Hudson (Anderson Billionaires #4) - Melody Anne Page 0,37

construction crew wouldn’t meet their gazes as they packed up their stuff and began leaving the site. She saw a lot of frowns, and those who’d been crude and rude earlier stayed away. They knew the reputation of Joseph Anderson, and Daisy was sure they didn’t want his wrath focused on them. Daisy had no desire to punish anyone. She just wanted to save the school.

“Mr. Anderson, can we ask a few questions?” the eager young anchor asked as she rushed forward.

“As long as it pertains to this cause,” Joseph said.

The reporter was practically drooling. She obviously didn’t normally get to interview men like him. “Joseph Anderson doesn’t shy away from cameras, he just doesn’t often do interviews,” Darla whispered in Daisy’s ear.

“What’s brought you here today?” the reporter asked.

Joseph smiled. “My very good friend’s granddaughter wants to save this historic school. I’m trying to lend a hand. She’s done all of the hard work. I’m simply the backup,” Joseph said.

The reporter didn’t even glance at Daisy. She wasn’t important enough in the young woman’s mind. Daisy didn’t mind. She’d been dismissed a lot but found it was often easier to work in the shadows than in the full light of day.

Joseph only allowed a few more questions, and then they walked away. He stepped up to his car where a man opened the back door.

“Thank you again, sir. I appreciate your help. I think we’ll now get to save this school,” Daisy said.

“I think I’ll be seeing you save the entire world, Daisy,” Joseph said with a proud smile.

“I’m not that ambitious, but I think if we all step up and save one thing at a time, we truly can make a difference,” she told him.

“I think you’re absolutely right, Daisy. I’ll be seeing you soon,” he said. And just as easily as he’d come in, he was gone.

“Well, it was a black SUV instead of a white horse, but he did ride in and save the day,” Darla said with a grin.

“That’s for sure.” Daisy looked at her watch and noted it was only ten in the morning. “I don’t care if it’s not even noon. I could use a drink.”

“I’m with you on that. Let’s go have a spiked coffee and several donuts before we go bike shopping,” Darla said as she put her arm through Daisy’s and led her to her hybrid car.

“That sounds like a plan,” Daisy said.

Her tears were dry now, and she was already making plans for what she could accomplish next. The world was her oyster and she was ready to search for pearls. She’d get over Hudson Anderson one cause at a time. By the end of it all, she’d find herself again, and that was a priceless gift.

Chapter Thirteen

Hudson stood at a long metal table next to a huge construction trailer. His plans were laid out before him and he wore a grin he hadn’t been able to remove since he’d signed the papers three days before, giving him ownership of this fine piece of land.

The deal had improved his mood considerably. He hadn’t gotten the woman he’d met the month before off his mind, but at least he had his job to focus on. Women came and went — a dream job was rare. If he kept telling himself that, he was convinced Daisy would be a long-lost memory in no time at all.

Miracles could happen.

Hudson had owned his construction company for ten years, and it hadn’t been an easy road for him. His heart might be covered in armor when it came to women, but it was completely exposed when it came to the love of his craft. He’d worked his tail off to gain a reputation for excellent work, on-time performance, and a respectful crew. He was proud he’d done all of this before learning he was one of those Andersons. He’d built it from the ground up without a handout from his mega wealthy family members.

He’d gotten his first job at fourteen, working for a small construction firm, sweating all day gathering garbage and watching the men do their jobs. He’d spotted ways he’d run his own business someday . . . and ways he absolutely wouldn’t.

Hudson had never compromised his values for a job. And now, it was paying off. The community he was building would be his. He hadn’t been hired for the job only to collect a large paycheck and move on to the next task. Nope. This job was his from beginning