Chapter 5

Fisher

What am I going to do with her?

She's still fast asleep in my bed, and I've spent the better part of the last hour watching her. I've always been an early riser. Normally, I get a jump start on work, but this morning, I just stared at Vera and tried to figure out what to do about her and the resort here.

I spent an hour last night looking into Vera's past and learning everything I could about her. It didn't take long to see that she was drowning in debt. She had hinted enough when she was at the bar last night, but I didn't realize just how bad it was.

Her parents' medical bills, the funerals, all of it added up. The wolf sanctuary has been hemorrhaging money for years, too, and while she's tried to turn things around, it's definitely an uphill battle.

The easy solution to her problem would be to sell the place to me. I would make her a fair offer, after all. She won't do that, though. This town, the sanctuary, are her home, and the wolves are her family now.

So, what can I do to help her?

I could marry her, and then all of my money would be hers, but I highly doubt that Vera would go for that. In fact, I know that she would reject me before I could even finish proposing.

That leaves only one solution. I need to convince her to listen to me. I need to earn her trust and then win her over. Then I'll propose to her and make her mine.

It's getting late, and I know that once Vera wakes up, she's going to bolt out of here. I need to think of a way to get her to stay.

Breakfast. Everyone has to eat, right?

I grab my phone and search for breakfast places nearby. There's a place called Nosh Diner just down the block, and I step outside, pulling up the number to place a to go order.

I hurry down the street, hoping to be back before Vera wakes up and leaves. I ordered a little of everything so she'll have plenty of choices. I head into the diner and spot one of Vera's friends at the counter and the other taking orders.

"Hey, Vera's guy, right?" one asks.

Her nametag says Cameron, and I nod.

"I'm here to pick us up breakfast," I tell her, and her eyebrows raise.

"Let me check on that for you."

She heads to the kitchen, and I walk to the counter and look around. The other friend from last night gives me a tired smile. She looks like she's nursing a hangover, and I give her a nod.

"Here you go," Cameron says as she sets two bags on the counter.

"Thanks."

"Tell Vera to call me when she gets a chance."

"Will do," I promise before I grab the bags and head out.

I jog back to the motel and up to my room. When I walk in, Vera is still asleep in bed, though she starts to stir when the door closes behind me.

"Morning," I say as I start to set the food out on the little table.

"Hmph," she groans, dragging the pillow over her eyes, and I grin.

She's so cute.

"Are you hungry? I just got back from the diner down the street. I got a bit of everything."

"Ugh," she grumbles as she rolls into a sitting position and scrubs her hands down her face.

Her black hair is mussed and she pats it down, trying to tame the long locks.

"What time is it?" She asks, her voice raspy from sleep.

"Just after nine-thirty."

"Shit," she hisses, throwing the blankets off as she climbs out of bed. "I need to go."

"Have something to eat first. I wanted to talk to you about something."

"I don't have time."

"Just a few minutes," I counter, and she shakes her head.

She grabs her shoes and tugs them on. I grab some of the takeout containers and stuff them back into the bag.

"Let me talk while I drive you back to your car," I say, and she relents.

"Fine. Let's go."

She's out the door, and I'm right on her heels.

"I have an offer for you," I start.

"Yeah, I know, and I've already rejected your offer a few times," she snaps as we jog down the stairs.

"A different kind of offer."

She pauses, a blush flaming to life on her cheeks, and then she turns on me, glaring up at me.

"I'm not sleeping with you for money!" She yells, and I hold my hands up.

"That wasn't my offer," I rush to assure her. "I wouldn't, I… I wouldn't pay for sex."

She turns back around and stomps over to my car. I unlock it and open the door for her. She doesn't say anything as she slides into the car. I pass her the takeout bag and she sets it between her feet.

It's obvious that she doesn't trust me. I don't blame her, but I desperately need to change that.

I climb behind the wheel and start the car.

"So, my offer," I start.

She rolls her eyes, then turns to watch me warily.

"Go out with me—three times—" I rush to say before she can yell at me. "Go out with me three times, get to know me, give me a chance, and I'll give you a million dollars."

Her mouth drops open, and I smile. I certainly have her attention now.

"A million dollars for three dates?" She states, and I nod.

"Just give me a chance to win you over."

She studies me for a moment, and I slow down as I pull into the bar parking lot. I park next to her car and turn to face her.

"So? Do we have a deal?" I ask, sticking my hand out in between us.

"Three dates, and you'll pay me a million dollars."

"Yes."

She hesitates for a moment and then reaches out, taking my hand.

"Deal," she says, and I grin.

My happiness is short-lived because a second later, she pulls her hand away from mine, grabs her takeout bag, and gets out.

"Tonight. I'll meet you at the burger place. Six o'clock," I call to her.

She slams the car door closed before I can say anything and I wait, watching as she gets into her car and drives off. I let out a long breath and head back to the motel.

I've got a lot of work to get done today, mainly, figuring out a way to get Vera to fall in love with me because I know now that I am totally, completely in love with her.