“It’s perfect,” I said to Weston.
“Perfect enough to buy?”
I nodded, no hesitation. When I wanted something, I went for it. No questions asked. And I wanted this place. Just from the initial walkthrough, I could tell it wasmeantto be a luxury hotel and spa. The kind that would put Braeburn on the map, get influencers talking, and have waiting lists a mile long. I could feel it in my bones.
This was Fraser Development’s next big project.
Weston clapped me on the back. “Guess that means Aisling is going to be seeing more of her Uncle Locke.”
“Guess so,” I said, following him back up the trail to Angela.
“Now, there is still the Lawton place on our list,” Angela said when she spotted us, reviewing the listing on her phone. “It’s a bit farther out of town, and the structure itself is rather small, but maybe you’ll be inspired.”
I shook my head. “No need to keep looking, Angela.” I caught her by the shoulders, turning her back toward the distillery building. “This is the one. I’m gonna call it the Highland Haven.”
Weston hummed.
I waved him off. “I’ll work on the name.”
“How lovely,” Angela said, sounding as ecstatic as I felt. “Shall I start the process and have the paperwork drawn up?”
“Yes.” Signed. Sealed. Delivered. I wanted ownership of this propertyyesterday. This was the deal that would put my company back on top. I could already envision the rave guest reviews pouring in.
“Just FYI,” Weston said as we reached the car. “You might not be the only one making a bid for this place.”
My stomach dropped as I glanced at him. “Is there already competition?”
He lifted his shoulder. “Rumor has it some industrialist wants the property to build a factory.”
“And is the town behind the idea?” I asked.
Weston wriggled his hand back and forth in aso-somotion. “Some yes, some no,” he replied. “There’s been a fair amount of arguing about it. A factorywouldbring a lot of jobs to the area, but it would also steamroll all those trails and trees and?—”
“Ruin the natural beauty,” I said. Frustration beat at my temples. No damn industrialist was going to come in here and lay down an ugly factory, spewing smoke into the sky, when I had a much more brilliant plan. A plan that could bring just as many opportunities to the townwithoutthe drawbacks.
“I don’t know how serious he is,” Weston continued. “But if the rumors are true, you’re going to have to convince the seller.”
“Well, good thing I like a challenge,” I said, already hungry for the win.
Weston’s estate, Lochbrae, was a sprawling property bordering the coastline at the edge of town. It had once belonged to Weston’s grandparents and was now where he oversaw Kincaid Energy’s wind farm project. As we drove up the winding drive, pastures of sheep and cattle whizzed by along with memories of summers spent running through the Highlands in our wellies.
We rounded the final bend in the drive, and I spotted a familiar car as we pulled up in front of the castle Weston called home. The first time I’d seen that car, it had spiked my blood pressure. It had a similar effect now, but from anticipation rather than aggravation.
Isla.
After our fiery night together, we’d parted ways with no regrets. We’d both known the score, and neither of us had expected anything more than a single night. But what a night it had been! If she was interested, I’d be more than happy to have another romp with her.
Between finding the perfect property and running into her again, this just might be my lucky day.
“I didn’t know Isla was dropping by,” Weston murmured. “Lena didn’t say anything.”
“Does she drop by a lot?”
Weston shrugged. “Lena meets her for tea nearly every week, though they’re more likely to get together in town than here. But she likes to bring Ranger by to hang out with Milo sometimes. And Aisling adores her.”
We climbed out of the car, heading toward the house. The door flew open before we reached it. Aisling raced past with Milo and Ranger, hardly paying us any attention.
“Hello?” Weston called after her.
