My Charming Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 2)

by Jackie Castle

  Melody shrugged while setting out a pair of thick gloves, a cap, and a pair of ski boots. “I hope, but we never know. We have machines that take up the slack, but there’s nothing like fresh natural powder. That’s why I’m so eager to get out on the slopes early.” She was already dressed in her outfit, except for the jacket. Her hair was tucked under a cap that matched her pink suit. At least she’d be very visible out there.

  Jeremy stepped into the boots that formed around his foot perfectly. How did she know his size so well?

  Once they were both dressed, Melody took him over to the wall of skis. “Do you have a preference?”

  It had been so long since he’d skied, he wasn’t too sure. “I’ll trust your expert advice. Something that will help me stay up. You know how I feel about rolling down the hills.”

  A huge, evil smile brought out a dimple on each pink tinted cheek. “I still have those pictures I took of you. I put them together in a gif file and it’s hilarious to watch you tumbling head over skis. By the time you stopped at the bottom, you looked like the abominable snowman.” She bent over with laughter.

  Jeremy narrowed his gaze, lips pressed tightly together. To hold back his own smile, but then he failed and was laughing along with her. “Well, I wish I could say I’ve improved, but I have no idea. It’s been so long.”

  She picked a pair of skis and headed for the cash register. “We’ll start on the bunny slope. You’ll see, once you get going, it’ll all come back to you.” She stopped and turned to face him. “I’m assuming that you have good insurance? Just in case.”

  “Right. Thanks.” He shook his head, hoping he’d not end up having to use it today.

  Melody pounded her palm on the desk, waking the sleeping youth. “Get up, sleepyhead. You’re lucky that I like you, Zack. But I can’t have you falling asleep on me when the store is open.”

  Zack’s worn sneakers hit the floor as he bolted to his feet. He rubbed his hand over his brown spikes, then shook his head. “I won’t. I mean, I never fall…uh, well, just that once. But—”

  “You mean that once when I caught you.” Melody shook her gloved finger at him. “How many other times are there when I haven’t caught you?” Though her tone was firm, her mouth curved upward proving she wasn’t as mad as she sounded.

  “These finals are killing me, Miss Carson.” He rubbed the balls of his hands against his eyes, then took the receipt from her. “Should I add this to his bill, Miss?”

  Jeremy nodded. “Yes, and the skiing fees.”

  “No,” Melody argued. “You’re actually doing me a favor by coming with me. I don’t have to bother any of my staff. Just charge the gear, Zack.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He jiggled the mouse to wake the computer. Evidently, they were both taking a little nap. “Is it time to open the store?”

  “You have another thirty minutes. I’d like for you to dust the shelves, please. And run the vacuum before we open. I’m betting it’ll be a busy day.” Melody zipped her jacket, then went around the desk to collect her own skis. “How are your tests going? Do you need some time off to study?”

  Zack shook his head. “Naw. I need the money more than the extra time. I think I’m ready.”

  Melody bobbed her head. “Well, if it’s slow, I don’t mind if you crack open your books and read. Just no snoozing. Okay?”

  The boy smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Miss Carson. Appreciate your understanding.”

  “Hey, I was in college not too long ago. I remember how stressful it can be.”

  As they headed outside, Jeremy held open the door for her. She turned and set the lock on her way out. The chairs were already running up the mountain, she headed in that direction.

  “You’re too soft,” Jeremy commented when they stopped to put on their skis. “Do you think your dad would have tolerated an employee sleeping on the job?”

  She shrugged. “Technically, he’s not on the clock yet. Not until the store opens. And Zack is in a rough spot at the moment. He wrecked his car and now depends on his father to get around. From what I can tell, his dad isn’t very kind and yells at him and his mother, a lot. Zack is trying to hang in there until he graduates and can get out on his own. I think his home situation is…” She looked up at Jeremy. “Well, it’s not very supportive. I don’t like kicking people when they are already down. So I’m giving him extra chances and the benefit of the doubt.”

  Jeremy nudged her with his elbow. “You always were a big softy.”

  “Kindness produces better crops than bitterness or cruelty. That’s my philosophy, anyway.”

  He’d always liked the way Melody Carson looked at life. She kept things simple, and always did her best to focus on the good things, instead of picking at the scabs of the bad things. He missed their friendship. Maybe he’d been wrong to lose touch with her. But then, he’d lost touch with most people, including his family. Work was the giant bubble his life was wrapped in.

  Sometimes he wondered what would happen if it popped and he no longer had to strive and try so hard to keep everything in place? He didn’t mind working. Even if he didn’t make enough profit to inherit his portion of the Grimwood estate, he’d still have a nice cushion to land on.

  Except, he didn’t want to be a total outcast from his family. He’d no longer have a say in the Grimwood affairs. His siblings were working to meet their terms. At least, from what he could tell. And he had future generations to consider and what legacy he’d pass down to them.

  “Where’d you go, Jeremy Cole?” Melody liked using his middle name for some reason.

  “Just thinking about what you said, I guess. And other things.”

  “Well, no daydreaming, Mister. We need to stay focused. Fresh snow is great, but it can cover up some dangerous spots. I’ll need help making sure all of them are marked.”

  Jeremy was determined to help her in any way he was able. So long as he remained upright, he might prove that he could be useful. Instead of the butt of her jokes.

  * * * *

  Melody closed the laptop with a disgusted groan. No matter how she tried to work out the numbers, she still came up short. Even with all the upcoming reservations, it wouldn’t be enough to bring her out of the red.

  How had she made such a mess of her parents’ resort? When they were running it, everything was going smoothly and they always ended the year with a profit. But Melody had wanted to try a couple of ventures, adding a new shop that hadn’t worked out. People came to ski, not shop for gifts and household items. But the gift shops down in town seemed to do so well….

  Melody shook her head and stood from her desk. It was nearing three o’clock. She’d promised to meet Jeremy at his family’s cabin. Suzette was leaving soon and Colton planned to take the girls out snowboarding in the afternoon. Duncan was spending all his time with his fiancée and her family who wanted to go into town to shop.

  Sure, they’d go there, but not shop here at the resort.

  What had Melody been thinking with trying to compete with the town anyway? If anything, she should be trying to find ways to work with them. Offer services and goods the town didn’t already have.

  She had a new plan. The Mayor loved her idea and thought it would bring in more revenue to everyone, along with extra jobs. A win-win all around.

  But no money to make it happen.

  Which was why she’d finally started to think of finding an investor, someone willing to be a silent partner. The thought of involving an outsider made her stomach twist up in knots. There were plenty of people who wished to buy her out.

  That she was not having. They’d dismiss everyone on her staff and tear down everything her family had built over the past generations in order to become new and improved.

  Things were fine as they were. She’d find a way to get back in the black without compromising her family’s values.

  She packed her laptop and a few files into her bag. She also added the notebook where she’d been collecting notes and ideas for the spa
she wished to add to her resort. She’d been thinking about it ever since they discovered that natural hot spring up in the mountains.

  After bundling up, she made her way to the section of their nicest cabins that were set off from the rest of the compound. Unfortunately, it had been several years since any of the Grimwoods made time to visit. Of course, they were still dealing with the aftermath of losing their father. She was sure they were grieving, even though it had been over two years since Mr. Grimwood had passed on.

  When she reached the two-story cabin, she gave a knock. Jeremy opened the door. He was wearing a long-sleeve pale blue pullover that highlighted his amazing blue eyes. All of the Grimwoods were nice to look at. Suzette was stunningly beautiful and the men were all ruggedly handsome and trim in build. Jeremy must work out regularly from the way the muscles in his arms moved under the cotton fabric.

  For once, he was wearing jeans instead of slacks. She smiled, recalling the fun morning she’d had with him on the slopes. He’d only tumbled over a couple of times before getting comfortable with his new skis. They’d even raced down the last slope with her winning by mere seconds.

  She’d forgotten how fun he was to be around.

  “I ordered sandwiches from the cafe. They should be here soon.” Jeremy headed for the kitchen. “You want something to drink? We seem to have a sampling of every kind of soda imaginable. Or I could make some coffee if you need warming up.”

  His grin was warming her up nicely, thanks very much. Instead, she said, “I’ll take a coke.”

  He pulled out two cans, then filled two glasses with ice before joining her at the table. The basket she’d sent had been rummaged through. Maybe she should have more fruit sent. The twins probably devoured all the apples and oranges already.

  When Jeremy finally returned to the table, he sat across from her. His own laptop was already opened and he had a notepad where he’d been making notes about something. He filled her glass, then pushed it across the polished table toward her. “I had my partner pull up what information he was able to find on your resort.”

  “Okay,” she drew out the word, wondering what all he’d found. Her face was starting to heat up. From his expression, she had a feeling he knew the horrid truth about her situation. The whole truth. She closed her eyes and blew out a long breath. “And?”

  Jeremy rested his chin on the ball of his hand while staring down at his notes. He tapped the pen on the tablet in the most annoying way. “I wish I’d known sooner, Mel. You are in deep, hon. If you don’t do something drastic, I’m afraid you’re going to lose this resort.”

  As if he was telling her anything she didn’t already know.

  Chapter Three

  Jeremy strolled through the town of Timberview’s main street that evening. Duncan had sent an invite to join him and Elisa for dinner. Despite his exhaustion, Jeremy enjoyed spending time with his brother, especially since his attitude had improved so much over the past year.

  Colton had bowed out of the invitation, saying he needed to turn in early. He and the girls were leaving first thing in the morning. They’d make a stop at Grimwood Manor before returning to his ship and making sail for the coast of Venezuela by the beginning of February.

  What was it like to live in a floating house and exploring the world at one’s leisure? Jeremy envied his oldest brother, in a way. Except, he’d probably get seasick his first trip out.

  Jeremy liked land. He loved being here at the resort with its snow-capped mountain ranges and thick woods to explore. Melody had talked him into taking the cross-country route tomorrow morning, promising him some spectacular views.

  So long as there’d be no view of bears or wolves. Jeremy cringed. When had he become such a tender-footed city boy? He loved the wilds, but more from admiring a picture on his computer screen than actually seeing it in person.

  At this rate, he’d never have a chance of winning Melody Carson, ski expert and nature girl, over. Not in this lifetime.

  Jeremy stopped walking. Where had that thought come from? At best, he’d hoped they’d renew their friendship. He thought about watching her flying over the snow drifts and her excited laughter when they finally came to a stop at the bottom. She was wild and beautiful with her reddened cheeks and windblown hair dancing around her face.

  As Suzette would say, You are totally smitten, Jeremy Grimwood!

  Jeremy groaned, leaning against one of the posts along the boardwalk. Maybe he should leave in the morning, too. Except, he couldn’t leave her, not like this. Her resort was in some major trouble. There was no way that he would watch Melody sink. Her family had been too close to his family for as long as his memories went back.

  What he needed to do was push aside any errant feelings that were trying to surface and put on his business hat. Melody needed his expertise. Not his boyish crush. Besides, feelings were fleeting. He could, no, he would do this.

  Once he reached the restaurant, he found Dunc and Elisa were already sitting in a booth with menus in hand. To his surprise, Melody was there as well, two tables over with a group of seven people. A few he recognized. The sleepy college student was there, along with the man who’d been tending bar the other night.

  He headed toward Duncan’s table, but when Melody looked up, he gave a small wave. She smiled in return and sent him back a wink that nearly stopped his heart. They were all sitting around a large circular table. Melody had a pad sitting in front of her while the others were on their phones or tablets. This must be one of the monthly employee meetings she’d mentioned. Jeremy had warned her that she needed to find ways to cut back on expenses.

  Buying her workers a steak dinner once a month was not a cut she was willing to make.

  She was too kindhearted, he thought, taking a seat across from his brother.

  “Glad you could join us. Are you leaving tomorrow, too?” Duncan asked, setting down his menu.

  Jeremy picked it up and looked over the entries. “My flight isn’t until Sunday night. So I’ll be around tomorrow.” He’d planned to leave midmorning Sunday. It was an hour drive to the airport.

  Duncan leaned in closer. “How did your meeting with Melody go today? Did she tell you what’s going on?”

  Jeremy folded his arms across his chest. “I can’t share what we talked about, Dunc.”

  “I’m worried about her. She seems like she’s under a lot of stress.” His gaze traveled toward the round table. “Anything we can do—?”

  “She won’t take your money.” Jeremy already knew that he’d never get approval from the firm to invest in a ski resort, so his hands were tied. “She’s too proud for that. I have some leads. I’ll do what I can. Not sure how much help she’ll accept from me.” She had asked a lot of questions but had made it plain that this was her problem, not his. “She doesn’t want to take advantage of our friendship.”

  Duncan leaned back in his chair. “The Carsons were always good people. A rare find. Keep me posted, will you? I know you don’t want to break confidentiality, but if there’s a way we can help…”

  “I’ll let you know if there’s anything I’m able to work out.” He needed to find something else to talk about. Duncan was watching Melody with her employees. They were all in a deep discussion. After his meeting with her, he knew she was even more worried now than she was before. But she needed to be aware of the situation and what she stood to lose if she didn’t act soon.

  When the waiter approached their table, he said, “Think I’ll take the rib-eye. Have you and Elisa set a firm date for your wedding yet?”

  Duncan’s gaze slowly drifted back to Jeremy. “I’ll let you know when we have that worked out.”

  Jeremy dropped the menu on the table. “Sounds fair, bro.”

  Oh man, this was going to be a long night.

  * * * *

  Melody tried to soften the news of the state of the resort, but everyone still took it hard.

  Ol’ George Murphy, the Resort’s handyman, slammed his fist on the table
. “Knew this job was too good to last. Knew it. I should have taken that security job my brother offered me last year. People always need security guards.”

  Melody picked at the tabs of paper left from those previously ripped off the legal pad she’d made her notes on. “I’m not letting anyone go, George. But I understand if you all feel that you need to seek other employment. I know some of you have obligations and bills. And family.”

  Harriet Lansing, the receptionist, wrapped her arms around Melody. She plastered on her warmest smile. “You’re our family. I for one, am not going anywhere. You’ll figure a way out of this. I believe in you.” She looked around at the others. “We all do.” Her tone lowered as she glared at them. “Don’t we?”

  Barty and Danny, the janitor, both stared down at their menus, even though everyone had already ordered. Finally, they both nodded. Neither were much for words, but they were hard workers. She loved all of them and considered each one as close as a brother or sister if she’d had any.

  “Listen, Harriet is right, I’m going to find some way to pull Sky High out of the red. Don’t any of you worry. I only wanted you to know what was going on. That’s what these monthly meetings are for, right?”

  Dotty Doyle, the resident nurse, leaned forward with her elbows on the table. “Now, let me make sure I understand, the store you opened didn’t earn back what you put into it, right?”

  “Right. But that’s not why I’m behind. For one, I’m not a very good planner. So when we had an offseason, last year, I wasn’t prepared for it. And there are so many newer resorts popping up. Corporate resorts that have more to offer than we do. And I have no cushion to try to modernize so we can compete.” Melody feared she’d feel too sick to even try to eat her steak when it did arrive. “I talked to Jeremy Grimwood today.”

  Barty, Danny, and Harriet each grinned at each other. Melody knew that look and didn’t like it. Jeremy Grimwood was way out of her league. And he’d be leaving after tomorrow. Despite his promises, he’d probably forget all about her. Again.