Page 23 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

I must have made some sound, because Amelia paused in her presentation, looking at me with concern. I forced a reassuring smile, but my mind was racing. They weren’t just threatening Pine Haven anymore—they were digging into my past, using my father’s death as a weapon.

They were threatening her and threatening me. And I still didn’t know how deep this conspiracy went.

As the meeting wrapped up, I stepped out to make a call, moving to a quiet corner of the hallway. My hands shook slightly as I dialed.

“Derek? I need you to look into something else. My father’s company—dig into who and what caused its collapse. And Derek? Be careful. These people know things they shouldn’t.”

A small gasp made me turn. Amelia stood frozen in the doorway, a stack of papers clutched to her chest, her face pale. The trust we’d built over these past days seemed to waver in her eyes.

How much had she heard?

“Amelia,” I started, ending the call. “How long have you been standing there?”

She stepped back; the papers clutched like a shield against her chest. “Long enough to know you’re keeping things from me. Important things.”

I moved toward her, but she retreated further. The hurt in her eyes felt like a physical blow. Every instinct screamed to tell her everything, but Derek’s warning about ski slope accidents held me back.

“It’s not what you think—”

“Really?” Her voice cracked. “Because what I think is that after everything—after last night, after I said I trusted you—you’re still keeping secrets.”

The mention of last night sent heat through my body despite the tension. The memory of how she’d felt under my hands, how close we’d come to crossing that line... “I’m trying to protect you.”

“Protect me?” Now anger flashed in her eyes, replacing hurt. “I’m not some damsel in distress, Hunter. This is my resort, my family’s legacy. I deserve to know what’s happening.”

She was right. Of course, she was right. But the image of that other resort owner’s “accident” haunted me. The thought of anything happening to Amelia...

Before I could respond, Wheeler appeared behind her.

“Ms. Horton,” he said smoothly. “Excellent presentation. Though I have some concerns about your renovation timeline.”

I watched Amelia straighten her spine, her professional mask sliding into place. But I saw the slight tremor in her hands as she turned to face him.

“Mr. Wheeler. I’d be happy to review the timeline with you.”

“Perhaps over dinner?” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. Something predatory lurked beneath his polished surface. “I know a lovely place in town—”

“She’s busy,” I cut in, moving to stand beside her. My hand again found the small of her back, an automatic gesture of protection and possession that surprised us both.

Wheeler’s eyes narrowed, tracking the movement. “Another time, then.” He looked at Amelia, his smile turning cold.“Though I’d act quickly if I were you. Never know when the next safety inspection might turn up... problems.”

The threat hung in the air. Amelia tensed under my hand, but her voice remained steady. “Is that an official warning, Mr. Wheeler?”

“Just friendly advice.” He adjusted his expensive cufflinks—probably purchased with Crystal Ridge bribes. “Have a lovely day.”

As he walked away, Amelia sagged slightly, letting me take some of her weight. The trust in that small gesture weighed heavily on me, knowing the truth I was still hiding from her.

“My office,” she said. “Now.”

The walk back to Pine Haven was silent, tension crackling between us. I watched her stride ahead, head high despite everything, and felt something shift in my chest. This woman, with her fierce dedication and quiet strength, had somehow become more than just Arthur’s daughter, more than just another client to protect.

She’d become everything.

In her office, she closed the door and faced me. The afternoon light through the window caught her hair, turning it gold. Even angry, she was beautiful.

“Tell me everything,” she demanded. “No more protection, no more secrets. I need to know what we’re up against.”

I stepped closer, drawn to her like gravity. “Amelia...”

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