Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Who owns Snowberry?” I wondered.
“The McIntyre family,” said Devlin.
Austin huffed. “Good luck getting them to sell.”
“You don’t think they will?” I asked.
“Dad and I did some restoration work there about five years ago,” said Austin. “They’re just the kind of family that hangs on to the past. They don’t want anything to change. I can’t see them selling their family business to a resort company that’s going to tear it down.”
“They’d be crazy not to,” Devlin said, pushing his wavy hair off his forehead. “Snowberry Lodge is a relic. Sure, it has some charm, but it’s small and antiquated. People are looking for luxury amenities these days, not just decent skiing. They want water parks and arcades, spas and upscale shops, multiple bars and dining options. In the summer, they want golf and tennis. Snowberry can’t compete with the big modern resorts.”
“Still,” Austin said doubtfully, “people are stubborn and sentimental. They don’t want to be told their family’s dream is obsolete.”
“I can bring them around.” Devlin’s tone was brimming with confidence. “The money is good.”
Austin clearly wasn’t convinced. “Money isn’t everything to everyone.”
“It will be something to them,” Devlin insisted. “The fact is, they can’t afford to stay open even two more seasons the way things are going. Why not sell now and at least make a good profit?”
“Pride?” I suggested.
“Pride won’t keep the lights on,” Devlin scoffed.
“I’m pretty sure Snowberry Lodge was the first ski resort in Michigan, maybe in the Midwest,” Austin said. “The state might even have an interest in seeing it preserved.”
“The state is going to like the tax revenue from all the conventions and tourism the new resort will bring. Trust me. Dollar signs are going to talk.” Devlin gave us an easy, winning grin. “Plus, the patriarch of the family died last year, and Snowberry is now mostly owned by the grandmother. Little old ladies love me.”
“Your pitch meeting is with the grandmother?” Austin asked.
He nodded. “I’m taking Granny to lunch on Tuesday. By dinnertime, I’ll have it all wrapped up.”
“Bamboozling little old Granny,” I said. “Nice.”
“I’m not bamboozling her, Xander. I’m trying to give her millions of dollars for something that’s not worth half that.”
“Maybe don’t say it exactly that way,” Austin suggested.
“I know how to say it. Talking people into things is my gift.” Devlin spoke as if victory was already his. “Trust me. My pitch is perfect. This is a done deal.” He rose to his feet. “And now, gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve just spotted a gorgeous brunette at the bar who might also enjoy a swing at my fastball tonight.”
Austin laughed. “Ladies aren’t that impressed with speed, Dev.”
Devlin put a hand on his shoulder as he passed. “Not to worry, brother. Not to worry.”
Just then, Ari and Mabel came out of the bathroom and headed for the bar area. I gave it ten seconds, but Kelly and Veronica didn’t follow.
I got out of my chair too. “I’ll be right back.”
SEVENTEEN
kelly
The second the bathroom door had closed behind the four of us, Veronica had leaned back against the sinks and crossed her arms. Her blue eyes were dancing. “Okay, Kelly Jo Sullivan. Spill.”
“About what?” I said innocently.
“About what’s going on with you and Xander!” Ari shrieked as she headed into a stall. “But talk loud so I can hear!”
I laughed, checking my reflection in the mirror. My face was flushed, and my head felt hot. I took off my borrowed Two Buckleys cap and yanked out my ponytail, shaking out my hair. “It’s nothing.”
“Um, it is not nothing.” Mabel met my eyes in the glass. “I know my brother, and I have never seen him look at anyone the way he’s been looking at you all night.”
“That’s what I told her earlier.” Veronica nodded excitedly, her blond ponytail bobbing. “He cannot take his eyes off her. I’m expecting hearts to float out of them any second. And how about the fact that she’s wearing his clothes?”
Laughing, Mabel went into a stall and continued talking behind the closed door. “I’ve never seen him dance that way with anyone either.”
“We were just dancing.” But my cheeks grew warmer and pinker.
“Please.” Veronica held up a hand. “He was hanging on to you like a kid hugs his teddy bear at night, like he was afraid someone was going to come along and steal you away.”
“He’s protective,” I said. “He’s always worried about me being recognized. Photos of me up here are already online.”
“He still sleeping on the couch?”
“Um . . .” Should I lie? I wasn’t sure what Xander wanted his family to know.
“You can trust us,” she said. “We won’t say anything.”
“Definitely.” Ari came out of the stall and went to the sinks to wash her hands. “When it comes to girls vs. the Buckley boys, the girls stick together. Cone of silence in here.”