Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Holy hell!” Burke cringed. “What happened to you?”
Of course, that got people turning to look at me and made me realize I should have stayed home and ordered takeout for the four of us.
“Way to be discreet about my mishap,” I said.
He lowered his voice. “Seriously, Pepper, are you alright?”
Amy came to my rescue if you could call it that.
“The garden rake looks even worse,” she said with a laugh.
Burke’s eyes went wide along with his smile. “You really need to watch your step, Pepper.”
Amy tried not to laugh, but Burke’s laughter got her going.
“You’re both laughing when I am bruised and battered—”
“By a garden rake that left you looking like a raccoon,” Burke said through peals of laughter.
I gave him my most deadly stare, not that it fazed him, but it did quell his laughter.
“Sorry, Pepper, but the situation is just too comical not to laugh.” He was quick to add. “And I’m glad you’re alright.”
I waited, knowing Burke wouldn’t be able to leave it at that and he proved me right.
“And we all know rakes are tough, not to mention stiff opponents.”
Amy once again tried to contain her laughter, not so Burke.
Where was that wine when I needed it?
With his laughter calmed, Burke asked, “So, what are you gals doing here alone?”
“Waiting for our guys,” Amy said as the server filled our wine glasses with chardonnay and left it chilling in an ice bucket beside the table.
“Help yourself to a glass, Burke,” Amy offered.
“Thanks, but I have a business meeting here,” he said. “When are you going to get me those plans for developing part of the lodge land?”
Grateful the teasing had ended, though I did have the whole night ahead of me to go, I said, “I’m thinking on it.”
I’d been putting it off, not sure what I wanted to do. I knew it would be a solid investment to take part of the land attached to the lodge and have condos built on it. But I just wasn’t sure if my Aunt Effie would want me to do that.
“Too busy with the plans for the preserve?” Burke asked.
“You got it. It’s something my Aunt Effie wanted, and I am going to make sure her plans see fruition.”
“I can understand that.” He leaned across the table. “You know you still owe me a date and I’d even take you out while sporting those raccoon eyes.”
“How thoughtful, but in your dreams, Burke.”
“Cheating on your old man?”
Burke and I both turned to see the biker Stone standing by the table.
“What makes you think it’s any of your business?” Burke asked with an attitude.
Burke was never one to take anything from anyone, so I wasn’t surprised that he went back at Stone.
“You certainly have a pair of—”
“Watch your mouth in front of the ladies,” Burke warned, looking ready to stand and defend my and Amy’s honor.
Amy leaned over to me and whispered, “That’s a lot of testosterone going on.”
I had to agree with her, and I was worried about where it was headed.
“Mr. Strathmore, the party you are meeting is here,” a server said.
“Saved by the bell,” Stone said with a sly grin.
“Anytime, anyplace,” Burke challenged.
“Are you sure you want that pretty face of yours rearranged,” Stone threatened.
“Mr. Strathmore,” the server said, reminding him that he was waiting and doing his best to prevent an altercation between patrons.
“Enjoy the night, Burke, and I’ll talk with you soon, whereas I won’t be talking with this arrogant biker anytime soon,” I said, diverting Stone’s attention to me.
“Talk with you soon, Pepper,” Burke said and with a look of distaste at Stone, Burke followed the server.
“Holy shit, what happened to you?” Stone asked, keeping his eyes on me as he took a seat.
“None of your business and I don’t recall inviting you to join us,” I said.
“Maybe not, but I’ve got an offer you can’t refuse,” he said, and lifted the wine glass in front of him to wiggle at me. “I’d prefer a beer, but wine will do for now.”
“What offer?” I asked, ignoring his request for a drink.
“There is at least a half a million dollars’ worth of jewels the Willow family hid and if you help me find it, I’ll cut you in on it.”
“So, that’s the reason you’re claiming to be a relative of the Willow family, to claim a fortune in jewels?” I asked.
“What I’m doing is letting you know there’s plenty of reason why others are trying to get access to the mausoleum,” he said.
“Others?” I asked.
“The guy you found there and got away, then the guy we chased in the woods, and, of course, the treasure hunter professor,” he said. “Join forces with me, you won’t be sorry. Besides, I can satisfy you far better than that fancy pants model you’re with now.”
I laughed, a hardy laugh. In hindsight, it was a mistake.