Crave (Billionaire Bachelors Club #1)(21)
I feel like I’m seeing all the bits and pieces that make him up. It’s rather fascinating, though I tell myself I most definitely should not be fascinated. What happened between us was a mistake. Why I can’t seem to remember that, I’m not exactly sure.
Hormonal issues maybe? Yes, that must be it.
After breakfast, he takes us for a tour, showing us the gorgeously landscaped grounds with what seems like miles of lush green grass spread around the facility. The rolling hills that surround the hotel location are dotted with the vineyards’ neat rows and my eyes are constantly drawn to their simple, efficient beauty. The day is crisp and clear, the sky a startling blue, the sun warm on my skin, and I glance around in utter amazement, overwhelmed with all the natural beauty that’s surrounding me.
“You like it?” Archer asks, sounding eager.
“I do.” I smile up at him, unable to contain it. I don’t want to give him any wrong ideas, but wow, I’m blown away with his resort. “The location is unreal.”
“My father bought the property years ago, before I was even born,” Archer explains, his gaze going to the vineyards, just like mine does. “The old Bancroft Hotel in Napa that’s not too far slowly turned into a complete loser, a financial drain. Couldn’t turn a profit, was considered in a less-than-ideal location.”
“I’m surprised,” I say, interrupting him. He turns to look at me, his eyebrows raised, and I shrug. “Just the beauty of the location alone is breathtaking. And you haven’t taken us inside any of the buildings yet besides the restaurant. I’m sure I’ll become even more impressed.”
Gage wanders off, seemingly bored with the conversation, but I’m sure he’s heard it all before. Funny, how Archer and I have never spent any sort of time alone together like this. Until now.
“Well, I had the original hotel building razed when my father sent me out here. I started over completely from scratch. And when I say it wasn’t an ideal location, it’s because so many other hotels were built in another, much more populated area. This one was considered out of the way.” He slips his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, looking so gorgeous as the breeze ruffles his dark hair I want to lunge at him. Grab hold and never let go.
I keep myself in check instead.
“You’ve done an amazing job,” I say softly. “You must be proud.”
“Yeah, I am.” He smiles, his eyes warm. “It wasn’t easy. My father sent me out here to fail.”
I frown. “He did?”
“Of course he did. He had no faith in me. I was a world-class screwup, I’ll admit it. I didn’t want to work, not directly for him, at least. So he said since I thought I knew what the hell I was doing, he’d give me this.” Archer’s smile turned rueful. “I showed him, didn’t I?”
“How long ago was that?” I knew his relationship with his father wasn’t the best, but to send his son out to purposely fail with a bad location? Awful.
“Over three years ago. Construction took a solid ten months to a year and we opened when only a few buildings were completed, expanding as each one was finished. Hush made Bancroft a lot of money in the first six months it was open.” He studies the vineyards in the near distance, his expression serious, not the usual smiling, charming Archer.
My heart aches for him, no matter how much I tell it to stop.
I’m impressed with his success story. I remember how it was when we were younger. His dad constantly disappointed in him. His mother never around, or always drunk and crying over the way her husband treated her. No wonder Archer spent all of his time at our house when he and Gage became such good friends. My parents weren’t perfect, but at least they get along for the most part and they have a relatively normal relationship.
No drunken yelling or icy-cold neglect.
“Such a great story,” I say, wincing the moment the words fall from my lips. More like such a lame comment for a truly amazing accomplishment.
“Yeah, well, tell that to my father.” His voice is tight, as is his jaw.
I hate that he feels this way. He should be proud of what he’s done in such a short amount of time, versus fixated on his father’s shoddy treatment of him over the years.
“Is this hotel part of the Bancroft chain or is it separate?” I’m not quite sure why I’m asking him this, but I have to know.
“It’s all mine. He signed it over to me.” He turns to look at me. “I told you he thought I would fail. He had no problem giving it to me figuring I would lose my ass over it.”
The pain in his voice is undeniable. “You certainly proved him wrong,” I say softly.
“Sure as hell did.” His gaze meets mine, dark and mysterious, his mouth grim. My heart flutters and I step toward him. Somehow wanting to offer him comfort, solace, something. Anything. He’s hurting and it makes me hurt for him.
“What made you decide to create a resort like Hush in the first place?” I’m desperate to change the subject. The last thing he ever wants to talk about is his dad or his mom.
“I knew it would turn a profit.” He waves a hand. “You know how many people I’ve heard complain that their sex life was dead after being in a relationship for too long? That they didn’t spend enough time with their significant others and they were desperate to connect? I realized it was an untapped market so I created Hush and fed the need. The new location takes the concept a step further.”