Page 151 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I'll forward you all a copy of the letter from Sacramento." As we sat stuffing our faces gathered at the picnic tables looking out over Guy's winery, we were all lost as to what it all meant.

Finally, Mitch tried to put it together for us. "It looks like we were missing some information a few months ago. Didn't the state send a letter inviting us to design what we have since named the Golden Key Project?"

"Yes! They sent us all the parameters.... everything we needed to get started on our end," I reminded everyone, beginning to feel a bit sheepish. "Did I miss something?"

"Yep, you did. I mean, we all should have paid more attention. But, instead, we just dug into the designing phase,” Ryder added.

"And we submitted our price,” Daniel reminded us.

"But did we ever get a letter of approval... something giving us the go-ahead?" Brad asked.

"I'm thinking that's what this letter is,” I replied, laying down my fork, suddenly full. "We've never dealt with a government entity before. With our other customers, we do an estimate, and they approve it before we move forward."

"So, how do we proceed?" Daniel asked, grabbing another beer. "Anyone else?" Everyone took Daniel up on his offer except me. "Come on, Chase. Drinking a beer might make you feel better.”

Everyone snickered and glanced at me, trying to brush off the facts. But unfortunately, this was my fault. I had dropped the ball, and I hadn't a clue about how to move forward. "Anyone here know anything about writing a grant?"

"No, but Clint does," Brad suggested.

"Clint?! He's been doing his own thing up there in Seattle since we settled on setting up shop here in San Diego. And what makes you think he knows anything about grant writing?" I asked. "We didn't exactly end on the best of terms.”

"You know, Clint. Money matters! And besides, remember back in college how he made a ton of money writing grants for grad students needing sponsors for their projects?" Guy reminded us.

“I guess it wouldn't hurt to give him a call, but he'll want a cut of the deal,” I said, disgusted.

“He certainly will, but there won't be a deal if we don't get the grant," Ryder said, tossing his empty bottle in the trash. "I'm the one who keeps in touch with Clint the most. So, I'll give him a call tomorrow first thing tomorrow.”

"Thanks for that," I said, "Let's keep brainstorming. We can do it!" I pumped my fist in a faux show of enthusiasm. Thankfully, everyone rallied around me, and we helped clean up Guys' place before saying good night. Mitch walked Amy to her car and checked her tire. I heard him remind her she needed a new one, that a patch would only last so long. Then my gaze drifted toward the guest house, and I noticed Meagan still had her lights on.

Disappearing behind my Escalade, I pulled out my phone and, without overthinking it, called Meagan. She answered on the first ring. "You gave me permission to call.... so please don't hang up," I spluttered before she even said hello. Then Meagan giggled and asked me if Guy's party was fun, and I noticed her peeking through her blinds at me. We made small talk for a few minutes, as first Daniel pulled away, then Ryder, Brad, and finally Mitch, leaving my Escalade sticking out like a sore thumb.

When Guy stuck his head out before giving the evening security detail the all-clear, he noticed me talking on the phone. With a worried look, he started walking toward me until I pointed toward the guest house, and he grinned, giving me the thumbs up.

"Who was that?" Meagan asked.

"Your brother checking things out."

"Well, why don't you move your vehicle in front of the guest house. Then come in for some homemade cocoa?"

"Homemade? I thought you had sworn off cooking for me!"

"A girl can change her mind, you know."

Chapter Five

Meagan

As I heard Chase's footsteps climbing the stairs, my excitement grew. Then, without waiting for him to knock, I yanked open the door and chirped out a giddy "Come on in!"

"Thank you," Chase replied with a bemused smile, kissing me lightly on the cheek.

When I swatted his arm and scolded him with, "I didn't give you permission to do that," his eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Meagan. I didn't mean —" Chase spluttered. Then, he scowled and started to turn around, but I grabbed his massive hand.

“What I meant to say was… you can kiss better than that!" I explained. Unable to help myself, I stepped between Chase and the door and embraced him, planting a warm, lingering kiss on his lips.

He held me tight for a few moments, his chest trembling with an imploring moan. But then he retreated and grabbed my shoulders tenderly. "Meagan, what's going on with you? You seem to be sending me conflicting messages. The last time I was here, I left you in tears, and it scared the life out of me. This isn't like you! Tell me what's wrong."

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