  Jeremy tried to hold in his urge to gasp at the thought of spending a whole day with Melody Carson. Even if he’d denied his feelings to his family, they were still there, roaring like a belligerent monster, all the same. To this day, he still held a crush on his childhood friend and couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to get himself out of the friend zone with her.

  Did you enjoy this sample chapter of My Charming Billionaire (Book Two of the Grimwood Legacy Series)? Guess what? You can preorder now and have Jeremy and Melody’s story delivered to your reader the day it comes out and you’ll not miss one exciting chapter.

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  About the Author

  Jackie Castle looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day that she experiences. She is the author of the Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series.

  She also writes fantasy under the pen name J. R. Castle. Look for her White Road Chronicles and The Alburnium Chronicles on her website

  Castle has also published articles and short stories in numerous magazines. She's enjoyed many crazy adventures from working as a hairstylist to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of becoming a Story-weaver.

  Now she lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins marvelous tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband Bob, their children, and grandchildren.

  Her favorite pastime, besides reading, is traipsing through her imaginary worlds in search of another story.

  Find out more about her shenanigans over at Jackie Castle's Story World: www.jackiecastle.com. There you can also sign up for her monthly newsletter.

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