Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
“Thank you so much! Everyone appreciates it, but the kids look forward to it all day.”
“It makes the kiddies smile and nothing goes to waste, it’s a win-win for everybody!” And no one but Torey knew that I made extra batches of cookies and brownies for them every shift. Just because my bakery was sustainable and I paid a little more for local and organic, free trade ingredients, didn’t mean I wasn’t above making more for those who needed it. “There’s a lemon bar in there just for you.” She worked so hard, helping the people in town who needed it most, she deserved a treat.
“Thanks. See you tomorrow if the snow doesn’t get too crazy.”
I set down the boxes and tossed a wave over my shoulder since I was double parked and rushed back to my car. The snow picked up the pace and suddenly I was worried about the incoming storm so I pushed my car as much as I safely could. The last thing I needed was for the firefighters to come all the way out here just to get me out of a ditch.
Slow down, I warned myself whenever my foot pressed a little too hard on the gas. I passed the sign for Lancaster Development and instantly my smile faded. “Stupid billionaire developer,” I grumbled to myself. Even though I hadn’t met Lee Lancaster in person, I hated the man on principle.
Well, not the man because I didn’t know him well enough to hate him, but what I knew? I hated. He was a rich prick who only cared about his bank account. He’s developed skyscrapers and resorts all over the world, permanently changed the landscape of those places and increased his wealth exponentially. Still that wasn’t enough for the man. He now had his sights set on Holiday Grove, specifically the Silver Bell Mountains.
His so-called resort would likely be a huge eyesore which was bad enough but the fact that it’ll block out the view of the Silver Bell Mountains for the rest of Holiday Grove. I’ve talked to the mayor who thinks the resort is a wonderful idea despite the fact that nearly the entire town signed a petition to stop the resort.
The only thing left to do is appeal to the heartless billionaire, which I’ve tried, but he’s always too busy or out of town. Also known as just plain avoidance.
He couldn’t hide forever.
Sooner or later he would have to show his face around here and when he did, I planned to tell him exactly what I thought of him.
Chapter 2
Lee
“Sorry man, they’ve added more dates to the tour so I won’t be able to make it until Christmas Eve.”
I sighed but otherwise bit back my disappointment. “Don’t be sorry Mac, this is great news. That means the tour is doing even better than expected, right?”
“Yeah,” he sighed but I heard the smile in my younger brother’s voice. “We’re sold out until Spring if you can believe it.”
“Why wouldn’t I believe it? This is your second or third world tour and each one gets bigger than the last one. The pitfalls of being a world famous rock star.”
“Ass,” he grumbled. “Are you staying in Holiday Grove alone?”
“That’s the plan. I’m driving back to town now.” The airport was a crowded mess and I’d never been more grateful for long-term parking in my life.
“How did the opening go?”
“Great. The place is gorgeous, fully staffed and the whole of Kingston is grateful to Lancaster Development for the tourist dollars sure to come.” I wasn’t an altruist and though I did donate to charity, no one who knew me would call me a philanthropist, but developing projects that included high-rise luxury residences and resorts meant that I was always looked at through a hero lens. For every business displaced because of my projects, hundreds of jobs were created and millions of dollars flowed to the city. “It’s fully booked through the New Year with more reservations pouring in.”
Mac laughed. “Who knew you’d end up being so good at making money?”
I laughed. “Uncle Ty since he invested in my first property. And my second.” Our aunt and uncle took us in when our parents died. Mac and I were eight and ten when we went to live with them in a modest suburban Chicago home. They were nothing but supportive, encouraging Mac’s love of music and my gift for numbers. “In fact, he and Aunt Nadia are enjoying two week at my resort in Australia.”
Mac laughed. “How much shit did Aunt Nadia give you about such an extravagant gift?”
“All the shit,” I confirmed. “At least until she saw all the excursions I booked. Swimming with the dolphins quieted her objections instantly.” My aunt was an animal lover and I wasn’t above using that to get her to accept all manner of gifts.