Page 174 of Rough and Rugged

“I was going through a shag phase.”

I chuckle at the memory. It feels good to reminisce about him today. It’s almost like his spirit is with us and smiling in approval. Well, if I ever meet this woman who causes my libido so much trouble, I’d have to thank her.

She’s reminded me of what’s important.

Family.

“We’re ready, sir.” I look up from the invoices I’m sorting and nod at my general manager.

“The press and Mayor are all outside waiting to start the ribbon cutting, and the parking lot is full of patrons ready to swarm the slopes and enjoy lunch at the restaurant. I’m also happy to report that the cabins are all fully rented.” He smirks at me knowing he’s in for a nice bonus for all his hard work.

“There are only twenty cabins, Carlo.” I roll my eyes as I finish writing a note.

“You misunderstand sir. They are all rented. For the season.” I drop my pen and look up at his smug face.

“Season?” I do the math quickly in my head.

Some of our luxury cabins are priced at thousands a night. If they’re all rented for the next four months, we’ll be starting this venture out of the red before the doors even open.

“Wow,” Carlo chuckled at me as he opens my office door, waiting to follow me out.

“Well done, sir, and congratulations. May success also follow your brothers’ ventures.” I slap his shoulder as I pass him.

“Stop that. I know I couldn’t have done this without you.” He finally cracks a smile and falls back into his usual smart-ass banter.

You know that saying, never hire family or friends? Well, the best thing I ever did was ignore that. My best friend could sell sand in the desert. Bringing in Carlo as my general manager was a smart business move.

“This was all your idea. I just brought it to life. Give yourself…” he pauses with a dramatic wave of his hand.

“Forty percent of the credit. You did finance it, after all.” I snort.

“Asshole,” I mutter as we walk past some staff rushing around, putting the last few touches in place.

“Speaking of your brothers.” He points ahead of us, and I cringe.

Adrain is pacing angrily, looking like he’s ready to hit a wall, and Braxton is flirting with a cop who’s supposed to be here for crowd control.

“Thank God you’re the face of this business.” Carlo sighs as he pulls his shelves down before opening the door for me to exit and face the people waiting outside.

“Let’s get this show over with,” I sigh, and then plastered a charming smile on my face.

It’s showtime.

Chapter Two

Tasha

Istuffmybackpackinto the corner behind a curtain, making sure no one can see my meager belongings. I was able to steal a maid uniform thatmostlyfits.

No matter how often I don’t eat, my ass never seems to shrink.

I sigh as the pants cut into my stomach and groan when the smell coming from the kitchen fills my mouth with saliva. It’s been three days since I ate more than crumbs, and I wonder if I can sneak in now and grab something before the doors open.

“YOU!” I turn to the man growling at me.

“Yes, sir?” I say stupidly when his handsome, angry face catches me off guard.

“It’s Chef. You aren’t supposed to be in here. Go to the employee buffet down the hall and eat before it’s too late. But keep this hallway clear for the kitchen staff!” He rushes past me and then freezes, grabbing my arm a little too tightly.

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