Page 1 of Tempting Me

PROLOGUE

SHAY - LAST SUMMER, A.K.A. THE SUMMER OF HUDSON AND SADIE’S STORY

“Just set it down over there.” I point to the left side of The Marina’s front doors, where all the other construction materials have been placed, doing my best not to squeal at how excited I am right now.

It’s happening.

It’sreallyhappening.

The Marina is finally getting the upgrade it deserves. As soon as it’s done, people will return, memories will resume, and business will thrive.

Just like it did when I was a kid.

All because of me.

Yay!

Those were the best days, and I have my fingers crossed that in a few years I’ll get to create those same memories with my own family.

The early summer breeze off Lovers Lake tickles my skin just enough that the eighty degree temperature of the day is bearable. There are a few people on the water, mostly thosewho own a boat, but we did have a few jet ski rentals today. Not as much as we used to. The bar and restaurant are outdated, and the weekend events that The Marina used to hold are nonexistent.

The Marina—yep, that’s what my family named it—has been under my older brother’s management for the last three years, and it’s clear he doesn't see the potential I do. He let this place go, and I plan to bring it back.

First, the main building, then minor touches to the bar, then the restaurant, and finally the ten lodges we rent out. It’s a long list, but I can do it. I mean, come on, the entire backside of The Marina faces the lake, with a wraparound porch that used to bethespot here.

One could sit and watch the sun go down just over the lake and mountains that surround it, finally hearing themselves think as the night breeze cooled the sunburn they earned after a successful day on the water. Maybe even a sweet drink in hand as their family or friends joined them for the evening, saying something like,this is the life.

I want that back.

Watching the company I hired unload their supplies makes me giddy with what is yet to come for this place.

“Did you have time to put a schedule together?” I ask Brent. He’s my main point of contact for the company. I told him all of my goals, and he said he could get it done. I just need some proof that there is a plan. I’ve seen the blueprints for the final product, but I want to know their day-to-day schedule so I can have the first two parts of my plan done before snow takes over in four or five months. You really never know when it’s going to hit when you live in Wyoming, so getting things done is a must.

Brent grunts, refusing to look at me, but I just keep smiling.

Hiring him and his team was already a risk because they’re from out of state. When you live in a small town and there’s only one option for a builder, expanding your options is just a smart business move, but people talk and I can’t let this town think I made the wrong choice by hiring elsewhere.

So I choose to ignore the fact that he seems a bit sensitive that I've asked him about his plans. I don’t want to chance him running off all because I can be a little … orderly, particular, and slightly pushy.

“I’ll get the job done,” he says, finally glancing my way with annoyance.

I don’t want to piss him off.

His touchiness makes him seem flighty.

Breathe, Shay—you’re just being paranoid about the timeframe. Everything is fine.

“Great.” I make my smile bigger and then turn, rolling my eyes when he can’t see me, only to let out an unattractive noise at the truck pulling into The Marina’s parking lot.

Of course he’s showing up right now.

Of course he’s scowling at me through the front windshield as he parks.

Of course his dark gaze never leaves mine as he exits his truck.

I swallow, hold my head high, and take a discreet breath.

I have to. Luca Asher is walking toward me, and I have to prepare myself for our personas when we are around each other.

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