Page 18 of One Sultry Summer

“What kind of holiday is it?”

“It’s Skybrook’s Founder’s Day.”

“Oh, perfect. It gives me a chance to see the entire town.”

“Are you in town for business or pleasure?”

“I’m here for business. But it doesn’t hurt to do both.”

“Do you mind me asking what kind of business you’re in?”

“Real estate. I work for a company called Phoenix Construction.”

“Phoenix Construction.” I repeated.

Her eyes darted to mine. “Yes, that’s correct.”

“You mean the same company that wants to swallow up our town?”

“Please forgive my son.” My mother stood. “Where are my manners? Ms. Masterson, this is my son, Wyatt Woods, and my granddaughter, Emily Woods.”

She put out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you; you can call me Valerie.”

I was seeing red, and it had nothing to do with the color of her hair. I took a step back. “Excuse me, I have things that need tending to.” I stormed off back to the kitchen. I was fuming as I tried to figure out why. Was my fury stemming from the fact that the one woman I found irresistible was, of all things, on the opposing side?

I’ve been listening to Clay discuss a major mogul coming soon who wants to change my town. The very same town where I want my daughter to grow up, unchanged. There’s something to be said for small town living. Yet, I don’t know what I was expecting. Maybe old men in three-piece suits and briefcases trying tointimidate the townsfolk.

Just because she wears a short skirt and heels and has a pretty face, doesn’t mean she’s not gonna wipe us out the first chance she gets. I scraped our plates into the garbage and dropped them on the counter. I grabbed a clean towel and wiped my face then took a deep breath.

Chapter 7

Valerie Masterson

The dining hall was silent; you could hear a pin drop. I was completely caught off guard, but I maintain my composure. “Did I say something to offend him?”

“No, not at all. However, some people in Skybrook won’t look kindly on strangers trying to change our little town.”

“I don’t want the town to change. If anything, I’d like to see if what our company does will enhance it.”

“How so?”

“We’re here to examine property and evaluate how the town operates. My company is interested in building a golf course andhotel. Our goal is to preserve the beauty and atmosphere of a small town.”

“Go on, I like the sound of that so far.”

“I’d like to see everything and meet the people and get a feel of the town.”

“Today would be a perfect day to meet our community. Let me go grab you a schedule of the events going on.”

“I’ll be glad to follow you.”

“No need, you stay right here.”

“Thank you, Abby.”

I see that Emily is staring up at me. “Hi, pretty lady.”

“Hello, sweetie.”

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