Accidentally Hers (Sterling Canyon #1) (26 page)

Avery didn’t look up. She couldn’t argue that point. For weeks she’d been minimizing her relationship with Grey. Segregating her life to make it easier. To avoid getting hurt.

Ha! How stupid she’d been. Given that Grey’s brush-off just tossed her heart in a meat grinder, she hadn’t avoided being hurt at all.

Once her breathing settled, she stood and looked at Andy. “Now we’re all going to pay a high price for our pride and stupidity, aren’t we?” She glanced over Andy’s shoulder at her dad. “Even you, because it will be a long time before I have a kind word to say to you, Dad.” She only winced at her mother’s pained expression, but even that didn’t stop her from turning on her heel and walking away from them.

Throughout the rest of the day, she tried calling Grey, but he wouldn’t answer. Her attentiveness to her patients hit an all-time low. She’d been so preoccupied with her thoughts, she’d zoned out at least six times. One patient thought Avery might be having a stroke.

Her lunch sat, uneaten, on the corner of her desk.

Her red-rimmed eyes hurt.

Avery had never experienced a sense of loss and pain this profound. Every time she realized Grey had cut her out of his life, her chest tightened. Only days ago, he’d professed his love. He’d given her a glimpse at a life so full of love she could barely believe it. Her lifelong doubts—her fear—had kept her from loving him as he deserved to be loved.

She could blame her brother, her dad, and even Matt . . . but she couldn’t hide from the ugly truth. The person most responsible for the fact that Grey was finished with her was looking back at her in the mirror.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Grey strode out of the courthouse feeling marginally better than he had an hour earlier. Bonus—in the midst of giving his statement, he’d gotten an idea about Wade’s project. Now he needed Trip and Kelsey’s help.

He dialed Kelsey first. “
Kelsey, it
’s Grey. I need Wade Kessler’s number.”

“Why?”
Kelsey
’s tone sounded cautious. Protective, even.

“I have a proposition for him.” Grey stopped on the sidewalk, placing one hand on his hip.

“What kind of proposition?”

“A business one.” He tamped down his impatience, forcing himself to stop tapping his foot against the pavement. “Can you give me his number, please?”

“Sure. He’s actually in town this week. Staying at the Sterling Canyon Resort.”

Grey’s brows rose. “You don’t send him to Emma’
s place?
”

“Wade likes modern resort amenities.”

Figures.
Grey nearly dismissed the thought, but then realized Kelsey probably knew a lot about Wade. Details that could help him negotiate. “Seems like you’re getting to know him pretty well.”

“We’ve spent a lot of time together looking at properties. He’s very interesting.”

“Guess he’s easy to work with, too?”

“Better than most of my other clients. No bullshit, no games. Decisive.”

“Good to hear. Hope he’s treating you right.”

“He’s very professional and courteous. But so far there’s nothing more going on . . . at least, not yet.” When Grey heard Kelsey’s feminine giggle, he knew Boomerang had locked in on a new target.

He couldn’t help but grin, knowing Wade had no idea what he was in for in the upcoming weeks or months. But unlike Grey, maybe Wade would be interested in Kelsey. “Good luck with that, but watch your heart.”

“Easy for you to say now that you’re happily involved.”

All the words got stuck in Grey’s throat for a minute. Until an hour ago, he’d thought he’d been given a second chance at love with an incredible woman. But he’d been too blind to see it had been one-sided. Avery’s betrayal made her dead to him—a heartache different from, but equally painful to, losing Juliette.

Somehow he managed to say good-bye to Kelsey. He looked around at the storefronts, wishing for something to hit or kick. Nothing. Certainly not here in the middle of this gossip-riddled town.

Shaking his head, he refocused on the task at hand and called Trip. He might’ve lost out on love a second time, but he wasn’t going to lose his future, too. “Buddy, I’m coming back to the office. Don’t go anywhere. I have a plan we need to discuss.”

Wade Kessler greeted them in the lobby of the resort. The man was probably forty-two, but still fit. Clean cut. He flashed a friendly smile at Grey. “Good to see you again, Grey,” he said as he reached out to shake hands.

“I’m
Trip.
” Trip also shook Wade’s hand. “I work for Grey.”

“Shall we sit?” Wade gestured toward an intimate seating area in the corner of the lobby.

“Thanks for agreeing to see me on such short notice. I wanted to talk to you about your development’s impact on my operations,” Grey began. After explaining the basic conflict, he said, “Based on the circumstances, I’d like to float a proposal by you.”

“I’
m listening.
” Wade sat forward, attentively.

“I’d like you to grant us an easement over the sliver of property we use to park our vans and take clients up the backside of the mountain.” Grey leaned forward, anxious and uncomfortable. “In exchange, I’ll give you free ski and rock-climbing tours twice per season for as long as we own the business.”

Wade’s surprised expression turned thoughtful. “Where, exactly, do you cross the property?”

Trip jumped in. “The short dirt road that turns off Big Fir after the small bridge, right where the guardrail breaks.”

Wade scratched his cheek just below his eye. “How often do you use it, and how many people are with you?”

“During ski season, one of us is there at least five days per week. The total number of people could be anywhere from six to fifteen, give or take.” Grey’s stomach sank a bit as he watched Wade’s brows rise. “We park the vans and leave them there for the better part of the day while we hike up those ridges.”

“You’re asking me to take on a lot. Not only would I be putting an encumbrance on my land in perpetuity by recording an easement, but I’d also be taking on additional liability for your guests and property—like your vans—while they’re on my land.” Wade sat back, crossing his arms. “What if I flip the property in ten years? Buyers might not want that on the title, and that could affect the salability of the property.”

“I have to think there are ways to deal with those issues, whether with money or whatnot.” Grey rubbed his jaw, his mind racing but unable to offer solutions.

“There are liability and insurance issues, too,”
Wade said.
“Not to mention that I can’t have a bunch of old ski vans parked in the middle of my five-star resort.”

“The area we’re talking about is on the fringe of your property, not in the center,” Trip interrupted.

Wade nodded with a shrug. “I’d need to take a hard look at our development plans to see if we can find a spot that wouldn’t interfere with the hotel access or parking, or be a blight to the condo owners.”

“I understand that, and I’d be willing to work with you to find a parking location that is out of your line of sight.” Grey glanced at Trip. “I’ll sign whatever releases and waivers you’d need. Pay for the additional insurance rider, if need be. I’m not asking for a gift; I’m just asking for help so you don’t end up putting me out of business.”

“What if other outfits come and ask for the same rights?” Wade sat forward again.

“They won’t. I have an exclusive forest service permit, so no one else can lead anyone into that part of the mountains. Some town kids will hike back in there on their own now and then, but that’s about it.”

“You’re the
only
business who can take teams back in there?” Wade narrowed his eyes.

Grey nodded, wondering what else Wade was thinking.

“I appreciate the offer to give me free treks, but that’s not really enough value for me to justify giving up so much.” Wade crossed one foot over his knee. “But maybe if you give my hotel guests and condo owners a fifteen-percent discount on any tours they booked, then we’d have something to talk about. That could give me something to add as part of my marketing package.”

Grey shot Trip a questioning glance, relying on Trip to help him decide whether or not Wade’s counteroffer was affordable. Of course, if he refused, he’d be out of business. Decision made, Grey said, “
We don
’t have huge margins, and we’re a seasonal business, so fifteen percent is a bit steep. Would you settle for ten percent plus a one-time fee for the easement?”

Wade’s gaze drifted for a few seconds before he responded. “Let me track down my lawyer and ask him a few questions before I give you an answer.”

When Wade stepped away, Trip kicked Grey’s foot. “That was pretty smooth, my friend. Pretty smooth. You’ve got some big balls trying to negotiate when you don’t really have any power here.”

“He seems like a fair guy,” Grey replied. “Worst he could do was stick to the fifteen percent at this point. It sounds like a lot will depend on his lawyer’
s advice.
”

Ten very long minutes later, Wade returned. “Fellows, I can’t give you a quick answer. My lawyer’s going to look at the subdivision plans and all the other obligations and contracts we’ve got going on with this project to make sure there aren’t any conflicts. But as long as there isn’t any non-negotiable conflict, I think we can probably work something out, assuming we can come to terms on a right-of-way and indemnity. I’ll accept the ten-percent discount, too, but will get back to you about other costs that may be associated with this deal.”

“Thank you.” Grey stuck out his hand. “Can we buy you a drink?”

After two rounds of beer and conversation about the town, Wade excused himself, and Trip and Grey walked back to the office.

“
Well, it
’s not quite a done deal, but it’s looking good, right?” Grey glanced at Trip.

“Looks real good, Grey. I think the only thing holding it up is the lawyer shit.”

Grey’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and saw Avery’s name for the fourth time in the past hour, but he didn’
t answer.

“I’m going to butt in here, because in addition to your being edgy and hyped up, I’m noticing you aren’t taking Avery’s calls.” Trip kept his eyes on the pavement as they continued walking. “What’s happened?”

After Grey described the confrontation at the town hall, Trip frowned. “I’m sorry she burned you, Grey.”

“You warned me not to jump in so fast, but I really thought . . . well, it doesn’t matter. I thought wrong.” Grey unlocked the office door. “I’ve got to keep my eyes on this business and do whatever I can to avoid disaster. I hated to give away that discount, but I couldn’t think of any other way. You think we ought to talk to Kelsey and get her help with Wade? They seem tight.”

“Not yet. Let’s see what happens. I’ve got a good feeling.” Trip sat in his usual chair, across the desk from Grey. “I actually have an offer of my own I’d like to discuss. One that will also help alleviate the financial strain of the business debt.”

“Bring it on.” Grey sat forward.

“I want to buy a stake in Backtrax and be your partner. I know I’d only promised to come for a year or two and help you get things going, but this place has grown on me. Funny how your injury forced me to get more involved . . . and I
liked
it. Anyway, I know what you put into the business, and what is still owed. If I come up with a hundred-fifty grand and cosign the loan guarantee, would you make me an equal partner?”

Grey whistled. “Where are you coming up with that kind of cash?”

Trip shifted in his seat, averting his gaze. “I’ve got money.”

“You mentioned that before, but never said how.” Grey didn’t mean to be rude, but he couldn’t help it. He’d known Trip for four years. Never during that time had Trip won the lottery or lived like a guy who had access to six figures at the drop of a hat.

Trip slid deeper into his chair and pushed the brim of his cowboy hat back. “Family money, but I’d rather not get into details, if you don’t mind.”

Grey held up his hands. “Sorry, and hell yeah, I’ll take your money and make you my partner. Honestly, Backtrax wouldn’t still exist if you hadn’t taken over when I got hurt.”

Trip flashed his gigantic grin at Grey and stuck out his hand. “Thanks, buddy. You won’t be sorry.”

Grey shook his hand, but then sat back, brow furrowed. “I have to ask you something. Why didn’t you make this offer sooner, especially when you saw me struggling with Avery? Might’ve made things with her a lot easier for me.”

“For one, I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit myself completely to life here in Sterling Canyon. Also, getting my hands on that money will open some doors I’d rather keep closed, but I don’t want to get into all that with you. As for Avery, well, that just wasn’t my responsibility, was it?” He frowned, his gaze distant. “Sounds bad, I guess. Sorry if I let you down.”

“Don’
t apologize.
” Grey flicked a paper clip. “Looks like you were right to have your doubts about her commitment, too.”

“Doesn’t make me happy.” Trip’s earnest tone made Grey glad for his loyal friendship.

Avery dreaded going home that evening. She’d avoided Andy and her dad’s calls this afternoon, but she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. Her blood pressure practically exploded when she saw Matt’s car in her driveway.

After snatching her purse from the front seat, she slammed her car door closed. She stood in the driveway and rolled her shoulders twice, trying to alleviate the tension in her muscles.

When she finally came through the front door, her mother greeted her with a nervous smile, much like she used to greet her husband when he’d come home after work. “Oh, honey, you’re finally home.” She patted Avery’s arm and quietly said, “I know it’s been an upsetting day, but we have some relatively good news to share.”