Page 9 of Bargain With the Boss

I pulled into the parking lot. Dumpsters lined the perimeter of the parking lot. The last few winters had left us with little choice but to rip everything down to the studs. We probably should have bulldozed it, but there was history there and we’d save money using the original footprint of the stores. Besides, hammering at the red tape for this project had been a full-time job of its own.

Jude’s sparkly new SUV was parked in the lot. Instead of Jude, a statuesque redhead stood in front of the former gallery. She was furiously scribbling in a notebook, concentration showing in every muscle of her body. I wasn’t sure that woman knew the definition of relax in any way. From her long hair ruthlessly smoothed with just a hint of curl at the ends, to her slim skirt and heels, she was class from head to toe.

Sydney Keller.

Jude’s sister.

I’d only met her a few times, and each encounter had been less than impressive—at least from her end. I was plenty intrigued by the ice queen. Her flawless skin with a hint of peach undertones to match her auburn hair lured a man closer to see if she’d flush when she was angry or turned on. But it was her golden eyes that had a chokehold on me. They should radiate warmth and yet they were more like Crescent Lake in January.

So still, so quiet.

But there was still something in me that knew she had a turbulent ecosystem underneath just like our lake.

Jude slammed the door of his SUV, a smile still bending his lips upward as he stared down at his phone. “Give Neese a kiss for me.”

“Can you pick up diapers on your way home?” His wife Maddie’s voice floated from his speaker.

“Of course.”

“Okay, thanks. I love you.”

“Love you too, baby.” He looked up to find me staring at him with a grin on my face. “Shut up.”

“I said nothing.”

Twin flags of red blazed across his cheeks. “Thanks for coming over. I know it’s the middle of your work day.”

“Tomorrow’s jammed, so it worked out.” I walked with him toward Sydney. “What’s up?”

“I have good news. We finally got the permits to get the demo going. The crews will start showing up tomorrow.”

“Hallelujah. It’s only been three damn years.” Finally some movement.

“I know. They couldn’t deny the fact that the delays would only hurt the town. Even the mighty Arthur can’t hold progress up while waiting on his outlandish plans.”

“Ones that I’m determined won’t ever come to fruition.”

Gavin Forrester’s voice behind us made both of us turn.

I grinned. “I didn’t hear you pull up, Gav.”

He nodded toward the dumpsters then down to his battered gloves. “Who do you think has been pulling shingles off this monstrosity.”

“Fair.” I slapped him in the arm. “I have some clothes in the car if you want help.”

“Wouldn’t say no.”

Sydney turned just as the breeze lifted one of her long curls to blow across her cheek. She pushed it away with an annoyed flash in her golden eyes. Damn, I knew there was something under there. But it was gone again as her gaze bounced from Gavin to her brother, then landed on me. Her lips flattened in annoyance.“Gentleman.”

“Hey Syd.” I grinned at her, amused that her annoyance flared hot just before she tamped it down in her usual icy style.

“Sydney or Miss Keller.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, my grin widening into a smile. “What brings you to our stunning worksite?”

She zeroed in on her brother, her slim auburn brow raised.

“I didn’t have a chance to tell them yet,” Jude muttered.