Page 59 of Never and Always
I tidied the kitchen, then still felt too wired to sleep. I sat on my couch, staring at the flames. Piper would never stay in Windward. She’d never be happy here.
I had feelings for her. Ones that had grown and changed a lot over the last week. I wanted her happy and safe, and I wanted the best for her.
That wasn’t me and it wasn’t Windward.
But for now, I was taking care of her.
I thought of her with Bear and smiled. I imagined a gangly blonde girl praying for a dog called Maple.
My carving kit was sitting on the coffee table. I grabbed it and unrolled it, then selected a knife. Rising, I chose a hunk of wood from the neatly stacked pile beside my fireplace. Then I started to carve.
Chapter 18
Piper
It had been another busy day with no word from Chance.
Sagging back in my chair, I tried to ignore my nagging headache. I’d skipped lunch and had too much coffee. I really needed to eat something.
Everett “Overprotective” Murray had spent yet another day wandering past my office or wherever the hell I was in the hotel. Like I needed a damn babysitter.
In better news, the construction tenting was well underway. The structure was huge and after another day, they’d have it finished, complete with heaters and lighting. Then the workers could get started on the roof and the new spa addition. At least something was going well.
I glared at my phone on the table, but didn’t even bother to check it. Chance was still not answering.
Sierra had popped in earlier and said she was putting out feelers to everyone she knew in town. Windward was small, so there was a chance someone might spot Chance. But it was winter, and the town swelled with visitors and tourists, making it hard to spot one young man.
Pushing out of my chair, I headed out to the small kitchenette in the office area. Normally, I ordered coffee or food from therestaurant, but I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I really didn’t need another coffee, so instead, I made myself a green tea. I sipped it, winced at the bitter taste, but reminded myself it was good for me. It was full of…something good.
Ro and Tessa’s offices were empty. No doubt the pair were having dinner somewhere.
I’d had a great meal with Everett last night. I’d enjoyed meeting his dad and Bear. A part of me had been hoping he’d turn up again this evening to suggest dinner again, but I hadn’t seen him.
Back in the conference room, I’d just set my mug down and sat, when I noticed something propped on my keyboard.
Frowning, I snatched up the small carving. I glanced around, but there was no sign of anyone. I turned it over in my hand and my chest caught. It was a dog, carved from a glossy, caramel-colored wood.Oh. I stroked a finger down the curve of the dog’s back. It was a golden retriever.
My throat tightened. I really couldn’t handle Murray being so damn nice. He’d made me a Maple. The man was truly talented with his hands.
I bet he knew exactly what to do with those hands when he got them on a woman.
I closed my eyes.Not going there. This was Murray. A man who was so far my opposite it wasn’t funny. Half the time, I wanted to hit him.
Suddenly, my cellphone came to life, ringing and vibrating against the conference table. Probably a call from the Windward LA. We’d had to reschedule an earlier call.
When I grabbed it and saw my brother’s name on the screen, my heart did a giant flip. I swiped the screen. “Chance?”
“Piper, hey…” His voice was shaky.
“Where are you?” I demanded. “Are you okay? Are you safe?”
“I’m all right.”
“I’ve been so worried.” I leaned forward, my pulse thudding hard.
“I need money.”
I closed my eyes, my fingers clenching on the phone. “A hundred thousand dollars?”
