Page 18 of The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch
Rafe’s mouth twitched. A vein pulsed in his neck. He stared at the panoramic view of the mountain view outside, and Aurora was sure he would shoot down Grayson’s suggestion.
When he turned back to face them both, his face was tight, mouth grim. “Yes, you’re right, Grayson. Let’s look into options.”
Aurora blinked with surprise. How had Grayson managed to get the stubborn alpha to reconsider? His calmness throughout made her appreciate his quiet strength all the more.
“Will do,” Grayson declared with a solemn nod. “We’ll have to reconsider our plans for development in the coming years as we assess what we can propose, but it’s much better than either of their demands,” Grayson replied.
“Sounds good,” Aurora replied. “How long do you expect before you have a counteroffer for them?”
“A few days at least,” Grayson said. “Could you let them know we will respond by the end of the week?”
“Of course.”
After she and Grayson left Rafe’s office, he walked her downstairs and outside the lodge. “Thanks, Aurora. Would you mind staying up longer than the few days we originally discussed?”
“Not at all. It happens often.”
How different from her earlier urgency to get in and out of the mountains as quick as possible during the drive up from Salem. Of course, that was before she met Grayson. She was no longer itching to rush back home.
“I want you to know how much I appreciate having you here helping us.”
“My pleasure.”
He cocked his head. “Looks like you’ll have some time to kill over the next few days.”
She nodded. “True. I guess I’ll explore the area.”
“How about I suggest some options over dinner tonight?” The grin he flashed was mischievous, possibly flirtatious.
The one she returned was unmistakably so. “I’d like that, Grayson.”
Chapter 6
Aurora
At dinner, Grayson convinced Aurora to go skiing with him the next morning.
“I haven’t skied since middle school,” she protested.
“Great. You’re not a beginner.” He flashed a devilish smile. “You’ll pick it back up fast.”
She snorted. “I’m a little more skeptical about that happening.”
“Oh, but it will be the perfect day to get out there. Sunshine. Calm winds. You couldn’t ask for a better time to try it.” He cocked his head and gave her another one of those smiles that made her insides warm and tingly.
She shrugged one shoulder. “Maybe.”
“Since you’re only here for the week, you might as well take advantage while you can.” His voice was rich, decadent, irresistible…
“Fine, you convinced me to give it a go,” she replied. “You should be a mediator with your penchant at convincing people to try things—first, with Rafe earlier, and now with me.”
He laughed. “I made zero headway with the Saccos, though, which is why you’re here.”
In a way, she was glad. Otherwise, she never would have met Grayson.
Why was she thinking that way? She had to snap out of it. “Fine, I’ll go. Fair warning, I might end up with skis scattered all over the mountain.”
“Nonsense, you’ll be fine.” He raised his glass of white wine. “Besides, I’ll be right near you to pick up any pieces and take care of you, Aurora.”
