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“I just wish there was some way I could shift the lodge’s focus. Something new, something fresh, something positive. I just don’t”—I pause, looking over at Preston, who is watching me intently—“I don't know why I'm even telling you this. It's not like you care. It's not like you know how to fix things. You just have everything handed to you.”
“Actually, I don’t,” he snaps. “Despite the image you've created of me in your head, Grace, I have not had things handed to me.”
Oh, he’s serious. He called me Grace.
I instantly regret my comment. He's right. I know he hasn't had things handed to him. I've watched him hustle and work and take on every position he could through his father's company without actually having to go to every business. He’s completed the education and put in the time.
I’ve seen him up late in the bar at the lodge working. I’ve seen him up early at the restaurant working. He does work hard.
“I’m sorry, you're right.”
“Wow, Grace Richford is actually apologizing and telling me the truth.”
“Don’t let it go to your head.” I sigh.
I grab my drink, take another sip. “I can't believe we're actually having a conversation.”
“One where you're not snapping at me. Yeah, it's kind of nice. But, to go back to your problem, I wish I had an idea for you, too. I also wish I had an idea for myself. Things for me are not as easy as you think.”
Ugh, he’s baiting me and I’m going to take it. Damn it.
I look at my watch and my almost empty glass of wine.
I’m going to need more.
“Okay, tell me what's wrong.”
“For one, this place and the fact that I took it off the board's table after they all were aware it was for sale, and I somehow got it back in your name. I'm not upset about doing that. I'm actually proud of myself. However, between that business move and my supposed dating life that apparently matters to the board for who knows what reason, they think I have commitment issues. And now they don't think I'm the best fit to replace my father.”
I can't believe I'm going to actually admit this, even if it's only internally, but my heart hurts for him. I know what it's like to work your ass off for something, for a position you actually do want, and for others to think you don't deserve it. It's total bullshit.
“Okay,” I say and stand up to refill my glass.
“Okay, what?”
“Okay, we can call a truce for one night.”
His entire face lights up.
“That’s what I’m talking about. Now, go put on a movie and relax. Dinner will be ready soon.”
I do exactly as he says, and as soon as I change into my pajamas and sit on the couch, it hits me.
This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time, and I’m doing it with Preston King.
Chapter
Four
PRESTON
“You can't just slap down two draw-four cards back to back like that,” I say to Grace and put my cards down.
“It's UNO. You can do anything you want,” she argues.
“I'm going to have to look up the rules.”
“Of course you are.”
