I drape an arm over his shoulder and hoist myself onto my toes. “I believe I can squeeze you in, Mr. Reed.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
PARKER
I lean against the edge of the ice skating rink, taking in the sights and sounds of Holley Ridge. The area bustles with activity — families bundled up in their winter coats, couples holding hands, kids running around, squealing and laughing. I marvel at the sheer number of people here, even on a Wednesday afternoon. It’s busier than I’ve ever seen it, even during the days leading up to Christmas or during our annual Trick-or-Treat event.
Admittedly, I didn’t get my hopes up after Eloise Moore paid my quirky little ranch a visit.
But all it took was a few videos encouraging people to come to Holley Ridge this Christmas season to make a difference.
Overnight, crowds started to swell until we had no choice but to create a line at the gate just to keep the numbers manageable.
As great as it’s been for business, I don’t know if it will be enough. Not with the amount I owe to the bank.
Which is why I spent the majority of the morning reviewing Callum’s offer. My lawyer insists it’s more than generous and would allow me to pay off all my debts, as well as leave me with a substantial amount of savings to live on while I figure out what’s next.
I just don’t know if I can give up.
Don’t know if I can let go of this place.
“Have you made a decision?”
At the sound of Estelle’s voice, I tear my gaze away from Callum leading Maggie around the ice with extreme patience and care. I was surprised he even knew how to skate, let alone learn he’d played hockey from childhood through college.
He’s definitely not who I thought he was.
“I’m still torn,” I admit with a long sigh. “Based on what we’ve taken in the past few days, it will still take a miracle to come up with what I need. I could call the bank, see if they’re willing to work with me a little longer, but—”
“I’m not talking about the offer.” She narrows her gaze on me. “I’m talking about that tall drink of water you’ve been shtupping every chance you’ve gotten this week.” She nods in Callum’s general direction.
“Shtupping?”
“Would you prefer I call it something else? Checking the oil? Doing the no-pants dance? Hiding the bishop? Wetting the willy? Or do you just prefer to call it what it really is? Some good ol’ fashioned fucking.”
“Grandma Estelle!”
I can’t pretend to be offended or surprised. I’ve grown to appreciate her somewhat eccentric mannerisms.
Including her knowledge of far too many colorful phrases for sex.
She places her glove-covered hand over mine. “I’m happy for you, Parker.”
“We both are,” Haley adds, joining us and handing me a coffee.
“It’s not like that,” I remind them, bringing the paper cup to my mouth, savoring in the warm liquid.
“Oh, no?” Grandma Estelle tilts her head, giving me a skeptical look. “Then tell me what itislike. From what I’ve observed of the two of you, you’re both quite smitten.”
“It’s just a fling while he’s in town. Once he checks out, it’s over. We agreed. It’s too complicated otherwise.”
“Why? Because he’s trying to buy this place? If you ask me, that’s the universe giving you the solution you were looking for.”
“What are you talking about?” I furrow my brow, glancing at Haley, expecting her to take my side. Instead, she crosses an arm over her stomach as she sips her coffee, giving me an expectant look.
“You asked the universe for a solution to your problem,” Grandma Estelle sings. “Did you not?”
“You know I did.”
