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“Of course not, but I don’t think it’s right. Hunter doesn’t deserve to be paid off. I don’t want to lay down and let him walk all over us.”
“I know, and I have a feeling the rest of the guys will agree with you. Hell I would too if it wasn’t at the stake of everything we’ve worked for.” I wasn’t born into wealth the way Reed and some of the other guys were. They could take a financial hit if the resort ended up closing and they lost part of their investment. They could even handle a few rough seasons until we got back on track. I probably could too, but it wouldn’t be as easy for me. And I knew that it would be even tougher on Gage.
“You know, Gage has a lot to lose if things go south. He’s not as financially well off as you guys.”
“You too,” Reed said matter-of-factly.
“Exactly. When I agreed to go into business with you guys, when I said I would handle the finances and the legal aspects, I gave up a lot of other opportunities, I took a risk. I can’t afford to lose everything, Reed. But it’s not just me and you know it.”
Reed nodded. “I know. I just don’t like it. You sure we don’t have more time to try and find more evidence, something else?”
“No. Unfortunately we have to respond to Chuck by next week or else he will file the case and it’ll likely go to court. We might win, or we might get away with paying less than what we would if we negotiate privately, but at what cost to our reputation if this goes public?”
Reed shook his head and stared off in the distance, remaining quiet for a long time before speaking. “The others aren’t going to like it. Most of all, Gage.”
“I know, he’s going to be so pissed, but it’s in his best interest too.”
“Right,” Reed said, taking a deep breath and standing up. “I’ll talk to the others and we will call a meeting before you have to answer to Chuck.”
“Do I have your vote, will we pay off Hunter?” I asked.
Reed hesitated but then nodded. “You have my vote.”
I stood up and shook my friend’s hand. “Thanks, man. I know this is messy, but I truly think it’s for the best.”
Reed left the meeting room, and I stared down at my laptop. An email from Chuck was open and waiting, but I knew not to respond until I talked to the others. We had a few more days, we had time. I closed the computer and tucked it under my arm, needing desperately to get outside and into the sunshine.
It was afternoon, so I knew that the pools would likely be a bit crowded. I might not accomplish much, but I felt like I was done for the day anyway. I decided to leave my laptop in my office before heading outside.
I walked past Snow’s cottage. I stopped and decided to go for it.
I knocked on her door, and heard her call out, “Just a second!”
The door opened a few minutes later, and she stood there in a robe. I had a feeling there was nothing underneath it.
“Oh hey, Anthony,” she said. “I was just getting ready to enjoy the private pool and hot tub…. Would you like to join me?”
“Would I? Do you even need to ask,” I said. “But I’ll need to run back and grab some trunks.”
Snow scoffed, waving her hand. “If I recall, you didn’t need trunks last time.”
“Yeah, but I’m not wearing any underwear today.”
“I wasn’t talking about your underwear,” she said, motioning for me to come inside. Once the door was closed, she dropped the robe, exposing her beautiful, naked body.
She turned toward the patio, swishing her hips with each movement. I was frozen in place for a moment, simply admiring the view. She seemed so nonchalant and casual about it, it was hard to believe that not that long ago she was nervous getting naked in front of anybody. Now, she did so with ease.
She paused at the patio doors and glanced back. “You coming?”
“Yes,” I said, pulling my shoes off as I hopped toward her. I nearly tripped while I was removing my clothing as I walked. I had my shoes and pants off when I got to the patio, but still had my shirt on. She looked at me up and down and reached for the shirt. She removed each individual button slowly, her eyes never leaving mine, letting my shirt fall to the ground.
Snow’s eyes moved over my body, with a smile that I would never grow tired of seeing.
“Very nice,” she said.
“You’ve seen me naked before. A few times now, I think.”
“Yeah, but the view never gets old.”
