Page 10 of The Alpha Option
Damn it, Auntie. What were you thinking?
Something was up.
Something other than Cassidy’s libido going into overdrive and causing her to behave in a reckless manner.
It was the way Jace and Blue hesitated before answering the simplest of questions as if rewording things in their heads. She’d seen enough of it in the past to recognize evasion. Now she had to figure out why it was happening.
Also, at some point, she had to decide whether she should totally ignore the fact that she had kissed Jace’s brains out a short while ago or if she wanted to do something more about it. Do it again, even.
Decisions, decisions.
First, though, there were other priorities to knock off the list.
“First, thanks for strong-arming Marvin into taking Cabin 7, and don’t try and tell me you didn’t, because I know you did,” Cassidy said pointedly at Blue when he opened his mouth to protest. “Next, I think we need to concentrate on fixing the main areas of the house and a couple of the cabins first. The house is where the meals will be served and the group gatherings will happen, but the private cabins will be a better sell for overnight guests. You can make a list of what that’s going to take, Jace. Also, list any tasks that Stephanie and I can help with to move the project along faster. We should make a calendar.”
“That’s a great plan.” Jace was still taking notes, but he glanced at her, and his eyes shone with approval. “Good to know you’re willing to get your hands dirty.”
“This is all or nothing,” Cassidy told him. “Oh, I need you to include an estimated budget. Stephanie will have to pick one of the rooms or a cabin to set up a spa because that’s her gig. Also, Steph’s earlier idea was a good one. I’d appreciate if, despite whatever’s making you hesitate, you and Blue could come up with a few names of people who would like to come back to Timberwolf Lodge. Starting small is a good idea, but at some point, we’ll need money coming in instead of just going out. The account balance that your aunt included with the one year challenge was generous, but not limitless”
“Budgets are good, if annoying,” Blue agreed. He hit Stephanie with another shot of puppy-dog adoration before pulling on a more businesslike expression. “If that offer of sweat equity applies to the new furniture you’ll need for the lodge and cabins, I’m pretty sure I can work out some discounts.”
“You’re so sweet.” Stephanie reached over and patted his cheek.
Blue flushed red as a ripe tomato.
“I’ll think on that list,” Jace promised. He cleared his throat. “I assume you ladies want to live here in the house? And did I hear mention of kids?”
Cassidy thought back but couldn’t remember when she possibly would’ve mentioned that within their earshot. Still, it was absolutely true—no use denying it. “Stephanie’s sister will be joining us by the end of the month. Stacy is a single mom, so they’ll be here once the kids get out of school. The boys are ten, six, and five. Which is another reason I need to know for sure our guest in Cabin 7 will behave himself.”
“Marvin will not be a problem around the kids. I can guarantee that,” Blue offered immediately. “I know he didn’t show up in the best light today—”
“Oh, the lighting showed everything just fine,” Steph said with a dry snicker.
Blue’s lips twitched. “But Marvin’s only an ass to grown-ups. He thinks kids are the best.”
A thoughtful gaze came into Jace’s eyes. “The back wing of the lodge was the residence for my aunt and uncle, along with any help they had around. That could be set up as family quarters for Stacy. It’s a bit more separated for the kids with more privacy when you have paying guests. Or they can take a cabin. You may want to check with her and see what she’d prefer.”
Which was a thing Cassidy hadn’t considered. “Good idea. Thanks for that.”
Something crashed in the bushes loudly enough to make Cassidy jolt.
Stephanie shot to her feet and marched to the edge of the porch. Her fingers tightened on the railing. “Holy shit.”
Cassidy joined her, jaw dropping open as the biggest moose she’d ever seen in her life—okay, the first moose she’d ever seen in real life—marched past her SUV. “Good Lord. Do we need to shoot him or something?”
“Tempting,” Blue muttered.
Jace coughed but joined them at the railing. He smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay. He’s just wandering around the territory. If he becomes a bother, I’ll make sure he’s relocated.”
“Are there other wild animals we’ll see around here?” Stephanie asked rather breathlessly, staring after the moose until he disappeared down the road and into the ravine.
“The usual. Quite a few predatory birds like eagles and hawks. Some of the bigger animals like moose and elk. There’s a wolf pack in the area and the occasional bear.” Jace said it matter-of-factly, but he was staring at Blue as if telling him to keep his mouth shut.
What was it with these two and their bro-eyes-staring secretiveness? It was starting to piss Cassidy off.
Still, she had another issue to deal with first. “We need groceries, and we need to eat before we hit the store to keep from making all sorts of unwise choices. Since you’ve been helpful, and since getting you to show us the way into town will make life easier, we’ll take you for lunch.”
Stephanie frowned. “Where’s your vehicle, by the way?”
