27. Meg - Hope May be Possible

Chapter twenty-seven

Meg - Hope May be Possible

My resolve to resist Drew's advances is failing miserably as I spend more time with him. I realize that he is not as heartless in business as I initially thought, and I get glimpses of his caring side when we're alone.

I am definitely grappling with conflicting emotions, torn between my love for my sister and our home, and my growing feelings for Drew.

It's especially difficult when we agree to meet in secret like a couple of teenagers. Difficult, but necessary. Mia can't hide what she's thinking to save her life.

Anytime she sees Drew so much as attempt to talk to me, she shoots him icy dagger eyes that make it clear she would never understand my continuing to see him.

Despite the tension, I let him pull me back in so easily when he finds me and walks with me during one of my morning dog walks.

"I'm beginning to think your sister wants to kill me," he says, as he walks beside me, his hands tucked into his pockets. "If looks could kill, I'd be dead ten times over. Maybe more."

"She's very protective of her little sister," I start. "And…she wouldn't be the only employee at the inn to consider it lately," I point out. Several maids and a few cooks seem more on edge the longer Drew stays.

"I hope present company is excluded," he says, giving a hopeful grin.

"Don't push it," I smirk. "You're just lucky you're kind of cute."

"Considering the situation, I'll take it," he replies.

"You seem a lot perkier lately," I mention. I can see that he doesn't seem as stressed. His brow isn't pressed with worry and his shoulders have dropped rather than staying close to his ears.

"I think I might have come up with something that can make everyone happy," he says with a grin.

"What do you mean?"

"I think I found a way that my family can be involved in the inn without any of the negative changes that come with a buyout."

I blink at him. Is this a trick? But he looks so much happier . "What…way?"

He whispers the plan in my ear like it's the biggest kept secret of his life.

My eyes widen with hope and enthusiasm as he keeps talking. The more he explains the plan, the happier my smile gets. This could actually work!

"That's perfect, Drew!" I nearly squeal—but my smile quickly fades. "But do you think your family will go for it?"

"I have no idea," Drew admits. "That's another reason I wanted to take you out tonight. I have to fly back to New York in the morning and meet with them. I'll pitch the idea and if they like it, I'll be flying back here to close the deal with your grandfather."

"And if not?" I ask, bracing myself for the worst outcome.

"They'll get on board. They have to," he reassures.

"When will you be back?"

His grin returns. "Missing me already?"

"Shut up," I say, as I playfully push him toward the lazy evening waves. "I just thought I'd ask so I know when to celebrate."

"I'll be back by Wednesday at the latest." He kisses my forehead. "Think you can handle two days without me?"

I lift my chin. "I'll manage somehow." And that will be much easier now that there's hope.