“Ah, come on,” he prodded. “No more vague answers. What would you do if someone handed you a million dollars right now?” His eyes searched hers before returning to the road.
She folded her arms. “Something tells me you’ve thought this through before. What would you do with a million dollars?”
He tilted his head, furrowing his brows. “What would I do? Hmm. That’s a good question.”
She rolled her eyes and smiled. “It’s your question.” She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was missing some kind of joke. “So, what would you do?”
He raised a shoulder, his face straightening. “I would probably invest it.”
Piper nodded. “Spoken like a true banker.”
He scoffed, giving her a sideways smile. “Are you mocking me? What’s wrong with banking?”
She laughed. “Nothing. It was a very responsible answer. No trip to Bali? No expensive sports car?”
“Ouch. Now you’re dissing my car, too?” he teased.
She laughed again, shaking her head. “I love your car. And I love that you would invest a million dollars if someone gave it to you. Invest enough, and you will be a millionaire someday.”
He kept his eyes on the road, all teasing gone from his expression. “It was a lame question. I was just trying to get to know you better. There are more important things in life than money.”
Unless you’ve gone without it. She shifted in her seat and kept the thought to herself. “So, what are your plans—for banking, I mean? Do you want to work your way up from teller into management or something?”
He squinted. “There’s potential to move up, sure. But being a teller isn’t so bad.”
She nodded, but her stomach dropped. Was he one of those guys content with mediocrity? A mediocre income, living from paycheck to paycheck? It was silly to wonder when she hardly knew him. So what if he was? It wasn’t like she was going to marry him. He was just a friend. But she couldn’t stop the comparison to Josh from entering her mind. Josh was already successful and had plans to keep expanding his business. Piper wanted to be with someone who had ambition. She wanted to be able to afford to buy a new outfit or go out for a meal every now and then without worrying about how much it cost. Maybe it was shallow, but it was important to her. More than she realized until now.
They made small talk as Drew drove through town and then up into Copper Heights, where the fancy mountain estates were located. He stopped at the large gate, entering a code into the keypad. Piper gawked.
“How did you get a code? Do you know someone who lives up here?” It seemed unlikely, especially since he’d just moved into town.
“Harry, the bank owner, has a share in a place up here. He gave me the code.”
“Wow. You must have made a good impression,” Piper said, raising her eyebrows as the gate swung open. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d been in Copper Heights, and almost all of them involved a high school dance.
“I wish I could say it was my incredible charm, but Harry actually knows a family friend of ours, so I think that helped.”
She turned to him. “A family friend who lives out here? I thought you chose Pine Ridge on a whim.”
He cleared his throat. “We did. But as it turns out, this family friend is moving to Pine Ridge soon.”
“Really? What a coincidence. Did you talk them into it?” Piper couldn’t understand why he suddenly seemed nervous.
“No. She made that decision on her own after hearing how much Olivia and I liked it.”
Her heart pinched. Was this family friend someone he’d been involved with? “How long has she been a family friend?”
“Since birth. My father used to work for her, and she sort of became like family.”
Piper relaxed. The woman was older. “Where does she plan to live? I can try to look into something or ask Josh what’s on the market right now if you want.”
Drew shifted. “Thanks. But she’s already bought a property.”
“Already? Which one?”
“This one.”
Piper turned to look out the window and her jaw dropped. She’d been so involved in the conversation that she hadn’t noticed where they were. “You’re kidding.”
His face fell. “You know this place?”
She met his eyes. “Everyone in Pine Ridge knows Briarwood. It’s an icon. Your family friend bought this place?” She shook her head, running the numbers and trying to guess how high the offer must have been. “Who is she?”
He paused. “Her name is Margaret Livingston.”
She smiled, not sure why he watched her so intently. When she didn’t say anything else his face relaxed and he continued, “She’s a wealthy widow, and she likes to stay in touch with Olivia and me. She offered to let me bring you here for our date tonight.” Again, he searched her face. “Is that alright? There’s a great setup in the back, so I thought we’d have a barbeque and enjoy the fire.”
Piper sat speechless for several seconds, internalizing the information. “Your family friend bought this place.”
He nodded again.
She closed her mouth and shook her head. “I’m sorry, it’s just . . . wow. She must be really wealthy.”
He held her gaze for a moment, then glanced away, removing the keys from the ignition. “Do you hold that against her?”
“No,” she blurted. “Of course not. I’m just a little shocked. I’ve been trying to find out who bought this place ever since Josh told me that someone made an offer. He said the information was strictly confidential.”
Drew tilted his head. “Why so interested?”
She straightened. “Well, like I said, Briarwood Chalet is a Pine Ridge icon. We came here for high school dances and other formal events. When news of the sale goes wide, it’s going to create quite a stir.”
He frowned. “I didn’t realize it was such a part of the town. Will people be mad?”
“I don’t think so, just—surprised.” She noticed the wrinkle in his forehead and touched his hand. “Don’t feel bad. It’s not like Margaret could have known. She probably just saw the place online and fell in love with it, right?”
He glanced at the steering wheel and nodded once. “Something like that.”
“Do you think,” Piper drew in a breath, hoping she wasn’t being too forward. “Is there any chance she’d be willing to open the place up for special events? People would pay for it, of course.”
He turned to look at her, his face drawn. “I don’t think so. She really values her space.”
Piper bit her thumbnail and slumped in her seat.
“Why?” he asked.
She sighed. “Savannah had several weddings booked here. She’s been kind of freaking out ever since I told her about the sale.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t know anything about this.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, Margaret didn’t say anything when I spoke with her. I’m sure if she knew the situation, she’d be willing to work something out.”
“Really?” Piper straightened, unable to hold back a hopeful smile. “Would you be willing to ask her? I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would mean so much to Savannah.”
He met her eyes, his face soft. “If it means I get to see a smile like that, then definitely.”
She swallowed, and without thinking she undid her seatbelt and grabbed him in a hug. “Thank you so, so much!”
He laughed, pulling her close. “No problem. This is all the thanks I need.”
Piper drew back, her pulse unsteady, and met his eyes. The air stilled around them, filling with something warm and expectant. She wanted to kiss him again, and by the look in his eyes, he wanted it too. But she didn’t want to take things too fast. She liked Drew. A lot. And she wanted to get to know him better before bringing the physical aspect into the relationship.
She sat back in her seat. “Do you mind if I call Savannah and tell her that you’re going to talk to Margaret? I’ll make sure she knows there are no gu
arantees, but it will give her hope.”
Drew nodded. “Of course. I would call Margaret right now, but it’s getting a little late back east. I’ll call her first thing tomorrow.” He reached for the door handle. “While you make your call, I’ll get the barbecue going.”
She smiled. “Great. I’ll be quick so I can come help.”
“Take your time.” He met her eyes, looking like he wanted to reach for her again, but he opened the door instead. “I’ll head out back.”
“Okay.” She waited until he closed the door before pulling out her cell and swiping Savannah’s number.
Savannah picked up after two rings. “What’s up? Everything okay?” Her voice was worried.
“I’m fine,” Piper reassured, realizing how strange it was to be calling while on a date. “I just had some news I had to share about Briarwood.” She quickly filled Savannah in, holding the phone away when Savannah squealed.
Chapter Eighteen
Drew lit the large gas firepit, grateful Josh had shown him how everything worked earlier that day. He gave a satisfied smile when the flames licked to life, immediately pushing back the brisk mountain air. He scooted two chairs closer to the fire, wanting Piper to be comfortable when she joined him.
The outdoor kitchen came complete with an industrial-sized stainless steel barbecue, and he warmed it up before removing the pre-assembled shish kabobs from the cooler. Drew wasn’t much of a cook, but he was a master when it came to barbecuing. If the store-bought potato salad and fruit and vegetable trays weren’t stellar, the shish kabobs would make up for them.
He removed the plastic wrap from the tray of kabobs, but his mind was elsewhere. Why hadn’t he heard about the importance of Briarwood Chalet when he plowed in with the offer? Josh should have at least mentioned it to Tom. But from what he knew of Josh, he likely wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize a sale like this. The commission was enough to set him up for a year.
Drew shook his head and arranged the spears of food on the grill. He would talk to Gran tomorrow. She liked her space, but it wouldn’t take much convincing to talk her into letting the chalet be used for the occasional wedding. Or twenty. He ran a hand along the back of his neck, hoping there weren’t too many. That would make the convincing more difficult. But the way Piper had beamed at him like he was a hero when he said he’d try? That was worth whatever steps needed to be taken.
He gazed around at the tall pines and breathed in the fresh mountain air, which now held the delicious tinge of roasting meat. Icon or not, Drew didn’t regret talking Gran into the purchase. It had only taken ten seconds into the tour this afternoon for him to decide this was a place he wanted to call his own. He would buy it from Gran once he received his inheritance. But he did feel bad for robbing Pine Ridge of the venue. While he was happy to try to accommodate the weddings that had already been booked, it wasn’t something he would want to offer long-term. He would have to take some time to think through the problem.
“I should have waited to tell Savannah,” Piper said, appearing around the corner with a big smile. “She’s so excited, she practically hyperventilated.”
Drew bit the inside of his cheek. “You told her I still need to talk to Margaret, right? I don’t want to get her hopes up—in case things don’t pan out.”
She nodded, coming to stand beside him. “I made that very clear. But you’d have to know Savannah—she’s a hopeless optimist. It doesn’t take much to get her excited.”
“An admiral trait.” He squinted. “I promise to do what I can.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem.” His heart stuttered at the look of gratitude in her beautiful green eyes. She drew her jacket closer and hugged her arms to her chest.
“It smells amazing. What can I help with?”
“I’ve got it. You can go relax by the fire.” He reached down into the cooler and pulled out a bottle of sparkling lemonade, popping off the metal cap before handing it to her. “How about a little refreshment while you wait?”
She accepted it with a smile. “Thanks.”
His fingers brushed against hers as she took it, sending a shockwave through him. Man, she did crazy things to his nervous system. “It will be ready in a minute.”
She gestured to the cooler. “At least let me help set out the other food. I can’t just sit and relax while you’re working away.”
He studied her like she was a new species. Lindsay would have had no problem with sitting by and watching him work—neither would any other girl he’d dated. It was just one more way Piper stood out. “Sure. That would be great.”
She set her lemonade on an empty counter before reaching into the cooler. “This looks delicious. Where do you want me to set it up? On the table?” She gave an involuntary shiver which she tried to hide with a smile.
Drew shook his head. “How about we dish up here and eat by the fire?”
“Okay,” she readily agreed.
He worked the grill while she set out the food and paper plates, chatting about her memories at Briarwood. He found himself wishing he could have been her date to senior prom, instead of the loser who had too much spiked punch and was too wasted to drive her home. Piper laughed off the memory, even coming to the guy’s defense.
“Brett had a hard life,” she said, studying the rough stone tiles beneath her feet.
Drew shook his head. “There you go again, looking for the good in people,” he teased.
She shrugged. “It’s always there somewhere if you take the time to look for it.”
He bit back his own thoughts about a guy who would treat his date that way—hard life or not. But something about the look in her eyes made him stop. He almost asked Piper if she knew what it was like to have a hard life, but he didn’t have to. The empathy in her eyes said it all. He would wait until she was ready to open up about her family. He turned to the grill and clicked the tongs he was holding. “These babies are ready. Grab a plate.” Piper obediently lifted her paper plate and he set three skewers on it, going back for a fourth.
She held out her hand. “Thanks, but that’s plenty for now.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “You sure? Three is barely an appetizer.”
She laughed. “I have to save some room for the other food.”
“Good point.”
They loaded up their plates and Piper reached for her lemonade, but Drew beat her to it, lifting it with his free hand. “I’ve got it.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a warm smile before turning and walking toward the fire pit.
He’d seen her carry trays and perform balancing acts any juggler would be proud of, but he appreciated that she was willing to let him be the gentleman too.
They sat by the fire and Piper gave a contented sigh. “It’s so gorgeous up here. And quiet. I’ve never been able to come when this place wasn’t crawling with people.”
“Yeah. Gra—” his eyes widened and he coughed. “Margaret is going to love the solitude.” He took a swig of his lemonade, hoping she hadn’t noticed the near slip. He relaxed when she seemed unfazed, sliding a bite of marinated steak from her skewer and popping it into her mouth. He was mesmerized by the motion, fixating on her perfect lips.
“Mmm.” She closed her eyes, savoring the bite. She opened them again after she swallowed. “Okay, tell me where you bought these. I don’t believe you made them.”
He winced, pretending to be offended. “Why? Because you don’t think I’m capable of making delicious food?”
She laughed. “No! I’m sure you’re very capable. But this stuff is insane. You really made it?”
Pride swelled in his chest. “The marinade is my own creation. A little recipe I save for special occasions.” If he was being completely honest, Rosa, their family cook, had helped him come up with the recipe when he was growing up. But he couldn’t tell Piper that. One corner of her mouth lifted and he found himself wanting to kiss the smirk from her face.
“I’m glad you considered this special enou
gh,” she said, her green eyes dancing. “How much do you want for the recipe? I’ll give it to Romero to use at the Silvermine. They’ll make a fortune.”
His eyes narrowed. “I’m sure we can come up with a reasonable fee.” His gaze travelled to her lips and back. Even in the fading light, he could see the pretty flush rise to her cheeks.
She shrugged. “You strike me as the kind of guy who would make it reasonable,” she said, taking a bite of roasted green pepper, her eyes teasing him right back.
His pulse raced. “Definitely.” He leaned closer, holding her gaze. An electric spark charged the space between them. He wanted to kiss her, and it was obvious she knew that was the “fee” he referred to. He leaned even closer, unable to resist toying with her. “How about an arm wrestling match after dinner?”
She snorted, and then began coughing.
He frowned, feeling bad as he gently patted her back until the coughs subsided. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made you laugh while you were eating.”
She shook her head and wiped her eyes. “It’s fine. The comment was just . . . unexpected,” she finished, allowing a small giggle to escape.
He widened his eyes, doing his best to look innocent. “What? Did you think I was referring to some other kind of payment?”
“Of course not. Who doesn’t love a good arm wrestle?” She gave him a coy smile, her face catching the firelight and highlighting her flawless features.
Drew’s heart stopped. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. He couldn’t help himself. He leaned closer, his mouth watering at the thought of her kiss. Piper closed her eyes, but just before his mouth met hers, she pulled away, scooting back in her seat.
Lucky You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 1) Page 9