Page 16 of Taming the CEO

"Oh, and look, there’s an inn here."

"Yeah, there are several," I said.

She turned abruptly to face me. "And you think you’ll have enough customers for your hotel?”

"The numbers support it," I said, sliding into business mode. "Besides, the distillery will be a big attraction too. We did our homework, Gran. It should do well."

That was how this idea started. Gabe wanted to build another distillery, one where he could also show each step of the brewing process to large groups of tourists. Then the idea snowballed into creating an immersive experience, hence the hotel.

"You boys know best. I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you," I said.

We were building everything on the outskirts of Essex, expanding the small town’s footprint. I drove through the narrow road leading to the adventure park, the property we were trying to buy. It widened into a parking lot that was packed full of cars.

"They're all here for the park? That means it’s doing well."

"It’s decent. But the place isn't terribly profitable."

"Hmm. For some, it's not all about the money."

"I swear to God, if I hear that one more time—"

"But it's true!"

"Come on, let's go."

I helped Gran out of the car, and she turned in a circle, admiring the area.

"This isn’t just an adventure park. It’s a forest," she remarked.

"It is."

We headed straight into the building where the reception area was. There were two guys behind the counter, and I zeroed in on the elderly one.

"Samuel?" I confirmed.

"Yes. You must be Maddox," he said, looking at me, then at Gran, stunned. "It’s good to see you.”

He seemed genuine, making me wonder what Cami had shared with him.

"Hi, I'm Jeannie Whitley,” Gran introduced herself.

"My grandmother," I explained.

We walked up to the front desk, and Samuel shook Gran's hand.

"Were we expecting you, Jeannie?" he asked, brow slightly furrowed.

I shook my head. "No. Gran just wanted to take a look at the park."

"I see. Maddox, I’m really sorry I didn’t make it to our dinner. I heard you two didn’t make any progress." The corners of his mouth twitched. Was he amused?

"No, it wasn’t a very productive meeting. But maybe you and I can change that today."

Samuel grimaced. "Maddox, I’m sorry to do this, but I completely forgot you were coming today. My accountant is in the back. He says we need to go through some receipts right away."

I studied him carefully. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes were apologetic. He wasn’t just brushing me off.

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