Shane leans forward superciliously in his three-piece designer suit, which screams money and intimidation. “I’m going to have you eating those words. My enterprises are more than nice. They’re progressive, environmentally friendly, and stylishly designed to appeal to the eye.”
“My mistake,” I hiss at him, not threatened in the least bit. Shane extends an intimidating smile. “You’re a piece of work, Jennifer Reeves.”
“I’d be boring if I wasn’t,” I toss back.
“Yes, you would. And probably wouldn’t have given me or Chase the time of day.”
“Probably,” I fuck with him.
“You know what else?” he asks.
“Please enlighten me.”
“I think you can do it.”
“Do what exactly?” I question, as I sip my soup.
“Make the Corkscrew into something great. And I can help.”
“How?” I’m immediately skeptical. I’m not taking his money. No way, no how.
“I can help you design the remodel.”
“What?” I straighten my spine. I wasn’t expecting that.
“Yup.” He scans the room again. “It’s a great space. We could do a lot with it. I can see it already.”
“See what exactly?”
Shane smirks devilishly. “My vision. Which I will share with you when the time is right.”
“When the time is right?” I repeat, affronted.
“A magician never reveals his secrets.”
“That remodel is a long time away.” I poke the snake with the stick. “Are you telling me you’re willing to invest that much time?” I lean back and cross my arms doubtfully.
“I’m telling you I’m here for a while. And wherever I am, Chase is. So yes, we have plenty of time to invest, and we’re willing to go all-in if the ante is right.” My heart leaps.All-in?
“That’s a hefty bet.”
“I told you. I have an eye for searching out the best and most beautiful things, and once I find them, I never let them go. Iownthem.” He hurls the weighty words at me, hitting me square in the chest. No one, besides Pops, has ever made me feel so wanted. It arises panic and brings me hope all at the same time—a deadly combination.
I may be in way over my head.
5
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my elusive maid of honor.” Janine looks at me wide-eyed through the mirror of the hotel room vanity as her hair is curled.
“What? I’m here on time.” I drop my stuff on the suite’s couch and hang up my bridesmaid’s dress in the closet. It’s a silver corset thing with beads all over it.
“I was wondering if you were going to show up at all. Been running around with one of those guys from my bachelorette party, I hear.” Her interest elevates, then turns sour. “And why do I have to hear about your love life from other people?”Other people?
Shayna.
She was working the bar when Shane and I had dinner the other night.
“I meant to tell you, but things have just been so crazy with work and Pops—” I begin to ramble.
