One Bossy Offer (92)

I’ve never seen Bee Harbor look so good. The fresh burst of colorful paint really livened the place up, giving it some soul. “Do you think this is what it originally looked like?”

I know she tried to stick with the original colors she found sifting through her grandmother’s things.

“I think so. I’ve seen the old photos, but they were black and white. The building is ready, though, but I’ll need to find some help if I’m going to open this year. If I can find a few good people, I could be open in time for the Christmas stragglers.”

Paul Bunyan steps out from behind the inn, carrying empty paint buckets he tosses in the back of his truck. “It came out looking pretty good, don’t you think? All set except for a little touch-up.”

“Amazing,” she gushes.

I know it’s just business.

I know who won the girl.

But damn if I’m not glaring anyway, wishing I could send him to the cornfield like that brat in the old Twilight Zone series.

Lifting a hand, I give the handyman an exaggerated wave. “Bye, Ace.”

With a rough nod, my gaze follows him until he gets in his truck and drives off.

Jenn’s hand grips my arm and she looks up at me with her lips pursed. “You jealous freak. You realize if you run him off, you have to do the touch up work, right?”

“I know my paints,” I bite off, trying not to laugh as she rolls her eyes. “Also, if you need a few part-timers, just put up a sign at Murphy’s. If you don’t find someone there, there’s a staffing company in Seattle. They wouldn’t work long term, but they could help fill in the gaps.”

“That’s for cleaning and helping me with check-ins, though. I don’t have the budget for a new handyman, hint-hint.”

“If he quits, I’ll cover you. And I’ll find you the best damn handywoman who ever swung a hammer.”

“Oh my God! Stop. The inn came with a handyman.”

I snort loudly. “He only works so cheap because you’re pretty. You’re taken now, too.”

“Yeah, well... until the inn is back on its feet, I kind of need discount labor.”

My fingers lace through hers, pulling tight. She knows I’d rather run him off, but for her sake, I’ll behave.

I lean over and brush her lips against mine, loving how she gasps lightly against my mouth, melting into the kiss. Before she pulls away, I add teeth, seizing her bottom lip until she shudders.

“What was that for?”

“Sealing the deal. I’ll leave your handyman alone, but I’ll also mark my territory,” I whisper.

She laughs. “You really are crazy, Mr. Cromwell.”

I pull her closer, running a hand down her back.

“About you? Yeah.”

Goddamn.

How is it the light moments with this woman are almost as good as the hot and heavy ones?

“It’s also pretty crazy to think I can actually do this. I’m going to run an actual hotel,” she says breathlessly.

“It’s not. You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

She looks at me. “But part of me hates totally walking away from marketing...”

“You don’t have to. My team needs you and I’ll keep you on at a relaxed schedule, wherever you’d help my people the most,” I say, kissing her again.

She nods. “I’m not sure I can balance opening an inn and the work you’d be paying me for.”

“I’ll give you a raise then, and you’ll hire more help.”

“You have an answer for everything.”

“No. Just a burning desire to keep that smile on your face.” I rest my forehead on hers, tracing her cheek with my finger. “You can’t give up here, and my creative team can’t afford to lose you.”

Neither can I, I think darkly.

“Will you keep the name?” I ask.

She cocks her head at me.

“The Bee Harbor. It’s solid branding and has a history, but you don’t harbor bees anymore.” I nod toward the back near the gardens, where the faded bee boxes sit vacant.

She smiles softly. “Give it time. Come next year, you—or Benson, I guess—are going to be up to your ears in honey.”

“Real cute, kitten,” I rasp against her throat before engraving it with my kiss. “Somehow, you must think you haven’t already delivered all the sugar I’ll ever need.”





19





No Hidden Truths (Jenn)





“It’s so crazy I’m just crashing in my own bed for the first time in a week!” I adjust the pillow behind my head, throwing it down behind me as Coffee noses at the corner.

“Dare I ask?” Pippa teases.

“Don’t you know? I’ve been staying with Miles while the inn was being repaired.”

“Oh, wow. So it’s weeklong sleepover serious now.” She gives me a thumbs-up.

I throw back a numb look.

She shrugs. “You know it’s a big deal when you’ve got a billionaire so thirsty you’re tearing him away from his work.”

“He’s staying busy. He’s hosting some meeting today. I could have stayed upstairs, but I’ve missed being home, and so have the dogs.”