Page 8 of Never Finished

"Perfect, thank you so much," I said, patting his arm before he dashed off to find a drink that would soothe my frazzled nerves.

Normally, this kind of shindig wouldn't make me so anxious. But having to deal with all these people back at Pine Crest without warning was just too much.

Plus, as time wore on, I was getting increasingly annoyed by the absence of Andrew. I’m sure he didn't give a shit, but I was eager to get this deal done so I could get the hell out of here and back to my life in LA.

Joey appeared less than five minutes later with a Collins glass on a tray, looking hopeful. "Ma'am? May I present the Ramos Gin Fizz. Something classic, yet effective… at least that's how they told me to describe it."

I smiled as I took the drink from Joey. "Sounds lovely," I said before taking a sip and letting the smooth cocktail flow down my throat. It was sweet and sour, with a creamy finish. "This is excellent," I said as Joey grinned at my satisfaction.

"That's awesome. I will tell the mixologist. He'll be delighted you like it."

I nodded enthusiastically in agreement, "please do. As a matter of fact, I might find him later to thank him personally," I said as Joey looked over my shoulder, his eyes widening slightly.

"Emma?" I turned to see a tall man with blonde hair and a grin. He was dressed in a suit and tie, but the tie was loosened showing a casual attitude for a business meeting. "I'm Andrew Travers," he announced, leaning forward to kiss each of my cheeks.

His move startled me. I was accustomed to the gesture with our European investors, but the Travers' were from the East Coast and it seemed a little forward on his part, especially after the conversation with my father where he’d suggested that Andrew Jr. was a catch.

I took a step back, wanting to make my stance clear. This would be nothing but business. I stuck my hand out to shake his. "Mr. Travers, so nice of you to be here."

"Yeah, sorry I'm a little late. There was a lot more to check out here in Silverpine than I imagined for such a small town. From the way my father described it, I was expecting a dot on the map with a truck stop and a dinky little hotel, but you guys have quite the impressive operation here."

Inwardly, I bristled, but kept the smile on my face. "My parents and I have worked very hard to build Pine Crest Mountain Resort into what it is today. We're extremely proud, and I think once you experience it for yourself, you'll understand why."

Andrew looked down at me suggestively. "I'm sure I will," he said with a cocked brow.

I suppressed an eye roll and took another step back. "Why don’t we get you something to drink and go over some of the details our fathers have negotiated?"

"Oh, let’s not ruin this amazing party with business. We can save that for that dinner we’re supposed to have. I’d rather get to know you, Emma," he said, his eyes sweeping to the low neckline of my dress, and suddenly the idea that I could close this deal more quickly with cleavage felt a little ickier than it had a few hours ago when I slipped the dress on.

"Well," I said cautiously, trying to regain my composure, "you said you looked around Silverpine today, so chances are you've gotten to know me already just by being here," I started, and then proceeded to tell him about where I went to high school and give him some history about my mother’s family and the land Pine Crest sits on. We discussed where I went to business school and how I worked my way up to become my father’s right hand—anything to distract him from the personal stuff. I was hoping he’d pick up the hints and we could get back to business.

While I appreciated my business colleagues being straight to the point, there was a forwardness about Andrew Jr. that rubbed me the wrong way. Or perhaps I was being overly sensitive because of where we were. I didn't have my typical business shield up, as I normally did. Sometimes it felt like I was walking around with one big raw open wound.

Which is why I needed to keep my eye on the prize, and remember my beach vacation. The sooner I got this business done, the quicker I could get on to the business of healing.

As luck would have it, one of the other investors recognized Andrew and joined our conversation, giving me a buffer, and I was grateful for it. Over the next couple of hours, guests started saying their goodbyes, moving on to other parties or just going to their rooms, and I graciously bid them adieu, counting down the minutes until I too could escape.

Andrew talked about damn near everything other than business, and I would soon learn that it wasn't difficult to change the subject. As long as I steered the conversation towards him, he would run with it.

I heard all about his jet setting, his wannabe athletic exploits, and how he was finally joining the family business to help "dear old dad," as he put it.

I’d done my research before tonight's event, and I knew a little about Andrew Sr. but his son made him sound like a doddering old fool, which didn't match the impression I got. As far as I could tell, his father was a rather robust and calculated businessman.

It amused me that a grown man lacked the maturity to appreciate the success of his father, when it was painfully obvious he struggled to measure up. And it made Andrew Jr. even less attractive than I originally thought.

He was in the midst of outlining all the outdoor adventures he had planned while he was here in Silverpine, when I realized I had been lost in my own thoughts and unsurprisingly, Andrew hadn’t noticed.

"That sounds wonderful," I said, trying to grasp onto anything we had in common. "I used to hike these mountains regularly with my mom when she was still alive. It's beautiful country."

Andrew looked a little odd for a second, then grinned at me. "Indeed it is, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices so others can enjoy it."

I felt an icy prick in my gut. "They are here for everybody to enjoy. I believe land should largely be left alone. It seems everything needs to be profited on. Nothing is sacred. I mean, do we really need another mini mall?" I asked, laughing.

Another odd expression crossed Andrew's face, but then he laughed it off. Thankfully, I was saved from any more awkward conversations when the last of the guests approached me to say their goodnights. I used this as an opportunity to address Andrew too, and said, "Well, if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a really long day, so I’m going to head back to my room now. I’m sure you’ll want to be well rested for your excursions tomorrow, too."

He nodded in agreement. "It was really nice meeting you, Emma," he said, and I tried to ignore the churn I felt in my stomach.

"Are we still on for dinner tomorrow so we can review the nuts and bolts of the operation?" I asked, trying to steer it back to the reason we’re here in the first place.

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