“New business venture. Blue skies. Friend of a friend is having a birthday. I don’t need much of an excuse for a party.”
Her first reaction was to retreat on the excuse of work. Instead, she said, “Okay. I’ll come.”
“Good.” She smiled. “And this thing with Elaine can be a good thing in the long run.”
“It hurts like hell now.”
“We both have a high tolerance for pain.”
“Lucky us.”
Sierra hugged Libby tightly. She did not believe in quick hugs or “drive-bys,” as she called them. When she gave a hug, she held the person close, as if she were infusing all her goodwill and well-wishes into the recipient. “I’m glad you’re back in Bluestone.”
“Technically, I’m still sleeping on the couch, so I’m not really back.”
“You’re back. You just don’t know it yet.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
COLTON
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
The Woodmont Estate
Colton had seen Libby on the property on Monday and had noticed the intensity in her expression as she had left the house. He had almost called out to her, but she had been moving fast and had looked like she wanted to get the hell out of there. Next, Lofton had left, and she had not looked any happier.
Lofton was smart as a whip, but she was spoiled, and Elaine indulged her daughter too much, which had always seemed out of character for her. He knew something had gone down between Lofton and Libby, and he would bet Lofton was the spark that started the fire. There were a lot of undercurrents, but his main priority was to steer clear and focus on work and especially the boys.
And still his thoughts kept returning to Libby and the morning she had been walking toward his cabin. The morning light had shone behind her, illuminating her in a way that had taken his breath away. Over coffee, he had seen the desire in her eyes and had known she wanted him. Given a little more privacy, they could have shared more than a cup of brew.
“Damn,” he muttered.
He reached for a thick stalk of vines and tugged them away from the brush circling the greenhouse. Untangling the honeysuckle vines had been slow going. Not only were the vines intrusive, but also snakes and mice had set up shop in the lush foliage and were not excited about his destruction of their homes. There was also poison ivy and the inevitable itchiness. Nature was doing its damnedest to wrestle the greenhouse from him.
“You’re making progress,” Elaine said.
He turned. She looked thinner, tired. Whatever had happened with Libby was taking its toll on her as well. “Slow and steady.”
“This has been one tough project,” Elaine said. “Was I foolish? Should I have just torn the place down?”
It was a little late to be asking a question like that. “Why do you say that?” Colton thought about the construction dumpster he had filled with vines and rotted plants.
“If we ever do rent this property for events, a greenhouse won’t make us much money. And there are other projects on the property that need your attention.”
“That’s always the case with old properties like this, Elaine. It’s always going to want more.”
“But I’m asking you what you think.”
“Why do you care so much about the greenhouse?” he asked.
“It’s a legacy.”
“For Lofton?”
“Lofton has no interest in Woodmont. She never has and never will.”
“Then why sink so much energy into the place?” he asked. Colton had never known Elaine to be so indecisive.
“It’s complicated.”
“Only if you want it to be.”
She stared at him, her brow narrowing. “I’m sounding foolish, aren’t I? I should know what I want.”
“I think you do.”
“But wanting and getting are two different things.”
Colton wanted to tug off his gloves, walk up to her, and ask what the hell had gone on in her kitchen on Monday. But that was crossing the line. As much as he respected Elaine, he could not forget that she was his boss. And he needed this job.
“I asked Libby to come back and take more pictures next week as we seal the panes of glass. The place is shaping up.” He cast the statement out like he would a baited hook into a pond rich with trout. If he was patient, the answers would come to him.
“When did you see Libby?” she asked.
“Today in town, looking over the property she and her business partner bought.”
“Normally, I’d say a new restaurant would be a long shot. But in this area, they might do well enough.”
He gripped a thick vine and pulled hard, listening with