Up to Snow Good - Kelly Collins Page 0,20

turn on me. You’re my son.”

“You sold yourself out a long time ago, but you’re not selling me out, not anymore.”

“Think about what you’re doing. You need me because you can’t survive out there without me. Hunter Properties is your birthright, it’s your destiny.”

“Not anymore.” Max crossed to the door and pulled it open before turning to face his father one last time.

“You’re not serious. She’s just some girl. You’re not using the right head.”

“That’s right, Pop. I’m using my heart. Do you remember what that’s like, or did you ever know?” There was no more to say because father and son were parting ways.

Chapter Sixteen

Lauren

Lauren was filled with confused anger, waves, both hot and cold, passed through her while her mind raced with thoughts that pulled her in every direction.

“You’re kidding me.”

Max shook his head. He stood with her in the lodge’s yard, far enough from anyone to give them a level of privacy, but there was no doubt Ruthie was watching. Patrick and Cindy were probably gawking too, but from behind the stables where she couldn’t notice.

“I wish I was kidding, but I’m not. You have to know I didn’t get that loan with ulterior motives. I wasn’t thinking anything like that. When I suggested it, I didn’t know he’d turn it around like this.”

Lauren wanted to believe him. His big, soulful eyes reached into her heart, past the confusion of her brain.

He took her hand in his and walked forward. “I want you to know that I’ve parted ways with him, and I wouldn’t blame you for doubting me, but I want to help you with this—help you keep the lodge if that’s what you still want.”

“You know it is, Max, of course it is.”

“And all that other stuff, the stuff between our parents …”

“Shouldn’t come between us,” she said. “It never should have affected us, because it was their issue, not ours.”

“I absolutely agree because whatever happened in the past shouldn’t determine our future.”

“You’re right.”

Max looked around and up at the lodge. “It really is a nice place.”

She smiled, glad to appreciate her father’s hard work and her mother’s tireless support. Those things were embedded in the very beams and soaked into the soil of the place.

In Max, she’d found a true ally. He appeared as sincere as the kid who’d loved her with that schoolboy innocence so many years ago before the complexities of adulthood drove them and their families apart.

She was shocked by so much new information that she hardly knew what to think. She’d been targeted by her father’s former friend and mortal enemy, and his son had been a tool of that assault, just as she’d been warned.

Her faith in him had been rewarded because Max wanted to do the right thing, and Lauren knew she needed his help, and even more than that, she wanted it.

So many questions sprang to her mind, the first being, “Where are you staying? You lived in your family home, didn’t you?”

Max nodded. “I’ll get an apartment in town.”

“No, that’s silly. There’s plenty of room here at the lodge.” She squeezed his hand. “Stay here.”

“What? No, I shouldn’t.”

“Why not? I insist.” To change his position, she continued, “We will be working together on the winter village, right? I’m going to need help with everything. It makes sense that you’re close by.” She didn’t want to beg, but she would if she had to. At this point, Max was the one good thing in her life.

Max twisted his lips as he gave it a thought. “Do you think Ruthie will have me?”

“Nope, but it’s not her decision.” She cracked a ready smile. “Did you bring clothes?”

“Nothing. As a matter of fact, I just walked out.” The notion appeared to strike him with inspiration. “Let’s go shopping.”

She was happy to take some time away from the lodge. The local outdoor store gave them more than enough to work with to dress him. She couldn’t deny the little thrill she got watching Max try on his new clothes. Everything fit him perfectly and clung to his tall, athletic frame. It was obvious he took good care of himself. His legs were long and well-muscled, his waist lean and tapered, his chest expansive and strong, his arms developed and powerful. He stood straight and tall, shoulders back, proud and strong.

“What about this?” He walked out of the room wearing a parka, sturdy Levi’s, and a sexy smile. He was the perfect picture of rugged masculinity, the very embodiment of the