Page 52 of The Wexley Inn
“Excellent,” Grayson said. “I hope Dr. Simmons understands the importance of historical accuracy to our community. Some experts from Charleston tend to apply, let’s say, flexible standards that might not meet Wexley’s expectations.”
“Well, Dr. Simmons has an impeccable reputation,” Thomas interjected. “Her analysis methods are considered the gold standard in historical preservation circles across the Southeast, so we’re confident her findings will satisfy even the most stringent interpretation of the requirements.”
The subtle emphasis on most stringent made it clear Thomas recognized Grayson’s attempt to create additional obstacles.
Grayson’s smile tightened. “Well, we all want what’s best for the inn, don’t we?” he said, his tone sharp. “It’s such an important part of our island’s heritage. Speaking of which, Isabella, have you given any more thought to my offer? The market for luxury properties continues to strengthen, and my investment group has recently increased our acquisition budget.”
“My position hasn’t changed, Grayson,” Isabella said firmly. “The inn isn’t for sale. I told you I came to Wexley to restore it as a hospitality business, not to flip it for development.”
Grayson’s expression hardened briefly before he regained his smooth facade. “Admirable commitment. Though I do hope you’ve considered all the ongoing challenges of managing a historic property - renovation delays, cost overruns, staffing issues in a seasonal economy.” He paused thoughtfully. “And of course, financing can become… complicated if lenders start questioning a project’s viability based on community feedback. Banks do tend to listen when influential board members voice concerns."
“Yes, I’m well aware of business realities,” Isabella said, painting on a fake smile. “My financial projections account for these factors, and I’m very confident in the viability of the inn as an ongoing operation.”
“Well, of course.” Grayson nodded. "Should circumstances change - and they often do with projects of this scope - my offer remains open. For now." The slight emphasis on the final words carried an unmistakable edge. “In the meantime, I do look forward to reviewing Dr. Simmons’ analysis with the board. Historical accuracy is so important, wouldn’t you agree, Thomas?”
“Absolutely,” Thomas said evenly. “Which is why we’ve engaged the most qualified expert available.”
Grayson departed quickly after that, and Thomas and Isabella stood in silence for a moment, watching his Mercedes disappear down the driveway.
“Boy, he’s not giving up, is he?” Isabella said.
“Not likely,” Thomas confirmed. “This inn property represents the last big parcel of the historic district that hasn’t been developed or permanently preserved. And Grayson's not the type to just sit back and wait for you to succeed. If he can't buy you out, he'll find other ways to apply pressure. I've seen him do it before - financial pressure, regulatory complications, social isolation. He's patient and he's ruthless. For someone with Grayson’s ambitions, it’s the ultimate prize.”
“Well, he won’t be getting it,” Isabella said firmly. “This inn is going to be restored, reopened, and operated exactly as I’ve planned.”
Thomas smiled. “I don’t doubt that for a moment. You’re at least as stubborn as Grayson, with the advantage of actually owning the property.”
“What was Luella talking about earlier?” he suddenly said. “Something about having a conversation face-to-face?”
Isabella hesitated, Luella’s advice echoing in her mind. Was now the right time to ask Thomas directly about their past, while they stood in the inn’s driveway with the workday ending and other pressing matters on their minds?
“Just Luella being Luella,” she said, laughing, “dispensing wisdom whether requested or not.”
Thomas chuckled. “Well, she’s been doing that for as long as I’ve known her. The remarkable thing is how often her unsolicited advice turns out to be exactly what you needed to hear.”
“Yeah, beginning to notice that pattern,” Isabella agreed.
As Thomas got ready to leave, he paused for a moment. “I meant what I said at dinner last night, about doing it again sometime. Maybe with Emma’s not-so-subtle matchmaking efforts.”
The directness of his acknowledgment of both the dinner’s success and Emma’s transparent intentions surprised Isabella.
“I would like that,” she said honestly.
A pleased smile crossed his face, warming his blue eyes in the fading light. “Good. I’ll call you.”
Isabella watched him drive away and found herself reflecting on the day’s events - Vivian’s pointed comments, Luella’s cryptic advice, and now Thomas’s unexpected invitation. The careful boundaries she had tried to establish when she found him on the island were becoming more permeable.
She wasn't sure if reopening her heart to Thomas Langley was wise. The man had shattered her once without explanation, and now here she stood, contemplating dinner alone with him, feeling the same dangerous pull she'd felt at twenty-two. But watching the deer graze in the golden light, standing in front of the inn she was bringing back to life, Isabella recognized that some risks might be worth taking, even if they terrified her.
The inn itself seemed to stand witness to the possibility. Perhaps their relationship could undergo a similar restoration.
With this thought, she turned back toward the inn, ready to finish the day’s work before going home. Whatever conversations needed to happen would have to wait for the right moment. But as she returned to the inn, Isabella couldn’t shake Luella’s warning about secrets coming out at the worst possible time. She'd built her entire project on this island, poured her life savings and dreams into this restoration.
If there were truths about Thomas's past she didn't know - truths that might complicate everything - she needed to hear them before her feelings made her too vulnerable to devastation.
The question was whether she had the courage to ask.
CHAPTER 13
