Jinx’s Mate(29)

“Seems like they have everything worked out.”

“That’s sweet of them to keep a place for us.” Summer moved a pile of stuff aside.

“According to them, there will always be a place for you here.” He clicked a few buttons and the screen changed. “These will be the changes once everything is complete. A total renovation, giving the resort a new image to show the new Alpha.”

“Whose idea was that?” Jinx looked over the design. It was perfect, a clear way to say it was under new management, and would get people to return to check out the changes.

“Tex. He sketched out what he wanted for the logo, design, and ideas for the rooms. I put it together. There’s a team ready to start right way, the sign and other supplies should be here soon.”

“Everything is coming together. It’s all going to work out for them.” Summer leaned over Jinx’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t interrupt you.”

“You’re fine, lass.” He laid his hand over hers. “It’s nice to see, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “To know the clan will be fine once we leave…that means a lot to me.”

“They’ll have weeks before things are complete but when it’s done it will be like a new gem. Everyone will be coming to see it.” Lukas’s eyes sparkled as he spoke. “I’ve added some other touches, mostly with activities and things that I believe the clientele will enjoy. Tex is considering them as we speak. In the meantime I’m going to work on a new website for them, which I’ll maintain, instead of outsourcing it.”

“You’re going to be busy with all of this.” Jinx had to swallow his disappointment; his brother would have no time to accept the offered position.

“It won’t take much time, plus I’ll have weeks before the website needs to be complete. Actually I wanted to…”

Jinx’s phone began ringing, interrupting their conversation.

“One second.” Jinx grabbed his cell phone off the table and brought it to his ear. “Yes?”

“Boss, we’ve just pulled up out front. Where would you like us to meet you?” Jackson’s husky voice came through the line.

“Just wait there, I’ll be down in a moment.” He slid his finger over the screen, ending the call before turning to Lukas. “Could you stay with Summer and Claire for a few minutes while I go meet Jackson and the guys and show them to their rooms?”

“No problem. Take as long as you need.” Lukas nodded. “I’ll leave copies of all this for you on the coffee table.”

Jinx rose, slipping his arm around Summer’s waist. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes. Jackson might be coming back with me to meet you and go over a few things, depending on how tired he is.”

“I’ll be here.” She kissed him. “There’s a lot more I need to go through, so take your time.”





Chapter Thirteen




Clothes and toys were stacked in piles of what was going and what wasn’t. The stack they would bring with them was getting fuller than she expected. Two empty suitcases sat off to the side, but with the height of the pile she was doubtful there would be enough room.

“Penny for your thoughts?” she asked Lukas, who sat on the sofa, the laptop in front of him. But he wasn’t working, instead he was gazing into space.

“I’m thinking about West Virginia, my home.” He sat the computer aside and looked at her. “I never expected to leave the clan, but when I got the chance to stay in Alaska to help with their cause I jumped at it. For the first time I felt like I was needed, that I was doing something good.”

“What changed?”

“Jinx…” He let his head fall back against the sofa. “This opportunity…well, it’s got me thinking. I miss home, and it’s a once in a lifetime chance. If I turn it down, I might never be offered the chance again.”

“But?” She provoked him when he went silent.

“I’ve grown a lot since I’ve left West Virginia. I’m not sure I’m willing to give everything up. I still want to have a part in all the changes. At the same time, my duty lies with the family clan. I feel so split.”

“Have you talked to Jinx about this? Maybe there’s a way to do both. He’s very committed to the changes, and the Alaskan Tigers. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you. You could continue working with them, maybe remotely?”

“I was going to mention it, but then Jackson called.” He glanced over at her, giving her a halfhearted smile. “I shouldn’t be bothering you with my problems when you have your own.”