Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
“That’s cool. I admire that.”
“He also offered me a lot of money, so don’t be too impressed.”
Denny raised a brow. “Hmm. Sounds like you’re trying to get me to do the ad you didn’t want to do.”
“I was tricked. That’s different. I’m not tricking you. I’m being up front and honest. I need your help, I need your name. No BS here. I need to make the mill sound sexy to the Four Forest area and—”
“News flash, no one thinks a lumber mill is sexy, Hank. And no one in Elmwood will like you if the only thing you talk about is the mill,” he interrupted.
“Hey! I’m very likable…once you get to know me.”
Denny smirked. “I’m sure you are, but the least likable thing about you is your connection to the mill. I did some homework, and your mill is the first corporate entity in the Four Forest area. Everyone is pretty pissed at the former owners.”
“Why?”
“The Larsons pulled a fast one on the city council by not disclosing that they’d taken on a silent partner. They sold a piece of Wood Hollow to your dad three years ago and finalized the deal six months ago, which coincided with a contract for a new housing development.”
“That’s business.”
“Maybe to you, but in my town, your family are opportunists who pose a danger to an insular community that’s used to doing business with handshakes over a beer at the inn.”
“Well, I—”
“And the fancy house in Elmwood is another problem,” he continued, clearly on a roll. “The only other folks who live on the outskirts of town are Vinnie Kiminski and Nolan Moore. They’re both natives and Vinnie’s famous NHL royalty too, so they get away with it. Plus, they’re super active in the community. Vinnie runs Elmwood Rink and the juniors camp. And Nolan runs Elmwood Diner with JC Bouchard, who’s married to another NHL legend, Riley Thoreau.”
“So you’re saying we’ll have to get married,” I deadpanned.
“I’m saying that based on my research, you’re an outsider who’s labeled an enemy. Your image problem is epic. Honestly, I’m not sure how to justify hanging out with you.”
“That hurts.”
“Sorry, but I’m keeping it real.” Denny uncrossed his legs and sat back on the sofa.
“You haven’t kicked me out yet…so that must be a good sign.”
“Yeah, well…it was a pretty fucking awesome blowjob.”
My grin probably had a feral glint, but after a barrage of negative feedback, I was thirsty for praise. “Good. I had my doubts, but this might work out after all.”
He uncapped his bottle and took a sip. “Maybe, but it doesn’t make sense that we’d suddenly be friends. We don’t have anything in common.”
“I like hockey, and you play it,” I offered.
“Have you ever played?”
“No, I’m not a good skater. I played baseball and soccer when I was a kid. I didn’t do either very well,” I admitted.
“Oh.”
“Can’t you just say you met me after a game in Denver at a bar—we talked and hit it off, and voila, we’re friends?”
“Nope. I don’t ‘hit it off’ with people. It has to be believable…and likable. Like therapy with horses.” Denny stared into space for a beat. “I think I’ll have to be your client.”
“My client.”
He nodded slowly. “Yeah. Do you have a horse in Elmwood?”
“No, Bess is here for—”
“Bring her to Elmwood this summer. We’ll say I hired you as a therapist to help with my anxiety.” Denny scratched his nape and wrinkled his nose. “Horses make me nervous, but if it’s just for show, it’s cool. People like horses and people who help others. They also like businesses that give to the community. Maybe volunteer too, or…I don’t know. I’m spitballing, but I’m on to something. You aren’t likable, but your horse is.”
“Gee, thanks.” I scrubbed my hand over my face and gave him a weak evil eye. “It’s a good idea.”
“Yep. It’ll work…and it’ll give us an excuse to see each other this summer.”
“We could start sooner.”
“I’m not going to be home till the season is over. And I can’t ride a horse and risk injury either, but…we can practice here if we happen to be in town at the same time.” Denny blushed and damn, that was adorable.
I nudged his shin playfully. “I like the sound of that. I’ll be in Denver to check in on my dad and Bess. We can hook up whenever we’re both able to.”
“Cool.” He inclined his head. “Can I meet her?”
“Bess?”
“Yeah, I’m just…curious about her. Your face lights up when you talk about your horse. And she’s a famous billboard model too, ya know.”
My smile was a little too big for my face. “Just say the word. I happen to be pretty tight with Bess, and I handle her calendar.”
“Okay. Text me.”
I figured that was my cue to leave. “I should go, but I’m gonna need my jeans.”