“It means they could win the grant money.”
“So that’s the reason you look like you could spit nails?”
“It is, yes. I have a million renovations to do, we need that money, and I have to convince a reluctant chef to open a restaurant in a few short weeks. And while that’s happening, I have to figure out how to convince additional, viable businesses to commit to opening in a space that isn’t fully renovated yet, that has no foot traffic because the town is dying, while also managing to be a good steward to Nora House or my crazy aunt will do something else crazy, and—”
In a move too fast to defend or even register with her human eyes, Libby was off her feet and over Keith’s shoulder.
“—Hey, put me down!! You’ll throw out your back.”
Keith was fit and muscular but hoisting her over his shoulder wasn’t smart.
“We’re going on an evening dinner cruise for two.”
He carefully plopped Libby down on the boat and started untying the line.
“I don’t have time for cruising around. Did you just hear that list? And that’s not all of it.”
Keith stepped onboard. His weight caused the boat to bob on the water, and Libby fell into the chair next to the captain.
“Are you kidnapping me here?”
“Yes, for an hour. You sit and enjoy the water. There’s a mini-bottle of wine in the cup holder, and I’ve got dinner in the cooler.”
“Wow, dinner?”
“Well, it’s all finger food, cheese, crackers, and stuff, but yes.” Keith positioned himself at the wheel.
Libby’s urge to protest and get back to worrying about her current slate of problems receded.
This was right. This was an hour of enjoying the moment. She’d forgotten to do that for the first part of her adult life. Now that she was in her fifties, she was going to learn from that mistake. Right now, the water was clear, the air was warm, the wine was chilled, and a handsome man was wooing her with delicious cheeses.
She was now smart enough to know that this present was a gift. “You had me at free cheese.”
Keith leaned over; he gave her a gentle kiss. “Now, sit back, unwind, and don’t backseat drive.”
They pulled out into Lake Manitou.
“Don’t go too fast,” Libby said, ignoring the backseat driver's comment.
“What did I just say?”
“I just want this cruise to last longer than an hour.”
Keith flashed a devastatingly handsome smile at her.
She spent the rest of the night not worrying.
She had tomorrow to convince Hope.
She’d figure it out. And she had help.
Stirling Stone was playing hardball, but Libby had moves too. Tomorrow she’d start playing her own game.
ChapterTwelve
Hope
Hope woke up late. She never slept in, never! For a moment, she worried that she was late for the kids or late for a job, or just late.
