Page 6 of My Mismatched Valentine

In four days’ time, it won’t matter one way or the other. Either I’ll be in charge of the company and get to clean house, or I’ll be out of it completely.

“This sounds like a Hallmark movie!” Glamma coos.

I don’t think Hallmark would go for the R-rated thoughts I had at the diner. Fuck, I’m still half hard at merethoughtof whipped cream. I tug open the fridge, unsurprised to find it virtually empty. “Do you need me to pick you up from the airport?” I ask, hoping to shift the subject away from Maggie and the impossible task I have ahead of me.

“I decided to take the train. It has a glass ceiling, you know. Thought it’d be a magical experience. Wonder if I can find some magical brownies to go with the trip,” she adds thoughtfully. “At least Alaska hasthatgoing for it.”

“Alaska has a lot going for it,” I counter. “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”

“You sound like you mean that.”

“I do.” I’ve traveled the world, overseeing the construction of our custom log cabins in more countries than I can count. Even in tropical locations, there are clients who want the cozy feel of cedar log construction right there on the beach. But Alaska is the only place I keep coming back to, even when there isn’t a construction site to inspect. It’s been pulling at me more and more. That Maggie is from this small town is a mere coincidence.Right?“Caribou Creek is charming. You’ll like it.”

“I’m sure the mansion you bought won’t hurt things either,” she teases. Glamma could live in a converted van and be content. But she doesn’t turn down the opportunity to luxuriate. I enjoy spoiling her.

“It was one of Dad’s original designs. I couldn’t stand to see it sold to someone who wouldn’t appreciate it.” I stand in the empty kitchen that could easily fit a small house between the double ovens and the grand eat-in dining area. Maybe it was overly ambitious to buy this house. It’s more space that I can ever use, especially if I can’t convince Maggie we’re meant to be. I want to fill the place with a gaggle of kids, but only if Maggie is the mother of my children.

“Does Maggie know you bought it?”

“She’s about to find out.” After we parted ways at the diner earlier, Maggie insisted she needed the remainder of the afternoon to formulate her plan. Tonight, we’re doing an in-person interview, right here in my newly acquired home. She claims to have an internal lie detector that’ll buzz if I answer any of these questions less than honestly.Fuck, I’d love to make every part ofherbuzz.

“Oh, you devil you!” Glamma squeals.

“Glamma, calm down. I’m not planning to seduce her, you know.”Not tonight. I’m hopeful Maggie will see how empty the place is and insist on helping me prepare it for a future wife. Caribou Creek is a little lacking in furniture stores, but the Wi-Fi signal is strong. We can look at online options together. The delivery fee doesn’t matter to me. I’m not passing up any excuse I can conjure to spend time with Maggie.

“If you hadn’t gotten stuck in Costa Rica with that storm, you’d have a few more days lead time.”

I pace in front of the floor to ceiling windows, barely glancing at the snow-covered mountain range filling the view. Even theincomprehensible beauty can’t soothe my fraying nerves. “Yeah, that was a monkey wrench I didn’t see coming.”

What was predicted to be a mild storm that might delay flights a couple of hours turned into a tropical nightmare with hurricane force winds all in a blink of an eye. Every power and cell tower was out for days, all flights grounded. That didn’t account for the mess the storm created. The people who needed help, shelter, and medical attention. The only reason I’m not still in Costa Rica now is because the clock is ticking and there’s nothing I can do to extend the timer. Thankfully I have the best damn assistant on the planet. Jerry took over, ensuringWilde Luxury Log Cabinssends as much aide as possible.

“Well, no matter,” Glamma says, sounding optimistic as ever. “You two are meant to be. Whether you have four years, four days, or four hours, you’ll figure it out. I know you will, Dustin. You deserve happiness.Realhappiness that money can’t buy.”

The doorbell echoes off the high ceilings, tripping my pulse. I hope Glamma’s right. “She’s here. Gotta go.”

CHAPTER 5

Maggie

Ihaven’t been able to stop shaking my head since I stopped at the fancy iron gate at the foot of the property. Of course Dustin Wilde bought the biggest mansion for sale in Caribou Creek. One previously owned by the Jacobs family. When their father stepped down as CEO of their logging business and moved to Florida, none of his own kids wanted the house.

It sat on the market for several months, waiting for a buyer who wanted a monstrosity of a house in a remote mountainside town.

To Dustin, a purchase like this was probably a small drop in the bucket. Pocket change.

It’s not as though I haven’t met rich men—and women—before. I’ve matched plenty of wealthy celebrities, busy CEOs, and trust fund babies. And, being completely honest with myself, I’ve never once envied or resented them for their wealth. Nor have I treated them any differently. So why am I so irritated by Dustin being a secret billionaire? I’m not the one marrying him.

But wouldn’t it be fun? There are perks…

That unwelcome thought works up the nerves that have yet to settle since Dustin first showed up at the lodge this morning.My palms are sweaty. My lady bits have been quivering since the damn diner. Never mind that I took my new toy out for a test run the minute I got home. I’m so worked up that I lasted an entire minute before coming so hard I nearly fell off the bed.

The memory of Karl, hissing at the vibrator the second I turned in on and shooting out of the room, makes me chuckle. It’s that entertaining thought that has a smile spread across my lips when the front door opens.

“I’d give almost anything to know what was going through your mind before I opened this door,” Dustin teases, his eyes sparkling with what feels like danger. Though I’m the only idiot at risk.Keep it professional!

“I’m surprised you answered your own door. Haven’t been in town long enough to hire help?” Only some of that comment deserves the sarcasm. It’s a giant log cabin. Keeping it dusted could be a full-time job in and of itself. Not to mention the timing. How the hell did he move in already when he only arrived in town this morning?

“It’s on my list.” He stands back, ushering me inside.

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