I needed to prove that I could handle this project without much oversight.This was my chance to solidify my position at Sterling Brothers.
Cooper stood and touched my shoulder."It's good having you and Lincoln home."
My brother Lincoln was one of the few doctors in town.He'd recently moved home from Denver and fallen in love with one of his patients, Penny, during a snowstorm.
Lincoln quickly acclimated to life in our hometown.But things were different for me.I'd lived far away for so long; I'd lost touch with people.I'd drifted away, severing some ties permanently.I wasn't sure a working relationship was salvageable with Natasha, much less a friendship."I'll talk to Natasha.Make sure she's good with us working together."
"That's a good idea."Cooper stood and made his way to the door.
"I wouldn't do anything to compromise the business."
He leveled me with a look."I never thought you would."
Cooper and my brothers had a lot of faith in me.But I hadn't been a part of civilian life as an adult.This was new territory for me.I wasn't sure I'd get it right, and I didn't want to disappoint anyone."I just don't want to let you down."
"If it's too much, you can take off for a bit, get accustomed to everything before taking on a job."
My jaw tightened."I can do it."
"I think it's a good idea to clear the air with Natasha first.We don't want there to be any issues when we're mid-project.This could be huge for us."His excitement was palpable.
This was a huge deal for the business, and I couldn't screw it up."You can count on me."
"Aspen works at the front counter, checking in guests.You can keep an eye on her."
I gave him a look."Now why would I want to do that?"
"Your brothers are protective of her."
"Aspen's an adult.She can take care of herself."I wondered why Cooper was asking.He'd been around for so long; he felt like one of my brothers, but he wasn't.
"I'm sure she can," Cooper said dryly, walking out of my office.
I refocused on my computer screen, staring at the numbers until they blurred.I let my mind drift to Natasha and how she looked when I ran into her at the inn.She'd filled out since we dated.She was a woman now with the curves to back up the title.I assumed I'd be meeting with Eve, since she was the one who'd reached out for an estimate.I was surprised to see Natasha at the front counter.
Natasha had been through so much.Our breakup, the death of her parents, and the burden of starting a new business with shop and restaurant owners relying on her.
I couldn't take on the project if I thought I couldn't be the contractor she needed for the large job ahead.I couldn't let our past get in the way.Before I could send her the estimate, we needed to talk about it.
Iemailed Natasha to let her know I'd be coming by with the estimate when it was ready.I decided to wait until later in the day.I had no idea when the busy time was for an inn, but I assumed she'd be off in the evening since I saw her working during the day.
I parked in the lot where the light poles were adorned with wreaths.Everything was covered in lights.It was like walking into another world, where it was Christmas all year long.
I understood the appeal.I felt warm and cozy whenever I spent time here.I walked up the concrete steps that were lined with red lanterns, containing flickering candles.I opened the heavy wood door and stepped inside.
Holiday music played softly in the background, and several guests milled around the great-room area, sipping something out of mugs and snacking on Christmas cookies.
"Welcome to Mistletoe Inn, big brother," Aspen said with a smile.
I approached, accepting the side hug she gave me."I didn't know what your shift was here."
"Evenings and some weekends," Aspen said as she resumed her spot behind the counter.
"Is Natasha here?I have her estimate."
"She told me to send you to her room when you arrived."
I wasn't so sure that was a good idea, but there wouldn't be any privacy here.
