Page 28 of The Last Goodbye

And I was ready.

Bass Bennett was the only thing that stood in the way of me becoming partner at Winchester Investments.

I’d always fought hard for everything in my life.

And this was no exception.

seven

​. . .​

Bass

Very few people in my life surprised me.

I’d grown up in an unstable household, and I’d learned early on how to prepare for things.

How to read people, and how to know what was coming next.

But if everything Briar was saying was true, then this might actually work.

That was not something I’d expected when I’d left my house this morning.

I’d only agreed to come because she’d brought up some good points a few nights ago when we’d talked in my kitchen. She’d texted me yesterday to tell me she thought she’d found a solution.

So, I’d agreed to meet her here, because after speaking to River about it, he pointed out that I’d need a plan eventually, and if she truly had one that would work now, I’d be foolish not to hear her out.

And damn if the woman hadn’t found a solution to every single obstacle I’d thrown at her.

“So admit it, this space is actually even better than the one you have now.” She smiled, her tongue swiping out along her bottom lip.

Damn, the woman was so sexy, it was difficult to remember this was business.

Nothing more.

And the fact that we despised one another—I loved that I could push her buttons so easily. I’d even venture to say I looked forward to seeing her, just so I could find a new way to get under her skin.

“I told you that I was interested in this space years ago, but it was out of my price range.”

“That’s not the case anymore.” She was radiating confidence, and I needed to remind her that this wasn’t a done deal just yet.

“Well, the place is an absolute mess. There’s a lot of work that needs to happen before those doors can open. At the moment, my current space should be offended by you saying this location is better.”

“It’s all about the potential, McGrumpy. The space is larger, and the layout I just proposed would offer your customers a much better view of the water from inside the restaurant.” She motioned to where she’d already suggested I do floor-to-ceiling windows.

Yes, Briar Sinclair had thought of everything, including the way to maximize the layout of my restaurant. She’d even offered that her company would cover the cost of all the renovations.

“And you’ll put in the contract that I want ROD Construction to oversee this renovation?” I added, though I’d already told her that was nonnegotiable.

Cutler was the best contractor I knew, and I also knew he’d agree to take this project on.

“Yes, as long as he agrees to work with the timeline. If he doesn’t have the subcontractors available to get this done in the projected time period, we will fly in our own people.”

“You underestimate the people in this town, Briar. They’ll show up, because we show up for one another here in Blue Sky Bay.”

“It’s not about underestimating anyone.” She stepped forward and straightened her shoulders. “I’m personally being held responsible for this timeline to work. So, if they can’t work with that, I will find someone who can.”

“They’ll make it happen, I’m not worried about it. And I want it written in that contract that this is my restaurant and I need full control over everything that goes in it,” I said. “I don’t want you putting any subpar finishes in just to save a dime.”