28. Paradigm Shift

Chapter 28

Paradigm Shift

Silver Summit shimmered in the fading sun when Charlie pulled up to the valet. Except for the Grand Majestic—which was still having problems—the resort's restaurant was the closest upscale eatery he could think of. Whether it was up to the kinds of places Joy was used to, though … He suddenly felt the disappointment of Fall River's woeful inadequacy for a big-city girl.

Damn, he wanted to impress her. And it wasn't a matter of where he could afford to take her. It was a matter of matching or beating what she had back in Chicago.

Why he was so eager to prove that the mountains were every bit as worthy of her approval as the Windy City, he hadn't a clue. He just knew how he felt around her, and he wanted to prolong that feeling as long as possible because it was inevitable: she was going to leave, and she probably wouldn't look back. If he could somehow etch an indelible memory on her heart, one that held up far longer than the hickeys on the insides of her thighs …

"Oh, this is lovely!" she gushed as the valet took his keys.

"You like it?" His surprise came through in his voice.

Her eyes were moving across the timber facade, so Charlie took the opportunity to move his gaze across her . He loved this new look on her. It suited her far better than the harsh lines she'd sported when he'd first met her.

Tonight she wore an off-the-shoulder sundress in muted blacks and whites with a splash of orange. It fluttered around her with the evening's breeze. The bodice hugged the curves of her upper body perfectly. The skirt's hem floated just below her knees but featured a provocative split on one side that climbed to about mid-thigh, inviting his itchy fingers to follow the open seam and dive beneath.

Once more, her hair was loose, lying in soft waves on the silky olive skin of shoulders he'd spent a great deal of time exploring in the last twenty-four hours. She wore black high-heeled sandals that accentuated the long lines of her legs and had him imagining doing things to her later in nothing but those. The silver hoop earrings were the only jewelry she sported, and the subtle scent of jasmine drifted off her and wreathed him.

He was mesmerized, enchanted, and he wasn't the only one who noticed how stunning she was. As they entered the resort, heads swiveled, and eyes moved over her, the men unabashedly appreciating what they saw and the women envying it. Jealousy wasn't an emotion he had much experience with, but it gave him a gut punch that had him wanting to poke every last admirer's eyes out.

Mine , an unfamiliar voice snarled inside him.

Pressing a possessive hand into the small of her back, he guided her through the lobby toward the dining room. Head on a swivel, she took in the vaults, the massive timbers, and the views through the walls of glass. Maybe it wasn't Chicago, but it was impressive in its own right, and he puffed with satisfaction.

"Oh!" she gasped, not unlike the little sounds of pleasure she'd emitted during their sexcapades, and his cock stiffened, a heat-seeking missile on demand.

He held back a chuckle. "What?"

"This place is beautiful," she hissed. "Are you sure you can afford dinner here?" Her wide eyes met his.

"You did not just ask that."

"Um, well, I … "

"Yes, princess, I can afford this," he snorted. "Of course, I did have to smash my piggy bank."

A familiar man rose from a leather armchair arranged in a seating beside the lobby's stone fireplace. Holding a cut-crystal glass with an inch of tawny liquid, he extended his hand.

"Charlie Hunnicutt, right?"

Indecisiveness froze Charlie in his tracks. Did he call the guy by his first name? Were they on a first-name basis? No, but it would be weird addressing him as Mr. Cantrell. Instead, he accepted the guy's hand, saying, "Nice to see you again." He turned to Joy. "I'd like to introduce you to Leo Cantrell. He's part of the ownership group here at Silver Summit. Leo Cantrell, Joy Holiday from Chicago."

Leo Cantrell was a man who exuded the confidence of a billionaire—because he was a billionaire—without being arrogant. Dark-haired and blue-eyed, he was somewhere in his thirties. Whether his money came from family or his own successes, Charlie didn't know. Besides all that wealth, the guy was also ripped and good-looking, at least according to the women Charlie overheard droning on about him.

Cantrell took Joy's hand in his and flashed her a smile that bordered on salacious, then gave her a discreet sweep from her delicate painted toes to the burnished hair framing her face. " Enchanté , Ms. Holiday."

Joy tilted her head in acknowledgment and wrapped her arm around Charlie's. He might have given his bicep an extra flex before sliding her hand into his and interlacing their fingers. That's right, dude. We're together.

"Delighted, Mr. Cantrell."

"Please call me Leo. And may I call you Joy?" He handed off his drink to a passing server.

"Certainly. And may I say, your resort is lovely. I can't wait to see more of it. Charlie's told me so much about you and what a positive impact you and your fellow investors have had on the area. You're also part of the group that's reviving the train to Fall River, yes?" She flashed him a dazzling smile.

Cantrell returned it. "Why, yes."

"And how is that coming?" Charlie could have sworn she batted her lashes .

Cantrell paused to scratch the back of his head. "It's, well, I'm afraid you've got me at a disadvantage because, frankly, I'm not sure." He forced a chuckle. "We've been waiting on a plan to get the trains up and running."

This was Charlie's entry. "I was at the building department recently, and they haven't seen any applications come in for any part of the project."

Joy looked up at him, her voice guileless. "Not even the depot?"

Cantrell smiled affably. "Well, we don't need a depot without trains, do we? The building will probably be the last phase."

"Isn't that a shame?" Joy tutted. "All those tourist dollars going elsewhere."

Cantrell's interest was obviously piqued. "What do you mean?"

"I may be speaking out of turn, but the space looks like an excellent multi-use building, and in a terrific location too. I realize there's a lot of work to be done to get the tracks and engines and cars in order, but if the depot renovation came first, it would build excitement for the train. In the meantime, one could take advantage of that excitement. For instance, the depot could serve as a sort of shuttle station.

"Imagine buses packed with tourists to and from Silver Summit. The building's large enough to accommodate a restaurant and shops—maybe even a little museum that features the train's history—and it could be a real draw that benefits both the town of Fall River and the Silver Summit community."

Cantrell's eyes gleamed with appreciation, though it had nothing to do with Joy's looks. "What did you say you did for a living?"

"I didn't." She smiled sweetly.

Oh, she was good. Charlie was damn glad she was on his side.

He cleared his throat. "Joy is a kick-ass M&A broker with her own firm. She counsels business owners on ways to increase their bottom lines to set themselves up for acquisition."

Joy looked up at Charlie, a glimmer of surprise dancing in her eyes.

Did my homework, princess.

"So get the depot up and running now …" Cantrell wagged his head back and forth, his eyes pointed toward the ceiling.

"Just a suggestion," she added. "I hope you don't mind my butting in."

"Not at all." Cantrell's gaze shifted to Charlie. "We should meet. Soon."

"How about next week? I have some time in my calendar. "

"Sounds good. Set it up with my office. Let my assistant know we spoke tonight, and I'll do the same." Cantrell returned his gaze to Joy. "You are more than welcome to come."

"Why, thank you. If I'm still in town and Charlie wants me there, I'd be delighted."

Cantrell's brows drew together in concentration, and he wagged a finger. "You know, it's rather remarkable but … has anyone ever told you you're a dead ringer for Zoe Saldana?"

"Why, no. But what a lovely thing to say."

"Well, I'd better run." Cantrell extended his hand to Charlie first. "I'm looking forward to seeing you next week." To Joy, he said, "It's been a real pleasure meeting you."

"You as well, Leo."

As he escorted her to the restaurant, Charlie leaned down to Joy's ear. "That was quite the show you put on."

"It worked, didn't it?"

"Yeah, it did. I'll show you how grateful I am later."

"Ooh, I'm getting hot and bothered just thinking about it."

"We could skip dinner," he suggested with a waggle.

"Don't think so. You need to fuel up, handsome." She waggled right back, sending a jolt to parts south.

They were seated at a prime table beside a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked a manicured golf course ringed with snow-capped peaks silhouetted against the evening's indigo sky. After ordering drinks, he leaned across the table. "So what did you think of Cantrell? Aside from the Zoe Saldana comment."

A half-smile decorated her lips. "First time I've heard that one, and I hate to admit it, but I was flattered. Especially after seeing her picture on your bookshelf."

Heat rose to his cheekbones. "That's just a joke. I thought she was hot in Guardians of the Galaxy . I was going through a green woman phase back then."

Joy arched a skeptical eyebrow.

"So … other thoughts on the guy?"

"He appears to be a smart businessman. And I meant what I said about attending, though you certainly don't need me. I have no doubt you can handle it on your own. "

A tendril of gratification sprouted and snaked through his chest, though it was quickly tempered. If he attended the meeting by himself, he would show himself and his brothers he was capable. But if he asked Joy to accompany him, she might stay a while longer.

Charlie straightened. "Thank you. I appreciate that. I'll let you know."

She glanced at the menu. "What do you think of him?"

"From everything I know, he's a stand-up guy. Do you think he's handsome?"

Joy's mouth swung open, and she giggled. "That was random."

Unfazed, he ran on. "Most women I know think he is, so I was just curious if you agreed."

"I'm not most women."

And thank God for that! He'd grown used to—hell, looked forward to—the next challenge she'd throw at him. They still argued over every detail at the store, but at least now he could stop it by covering her mouth with his and kissing her until they were both too dazed to remember what had come before. It was a terrific strategy he loved and planned to employ often.

The server delivered their drinks, and Charlie raised his glass to hers. "You certainly are not." And that's why I like you. He took a sip and lowered his drink to the linen-covered table. "He was totally checking you out the whole time we talked to him."

"No, he wasn't. Not the entire time anyway." She propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her fist. "Your eyes didn't just get a little greener, did they?"

Was she asking if he was jealous? "Of course not," he fired back a little too quickly. He would examine his own head later to figure out why he had, in fact, seen Leo Cantrell's exchange with Joy through a green lens.

"To answer your question, yes, I'd call him handsome in a polished sort of way."

Charlie cocked an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"Meaning I deal with men like him all the time, so I'm not affected by their charm. I prefer my men on the handsomely rugged side. You know, the kind who pose on romance novel covers." Her toe unexpectedly inched up his calf, and goose bumps spread up his thigh. "Especially when they're wearing a tool belt."

"I'll take that as a compliment. "

"As you should." The side of her foot stroked his entire calf now.

"Are you playing footsie with me?"

"Well, I certainly hope so. Otherwise, it means someone is under our table."

Chuckling, he picked up his menu, though his eyes couldn't decipher the offerings because his entire blood supply was once more flowing down to his groin.

Joy cleared her throat. "Speaking of other people, tell me about you and Neve. You have a special relationship." A statement, not a question.

He stared out the window for a beat. "Yeah, we do."

"Ever wish you two were together?"

He shook his head. "No, it's never been like that between her and me. I think I've already explained she's my plus-one, and I'm hers. If people think we're a couple, they leave us alone. Works well. We're comfortable with each other, and I think people pick up on that vibe and turn it into something sexual."

"So why not you and Neve?" Joy dropped her bare forearm and took a sip of her wine.

"I love Neve. I always have. Maybe a long, long time ago—I'm talking middle school—I could picture us together, but she's like a sister, so it would just be weird. I mean, we've shared hotel rooms and sometimes a bed when there was only one, but sex? No. No way. Besides, she's in love with my brother Reece, who's too stupid or too stubborn to acknowledge it."

"Maybe he's not attracted to her?"

"Maybe, but there are times when he does or says things when he thinks no one's looking that lead me to believe otherwise."

"So they've never dated?"

"Nope. Reece doesn't date anyone. Noah and I are convinced he's a thirty-one-year-old virgin." He paused to chuckle. "Okay. Maybe he's done it once. But why he doesn't go after Neve is a mystery to everyone but Reece, and we've never been able to shake the answer out of him." He slipped out of his shoe and came back with some aggressive foot action of his own. "Enough about them. I'd rather talk about what we're going to do after dinner tonight."

Joy gave him a coy smile. "I have a few ideas."

"So do I. Wanna know what they are? "

Her eyes were full of tantalizing mischief. "Do they involve you on your back at my mercy? Or maybe you're standing up, and I'm on my knees?"

He'd been partway through a sip of his cocktail and nearly choked on it. After a few lung-clearing coughs, he croaked, "Sorry. The visuals short-circuited my brain." Another cough. "No. I like yours a lot, but mine are a little different."

"Ooh, tell me." Now her second foot joined the action.

The waiter interrupted to ask for their orders. Charlie raised his index finger. "Not quite ready. Give us a few minutes?" I've got to get myself back under control.

After the server left, Charlie lowered his voice. "I need to derail this conversation before I have no choice but to haul you into a dark closet for a quickie."

She threw her head back and laughed, exposing the long column of her neck. "All right. Let's talk some more about this depot project."

And they did. He laid out all his ideas, all his hopes and dreams for the place. When he was done, she canted her head and appraised him. "That is very ambitious. And very forward-thinking."

"You think it's good?"

"I think it's excellent. You are full of surprises, Charlie Hunnicutt."

His chest puffed a little more. Soon he'd be popping buttons.

They finally put in their orders while the server deposited a basket of bread and topped off their waters.

Charlie plucked out a roll and slathered butter on it. "So tell me what other mountains super-achiever Joy Holiday is planning to scale."

"Honestly, I don't know," she gusted out. "What's left when you've achieved everything you ever thought you wanted? What if the milestones don't mean what you thought they would? I know this sounds conceited, and I don't mean for it to, but growing my bank account or buying another performance car doesn't light my fire."

"You own one of those?" How did he not know this about her? He had so much yet to discover about Joy Holiday—and so little time to do it in.

"Several. You should come see me in Chicago sometime so I can show you."

He held up his hand. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in Chicago, but I'll skip the high-speed ride. Don't want to embarrass myself." It had been meant to sound breezy, but it thudded between them. She gave him an obligatory chuckle that held no joy, and he couldn't help but wonder if the same thought streaking through his mind might be traveling through hers. She would be gone soon. Imagining her in Chicago and him here carved out a hollow spot in his chest.

She stared out the window.

"You're thinking really hard over there, princess. What's buzzing through your brain now? Your next storyline?"

She turned back toward him, all the playfulness missing from her tone. "I think I'm having an existential crisis."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Because …?"

"I was thinking about work and my goals, which turned to how different life in Chicago is from Fall River. I've only spent a few weeks here, but it's been an eye-opener watching how folks treat one another. It's not dog-eat-dog. It's people who genuinely care and want to help. That's so different from what I'm accustomed to."

His heart executed a tiny leap of hope. Was it possible she'd consider moving? No, this was way too soon for that. "Small town versus big city."

"Maybe. But sometimes I wonder … have I become one-dimensional? Without my work and the objectives that have always fueled me, what's filling my well?"

"What about your writing? That's got to fill a need." He could have made a crack about her needing to create her own juicy sex scenes, but they had slipped back into a more serious mood.

"No, it's simply a creative outlet, a hobby, a way to kill time, like when I'm sitting at a bar alone and I'm not feeling social." She flapped a hand and attempted a weak smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm sorry. We're having such a lovely time, and here I go again, getting all maudlin. I swear, this isn't usually my typical conversation on a date, not that I'm out on that many dates. I'm probably just feeling unmoored after being away from home for so long."

Hope died on the vine.

Palm up, he placed his hand on the table in invitation, and she slipped her small fingers into it, as if it were the most natural act in the world. "Hey. You can talk to me about anything. And like I told you last night, I'm honored you feel like you can share this stuff with me. Makes me feel useful." He winked to lighten the mood .

"You're plenty useful," she hummed. Some of the light had returned to her eyes.

"Good to know you might see more in me than just my body."

She laughed again, and this time it transformed her entire face. The change made him feel twenty feet tall. It also heightened his awareness that their fledgling relationship had experienced a paradigm shift. He didn't understand its exact nature or what consequences it would bring. Crazy as it seemed, he only knew that he was falling for this woman, and he had no choice but to see where the journey led. Hopefully not on a one-way caboose to heartbreak.