AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’ve done this before?”
“No. Never.”
My eyes went wide as he pulled on a headset.
Then he winked at me.
Asshole. I smacked his arm.
“Put on your headset and strap in, London.”
Minutes later, he worked the controls, and the helicopter lifted off.
My belly dipped. I told myself it had everything to do with the view of the city below and nothing to do with the man sitting beside me.
21
KAVNER
We swept in over my resort. I saw the crane and construction vehicles. Once the renovations were completed, it would be the most exclusive resort in Louisiana. It was perched on the edge of Toledo Bend Lake, near the Louisiana-Texas border.
For the entire flight, London had been pressed up against the window. The woman liked to fly. I made a mental note to take her up again.
“This is yours?” she asked.
“Yes. The original owner went bust, and I got it for a song. The resort was pretty dated and needed an overhaul.” I focused, as I brought the helicopter in to land.
Once we were on the ground, I circled the aircraft and helped London out.
“I’m renovating the resort. The main building, restaurant, and pool are over there.” I pointed to where the gray roof of the sprawling building was visible. “Closer to the lake, we’re building smaller cabins. With a luxurious, rustic vibe. Once I’m done, it’ll be the ultimate in lakeside luxury.”
“A playground for the rich and famous.”
“Something like that. I can also offer a steady supply of local jobs.” I led her down a curving path. “And I’m planning to source local products for the resort. I’ve already signed a contract with a woman who makes lotions, shampoos, and soaps using local wildflowers.”
London swiveled and gave me a long look.
“Come on.” I took her hand, and when I threaded our fingers, she didn’t pull away.
Farther down the path, the gardens were overgrown, but I could see the potential. Nearby was a large, modern cabin, with a tarpaulin over part of the roof.
“This is the owner’s cabin.” The building was made of stone, with lots of wooden accents.
“Nice.” Her gaze swept over it. “Or at least it will be.”
I led her inside. Strong paint fumes filled the air, and ladders and tools rested against the wall. The large stone fireplace looked great, and had been added since I last visited. The wooden floor still needed to be sanded and polished, but it would look fabulous once it was done.
“I plan for it to look great when it’s finished.”
I opened the large, glass sliding doors and when we stepped onto the patio, she gasped. The view of the water was lovely. I felt my muscles relaxing. I loved my businesses. I loved being challenged, but it could be stressful. I enjoyed the rare times when I could relax.
I couldn’t wait to bring my family here. Daisy would love the lake.
London dragged her gaze off the lake and studied the pool. It was a small plunge pool with an adjacent, built-in hot tub. Then she noticed the table set up beside it. It was covered with a white tablecloth, and several plates of food.
“There’s a working kitchen in the main building. I had my people organize lunch for us.”
“This isn’t a date,” London said.
