Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 93400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
I took out the plastic containers of food and placed them on the rocks, so I could get to the blanket. After spreading it out, I laid out the food. By the time it was done, Hudson was back.
“Did you get some good pictures?” I asked, shielding my eyes from the sun shining through the openings in the branches. Tall trees surrounded us, but sunlight was still able to filter down, giving it a secret garden feel.
A brilliant smile lit up his face. “I did. This place is beautiful. This whole area is. I can’t believe my folks never brought me here. And if they did, I don’t remember it.”
I could almost feel the same magic he clearly felt floating in the air. His eyes seemed to catch the golden rays of the sun as they danced across his handsome face. When his gaze caught mine, I swore my breath was stolen right from my lungs.
“Maybe they thought you were a bit too young,” I finally stated after regaining my wits. Standing, I took his camera so that he could get his pack off his back. He set it down next to mine and we both sat. He reached for the camera and gently placed it on the blanket.
“God, if I lived here, I would be up in these mountains all the time.”
I glanced around and nodded before focusing back on Hudson who was opening the containers Arabella had packed. Fruit, veggies, and little finger sandwiches appeared before my eyes, and my stomach once again made it known just how hungry I was.
Hudson looked up and grimaced. “I’m so sorry I made you wait so long to eat, Greer.”
I waved him off. “It’s not a problem. I love that we waited. This is the perfect spot for a picnic.”
He winked. “I think so too.”
My body shivered, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the chill in the air or the intensity of Hudson’s gaze.
“You’re shivering. Are you cold?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ve got a sweatshirt if I need it. It was just a little chill—I’m good now.”
After we each made a plate of food, we ate in comfortable silence for a minute. Finally, Hudson said, “You mentioned you’re buying the building from the previous owner?”
I nodded. “I’m leasing it from him, but he knows I’m interested in buying it. So for every year I’m there, he’s agreed to reduce the sale price. A lease to own, if you will. I figure I have another year before I can get a loan to formally purchase it from him.”
Hudson nodded.
“Why do you ask?”
He sheepishly looked away before he focused back on me. “This is going to sound strange, but today when I picked you up, those men in suits were all staring at Turning Pages, and I had a weird feeling come over me, that’s all.”
I tilted my head and regarded him for a moment. “Really? I wonder who they were.”
Hudson took a bite of his egg salad sandwich. “I don’t know, but I think it wouldn’t hurt for you to ask some questions, Greer.”
With a chuckle, I asked, “Ask who what?”
Hudson’s serious expression made me sit up some.
“The mayor, for one. She clearly didn’t want to speak to you today. It might all be a simple coincidence, but I think it wouldn’t hurt to dig around and find out who those suits are.”
I nodded and replied, “Okay, first thing Monday I’ll call up Mr. Brooks who owns the building I’m leasing and see if he knows anything.”
“Good. I think it’s best to try and find out now, so you’re not surprised by anything.”
With a frown, I asked, “Hudson, why do you think I would be surprised by something?”
He sighed and then placed his sandwich down. “One of my close friends in New York is a developer. I’ve seen him sweep into small towns just like Boggy Creek and buy up all the historical buildings, and then either tear them down if they’re not registered as historical—and sometimes if they are—or turn them into apartments, boutiques, or shopping centers.”
I let out a laugh, not wanting to believe that something like that could happen here—but knowing deep down inside that it very well could. “Let’s hope that never happens here in Boggy Creek!”
He gave a half shrug and changed the subject. “Is there a historical center in Boggy Creek? I would love to go and look at old photos of what the town used to look like.”
Now this is a much more pleasant conversation, I thought, slightly unnerved by the last one.
“Yes. It’s on Main and Low, right next door to Millie’s Candies.”
He let out a moan. “Oh man, I remember going into Millie’s when I was little. Her chocolate-covered apples are so freaking good.”
“They are. But have you ever had her chocolate honeycomb toffee? It’s to die for.”