In Too Deep (Wildfire Lake 1)

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, yet.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” I close my laptop.

“So,” she says, drawing out the word. “A contractor.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve had a hell of a time finding one who will come out and give a bid for the job.”

Fucking Wildfire.

KT crosses her arms and leans against the wall. “Guess O’Malley and the bank manager aren’t the only unhappy people in this town. There’s quite a bit of local dissidence over this place. Seems the idea that we’re building the next celebrity hangout has gotten around town, and no one will touch us, even after I explain that’s not true.”

My heart sinks. “Well, shit.”

“But I did find one willing to come talk to us. He should be here soon.”

“I don’t want some half-assed contractor. This is a big job, we need a contractor who knows how to handle a big build. And someone dependable, not some fly-by-night. Contractors are like doctors, it takes real work to find a good one, but when you do, you stick with them.”

“I’m a little surprised this guy is coming out. Half afraid he’s been living under a rock somewhere, because he’s local and he’s good. He did the renovation on the city hall.”

“Really. I’m officially impressed. What’s his name?”

“I’ve talked to so many guys, I can’t remember. It’s Paragon Construction. He and his partner are civil engineers, and they’re building the Whisper Cove development.”

“The one with a view of the lake?”

She nods. “They’re priced between seven-fifty and one-point-two mil.”

“Maybe that’s why he’s coming out. He’s got a vested interest in how this renovation pans out. The people who pay that for a home here are going to want beautiful views.”

“You know,” KT says with a little bit of mischief in her tone, “this property is zoned commercial. Someone could put up an ugly but lucrative hotel. It would kill the view from their development.”

I smile. “It’s always good to have leverage.”

Chloe calls from the living room. “Looks like he’s here,” then in a softer voice, “and he’s ridiculously hot.”

KT laughs and starts toward the front of the boat. “He probably heard that.”

I stand and fix my messy bun, wishing I’d had time to dress more appropriately. Cutoff shorts and a T-shirt knotted at the join of my rib cage isn’t exactly professional, but no time to change. If he’s local, my dress shouldn’t throw him.

I grab the book I’ve created over the last couple of days since KT, Chloe, and I agreed to do this together. I’ve started the paperwork online to incorporate Cyclone Investments, sketched plot maps and dock expansion plans, listed boat names and descriptions, and added idea images for the restaurant.

“Hi,” Chloe greets the man with enthusiasm. “I’m Chloe. This is KT. Laiyla is coming.”

I make my way to the front of the boat, master plan in hand, grin of excitement on my face—and find myself staring at Levi.

I glance behind him and down the dock.

“No one else is coming,” he says. “I have a partner, but he’s working on another project.”

Oh no. No, no, no. All my air leaks out, and the girls are giving me dual what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-you looks.

“Excuse us,” I say to Levi, then to KT and Chloe, “A minute please.”

I return to my bedroom—the one with no door—and wait for the other girls to come in before I turn my back to the living room where Levi’s standing, hands on hips.