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“I knew you’d love them.”
“Another game of darts?” she asks, smiling.
“So you can kick my ass again? I don’t think so, but I’m down for a game of pool if you’re ready to lose.”
She laughs. “My ego can handle it.”
We head over to the pool tables, finding an empty one. I rack the balls and let her take the first shot. She smirks as she sinks a damn solid.
“Why do I get the feeling I’ve been played?”
She lines up her next shot. “Oh, Robbie. You have no idea.”
She’s great at pool too. Like I said, the perfect woman.
CARLY
One thing I’ve learned from my sister’s mistakes: always keep them wanting more. That saying “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” is true. And I want Robbie Hyatt to desperately want to buy the cow.
“How are you feeling today, sis?” I ask when Candy answers her phone.
“Better. A lot better. I’m sorry for scaring you like that.”
“Scaring me? Candy, you almost killed yourself. And for what? Some guy who doesn’t deserve you?”
“You don’t know him like I do,” she argues.
“Dark hair, blue eyes, charming smile? Yeah, I know him. No one on this earth is worth that kind of heartache.”
“Fine. You’re right. As usual. Let’s talk about something else. How’s the renovation coming?”
I look around at the old hotel I bought a few months ago. Once I got my business degree, I figured I’d put it and the inheritance our parents left me to good use. The place was a steal. It’d been closed for a few years. The previous owner passed away, and once the estate was settled, it went on the market at a price I couldn’t turn down. I wanted to be a business owner, and now, here I am?and I have no idea where to start.
The structure is sound, so that’s great, but it’s completely outdated and old-fashioned. I want something fresh and new. Something cozy and comfy. Hopefully, the interior designer I contacted can help with that.
“It’s coming along. I’m meeting with an interior designer today. You ever heard of Odette Benoit?”
“Benoit? As in Governor Benoit? That man is delicious, sis. Salt and pepper hair, that ever-present day-old stubble?and the way he wears a suit? Swoon!”
And just like that, my sister is fantasizing about a new man and new relationship. Nothing lasts long with her. Not when it comes to men anyway. I wish she would learn to be happy with herself.
“The governor isn’t coming to Harbor Haus. I can promise you that. But his daughter was recommended by a friend of mine, so I’m confident she can get the job done and I can get this place open.”
“It’s going to be fantastic. You don’t know how to fail.”
“I had an incredible older sister who taught me to never give up. I love you, Candy. I’ll check in later.”
“I love you too, honey. Talk soon.”
I disconnect as Odette Benoit joins me in the lobby. “You must be Odette. So nice to meet you.”
“Oh, wow. You weren’t lying when you told me it was outdated.”
“I may have under exaggerated,” I joke.
“No worries. This place is going to be phenomenal when I’m finished with it. Let’s talk ideas. I’m thinking something like cozy boho, with soft lighting, oversized pillows, and comfy throws. We can even throw in some of the vintage pieces from the original and turn this into a place where you just want to snuggle in with a great book.”
“You’re reading my mind.”
