Bed, Breakfast, and You

by Lacey Wolfe



  Back Cover Blurb

  Claire holds the keys to her future, in more than one way.

  As if the recent death of Claire Stevens’ parents isn’t enough, someone wants to steal Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast right out from under her. But Claire isn’t about to roll over and let them. She’s prepared to fight.

  Jace Brown is Brookfield’s main attorney, and after delivering the bad news to Claire about her property, he knows all about being on her bad side.

  As Claire gets to the bottom of this scandal, she’s surprised to have Jace by her side, fighting along with her. The attraction is instant, but can it last after the dust settles?

  BED, BREAKFAST, AND YOU

  Copyright © 2013, Lacey Wolfe

  Publisher: Southern Girl Press

  Edited by Tara Chevrestt

  Proofed by Ella Jade and Tamaria Soana

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  www.laceywolfe.com

  Bed, Breakfast, and You

  The Brookfield Series Prequel

  By Lacey Wolfe

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to take a moment to thank my wonder support system. I have made some great friends in this business who are always there with a shoulder to lean on. Thank you Ella Jade, Tamaria Soana, and Tara Chevrestt for always being there.

  My editor, the wonderful Tara Chevrestt, thank you for everything you’ve taught me. With each round of edits I receive, I learn something new.

  To my readers, I hope you enjoy this short story about Jace and Claire. And thank you for continuing to love the Brookfield series as much as I do!

  Welcome to Brookfield, Wyoming. A fictional town you’ll fall in love with. There will be secrets, scandals, and suspense. But the passion will be strong and the stories heartwarming.

  The town is filled with little shops and some of the best restaurants around. The stores close early, but there is always someone around to give a helping hand. But with any small town, there will be gossip.

  Enjoy your stay in Brookfield. We hope to see you again.

  Chapter One

  Jace pulled up to Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast. He sat in his car a few moments, gazing at the land as the sun set. A lake was nuzzled next to the main building. He assumed this place got its name from the small pond. Several small cabins were nestled around the water. At one time, this inn had been the place to stay. But unfortunately, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, passed away six months before. They left the business to their daughter and rumor had it, she was back in town and staying there. Only he was coming here tonight to deliver bad news. He typically had someone who did this for him, but they’d recently quit—leaving him to do the dirty parts.

  After he exited the vehicle, he quietly shut the door. He held the manila envelope in his hand a little too tight. Taking a deep breath, he climbed the wood steps and paused in front of the door. He remembered Claire Stevens very well. She was a petite blonde with a temper to go along. But if memory served him right, she had been gorgeous as well. She’d been in Brookfield’s pageants and always won. Claire had a smile that could knock anyone dead and a killer body. She’d gone away for college and he hadn’t seen her since—until now.

  Jace knocked on the door then stood back. He waited a minute before he knocked again. Was she not here? He stepped off the porch and saw a red sedan parked to the side. Right about now it would be nice to have a number. He sighed with frustration and walked back toward his car, kicking the rock gravel on his way.

  “Someone does not look happy,” a female said with amusement.

  Jace glanced up and saw her approaching him from the direction of the cabins.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked.

  “Claire Stevens, man, you haven’t changed a bit.”

  She cocked her head to the side and flashed her winning smile. “Thanks, but do I know you?”

  “Jace Brown. I was a few years ahead of you in school.”

  “Ah, well, Jace Brown, what is it I can do for you?”

  He cleared his throat as he stared at the bombshell before him. “I’m actually here about this place.”

  “Oh yeah. I figured someone would be showing up before long with paperwork for me to sign since this place is all mine.”

  “That’s sorta why I’m here.” He’d never felt so flustered to give someone bad news. He motioned toward the Inn. “Can we go inside and sit?”

  “Not in there. I’m staying in a cabin. I can’t bear to sleep in there. The loss of my parents is still too fresh.”

  “Understandable.”

  “Follow me.” She spun around and trotted toward her place.

  Jace’s eyes were glued to her behind. She wore dark jeans that hugged her in all the right ways. As she went up the steps, he was worried he might spring free from his own pants. He wiggled slightly, trying to hide the erection that was beginning. Claire didn’t seem to notice.

  She pointed at a couch and he took a seat.

  “Would you like anything to drink?”

  He’d love to sit and play catch up, but he knew once he gave this bad news to Claire, she’d kick him out. “I’m fine.”

  She shrugged and tossed her locks behind her shoulders. The cabin was small and consisted of a living area, an eat-in kitchen, and a doorway he assumed led to a bedroom. It had probably been at one time a designated cabin for the couple looking to escape the every days of life and get lost with one another.

  She returned with what he assumed was a cup of coffee and took a seat in the chair directly in front of him.

  “I’d like to say first I’m sorry about the loss of your parents.”

  “Thanks, it’s still so weird they aren’t here. I hadn’t expected to be so young when I lost them. I thought I’d be married and have kids.” She took a sip of her drink. “But that’s life, I suppose. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring.”

  “You’re right.”

  “So, what’s in that envelope you’re clutching so tightly? The deed or something?”

  He took a deep breath and handed it to her. “Unfortunately, no.”

  Claire held the envelope and stared at him. “What do you mean? They owned this place. It’s been paid for.”

  “You’re correct about that.”

  “Then what? Tell me.”

  “They haven’t paid taxes in several years. And with their death and the back taxes owed, this property is in line to go to auction. Unless you pay the back taxes.”

  “What? Are you kidding me?” She tore the envelope open and pulled out the papers. She was silent as she skimmed through the documents.

  Jace knew the numbers she was looking at and it would be a miracle for her to be able to save the place alone. He hated this part of his job and he supposed this was why it was so hard to keep his assistants. Giving folks this type of bad news was hard.

  Claire set the papers down on the table beside her. “I need time. This can’t be right. I know this isn’t right.”

  Jace no
dded. “I understand. But you don’t have long.”

  “No crap.” She crossed her arms. “Thirty days. I read it. Just know one thing. I’m not losing this place. I grew up here and I plan to run this place until God takes me home one day as well.”

  “I hope so.”

  Claire drank from her mug again and then said, “Anything else, Mr. Brown?”

  “No. My phone number is in there if you have any questions.”

  “Then I guess you’re welcome to go.”

  Jace stood and watched her a moment. But she said nothing else, just stared down at the papers in front of her. He let himself out and as he walked back toward his car, he decided he needed to get an ad in the Brookfield paper pronto for a new assistant. He didn’t want to do this again.

  * * *

  This couldn’t be right. Absolutely not.

  Claire pulled the cell phone from her back pocket, but then stared at the blank screen. Who was she going to call? She’d only been back in town a short while. Sure, she could call her friend Seth Hampton, the sheriff, but he had bigger problems than this. He had a town to run.

  She placed the phone down on the table next to the papers, then propped her face in her hands and stared at what was in front of her. The amount her parents owed didn’t make sense. There had to be something else going on and she was going to get to the bottom of it. She needed to get into their office and have a look around. And perhaps calling Seth wasn’t that bad an idea. With his help, they’d have this solved in no time. And Honeycreek would once again be open.

  Chapter Two

  Claire took a deep breath before pushing open the glass door that led to Jace Brown’s law office. The place was dead inside.

  “Hello,” she called.

  A chair rolling echoed through the quiet office, followed by footsteps. Jace appeared. “Claire, hi.”

  “Is this a bad time?”

  “No.”

  She eyed the empty desk. “Assistant off today?”

  “I’m hiring a new one.”

  She nodded. “Anyway, can we talk a moment?”

  “Sure. Come in and sit down.” He motioned toward his office.

  Claire went in and had a seat in front of his desk. After he sat down, they stared at one another a moment. She had to admit the man was hot. He wore a navy business suit and not a hair was out of place on his head. His green eyes had a sparkle to them.

  “I get you’re like the town lawyer or whatever, which sucks for me at the moment. Guess I need to head up to Jackson Hole. But I don’t believe this. Something funny is going on and I intend to find out.”

  “You have every right to. But what exactly do you think is going on?”

  She grinned. “You work for the other side. What makes you think I’d tell you?”

  He tilted his head to the side. “Why are you here?”

  She leaned forward, letting her cleavage show. She knew she had a killer rack and Jace was happy to oblige by looking. “I’m just letting you know I’m going to fight this. I’m not going to roll over and let someone take my family business.”

  His gaze diverted back to her face. “I think you might need to accept the fact that things might have been tougher for your parents than they let on. Honeycreek was once a very popular place, but in the last few years more tourists have been going elsewhere.”

  “It’s a good thing I just finished my degree in business.” She cleared her throat. “And what you might not know…when I began business school, my parents let me control a good portion of their assets. And I know for a fact those taxes were paid. I signed the checks.”

  Jace’s face went white.

  Claire smirked and rose. “So, Mr. Brown.” She leaned forward again, her hands on his desk. “You can see why I’m not going to roll over and let someone take something that’s rightfully mine.” She straightened and headed toward his office door. “Oh, by the way. I’ve already contacted Seth Hampton.”

  She left feeling very pleased with herself. Whoever thought they could pull a fast on her had another thing coming.

  * * *

  It wasn’t even an hour later that Jace heard the door open and shut again. He left his office, hoping it might be the interviewee he had coming this afternoon. At this rate, he might hire her on the spot.

  “Sheriff,” Jace greeted, “what do I owe this visit?” As if he didn’t already have an idea. Claire hadn’t been lying.

  “Got a second? Can we talk somewhere private?” Seth asked.

  Jace motioned to the empty office. “It’s just me here.”

  “Ms. Stevens was by to see me. I’m guessing this isn’t a surprise to you though.”

  Jace chuckled. “She’s been by here today as well.”

  “She brought me her paperwork. And her story is correct. The taxes have been paid. She even has bank records showing where the money has been removed from the account.”

  “Crap.” Jace rubbed his temple. Who the hell would mess with the property taxes?

  “Any ideas who might be up to this? It’s gotta be someone on the inside at the tax department.” Seth cleared his throat. “If you know anything, now is the time to tell me.”

  “I don’t. I swear.” The town was so small, only a few people worked there. And it had to be a long-term employee. “I’ll help in any way I can. Just let me know what you need.”

  “I appreciate it. I’ll ask Ms. Stevens to cool her temper and cut you some slack. At the moment, she really dislikes you.”

  “We’ll get to the bottom of this. I don’t want to be on her bad side.”

  Seth laughed. “Me either. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”

  After the sheriff was gone, Jace slumped down into a chair in the waiting area. Of all the times to not have anyone else working for him, now something was going on. The first thing he needed to do was go down to the tax office and question them himself.

  * * *

  Claire sat with a stupid piece of paper in her hand with a number on it: E56. Looking at the screen that said what number they were on: E55. They’d been on E55 for the last fifteen minutes. Why did she have the feeling they were ignoring her on purpose?

  Her foot tapped loudly. She could care less if she was annoying the women behind the counter, because they were frustrating her. She let out a loud sigh and the older lady shot her a glare.

  “It’ll be a few more minutes.” Irritation laced the woman’s tone.

  Claire rolled her eyes. Of course it would be. This place was deserted.

  The door from the outside opened and to her surprise, Jace walked in. He didn’t see her. He walked up to the front, skipping a number. Jerk!

  “Mr. Jenkins here?” he asked.

  The older woman behind the counter smiled at him as she approached. “Not yet. We’ve been trying to get a hold of him.”

  “Tell him I need to speak to him. It’s an urgent matter.”

  Claire wondered what was so urgent for Jace. She was the one with a matter that needed to be taken care of right then.

  “I will, Mr. Brown. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “No.” He turned from the woman, glanced up at the ceiling, and then finally noticed her. “Claire.”

  “I’m beginning to dislike you even more. I’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes. It’s dead as can be. Those ladies back there are ignoring me,” Claire said.

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “E56. Now serving E56,” The overhead intercom blared.

  Go figure. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  She brushed past Jace, feeling a strange jolt in her body from the touch. She glanced back at him as he left the building. Her eyes watched his ass for a moment. Man, that gentleman could wear a suit in the right ways to make a girl swoon. No, I should not be swooning over him.

  “What can I do for you?” the woman asked.

  “I need to speak to someone about a tax mistake. Something happened in the records department and I’ve got the papers to g
et it corrected.”

  “You’ll have to make an appointment. And as you heard, Mr. Jenkins isn’t in.”

  “I’m sure someone here can help me.”

  “I’m sorry, we can’t. But if you leave your name and number, we’ll get something scheduled soon,” the woman replied.

  Claire moaned. “No. That doesn’t work for me. I need to get this cleared up today.”

  “Ma’am. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

  Claire looked at the name tag on the woman’s shirt: Mrs. Moore. She was going to make a note to remember her name and give it to Seth. “Fine. Give me a piece of paper and I’ll write my info down.”Mrs. Moore pushed a pad toward her. Claire wrote the required information down and pushed the pad back. “If I don’t hear from anyone in the next day or two, I’ll be back. Be sure to tell Mr. Jenkins that as well.”

  “Have a nice day.” Mrs. Moore smiled.

  As she left the building, Claire couldn’t shake the feeling something was off. Someone was against her and she couldn’t figure out why. Why would someone want her parents’ property so bad that they would go to this much trouble? Why not just approach them and ask if they could buy it? Right about now, she’d love to sit down with her parents and find out what they might not have shared with her.

  Chapter Three

  Claire walked around the inside of Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast and made notes on things she wanted to do before the grand reopening. Hopefully by the time she was ready to open, she’d be ready to sleep in here as well. When she first arrived, she’d planned on opening it almost right away, but with this tax crap, she knew she needed to wait. Which meant she had no money coming into her pocket.

  She remembered Jace needed a receptionist. Maybe she could temporarily work for him—the enemy. Then she’d be on the inside and she’d have access to files. She was brilliant. Why hadn’t she thought of this before?

  But would Jace hire her?

  The chances were pretty slim, but it never hurt to ask.

  She headed back to her cabin to find the card he’d given her with his info on it. She’d much rather be shot down for the job over the phone than in person. The papers were now in her bedroom on her nightstand. She sifted through them until she found the small rectangular business card.