AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The inn staff would make sure to unlock and relock the doors at the correct times. Everyone at the inn had been given their assignments. She’d split out the tasks so the responsibility for the contest didn’t rest solely on one person’s shoulders.
“Only the contestants will be permitted in the rooms so you can’t bring in outside help. All of the painting is on you. Additionally, you’ll be given a list of shops in town where you may pick your supplies. You’ll each have a budget of two thousand dollars to spend on your makeover. The furniture will be supplied and will not count against your budget. Each store on your list will have a tab open for the contestants. So go in and pick out what you need. At the register, they will deduct the amount on your voucher. You’ll also be given a chance to pick your own flooring from carpet to hardwood.”
Josie watched as the contestants smiled and looked eager to get to work. She couldn’t wait to see the theme they would come up with for each room. She hoped they each would be unique.
“As for themes, you’re free to pick what you want, but keep in mind that this is a seaside inn, so you might not want a desert theme or a Paris vibe.”
Josie was surprised. That wasn’t in the contest instructions she’d written up. Although she did like the addition. It seemed her three judges had gone off on their own and embellished the contest a bit. She wondered what else they’d changed.
“And to wrap things up, there will be a challenge each morning at seven a.m. to give you plenty of time to get to your rooms by eight o’clock. Each challenge will grant the winner a bonus. Each challenge will be different and the prize will greatly help the winner, so make sure you’re up bright and early to get your coffee in before seven o’clock. Now are you ready to get started?”
A loud and resounding “yes” came from the group of smiling contestants.
“Okay, then,” the mayor said. “This morning’s challenge is a beach treasure hunt. Somewhere on the beach”—he waved his hand—“is a buried treasure chest. And no one knows where it is except for me. Yes, I was out here in the middle of the night burying treasure. I think I have that backward. Aren’t you supposed to dig up treasure? Oh well. It’s done now.” Laughter rumbled through the crowd. “The first person to find it gets an extra hour at the end of the day.”
The contestants rubbed their hands together as their gazes moved to the beach. Josie smiled. So far, so good. She couldn’t wait to see how this turned out.
“Before you start, I have one more announcement to make.” The mayor’s gaze sought out hers and he smiled. Not just any smile. It was one that said he was up to something.
Josie had no idea what he was up to now. Obviously, the judges had fun with their authority and decided another change was needed. What would it be this time?
“It seems there are two extra rooms in need of contestants.” Again the mayor’s gaze met hers.
No-no-no. He wouldn’t. She went to take a step back, but Kent wrapped his arm over her shoulders, preventing her from escaping.
“Hey, sis, where are you going?” He smiled at her.
“You. You are in on this.”
His smile broadened.
“The judges have discussed the situation,” the mayor said, “and we’ve come up with a solution. We’re going to have the two new owners of the inn compete in the contest. Josie and Lane, will you step up here?”
Josie shook her head. This most definitely wasn’t part of her plan. Her gaze sought out Lane. He too was shaking his head.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we have two reluctant contestants. Who would like to see these two participate?”
There were whistles and clapping. This was awful. She didn’t want to be in the forefront. This was why she’d handed over the judging to the town elders and the mayor.
Kent placed his hand on the small of her back and propelled her forward. She didn’t want to do this. Not at all. And yet it didn’t seem as though she had a choice.
When she stepped onto the stage, her gaze met Lane’s. He wasn’t smiling. In fact, he was frowning. And he was staring at her with this accusing glare—like he thought she had something to do with this. She wanted to tell him she was as much against the idea as he was, but she didn’t get the chance.
“Okay, folks. Now that we have contestants for all twelve of the rooms. It’s time to get this challenge started.” As the contestants turned their bodies toward the beach, a path cleared in the onlookers. “Ready. Set. Go!”
The contestants raced past Josie. She glanced over to see Lane still standing there. Maybe this contest would do them both some good. Everyone knew that since she’d taken over complete responsibility for the inn all she did was work.
As she started toward the beach, she glanced over at Lane. “It’s okay. Keep standing there because it doesn’t matter. I’m going to beat you.”
There was a spark of something in his eyes, but she didn’t stick around to see if her words had angered him or spurred him into action because she kept going. She honestly had no idea where the mayor had buried the treasure chest.
In all honesty, she didn’t want to win the overall contest. She just wanted to beat Lane. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. Maybe they should place a wager on the contest—just between the two of them—to keep things interesting.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Heneverturneddowna challenge.
And he wasn’t about to start now.
