It Had to Be Him(62)

“Well, no, actually.” Walt cleared his throat. “There’s been a shortage of manpower, so everything’s more than . . . well, here. Let me know what you think after you’ve had a chance to look things over.” The sheepish look on his face as he handed the bid over didn’t bode well.

She tore open the envelope and searched for the bottom line. It was twice what she’d estimated and her heart sank.

The numbers made no sense. She’d gone over some of the costs with the lumber store herself.

But then, Walt had always been in love with Amber. He’d still do anything for her. So maybe this was step one in the “run Meg out of town” plan?

When she looked up at Walt again, he couldn’t meet her direct gaze and looked away.

That hurt. They’d been friends since elementary school. Did Walt want her gone too? “Tell Amber good try. But I won’t let this stop me. See you around.”

As Meg forced herself to calmly walk away, Walt’s sputtering apology confirmed she was right. Meg tossed the bogus bid into a trash can on the corner.

Well, Amber, game on. She would not allow her half sister or her so-called father the power to defeat her. They were dealing with the new Meg now.





Meg headed across the square toward the hotel. She needed to talk to Casey. Amber’s little power play was a good one, so Meg had to act fast.

Contractors from Denver would charge a surplus for working out of town. And the other smaller contractors in nearby towns didn’t have any openings for such a big job. She could only hope Amber hadn’t gotten to Beau Bailey yet.

Meg stuck her head inside her sister’s office, but Casey wasn’t there. She hated that she was going to have to ask for help. She’d built up her courage to ask all the way there.

Meg checked the kitchen next. Dax was pulling something sinfully chocolate-smelling from the oven. He was built like a Navy SEAL, but made delicate soufflés. He gently laid it on the granite counter. “Hey, Meg.”

“Hi. Dibs on any leftovers. Do you know where Casey is?”

A slow smile tilted his lips. “She’s in the throes of a cute little snit. We’re shorthanded today, so she’s down at the dock packing the boat with picnic supplies.”

“Thanks.” Meg turned to leave, but stopped. “So, do you have a thing for my sister, Dax?”

He shrugged one of his big shoulders. “She’s the boss, so she’s off limits, right?”

Yep. He did. “Casey’s a bit of a rule follower that way. See you.”

Meg hoped her sister would be willing to break a rule or two for her, just this once. She headed out the back door and down to the dock. Casey was hauling boxes onto the pontoon boat with a deep scowl etched on her face. Maybe it wasn’t the best time for favor asking.

Casey spotted her. “Here. Make yourself useful. Load this onboard.” Casey shoved a cooler into Meg’s hands.

“What’s going on?”

“Chris is out sick, Billy is on vacation, and Toby is nowhere to be found. I’ve called and sent him numerous texts, but he’s ignoring me. He’s supposed to take some guests out to Sunset Cove for a picnic lunch. If he doesn’t show, I’ll need you to take them.”

Meg was tempted to point out she wasn’t allowed to work for the hotel anymore. If Dad found out he’d be furious, but she’d risk it for Casey.

Besides, she used to enjoy taking guests out for picnics at Sunset Cove. It was a beautiful, secluded spot. Good for fishing, cliff diving, swimming—and the best place on the lake for skinny-dipping.

Maybe she’d take Josh out there later on the Jet Ski and finish up what they’d started in the shower earlier. The thought made her smile.

When Casey’s back was turned, Meg grabbed her phone. Toby always returned her texts immediately. Something that would probably irritate both her sister and Josh.

Where are you? Casey’s about to blow a gasket. You have a charter in ten minutes!!!!

After about thirty seconds, her screen lit up with Jeez I forgot. On my way, babe.

Meg put her phone back and helped finish up the last of the boat prep while Casey muttered under her breath all the ways she’d like to kill Toby.

He finally showed up with a wrinkled T-shirt, tousled hair, and a smug “just got laid” grin. He lost it as soon as he spotted Casey’s scowl.

Meg took the opportunity to slip off the boat while the dressing down took place. Casey would be quick and to the point. She’d never let the guests see her in a temper, and they were already on the end of the dock, excitement lighting their faces in anticipation of their picnic.

Meg greeted them and helped fit them into their life jackets. When Toby joined them, he thanked her and took over.