Page 6 of The Mountain Man's Curvy Boss

Frustration flashes across Madison's face, her brows drawing together. "I appreciate that you love the history here, Archer, but this resort needs to turn a profit if it's going to survive. People expect certain comforts these days. I almost think we need to rip everything down and start again."

As I open my mouth to argue, Madison's phone starts buzzing insistently on the table. She glances at the screen and mutters a curse under her breath. With a jabbing motion, she declines the call and tosses the phone down.

"Who was that?" I ask, curiosity overriding my annoyance.

"Someone who doesn't know how to take no for an answer," she says shortly. Her expression turns resolute as she meets my gaze head-on. "But that's not important. What is important is finding a way to bring this resort into the twenty-first century without sacrificing its charm. There has to be a compromise here."

I can't help but admire her determination, even as I bristle at the idea of changing too much. I want to preserve the memories of this place, the ones Eleanor built over the years. But I have to admit, Madison has a point. The resort has been struggling to cover its costs for years.

Rubbing a hand over my beard, I blow out a slow breath. "Alright, let's talk compromise. But I'm warning you now: I won't let you strip away the heart of this place. It means too much to me."

Madison's eyes soften, her lips curving into a small smile. "I know it does, Archer. And that means something to me, too. So let's figure this out together."

As we bend our heads over the plans once more, I start to see the resort through Madison's eyes—the potential for modern amenities blended seamlessly with the rustic charm that I love so much. My finger traces a line on the blueprint. "What if we keep the original structure of the cabins but update the interiors? New plumbing, electricals, and a fresh coat of paint. Guests will feel like they're stepping back in time, but with all the creature comforts they're used to."

Madison's face lights up, her smile stealing my breath for a moment. "That's perfect, Archer! And we can do the same in the main lodge. Preserve the historic facade but modernize the rooms and common areas."

She reaches across the table to squeeze my hand, her touch sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. I know I shouldn't be feeling this way about my boss, but damn if I can control the racing of my heart.

We spend the next hour refining our plans, excitement building as we picture the resort's future. When we finally sit back, satisfied with our progress, Madison raises her glass of wine in a toast. "To compromise and to a bright future for the resort."

I clink my glass against hers, the smile on my face mirroring her own. "To the future."

As we sip our drinks, the air between us shifts, growing charged with a tension I can't ignore. Madison sets down her glass, her eyes finding mine, and I'm drawn in by the depth of emotion I see there.

Before I can second-guess myself, I lean across the table and capture her plump lips with my own. The kiss starts soft and tentative but quickly ignites into something more. Madison's hand slides into my hair, pulling me closer, and I lose myself in the taste of her, the feel of her.

It's the single most incredible kiss of my life, and I know in that moment that I'm in trouble. I'm falling for my boss, hard and fast, and there's no going back.

When we finally break apart, both breathing heavily, I rest my forehead against hers. "Madison, I..."

She places a finger against my lips, silencing me. "Shh. Don't overthink it, Archer."

I nod, but I know that’s easier said than done.

5

MADISON

Iheft a can of paint from the truck bed and glance at Archer. His muscular arms flex as he grabs two cans at once. Damn, that man is strong. And sexy as hell. I bite my lip, trying not to stare too obviously.

"I think I'm going to need to give you a raise for all this extra help," I joke as we head toward the lodge entrance.

Archer flashes me a heart-stopping grin. "Damn right. Eleanor never had me going to this much trouble."

I laugh, the sound echoing through the quiet morning air. It feels good to joke around with him like this. It’s natural. Like we've known each other for years instead of days.

Inside, the lodge lobby is empty except for Ivy manning the reception desk like always.

She looks up as we enter and smirks. "Well, well. If it isn't the gruesome twosome. You really think a couple coats of paint is gonna make people want to stay in this dump?"

I set my paint can on the floor and put my hands on my hips. "It's a start, Ivy. We're going to repaint, get new flooring, update all the decor... by the time I'm done, this place will look brand new. Just wait and see."

Archer nods approvingly beside me. "Madison's right. She's got an eye for this kind of thing. It'll look a hell of a lot better than it does now."

Ivy laughs, but it's not unkind. "I'll believe it when I see it. Surprised you're even going along with this, Archer."

"Oh ye of little faith," I tease. "Prepare to be amazed."

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