Page 52 of Call It Home

“Really?”

Why had Cam’s face lit up? Did she have a crush on Mr. Millionaire?

I scowled. “We have work to do.”

Chelle shook her head. “Not now, you don’t.”

I rolled my eyes. Figures a guy who was so rich he could afford to host this competition, as well as award such high prize money, would have no concept of the time and amount of work it took to create the very thing he was spending the big bucks for.

Cam’s hand curled around my arm, and her eyes blinked up at me with reassurance. “Come on. We’re actually on a great timeline this week. We deserve a break.” She looked at Chelle. “But I didn’t bring anything nice to wear.”

“Don’t worry about it. Mr. Dunham insists on keeping it casual. Jeans are more than fine.”

* * *

The crackle of a monstrous fireplace greeted us as we entered Grandview Lodge through massive doors that I swore an elephant could ride through.

“Oh, my god,” Cam exclaimed. “That’s incredible!”

She wasn’t kidding. In the center of the two-story lobby was a vast stone chimney with six sides. As we walked around it, I was surprised to find three hearths, each with a warm fire blazing inside. I couldn’t imagine the amount of wood it took to keep those fires going, but the warmth they gave off must have saved on some power bills in the cold months.

“I’m glad you like it,” a deep voice called. Jared Carson stood behind us, close to the front desk, smiling with amusement.

“How could you not?” Cam questioned as she walked around it with wide eyes. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It’s unique.”

Jared joined us, holding his hand out. “Jared. It’s nice to finally meet you without all the craziness that takes place with filmingRenovation Station.”

His firm grip exuded a sense of confidence and authority, but I didn’t get a sense of superiority from him as I’d expected.

“Mac Caldwell.”

“I understand you’re quite the carpenter. Don’t tell anyone, but I snuck a peek at some of your craftsmanship, specifically your dining room table. I’m a little jealous we don’t have something like that inside the lodge. Maybe that’s something we can discuss sometime.” He raised an eyebrow in question.

“One project at a time,” I answered, making him chuckle.

I might have liked him had his eyes not turned appreciatively toward Cam. “And your design ideas are stunning, as well. I think they blend nicely with what we offer here at the lodge.”

A pink flush colored her cheeks, but she answered back, “I bet you say that to all the designers.”

He winked and leaned forward. “Yes, but I really do like yours.”

I wanted to growl, and maybe I did because his face looked amused as he returned his attention to me. “There’s a lot of carpentry work here from local artisans when this was built.”

“Great,” I answered as I moved closer to Cam’s side.

If Jared picked up on my move, he didn’t react. But Cam gave me a weird look.

Returning her attention to Jared, she said, “I understand the lodge has been in your family for some time.”

“It has. My great, great grandfather, Nick Carson, started off building a property in this location for his wife, Tess. When they grew older and wanted to move closer to town, he hired local crews to convert it into a place where people could enjoy the views he so loved.”

“That’s lovely.”

“I thought maybe you’d enjoy a brief tour, then I have a table reserved in our dining room.”

As we walked, Jared chatted about the history of the lodge and the area, but my attention was elsewhere. I couldn’t help but steal glances at Cam, taking in the way her eyes sparkled as she looked around and asked questions. She was in her element.

---