Page 13 of The Sugar Maple Inn

But the other part of him, the competitive part that had driven him from Thunder Bay to boardrooms around the world, wouldn’t let go. This wasn’t just another property acquisition for him. There was something on that island he needed. And he wouldn’t let anyone get in the way of him finding it, even if she did have legs that went on forever.

“Sorry, Grace. It’s mine. You’re just going to have to get used to it.”

Their eyes locked, defiant, neither willing to give an inch. Heat curled low in his gut, spreading with every second she held his gaze. Damn. Competition had always thrilled him, but with the woman standing before him, it felt like foreplay.

“Grace Elizabeth Sullivan! A word, please!”

They both turned to see Mabel marching toward them.

Reese had seen enough family disputes to recognize this particular storm brewing. Whatever was about to happen between Grace and her mother, it was going to be intense and he intended to stay around to watch.

After all, the more he knew about his competition, the more fuel he’d have to win.

Five

Grace

Grace turned to face her mother’s fury, acutely aware that her competition was still standing about ten feet away.

“Mom, I can explain—”

“Explain?” Mabel’s voice climbed high enough to attract even more stares. “Explain how my daughter has been plotting to abandon the family business behind my back?”

Grace felt her spine straighten. “I haven’t been plotting anything. I’ve been planning. There’s a difference.”

“Planning to lie to me, apparently.” Mabel’s hands were on her hips now, full maternal battle stance. “When exactly were you going to mention this little fantasy of yours?”

“It’s not a fantasy. Just like you running the café wasn’t!”

“At least I knew what it took, watching my parents run their place. What do you know about running an inn?” Grace went to open her mouth but her mother stopped her. “Nothing, that’s what. And money! Think of the money. I had to pay your electricity bill last month.”

“I paid you back a day later!”

“And doesn’t that tell you something, Grace?” Mabel sighed. “If you can’t be organized enough to pay a bill on time, how can you expect to run a whole inn by yourself?”

Each word was designed to hit where it hurt, and Grace could see Reese absorbing every blow. Thank God Abe and Margaret had already left so they didn’t have to witness it.

Grace was trying to figure out how to salvage some dignity from this disaster when she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching through the crowd. Zach, his black eye looking even more spectacular in the festival lights. Grace braced herself for another lecture from him too.

“So, is it true? You’re really going to try to buy the inn?” he asked. Grace nodded, waiting for the teenage eye roll. Instead, Zach gave her a rare smile. “Cool. Maybe me and the guys can finally check if it’s actually haunted.” The two friends with him nodded enthusiastically. “Do some Ouija board sessions up there.”

Grace turned to Reese with a pointed look. “See? I told you it was haunted.” She turned back to her son. “Absolutely no Ouija boards.” Zach sighed, shoulders slumping. “Seriously though, Zach, you think this is a good idea?”

Zach shrugged. “Better than serving coffee forever. Besides, it’ll be pretty cool if you can give the finger to the patriarchy.” He shot Reese a look that was pure teenage disdain.

That didn’t seem to bother Reese. He just smiled to himself.

Mabel stared at her grandson like he’d just sprouted a second head. “Zach! Don’t be so rude to Mr. Spencer! And don’t encourage your mother in this crazy plan!”

“What? Mom’s being awesome,” Zach said. Grace couldn’t help the smile that took over her face. If she didn’t think he’d die of embarrassment in front of his friends, she’d fling her arms around her boy and hold him tight.

She clocked Reese watching her, surprised to see something close to emotion in his eyes.

“Awesome?” Mabel’s voice pitched higher. “She’s throwing away everything our family has built for some fantasy—”

“It’s not a fantasy if she actually does it, though, is it?” Zach pointed out with brutal teenage logic. “And I know she will. She got the school to add ten minutes to lunch break by spam-emailing the principal until he literally couldn’t take it anymore. And remember when Coach kicked me off the team for missing practice? Mom started showing up to every single practice until he got so annoyed and let me back on just to make her go away.” He turned to Reese. “Seriously, dude, when my mom decides she wants something, she doesn’t quit. Ever. So good luck.”

“Sounds like your mom and I are cut from the same cloth then, kid,” Reese shot back, a playful smile on his face.