by Cindy Kirk
“Mini golf, that’s what’s so funny.” The laughter eased a bit, but humor still laced the words. “Does this course have a little windmill thing with paddles?”
To calm her rising temper, Fin focused on the brilliant autumn red of a burning bush as his laughter began again. “You seem in a good mood today.”
“My life is finally taking off,” Xander continued, bringing up the club he’d been to last night, bragging about who’d been there and the conversations he’d had with movers and shakers in the film industry. “Once you nail down this site for me, it’s smooth sailing.”
She waited for him to say something about how much he appreciated her efforts. Actually, she hoped he’d say he missed her and couldn’t wait until they were together again.
When he only continued to drop names of people and places, she took the offensive. “I bet it felt strange not having me there.”
“What?” He paused, and she realized he’d started up again about the party. “Of course. But you’d have been bored silly. Even Jessica was ready to leave early.”
Fin’s ears pricked up at the name. “You were at the party with Jessica Atherton?”
For a millisecond, silence filled the line.
“Not with her.” Xander gave a hearty chuckle. “She was there. I was there.”
“Did you two leave the party together when she got bored?” She kept her tone steady even as her blood began to boil.
Fin had once suspected Xander had a thing for his young assistant, but he’d assured her the only relationship he was interested in cultivating was with Jessica’s director father, Harvey.
“I gave her a lift home after her friend ditched her.” Annoyance now filled Xander’s voice. “Just because you’ve got a ring on your finger doesn’t mean you get to put me on a leash and bring me to heel.”
Fin spoke through gritted teeth. “I asked a simple question.”
“Don’t play the innocent with me. You’re out there snuggled up with your former lover and I’m taking the heat?” Xander’s voice turned sharp as a steel-edged blade. “Ever heard of projection? Tell me, what games have you and the good mayor been playing that has you suddenly questioning my behavior?”
Fin spent the last five minutes of the call explaining herself to him. It wasn’t until he’d hung up that she realized Xander had once again put her on the defensive.
The man was a master at turning the tables anytime she questioned his behavior. She wondered if he’d done more than take Jessica home. If he had, no one would raise a brow, even if they’d known he was engaged.
“Everything okay?”
Fin closed her eyes at the sound of Jeremy’s voice. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly while dropping the phone into her bag. When she turned, a smile was on her lips. “Everything is fine. Just updating Xander.”
His gaze searched her face. In the sunlight’s glow his eyes were clear and very blue. “I want to speak with you.”
“Did you change your mind about golfing?”
A puzzled look stole across his face. “Why would I change my mind?”
“It’s a silly game.” She couldn’t get what Xander had said—especially the sneer in his voice—out of her head. “Who gets excited over hitting a ball into a windmill?”
“Easy for you to say, Miss Mini Golf Champion. I don’t recall your ball being smacked back to you by one of those revolving sails.”
The teasing comment had Fin’s lips curving in a genuine smile. Her prowess on the mini golf course was legendary. From the time she could whack a ball straight into the clown’s mouth, her sisters had threatened not to play with her.
Jeremy had always seen the losses as a challenge.
“You’re going down.” She shot Jeremy a teasing look. “I’ll even spot you two strokes. It won’t matter. You’ll still lose.”
“Sassy as ever.” The wink he shot her said he approved. “I have a question.”
Fin reached over and pulled a couple of cherries from a tree next to the path. Breaking the stem apart, she handed a cherry to Jeremy and kept one for herself. “Ask away.”
“When was the last time you played?” His gaze remained on her lips as she popped the bit of fruit into her mouth and chewed.
Under the direct gaze, her lips began to tingle. Likely a reaction to the cherry’s tartness.
“High school, probably.” Fin’s forehead furrowed as she tried to recall if she’d played since. “For sure it hasn’t been since they built the new course.”
“I played last month. I had the low score of the foursome.” Jeremy’s boast matched his smug smile.
“Who were you playing with?” Fin immediately regretted asking. If he said Eliza, well, she didn’t want that image in her head.
“It was an end-of-the-school-year activity sponsored by the education council.”
She narrowed her gaze. “End of school?”
“I golfed with three fifth-grade boys.”
A picture came into sharp focus. She rolled her eyes. “Three boys who likely spent their time on the course either swatting one another with the clubs or making farting noises by putting the balls in their armpits.”
“How did you know?” Astonishment flickered across Jeremy’s face. “You have sisters.”
“I have twin nephews. All I have to do is picture Callum and Connor in three years.” Fin laughed. “No wonder you won.”
“You’re altogether too confident.” Jeremy studied her through slitted eyes even as a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “You’re the one going down.”
“Wanna bet?” she taunted.
“I won’t need a two-stroke spot, either.”
“Ohhh, big words.” It was a ridiculous conversation, but it felt good to be back on solid footing. Felt good to laugh and tease. “Willing to put money on the line?”
“Not money.” Jeremy’s gaze held a wicked gleam. “We can talk about payment once I win.”
“Okay. We’ll talk about payment . . . once I win.” Fin twirled the empty cherry stem between her thumb and forefinger. There was no reason for further discussion on the payment he planned to exact.
There was no way he was going to win.
Fin had seen no reason to mention to Xander she’d be playing the course with her father and his girlfriend. In his mind that would likely make the Sunday-afternoon adventure sound even more lame. Of course, he may have approved if he’d remembered her dad’s girlfriend was Lynn Chapin.
Looking stylish but comfortable in pale blue capris, a white collared shirt, and a pair of Toms, Lynn clearly was comfortable on the course. Fin had no doubt the banker could have achieved a respectable score if she hadn’t spent so much time talking.
When Fin found herself on the verge of telling the others to get serious, she realized they were on a miniature golf course, not Pebble Beach. How long had it been since she’d allowed herself to simply relax and have a good time?
Impossible to say.
“Gladys is hysterical on the golf course,” Lynn told her and Steve while Jeremy eyed the volcano, which had red lava painted down its sides and boasted a single small hole at its base. “We had two subs round out our foursome at the country club last week. Gladys told the women, when they asked her handicap, that she was a scratch golfer.”
“Really?” Fin inclined her head. “She’s that good?”
Lynn smiled. “When they looked suitably impressed, she told them if she doesn’t like a score, she scratches it out.”
Steve chuckled.
“They didn’t know what to say.” There was fondness in Lynn’s smile. “I only hope I’m that sharp at ninety-six.”
Fin didn’t know what to think when her father slipped an arm around Lynn’s shoulders.
“You’re a good friend to her.” Steve’s warm tone matched the look in his eyes.
The obvious affection in the words had Lynn’s cheeks turning a becoming shade of pink. “She’s a good friend. An amazing woman.”
J
eremy looked up in triumph when his ball slid down the ramp and straight into the mouth of the red volcano.
“Not bad, hotshot.” Fin exchanged a high five with Jeremy before returning her attention to Lynn. “Did having different opinions on the movie shoot cause any tension in your friendship with Gladys?”
Lynn turned slightly to Fin, obviously content to remain close to Steve. “You’re referring to the proposal to delay the Christmas festivities until January?”
Fin nodded and saw her father’s smile slip.
“When we were elected to the town board, Gladys and I agreed to disagree. We each take our fiduciary duty seriously and strive to make the best decisions possible.”
“You’re up, Lynn.” Steve’s tone seemed overly jovial.
Lynn pursed her lips. “A mighty small little hole in that volcano.”
“Piece of cake for a golfer of your caliber.” Steve gave Lynn’s shoulders a supportive squeeze, then stepped back.
When Lynn moved to the line to study the slope leading up to the hole, her father spoke in a low voice to Fin. “Do you have to discuss business now?”
Puzzled by his terse tone, Fin hesitated. “I thought that’s why you invited her.”
“I invited Lynn because I like her. I want her to get to know all my girls.” Steve’s whisper held a hint of warning. “I don’t want talk of business to ruin the afternoon.”
Jeremy moved close. Knowing he’d overheard, Fin tensed and waited for him to side with her father.
“Your daughter is under an extremely tight deadline.” Jeremy’s tone, while respectful, was firm. “She needs to seize every opportunity.”
The look he shot Steve dared him to disagree.
“I suppose.” Her father’s agreement came haltingly, with obvious reluctance.
“Yes.” Lynn’s fist shot into the air.
Fin glanced at the green and watched the ball disappear into the tiny hole.
They all cheered. In deference to her father, Fin waited until they stopped for ice cream to revisit the topic.
“I’m fascinated by city government.” Fin paused to lick the dribble of key lime ice cream snaking down the side of her cone. “Can you tell me anything about the discussion surrounding the decision to turn down the Christmas proposal?”
Her father bit off the top of his chocolate cone.
“It wasn’t as straightforward as you might think.” Lynn dipped her spoon into the mound of chocolate in her dish. “There was a lot of discussion. The money we were being offered was significant. While we have a healthy economy in Good Hope, the town’s budgetary needs continue to grow, and no one on the board wants to increase taxes. Gladys believes the money would offset any loss in revenue as well as provide extra funding for other community projects.”
“I tend to agree with Gladys.” Fin took another lick of ice cream, more to give the comment time to sink in than out of hunger. “I bet news that a big film production was happening in Good Hope would be a huge tourist draw.”
“That’s what Gladys argued.” Two lines formed between Lynn’s brows. “I have to admit her being in favor of this particular project surprised me.”
Fin wasn’t surprised. Gladys was an actor. Of course she’d want a major film production in her town. Heck, she was probably hoping to snag a walk-on.
As they continued to stroll down the downtown sidewalk, Fin kept her tone casual. “Why was her support unexpected?”
“Gladys has been around a long time.” Lynn’s coral lips curved upward as she took the arm Steve offered. “The Twelve Nights, the Victorian home tour, those are staples of the December festivities. I thought Gladys would be more sentimental.”
Fin exchanged a look with Jeremy. She wished they had a moment alone so she could ask if he agreed with Lynn’s assessment. But he’d given her this opportunity, and Fin wasn’t about to waste it. “Is that why you voted against it? Out of sentiment?”
Lynn slanted a surprised look in Fin’s direction.
Clearly she hadn’t expected her to pursue the discussion past a few questions.
“Since Fin has been living in LA, she’s become very interested in the film industry.” Jeremy smiled at Fin, and she recognized the deliberateness of the gesture. He was reminding Lynn, without saying the words, that they were a team. “In fact, I believe she’s acquainted with Xander Tillman.”
Fin wanted to slam her elbow into Jeremy’s ribs. She settled for a smile.
It took her several seconds to realize Jeremy had brought up her relationship with Xander to protect her. When she returned to LA and her engagement to the director was announced, the connection would have been established.
Lynn seemed intrigued by Fin’s connection with Xander. “Mr. Tillman appeared sincere in his desire to film here.”
“He’s convinced this is the perfect location.” Jeremy tossed the comment out there before finishing off his cone.
Fin glanced at Jeremy.
His expression gave nothing away. “That’s why it’s back on the agenda. Since the board was evenly split and I’ve been approached by so many business owners who felt they weren’t given a proper chance to be heard, I figured it deserved another look.”
“Eliza won’t change her vote.” Lynn spoke with a surety that told Fin she’d been right to focus on the woman at her father’s side. “I guess that leaves me.”
“Is there a possibility you’ll change your vote?” Her father finally spoke.
Fin shot him a grateful glance. With everyone participating, this appeared to be nothing more than a simple conversation between the four of them. As Lynn scooped up another spoonful of Rocky Road, Fin’s heart stilled in watchful waiting.
Lynn Chapin had a spine of steel. Which was something Fin admired in a woman. But in this instance, she wished Lynn was a little more malleable.
She needed Lynn to see Xander’s side. She needed her to change her vote. The clock was ticking. If the town board once again rejected the proposal, Jeremy’s tiebreaking vote would be the only thing standing between losing Xander and her job.
Fin could shift her focus to convincing Jeremy but preferred not to do that unless absolutely necessary.
Much better—much simpler—if Lynn would reconsider.
“I like to believe I have an open mind.” Lynn smiled at Steve. “Though I can be headstrong at times.”
Fin’s father flashed a smile and paused as they reached their vehicles. “Never noticed.”
They exchanged looks that reminded Fin of two love-struck teens. When her father and Lynn turned to the car, Fin realized that other than learning Lynn’s objections to the project, she hadn’t accomplished much.
She decided to pursue the sentimental angle when Jeremy’s hand tightened around her arm. Glancing up, she caught the barely perceptible shake of his head.
Fin almost pushed forward anyway. But her father had already stepped to his car to open the door, and Lynn was glancing at her wrist.
“I’m sorry to have to cut this short, but I’m watching my granddaughter this evening. David has a big project he’s finishing up, and Camille has the night off.”
Fin cocked her head. “Camille?”
“The nanny.”
The next logical question would be to ask where was Whitney, but Fin didn’t need to be warned to keep her mouth shut. She kept up on the local gossip and was aware Lynn’s daughter-in-law spent a lot of time away from home.
“Have fun with your granddaughter.” Fin tossed the rest of her cone into one of the high-tech solar trash cans the town was trying out in the downtown area. “We’ll have to get together to discuss the All About Kids project.”
“Absolutely.” Lynn paused, hand on the top of the car. “How about I text you my availability? We’ll find a time that works for both of us.”
“Perfect.” Fin and Jeremy remained at the curb while her father rounded the vehicle after closing Lynn’s door.
Her dad, always the gentleman. He paused in front of Fin an
d gave her a quick hug. “It’s good having you back. We’ll have to do this again.”
“I had fun.” Despite what Xander had predicted, playing the “lame” game of mini golf and then enjoying an ice cream treat had been very enjoyable.
Could it be that she was a small-town girl at heart?
Fin nearly chuckled at the thought.
She and Jeremy remained on the sidewalk until her father’s sedan disappeared from view.
Jeremy clapped a warm hand on her shoulder. “Well, Miss Mini Golf, I suppose it’s time to head home.”
Fin hesitated. She wasn’t ready for the day to end. Then she reminded herself that she wouldn’t be returning to an empty apartment. She’d be going home with Jeremy.
When Jeremy reached around her to open the passenger-side door—he was as much of a gentleman as her dad—she shot him a teasing smile. “On the way home we’ll discuss payment.”
He raised a brow.
“I won the game.” Fin felt a surge of satisfaction.
Jeremy opened his mouth, then shut it. “Something tells me I should have clarified what you’d expect if you won.”
Fin turned and rested her back against the car, feeling cheerful. “Yes. You definitely should have.”
Chapter Sixteen
Jeremy supposed making dinner wasn’t too high a price to pay. Not compared to the other penalties Fin might have extracted. She obviously wasn’t aware that over the years he’d become quite proficient in the kitchen.
Before Fin had headed into the suite, he’d told her to prepare to be dazzled. She hadn’t believed him.
“Something smells good.” Ruby sauntered into the kitchen, her eyes clear and her cheeks nicely pink. The older woman lifted a brow. “Where’s Delphinium?”
“In the bedroom, freshening up.”
“Did you have fun golfing today?”
“We did.” Jeremy turned from the skillet. “Fin mopped up the course with the rest of us.”
“Did I hear my name?” Fin strolled into the room.
She’d changed from the cropped pants and polo shirt into a cotton dress the color of sunshine. Her hair, previously pulled back into some kind of knot, now hung loose to her shoulders.