Page 36 of Resting Beach Face
“So it needs a few repairs,” I said. “That’s not impossible.”
“A few.” Declan chuckled, but it sounded sad. “My aunt had such dreams for this place. She drew up a renovation plan, but she died before she could ever implement it.”
That was sad. If only there was a way?—
I clasped Declan’s arms as a thought hit. “This is your chance.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can fix this place up. Honor your Aunt Millie’s memory by turning it into the B&B she envisioned.”
“But…” He shook his head. “Even if I did that, nothing would change, Cash. This place isn’t right for me.”
My chest ached, but I knew Hudson was right. If I cared about Declan’s happiness, I couldn’t persuade him to stay formysake. Especially since I couldn’t offer him any assurances that I would be the man who’d love him for who he was, no strings. Even if I could, I doubt he’d believe me.
I had only one card left to play that would be right for everyone involved. That would give me at least a little more time to figure out what Declan and I could or couldn’t have—and which would give us both closure to move on if he left as planned.
“Fix up the B&B and sell it to someone who will treat it right,” I said. “You can leave knowing your aunt’s home is in good hands.”
He looked torn. “That’s a big job.”
“I know, but you don’t need one. I’ll help you. I’ve done a ton of odd jobs. I’m pretty handy.”
“I’m well aware,” he said dryly.
That surprised a laugh out of me. “I said handy, not handsy.” I wiggled my brows. “Though I can certainly be both.”
Declan’s brows drew together. “But why would you want to do that, Cash? You’ve already got a job, and even if I can find a buyer?—”
“Youwillfind one,” I said, enthused. “It’s a beautiful B&B on lakefront property.”
He pursed his lips. “You have an answer for everything, don’t you?”
“I try.” I raised an eyebrow. “What do you say, Declan? You can give this place, your aunt’s pride and joy, a fighting chance to go on.”
“Damn it,” he muttered. “I was all set to run for the hills and thenyoushow up.”
I resisted the urge to fist pump. “Is that a yes?”
He sighed. “You know it is.”
I bit my lip, hit by the simultaneous urges to cheer and kiss the stuffing out of Declan.
I couldn’t fight a shit-eating grin. “You won’t regret this.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will,” he said, but his lips quirked toward a semblance of a smile. “But I’d regret not trying more.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Declan
“Morning,Declan! We’ve got an assortment of cinnamon rolls, lemon-raspberry scones, and blackberry tarts ready to go.”
Jasmine Price set a big box emblazoned with the Hot Buns Bakery logo on the glass counter for me.
“Perfect.” I set the box I’d brought in beside it, this one brimming with freshly picked strawberries from the garden. “And I’ve got a little gift for you, as promised.”
I’d spent my early morning hours in the garden, carefully plucking strawberries from their stems. This was only the first batch I’d had time to harvest. I’d pick more for Pearl and Ruth Marie at the Outdoor Market. Pearl made jams while Ruth Marie sold brandied fruits—both of which I supplied in some of my B&B breakfasts, mainly because they’d harass me endlessly if I didn’t. The two were extremely competitive, so I’d have to be careful to give them precisely the same amount of fruit.
