Page 41 of Hoax and Kisses
ZOEY
“I’ll do it.”
Matt, who’s just taken a sip of coffee, chokes and sputters, hot liquid dribbling down his chin. “W-what?”
I’ve been up all night, going over every strategy I can think of that would help me gain the trust of the locals after yesterday’s meeting. But nothing stood out.
“I’ll do it,” I repeat.
His face remains etched with disbelief.
It’s okay. He probably didn’t expect to get this particular response from me. Our interaction last night didn’t exactly hint at the two of us pairing up easily. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and let’s face it: I’m up against the wall.
I hate to admit it, and I hate to even consider this, but I have no other choice. It’s success or corporate death.
And if Matt can help me achieve that success, if he has as much sway as he claims, then I’ll swallow my pride and anger, and I’ll roll with whatever he’s suggesting.
By the way he rallied the whole town against me last night, it’s hard not to have at least a little faith in him.
“I’m sorry.” He shakes his head, his unbound hair following the movement.
Here’s something I’m learning about myself: Men with long hair that belong in shampoo commercials? Hot.
“I was half convinced you weren’t gonna show up this morning, and if you did, I thought there was a high probability of violence, so I need a second to process.”
I dig my fork into my pancake and take a bite. “You said free breakfast. I’m easy to please.”
And maybe finding a bouquet of petunias when I got back from my run, along with a sticky note that not only held an invitation to breakfast at Rosie’s café but also a heartfelt apology, stirred something in the dark pits of my chest.
I might have shoved the bouquet into the trash before I saw the note, but he doesn’t have to know that. Not that I need to spare his feelings after what he put me through last night.
“I haven’t even told you what I want out of the deal,” he says, one eyebrow raised. “Don’t you want to know what you’re getting yourself into before you agree?”
“Tell me the scandalous offer you want to make me.” I sink into the cushy seat and survey him. What does this man so desperately need that he cannot get from anybody but me?
Matt leans in, threading his fingers together on the table. “I looked you up online.”
I stop chewing. Oh fuck. What did he find? I school my features. “You looked me up? Is that something you should be confessing? That plus the note and bouquet combo this morning is giving obsessed bordering on stalking.”
He scoffs. “No. I assure you, it’s none of that.” The faint color tinting his cheeks underneath that beard gives away more than he’d like. “I noticed your role inside your father’s company. Youhave power. As his daughter, for starters, but also as the head of business development. And I stumbled upon your mentorship program for small businesses.” He clears his throat and sits a little straighter. “I’ve had my store for five years now, and I’m looking for new opportunities. If you can facilitate an interview to get me into the program, and as long as your vision for Pine Falls doesn’t go against everything I stand for, then I’ll help you convince the rest of the town to hear you out.” He pauses, assessing me, as if considering his next words carefully. Finally, with a sigh, he adds, “And if your project is really worthwhile, I’ll do what I can to make it happen.”
Well, well, well. Isn’t this gruff man full of surprises this morning?
“So that’s it?” I ask. “That’s what you want?”
He nods once. “Yes.”
“Okay, done. I’ll see what I can do and who you can meet.”
A brief flicker of surprise crosses his face, but he quickly regains his composure. “Yeah, that works for me,” he says, smoothing out his beard. “So, tell me, before we actually commit to this, what’s so special about Emile’s land? Why do you want to build a hotel there so badly?”
I press my lips together. How much do I want to reveal? I don’t owe him any explanation. He doesn’t need to know that this is my one and only chance to show my dad what I can do. To prove to him that I’m a worthy successor.
It’s not really a lie, just an omission. Still, a small pang of guilt seeps into my chest.
Realistically, if I want his help, then I should at least show some cooperation. Give him the main lines.
“I’d never heard of Pine Falls until I saw the documentary on TV. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt drawn to it, like it was calling me. Emile’s land is in a prime spot, and it’s one of therare plots of land available in the area. Perfect for nature lovers.” I shrug. “You have a need, and I saw an opportunity.”
