Whatever We Are: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series Book 3) Page 15

  “Virginia basically told me the same thing. She felt sure the castle would be saved and the bid awarded to someone who would best preserve the building and put it to good use.”

  “That’s essentially what Arthur said.”

  “Which can only mean one thing.”

  “Yup, the winning bid will be—”

  “Mine.”

  “What?” He nearly knocked her to the floor when he came off the bed. Had he heard her correctly?

  “I submitted a bid to restore the building and use it as an art gallery. Isn’t that exciting? You seem surprised.”

  He was having a heart attack. It was the only explanation for the tight clenching in his chest and the cold tingle down his back. He slapped his hands against his cheeks and rubbed fiercely, hoping to wake up from this nightmare. She couldn’t have submitted a bid for the castle. That building was his. He’d sold his house and moved into a crappy camper to pay for the designs and renovations. He grabbed his chest, hoping to stop the arrhythmia.

  She rose onto her knees and scooted to the edge of the bed where he stood. She rubbed the tip of her nose across his chest and he swallowed hard as she pecked a trail of tiny kisses over his throat. “Isn’t it a great idea? An art gallery in Highland Springs?”

  “Great.”

  “You don’t like the idea?”

  “Sure, um, I just didn’t realize.” When the hell did she come up with this idea? And why hadn’t she told him? They seriously might have to call an ambulance. His heart was thumping erratically.

  “I’ve wanted to open a gallery since I was a teenager.”

  “But in the castle?”

  She slid off the bed, grabbing the comforter off the floor where it had fallen and wrapped it around herself like a toga.

  “For the longest time, I didn’t think it would be possible, but when I heard the city was going to sell the castle, I just knew it was the ideal place. Since it had been built by my great-grandfather it seemed meant to be that it would one day be back in the family.” She shuffled across the room like a Geisha girl and spun around. “I’ve been saving every penny for the last few years so that when the right place came along, I’d have the money for a down payment.”

  “What about financing? And all the money it’s going to take to fix it up?”

  “I took a mortgage against the house.”

  “What house?”

  “This house. I inherited it from Granny. I own one hundred percent of the equity so I was able to take out a substantial loan to cover most of my costs.”

  “But, babe, it’s going to take a lot of work to fix up the castle. They don’t call it Leaks-a-Lot for nothing.”

  “And Mice-a-Lot and Lost-a-Lot and Cracks-a-lot. I plan to restore it back to the days of Camelot Motors so that folks in this town can drop all those disparaging nicknames.”

  “Are you sure you can handle it?”

  “Tucker, what’s the matter with you?” Her eyes looked as though they’d come unglued from their sockets and he suddenly wanted to take back what he’d said. Of course, she could handle it. “I’m not stupid.”

  “Babe, come here.” He stretched out his hand, but she slapped it away and took a step backward.

  “No. Don’t call me babe. Stop it. You don’t think I can do this. You have no confidence in me.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “See, this is why I haven’t told anyone. I expected my family to think I couldn’t run a gallery, but I never dreamed you’d think the same thing.”

  “You are a strong, brilliant wo—”

  “As I recall, you didn’t know much about starting a business when you opened the brewery, but did I question your ability? Did I ask if you’d considered how much work it would be?”

  “Liza, I’m sorry. Can we talk about this rationally?”

  “Oh, so I’m irrational now? Just because I want to bring some culture to this town and create an environmentally-friendly green space?”

  “Environmentally what?”

  “Green space. A park. With a sculpture garden.”

  “Oh.”

  “Oh? That’s all you can say?”

  What he wanted to say was, “Oh, shit.” He couldn’t tell her that he was her biggest competition for the project. She was standing there, wrapped in that blue comforter, looking so damned beautiful and hopeful—well, right now she looked pissed—but her face had lit up when she talked about her gallery. Obviously, she’d dreamed about the gallery long before he thought of opening a pub. But he’d spent too much money on architectural drawings and site plans, he couldn’t back out now. Maybe they could figure out a way to work together to make both their dreams a reality.

  He stepped closer and reached toward her. “I’m sorry. Just caught off guard, that’s all.”

  “I can do this and I will. That castle is mine; it’s my gallery space. I’ll prove to everyone in this town that I can be a success all on my own.” She whipped around, away from his outstretched arms but her feet tangled in the comforter’s bulk. She fell in a heap onto the hardwood with a heavy thump.

  “Shit.” He rushed over and helped her to her feet. “Are you okay?”

  “Oh my God. Cover up.”

  “Why?”

  “We can’t talk about this with your…” She waved her hands like an orchestra conductor. “Stuff hanging out.”

  “Jesus. You can’t be serious.” They’d just spent the night together, completely naked and had made love three times by candlelight bright enough to see every private part of the human anatomy. He huffed like an angry bear and tugged the cotton sheet off the bed, draping it around his waist. “Better?”

  “Much.” Liza shuffled over to the vanity and, with as much grace as possible, plopped her bottom on the upholstered bench and gathered the excess comforter tightly around her. “I’ve done my research and already have several artists lined up for the grand opening. This is going to be a good thing for the town.”

  “I believe you. I’m sorry if I made you think I doubted you. But why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because you know how it is around here. You tell one person and they tell another and before long the whole town knows your business and starts telling you you’ll never make it work.”

  He raked his fingers across his scalp, giving his hair a painful tug. He remembered that feeling. When he had initially told a few people he planned to start a brewery, the first thing they asked was, “Do you know anything about brewing beer?” More than once his confidence had wavered, yet he stayed the course, making a few mistakes along the way, but ultimately creating a successful business. He had every confidence she could do the same.

  “You’ll make it work. I know you can do it.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Tell me more of your ideas.” Maybe he could work a pub into her plans.

  “I want to restore the castle to its original look, keeping the old woodwork, but putting in hardwood floors and new lighting. Outside, I want to create a sculpture garden, like I said, and put in benches so people can sit on a sunny afternoon or bring their dog for a walk.”

  “It sounds nice. Do you need the entire block to do that? Ever think of adding a few more buildings, you know, to rent out to generate more revenue?”

  “No, I want the castle to be the centerpiece of the landscaped green space, with no other buildings to take away from its unique design.”

  “Okay, but you know the building is huge. Ever think of splitting it into maybe two spaces so you can rent out one?” He could easily put his pub in the back of the castle with access off the side street and maybe convince her to let him have a corner of the green space for a beer garden.

  “I already have the plans drawn up the way I want it and it doesn’t include rental space.”

  “But by renting out some space you could cover your expenses during the slower months.”

  “Well…” She tried to stand, but seemed to lose her balance in the comforter’s weight,
landing back on the bench. “That’s not what I want, but I’ll consider it.”

  “Listen.” He gathered the bed sheets in his hand and bent on one knee, where he could look Liza squarely in the eyes. He unhinged her fingers from their death grip on the comforter and brought her hand to his lips. “Whatever you decide to do with the building, I know you’ll be a success. As long as the committee doesn’t choose Bridges Enterprises, your gallery will be a reality.”

  Her eyes welled with tears and his heart melted as he tenderly kissed her hand. At that moment, he’d give her anything she asked. Later today, he’d call the committee and withdraw his bid. Once it was awarded to Liza, he’d figure out a way to make both their dreams a reality—perhaps suggesting she rent some of the space to him for his pub. This plan seemed to help his erratic heartbeat and give him a sense of calm.

  Liza squared her shoulders and looked him in the eye, sniffling back tears. “Thank you. I appreciate your faith in me. I might be jinxing it by saying this but with you by side, my gallery will happen.”

  “You’ve got that right.”

  TWENTY

  At ten o’clock the next morning, Liza skirted the outer perimeter of the castle, visualizing the majestic building surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. Tucker’s suggestion to subdivide the building into rental space had at first offended her, but after further contemplation, she realized it was a smart business move. There were sure to be lean months, especially during the winter when tourism was low and the gallery wouldn’t generate much money, so having consistent revenue from rental space made sense.

  Across the back of the property was a narrow city street which could be the entry point for parking and the entrance to the rental space. She had studied the architectural drawings last night, penciling in a dividing wall across the back of the space with an outside entrance. She had originally planned to have her office in the back, but could easily move it to the upper floor, opening up room for a renter.

  “Hey, girl. Fancy meeting you here.” She nearly jumped out of her skin as she turned the corner to the back of the building and almost collided with Darla. “Taking another look?”

  “Just doing some thinking. What are you doing here?”

  “The committee asked me to provide some measurements on setbacks and easements. I was just going over my figures before I turned in my report.”

  “I heard they’re making the announcement at the Mistletoe Ball.”

  “That’s what they say. It just might be the highlight of the night—besides that special kiss under the mistletoe.” Darla guffawed, causing her glasses to slip off the bridge of her nose. “Everyone looks forward to the moment Mr. and Mrs. Claus smooch. Sometimes a proposal happens.” She wiggled her eyebrows at Liza with a playful grin.

  “Not this year, Darla. Tucker and I are, well, we’re not there yet.” Since he’d moved into her room, the past few nights had felt like they were getting closer. Though he was passionate and called her babe, he hadn’t shared what was in his heart. She had always loved Tucker, but that brotherly feeling had turned into something deeper, something that could last a lifetime. As soon as the holidays were over, she’d tell him how she felt, once the threat of the curse had passed, and hope he reciprocated that love.

  “Well, you sure are a cute couple. It’s nice to see how well you two are handling the competition.”

  “The competition?”

  “Hang on.” Darla held up her finger as her cell phone let out a shrill ring. She walked away, talking at lightning speed in unfamiliar real estate lingo. Wondering what Darla had meant by competition, Liza continued her trek around the building. The third and fourth bidders’ identities had not been revealed, but she felt sure she would be awarded the bid. Bridges Enterprises were definitely part of the competition, but Bret had made it clear they would demolish the castle, which went against Virginia’s wishes. As soon as Darla got off the phone, Liza would ask what she meant by competition.

  “Hey, girl.” Once again, Liza startled at Darla’s sudden appearance. “I’ve got to run. One of my properties is in a bidding war.”

  “Oh, no, that doesn’t sound good.”

  “It’s great. The longer the bidding war goes, the higher the price, and the bigger commission for me.” Darla giggled, holding her frames in place. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at the ball.”

  “But, Darla.”

  “Got to run.”

  She was gone before Liza could ask what she meant by competition. She shook off her concerns, convinced she’d win the bid. Virginia and Arthur were both behind the idea of restoring the castle. There was no way she could lose.

  She stepped out onto the sidewalk, flipping the lapel of her wool coat around her ears as she walked back toward town. Snowflakes pebbled the air, swirling in the wind whipping off the mountains, the skies threatening to dump a few inches of snow overnight. Tomorrow was the Mistletoe Ball and it was setting up to be a winter wonderland, and a night she would never forget.

  “Hey, babe, we’ve got to go,” Tucker yelled up the stairs. “The ball will be over before we get there.”

  After three weeks of wearing the puffy red dress and gray wig to every event, Liza was happy she could go to the ball dressed in a formal gown of her choice. The owner of an art gallery needed to look the part, so this morning she made a trip to the salon for a manicure and new hair style, including a return to her natural honey blonde. No more blue, green or pink hair. It was time to look and feel like a successful business woman. She smiled at her reflection in the full-length mirror, thrilled with her newly layered hair cascading over the open back of her beaded midnight blue gown.

  Tonight, she would surprise her friends and family when she was awarded the winning bid from the committee. Then she would meet Tucker under the mistletoe and give him a kiss this town wouldn’t soon forget. It will be the start of her brand-new life, and nothing, not even the Christmas curse, would keep her from the happiness she deserved.

  “Liza!”

  “Coming.” She took one last look with a deep breath, steeling herself for Tucker’s reaction. He’d never seen her so, well, put together. Would he like the change? It was time to find out. She grabbed the silver clutch off her bed and squared her shoulders as she stepped through her bedroom door to the landing. He was waiting at the bottom of the staircase, adjusting the cufflinks of his tuxedo shirt. “Ready or not.”

  When he glanced up the staircase, his eyes bugged out and his mouth flapped open. She fought back a giggle as his Adam’s apple bobbed with a hard swallow and his mouth gaped even wider. She milked her entrance, taking each step slowly, deliberately down the stairs. When she reached the bottom, she pressed a finger under his jaw to close his still-open mouth.

  “Well?” she asked, tickling the soft flesh under his chin.

  “Damn.”

  “That’s all you have to say?” She laughed as his eyes trailed slowly from her face down the length of her dress and back up again, still big and round with surprise.

  “Who the hell are you?”

  “Tucker!”

  “What happened to your hair? Where’d you get that dress?”

  “You don’t like it?” Threatening tears burned her eyes as his shock gradually turned to admiration.

  “Liza, you look…”

  And then to lust.

  “Hot!”

  “So, you do like it?”

  “Babe, you’re gorgeous, beyond gorgeous. Shit, I don’t even know how to tell you how good you look. Too damned beautiful to be seen with me.”

  “Stop it. Let me look at you. So handsome in your tux. Turn around.”

  “No, you turn around.”

  She obliged, tip-toeing in a circle, while he let out a long, slow whistle.

  “Let’s forget the ball and go back upstairs.” He pulled her into his arms and assaulted her neck with wet, warm kisses.

  “Nope, you have to take me out first.”

  “You sure about that?” His warm b
reath brushed her skin as he skimmed his lips behind her ear and across her cheek until he captured her mouth. She gave into his passion for a few seconds, enjoying the tingle his lips created, but she couldn’t let him go any farther for fear her nether regions would take control of her brain.

  “Positive.” She managed to squeeze her hands between them and push against his chest, sending him stumbling against the wall. “Behave yourself for the next couple of hours and I’ll let you carry out whatever fantasy you have swirling in your mind when we get home.”

  “I’m not sure I can last that long.”

  “You’ll have to. It’s your last duty as Mr. Claus and I have to look presentable when they announce my winning castle proposal.”

  “You’re still convinced you’ve got this.”

  “Yes. For the first time in years, I don’t feel the Christmas curse hanging over me. Having you in my life seems to have warded off the evil spirits.”

  “Good, because I have something for you.” His lips curled into a boyish grin as he slipped his hand inside his tuxedo jacket.

  What in the world could he have hidden in his pocket? A quiver wiggled down her spine as his hooded gaze stayed locked on hers. He was definitely up to something with that wry grin and flushed cheeks. It was something important and the wait was killing her. Was he about to propose? They’d been officially us for such a short time, wasn’t he jumping the gun? On the other hand, they’d been inseparable for nearly two years; it wasn’t like they were still getting to know each other. That had to be it. He was going to propose. She pressed her fingers to her tear ducts preparing for the big question.

  “This is for you.”

  Instead of a little velvet box, he held a shiny brass skeleton key in his hand, tied with a red satin bow. Her heart sank to her stomach and her face grew hot. How silly she was to hope for an engagement ring.

  “What is it?”

  “It represents two things. One, I’ll tell you now, and the other will have to wait until we get to the ball.”

  “Okay…what’s the first one.”