Page 28 of The Christmas Blueprint

“No thank you. You cooked.” Riley pressed a kiss to Zhang’s plaid-shirted shoulder. “That’s the deal. When you cook, I wash.”

“I cook a lot because I like to eat more than sandwiches,” he teased.

Killian was still trying to wrap his head around his sister not only being in love but being in love with a multimillionaire. It seemed strange that someone with that much money would not only choose to live in Bear Creek but would plant a vineyard and do most the work himself over nearly a decade.

Zhang Shi had hired a full vineyard crew now and was expanding the vineyard’s profile. He’d also, according to Riley, hired a cellar team, an assistant winemaker, and a tasting-room team.

“I can pay rent to live in the trailer for a month,” Killian offered. Judging by how often Zhang’s gaze had strayed to Riley during dinner as she animatedly told stories, Zhang might soon be his brother-in-law.

Zhang shrugged off the offer. “It’s probably good to have someone on the property. I have a security team on the site at night but having a building occupied is an extra precaution. It’s not zoned for residential yet. The city’s been tying my contractor and site manager up in bureaucratic nonsense for months. I’m now involving a team of attorneys as I’m done playing nice.”

“I’m all for you legally spanking Bane,” Riley huffed. “But this is not about the trailer or safety or convenience. It’s about my brother avoiding family.”

“I’m right here,” Killian said. “Full of crab and salmon—delicious choice, by the way and excellently prepared.”

Zhang’s shoulder rose in a tiny salute to the compliment. Killian had already noticed that Zhang didn’t talk that much, which didn’t matter with Riley, as she could spit out words faster than a livestock auctioneer.

“But you haven’t come home to Bear Creek in years. And now when you do, you want to live in a trailer.”

“I didn’t come to town to live in a trailer, Riles. You’re twisting my intention. I came for a job.” He held up his hand realizing he was going to have to come clean soon, especially since he’d spilled to Sophia. But he was still wrapping his head around what he’d promised. And he still felt bruised after talking to Sophia about his mother’s death and his guilt over not taking Enrique up on his offer.

“True it’s not my ideal job. It’s part-time.”And here.“But I will be able to have some impact on the town’s development, gain some experience and—”

“And what? You just take off again? For how long this time? Forever?”

Her eyes sparked, shiny with emotion. Riley had always loved the family business. The history. The expectations. The sense of place and belonging. He’d always had a need to prove himself, search for more.

How’s that working out for you, pal?

But he couldn’t stop trying just because he hadn’t had that ah-ha moment. He was nearly thirty-four, not seventy-four.

“Hey, baby,” Zhang said softly, wrapping one arm around her hip and reeling her in close, “let me take the dishes with your brother tonight. You promised my grandpa a chess rematch.”

“I did.” Riley blinked furiously. She looked at Killian. “I’m happy you’re home,” she said. “So happy. I hope…” She pressed her lips together. “I won’t push tonight. I have a match to win.” She flexed her fingers, her spark returning. “But we’re not done.”

Riley left to set up the chessboard while he and Zhang finished the dishes. He’d thought Zhang would have some heavy or judgy comment, but they finished washing up in comfortable silence.

When they were done, he started the electric kettle for tea and also a pot of decaf coffee. Dessert was cheesecake that Killian had purchased at the Running Fox Bakery in town. It had sprinkles of lavender on top along with two sprigs of rosemary that had seemed problematic but fancier than most store-bought cheesecakes.

“Riley spends much of her time here,” Zhang said as he pulled the cheesecake out of the fridge. “You would have privacy if you stayed at her house.”

“I know,” Killian said, opting for honesty. “It just feels like backsliding—the whole thing of returning to town, sponging off my sister,” he admitted. “Plus I want to get a jump start on the project. I have a feeling the mayor is going to be difficult.”

“That is a guarantee,” Zhang said.

“I suspect he’s not operating with the town’s best interest in mind.”

Zhang said nothing, but looked thoughtful. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and four shot glasses.

“I anticipate that there will be a battle,” Killian mused, not sure how he felt about that. This year was supposed to be a résumé builder, not a thorn in his side and small-town, petty skirmishes.

“When I get some initial ideas on paper, I’d love to meet with you to get your thoughts, and I’ll admit I’m curious as to how your complex is shaping up. I’m determined to be successful with the planning on the building’s use so that you are convinced to donate it to the city.”

Zhang inclined his head with dignity. “Not on a holiday though.”

“Of course not. I don’t have anything to offer yet, although Sophia seems to have a master plan.”

Zhang looked thoughtful, and Killian glimpsed a ghost of a smile. “Like Riley, she’ll keep you battle-ready.”

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