Page 30 of Sleeping with the Frenemy

He gestured around the porch. “The Virginville Motor Lodge was designated an historical landmark at our meeting this morning. I admit, the property is a little young to make the list, but the committee decided to make an exception. Mr. Valenti wisely pointed out that not too many motels like this exist anymore. If we don’t protect it, we’ll lose this kind of history. He also raised the issue of Virginville’s well-developed historical district, claiming the Motor Lodge will make a great addition. He was very persuasive.”

It took me a second to absorb his words. “Do you mean Chase Valenti?”

“Indeed. A very well-spoken young man. The committee was quite impressed.”

Wait. Chase talked to the county? Today?

The man held out the envelope. “The grant application is in here, too, but it’s just a formality. Fill it out and drop it at the office. You should receive the funds in a week or two.”

“Funds?”

“Yes, the historical landmark designation comes with a two hundred fifty thousand-dollar grant.”

My mouth hung open. I was back to dumbfounded silence.

The man cleared his throat, his demeanor slightly uncomfortable. “Um…you do want the designation, don’t you, Ms. Parker?”

“Yes!” My voice came out louder than I intended, and he jumped. I lowered the volume. “Sorry. Yes, absolutely.”

He smiled. “Excellent. Well, here you go. My card is in there if you have any questions.”

I took the envelope and, somehow, resisted the urge to rip it open right there in the doorway. As the man gave a little wave and went down the steps, I called out, “Wait!”

He turned.

“Did Mr. Valenti mention anything about coming by today? To the lodge, I mean.”

“No, I don’t recall him saying that. In fact, he was on his way back to his hotel to finish up some business, I believe. He said he has a long list of other properties to visit.” The man gave a friendly nod, then continued down the steps, his shoes crunching in the snow.

My stomach did a flip.

Other properties? Chase was leaving town?

I looked down at the envelope. He saved the lodge. He saved me.

And now he was leaving? Without saying goodbye?

Again.

Not this time. I whirled, marched inside, and grabbed my car keys. Chase Valenti had a bad habit of disappearing without telling me. He didn’t just get to show up, give me the best sex of my life, and skip town again. I was going straight to his hotel, and I was going to give him a piece of my mind.

AndI was getting my damn panties back.

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