She would come up with something.
She had to. Everything was at. stake.
And no matter what, she would not, could not, sell out to her aunt. All her employees had dubbed Aunt Evelina as the evil snow queen. Evelina Ash had been trying to get the Carsons to sell Sky High Ski Resort for years. Her parents didn’t want to see the homey retreat converted into an over-priced tourist attraction.
Ski-High was a place to come to get away from the bustle of life, which was why her most dedicated customers, like the Grimwoods, still enjoyed booking their vacations with her. They loved the rustic setting and family atmosphere. Melody knew almost every last customer by their first names. She made it her sole purpose to make sure new visitors were soon welcomed into her extended family.
Aunt Evelina had managed to marry a man who owned several ski resorts. After his passing, she was now the sole owner of Snow Inc., with resorts located in several states. Her company also sold snow gear such as skis, boards, clothing, and more. But, for some reason, Evelina still had her eyes on the Carson’s little mountain, and wouldn’t leave Melody alone about selling.
No way would she ever sell the only link to her parents and grandparents that she had left.
Never in a million years.
* * * *
“If you keep staring with your mouth hanging open, a fly will set up camp on your tongue,” Duncan said, elbowing Jeremy in the ribs.
Jeremy scowled. “I’m not staring. And my mouth is not open.” Except it probably was. When had Melody Carson turned into such a beauty? Gone were her lanky arms and skinny legs. She was curvy in all the right places. Her curly blonde hair reminded him of honey dripping straight from the comb. He even liked how her lips were a pretty shade of red and seemed to pop from her heart-shaped face, especially when she smiled.
When they were growing up, she’d had a terrible crush on Dunc.
But now his older brother was taken. Even Colton, who was currently trying to coax his twin girls into leaving the family party, was out of reach. He’d said several times that he wasn't interested in relationships. He had his yacht and his girls and that was more than enough for the eldest Grimwood.
Suzette had smirked at Colton’s declaration and said they’d see. “Time will tell, Sweetums. You’re still a looker. I bet if you’d let your shoes touch land for more than a couple of days the women would come flocking.”
Colt had glanced nervously at his girls who were occupied with Elisa and her sister. The twins knew no strangers and were curious about everything and everyone they encountered. “That’s why I stay on my boat, Sis. I’m safe there.”
Colton turned toward Jeremy. “What about you, little brother? Any prospective interest that we should know about?”
Jeremy simply shook his head. He was much too busy with work to bother with the dating scene. Besides, as his sister knew, one had to be careful. Dunc was lucky. Elisa seemed good-hearted and not in the least bit greedy or interested in Duncan because of his money. She was even working in her own business as an event planner.
Duncan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, despite how often Mother had scolded him for doing that. “I think he’s still pining over our hostess. Some childhood crushes never die.”
“Oh please,” Jeremy defended. “Mel has never been interested in me. She had questions about seeking investors, that’s what we were talking about earlier, Mr. Nosy.”
Duncan’s brows furrowed. “Investors? Why?”
“I don’t feel comfortable sharing other people’s situations with all of you. If you wish to know what’s going on with Melody Carson, you’ll have to ask her yourself.” Jeremy stood and pushed in his chair. “I’m off to bed. I have a few emails that need my attention, then I’m turning in. It’s been a long day.” He patted Duncan’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you, old man. You picked well. Elisa is a real jewel.”
Duncan nodded as he gazed toward the end of the table where his intended sat with her family now. “She is. I didn’t pick really. I wasn’t looking for someone at the time, either. The Lord blindsided me with her. I honestly believe it was all His doing and I’ll not hesitate to say that I’m extremely blessed.”
Suzette looked away as if uncomfortable. Colton grinned and nodded. “I know how you feel, Dunc. I felt the same way with Ally. She was my heart.” A sad expression passed across his stern face at the mention of his deceased wife. “Don’t take anything for granted, Dunc. Enjoy every day that you’re given with your love. You never know…” He sank back into his chair, leaving the last thought unfinished.
Jeremy could imagine what Colton was thinking. He’d lost his wife a few years ago and hadn’t been the same since.
“Good night,” Jeremy said with a small wave toward Elisa’s family. “I’ll see you all in the morning.” As he started toward the exit, Duncan was at his side and leading him toward a quiet corner just outside of the room. “What’s up, Dunc?”
Duncan narrowed his eyes at him. Only family got away with shortening his name. Jeremy enjoyed the nickname a little too much.
“Listen, I’m seriously concerned about Melody. Is the resort in trouble?”
Jeremy shrugged. “I’m not sure, honestly. She asked for advice about investors. That’s all.” He planned to stick around another day or two and see if she’d open up more to him, but wouldn’t push her.
Duncan poked at Jeremy’s chest. “Why don’t you offer to invest—”
“Do I tell you how to manage your jewelry stores?” Jeremy was already shaking his head. “I don’t tell any of you how to manage your affairs, and I think we should keep it that way.”
Folding his arms over his chest, Duncan leveled his gaze on him. “When I wanted to sell the stores, I came to you and Suzette for advice. Did I not?”
“That’s right. You came to us. I’ve not asked for anyone’s advice. Besides, it’s not that simple. I still work for the firm, I don’t run it, yet. And I won’t until I’ve met Father’s conditions. And I’m afraid, as much as I’d like to help Mel if she’d let me, investing in a ski resort is not a sound financial decision. They are too risky and most of them are struggling to stay afloat with the changing weather conditions and all the global warming threats. I’d never get the firm to stand behind me.”
Jeremy started heading for the front doors. He didn’t want to discuss Melody’s problems. Not when he knew so little himself.
Duncan followed along. “She’s been a long-time family friend. Her parents were dear friends with our parents if you recall. I think we should discuss—”
Jeremy stopped and faced Duncan. “I’d advise you to take care in what you sink your money into, brother. Don’t let your heart rule your head. We have to show a profit and you, dear brother, are still deep in the red from what I can see.”
Duncan nodded. “That’s true, but if my projections are correct, I’ll be fine.”
“So long as you stay on course.” He patted his brother’s arm. “Don’t fret. I’ll see what I can do to help our friend. I’ll not leave her to drown, I promise.”
Duncan finally smiled. “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. Out of all of us, I think you’re best suited to help if she wants it.”
“Right. If she wants it. That’s the big question.” He shook his brother’s hand, then went to retrieve his coat that was hanging in the foyer. Once bundled up, he hit the door at the same moment Melody was coming inside covered in snow.
“Bundle up, Jeremy. It’s really coming down. Which is wonderful. The slopes will be awesome tomorrow. Will you be skiing while you’re here?”
“Uhhh….” Jeremy stammered. He’d not skied in years. Matter-of-fact, he’d not done anything fun since he’d joined his father’s financial firm straight from college. “I don’t know. I was hoping to get a few—”
“Do not tell me you brought your work up here with you, Jeremy Cole Grimwood!”
He ducked his head guiltily which made Melody laugh. It was like the sound of
tinkling bells in his ears. Why did she have to be so delightful? Even more so now than when they were children.
Her head tilted sideways as if he’d just told her that summer had come too early. “No, just no. Listen,” her hands went around his arm as she walked him outside. “First thing tomorrow morning, I’m coming to get you, Mister. And we are going to be the first to hit the slopes.”
Jeremy started to shake his head. “I don’t have—”
“I’ll get you outfitted, don’t you worry. Whatever you need. We’ll spend all morning on the slopes. You deserve to have some fun. I’m not going to be able to stand it if you’re here working during your stay. Please?”
He wanted to go more than anything. Except…he had brought work with him. At least nothing that was too pressing. Maybe if he stayed up a couple of hours tonight, he could get some of it done.
Melody turned him so he had to face her. They still stood under the portico. Beyond, white fluff fell from the night sky. The lanterns lining the walkways were circled in snowy, golden halos. A blanket of white, nearly three inches thick, lined the roadways.
“I’m not supposed to go out by myself and my helpers are all busy in the morning. So you’d be doing me a big favor by agreeing to go with me.” She leaned into him, which set his heart pounding so fast heat built up in his chest. “Please?”
Jeremy thought for a moment, then an idea came to him. “I will on one condition.”
“What?” Melody asked with caution.
“I’ll spend the morning skiing with you if you’ll sit down in the afternoon and explain to me why you need an investor. I want you to tell me what’s really going on. Maybe I can—”
“I didn’t bring it up hoping for handouts, Jeremy.” She took a step away. “I’m not…I can handle this. I only need to know what options I have. I…you’re a good friend. Your whole family is very dear to me. I’ll not… I don’t wish to look as if I’m taking advantage of—”
His admiration for her grew even more. Melody came from money, though not like his family had. Of course, money was easily spent, but not always so easily earned. That was one of Father’s favorite sayings.
“I get it. But maybe if I understand what’s going on, I can offer better suggestions. I’m only offering advice. Maybe I can connect you with the right people, if necessary. I’m not looking to try to bail you out. I know you’d never accept that from me.”
She studied him for a long moment, then finally gave a nod. “The best way to lose a friend is to do business with them. I don’t want to risk our friendship. But I do have some ideas that I’d like to get an opinion on. If you’re willing to hear them out, then, yes. Let’s plan to spend the day together.”
Jeremy tried to hold in his urge to gasp at the thought of spending a whole day with Melody Carson. Even if he’d denied his feelings to his family, they were still there, roaring like a belligerent monster, all the same. He was still crushing on his childhood friend and couldn’t help but wonder what it would take to get himself out of the friend zone with her.
Chapter Two
Melody called Jeremy at the crack of dawn, waking him from a crazy dream where, instead of Duncan, it was him announcing his engagement to Melody. Then they both climbed into a horse-drawn carriage. The horse sprouted wings and flew into the sky. Before he knew it, the winged horse had turned into a team of reindeer and instead of sitting beside Melody Carson, Jeremy was snuggled next to Santa Claus.
He woke with a start, clutching a pillow to his chest. Dropping the buzzing phone twice, he finally managed to answer it by the second time she called. He loved her tenacity.
“I’m up,” he croaked. “I’m up. Where do I need to meet you?”
Melody laughed. “At the ski shop. It’s the third building—”
“I remember where the ski shop is.”
“Good, I’ll have coffee. Hurry up. I want to be the first ones out there.” The call ended.
Jeremy’s head sank into the soft pillow. He almost drifted back off to sleep until he recalled the disturbing image of Santa’s bearded face. A too close bearded face. Jeremy threw back the covers. When his bare feet hit the floor, he let out a loud yelp. Hopefully, he’d not wake up Colton whose snores drifted from the next room. Duncan slept on the opposite side of the cabin. Suzette and the girls had the top floor to themselves.
He headed straight for the shower, hoping that would wake him up enough so he was able to dress without stumbling into everything in his small room.
When he finally managed to make himself as presentable as possible in sweat pants and a thick dark blue sweater, he grabbed his jacket and wallet before leaving his room. His phone notifications lined the top of the screen. Several emails, text, and other messages vied for his attention. He almost left it behind, until deciding he might need it if they got into trouble on the slopes. Would he even have a signal? Would the constant beeping distract him?
There was one call he needed to make to his partner Mike Monroe. He checked the clock, knowing it was early, but at least he’d catch Mike before he went to the office.
Hitting his number, Jeremy turned on his blue-tooth so he could talk while he finished getting ready.
“Hey, Jere. It’s early, man.” Mike answered sounding groggy.
“Getting an early start on the slopes,” Jeremy bragged. “Listen, I need you to do me a favor today. Soon as you’re able, I’d like for you to gather all the information you can on the Sky High Ski Resort.”
Mike seemed to come alive as excitement bubbled in his voice. “Oh really? I’ve heard they’re on the brink of—”
“I don’t want rumors, Mike. I need facts. Financial reports, contracts, everything you can find. Email what you can. I’ll go over the rest when I return to the office next week.”
“You staying the weekend?”
“Yes. I have a flight booked for Sunday night.”
“Okay, will do. I’ll get on that first thing. See you Monday.”
Jeremy hung up, then turned off his phone and shoved it into the pocket of his jacket.
“Where are you off to so early?” Suzette asked from the kitchen where she was making a pot of coffee.
“I promised to go skiing with Mel this morning. Why are you up so early?”
She waved her hand, covered in diamond and sapphire rings. “I’m always up before the sun, Sweetheart.” Despite the early hour, her black hair was impeccably pulled back into a bun and a bit of red tinted her lips.
She leaned on the counter that divided the kitchen from the gathering room. “Skiing, huh? Since when did you become such a snow bunny? It wouldn’t have anything to do with a pretty blond would it?”
He shot her a glare that only caused her to laugh.
“Don’t start,” Jeremy warned. “Melody asked me to accompany her. I guess she goes out first thing to check the slopes and doesn’t like to go by herself.”
“Um, hum. Not that she doesn’t have able-bodied employees who actually know how to ski, to help her. But you have fun.” She waved him away, flicking her fingers like a queen dismissing the court jester. “Try not to hurt yourself.”
A retort was perched on the tip of Jeremy’s tongue but he knew that would only fuel Suzette’s taunting. She loved teasing people and though she also avoided serious relationships, she was quite the little match-maker when it came to other people’s lives.
“You could come if you’re interested.” He hoped she’d not take him up on his offer, though he was sure Melody would say the more the merrier, far as she was concerned.
“Oh, dear no. Much too cold for me. Besides, I need to pack and get myself to the airport. I have a show to get ready for. This has been fun, but I have a real life to get back to.”
Didn’t they all?
“Well, if I don’t see you before you leave, then—” he fumbled with his coat. Suzette wasn’t the hugging, touchy type.
She poured herself a cup of coffee. “Then I’ll see you at the next family gathering
, Sweetie.”
“Right.” He hurried out the door before things got even more uncomfortable. His sister didn’t use to be so stand-offish to people. Something had happened, though she refused to talk about it. Jeremy had a feeling it had to do with her old boyfriend. Since she’d broken things off with him, she’d acted like a cactus standing alone in a desert full of rocks and sand.
When Jeremy reached the shop, the front door was unlocked, so he went on inside. Hopefully, Melody would find a snowsuit that fit him. The temperatures were absolutely frigid. Stomping the snow off his boots, Jeremy waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. One wall was covered with various snowboards. Another section with skis. Several racks of clothing stood toward the back and up front were shelves of other kinds of accessories.
A young man, probably no more than twenty-one, sat behind the register. His feet were propped up on the counter as he leaned back in an office chair, fast asleep.
“Is that you, Jeremy?” Melody’s voice drifted from the back.
“Uh, yes.” He glanced at the boy again, then headed toward a sign that pointed to the fitting rooms. “It’s me. I put on my warmest clothes, but it’s really cold out there.”
“You’ll be toasty in this suit. I think it’ll fit.” She tossed a gray garment at him. “You’ll not need your jacket. You can leave that in the office.”
“Okay.” He looked for a price tag but didn’t see one. Not that it really mattered. “Whatever I use, I want you to put it on my bill.” Even if he’d probably never use it again, he didn’t want to inconvenience her.
“Oh, don’t worry, I will.” She tossed him a wink. “You’ll be back. Duncan told me that he wants to have his wedding and reception here.” Despite the worry pinching her thin brows, she plastered on a fake smile. “I think he’s looking at October of next year. I should be able to accommodate him.”
“A fall wedding. Will there be snow then?” He kicked off his boots and stepped into the cover-alls.
My Charming Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 2) Page 2