The unmistakable sound of tires crunching the gravel of her driveway interrupted her thoughts. She wasn’t expecting anyone. She was bushed after the whirlwind of heading out to Vegas and back. J.J. and Libby wanted to sit with Hope and reconnect over a glass of wine, but that could wait a day or two.
Libby walked back to the house and through to the drive side. She’d taken to thinking of the front door as the drive side and the back door as the lakeside. The front door opened to the driveway and any guests that pulled up. But it really felt like the back of the house since every inch of Nora House was designed to face the lake.
Libby opened the door to see a black SUV slowing to a stop.
Who in the world?
She put her hands on her hips as it dawned on her. She was sure he’d been tipped off as to why she’d attended the cooking competition and reception at his hotel. Why did it have to be his hotel?
Stirling Stone’s expensive leather loafer landed on the gravel of her driveway. It wasn’t a good surface to walk on if you wanted to keep your fancy shoes fancy.
Stone was reportedly nearly as rich as Buffet, and Libby had decided to get in his way. Usually, she was asking his caliber of person for donations, not fighting them. It seemed like everywhere she went, he was there—or his lawyer was there.
So far, Stone had lost his bid to enact imminent domain and failed to remove Libby by luring her away with a great job in New York. She knew men like him did not like to lose and had the resources to keep fighting until they got what they wanted.
“I could have offered you a ride in my private jet. A shame you flew back here commercial.”
“A shame. What do I owe the honor of this impromptu visit?”
Stone was polite and handsome, and it was easy to see why the silver fox, with impeccable grooming, was always on the eligible bachelor lists. A billion-dollar bank account didn’t hurt either.
“Ms. Quinn, I apologize for dropping in without notice.” Stirling Stone’s eyes scanned Nora House.
She knew it was beautiful, not just the building but also the land. Nora House was built on a little peninsula, so it had water views on three sides.
“Yeah, it’s a nice place,” Libby said. “Another reason I’m working to save Irish Hills.”
“I was told the best house on the lake was yours. It certainly is.”
“Built by my great-grandfather. Did you want to go water skiing or something?”
“I just wanted to let you know, following your example of community service, I helped a charming town’s efforts at revitalization.”
“Oh?”
“Covert Pier, right on Lake Michigan, maybe you’ve heard of it?”
Stirling Stone knew full well she had heard of Covert Pier. They were two hours west. Covert Pier was her direct competition for the downtown development grant money. They wanted that five hundred thousand in town improvement money just as much as Irish Hills did.
And they were formidable. Covert Pier’s plans were further along. They wanted to turn Covert Pier into the Traverse City of Southern Michigan.
“So, what did you do for Covert Pier?” Libby tried hard not to show any emotion. Stirling Stone was here to see how to ruffle her feathers.
“Yes, Covert Pier is really well positioned. No tornado damage either, which is nice. That’s a real hurdle for you. Also, it’s an easy drive from Chicago or South Bend, so that’s a win too.”
“Look, I’m sure it’s very nice. But despite that, we’re going to win the grant. I’m quite sure.”
“Oh, yes, your friend the homemaker…funny to run into you in Vegas.”
“Yeah, funny.”
Stone was watching her every move. That was clear. He hadn’t become the King of the Mountain accidentally.
“I know you need that grant money to finish all the renovations. And it is looking like a long shot for Irish Hills. I know your aunt’s funds are running dry. Why don’t you just sell it to me? I’ll take care of it. Heck, I’d even put an offer in on this place. I love it.”
“Our funds are just fine, and we have a great restaurant concept just about to sign on the dotted line ourselves, but I appreciate your concern.”
“Look, I don’t want to fight you. There are so many opportunities in my organization. You could help me rebuild this area. You could help manage my properties here.”
