On One Condition Read online

  “We have a running history in which we do good for and by the people of Cedar Falls,” the mayor continues without answering my question.

  “As any city council should.”

  “And you have a reputation for coming in, gutting a town of its jobs and charm without any regard for the city.”

  “I beg to differ, Mayor Grossman.” Jesus Christ. This is Ford’s realm. The kissing the babies and shaking hands shit. Not mine. “Sharpe International intends to leave a positive footprint wherever we have a property.”

  “A positive footprint?”

  “Yes, sir. As noted in the request sent to my office, we failed on our promise to hire locally. I’m here to satisfy that condition, among other things.”

  “Among other things?”

  Why does he keep repeating what I’m saying?

  “Yes, sir.”

  “But let’s face it. You’re only here because we threatened to hold your permits unless you came here to understand our way of life.”

  I stare at him and question where he’s going with this. “We take a vested interest in all our properties. While I can’t say that our schedules would have allowed one of my brothers or me to stay in town for a full two months during the renovation, we definitely would have been here on and off to check on its progress. And what we couldn’t check on personally, we fully trust Hillary Deegan, our on-site project manager, to do just as good of a job as we do.” I pause for dramatic effect. “We always strive to go above and beyond for the community. In turn, that helps make our resort profitable. And that, Mayor Grossman, puts dollars back into your community.”

  “Above and beyond. A vested interest.” He lowers his glasses to the top of his nose and stares at me above their frame as I nod.

  Can we speed this up? I have shit to do. Millions of dollars to spend and deals to make. Things way more important than kissing some pompous man’s ass for a simple goddamn permit.

  One that we can’t live without no less.

  This is below my pay grade. So fucking below it my back aches trying to stoop to its level.

  Doesn’t he have a cow to go tip somewhere? A defenseless animal to kill in the name of sport?

  “Is something the matter, Mr. Sharpe?”

  “Of course not.” I offer a go-fuck-yourself smile. “What else could I possibly have to do than to stand here and listen to you repeat my own words back to me?”

  “Like above and beyond and a vested interest,” he repeats.

  “Correct.” Check your temper, Ledge. “Just like those.”

  “Strong words coming from a man who just last night was overheard at Hank’s saying”—the mayor looks at a paper in front of him—“‘the best part about this town is that I get to leave it when my two months of torture are up. It’s a fucking fishbowl.’ Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but those were your words, weren’t they?”

  Motherfucker. Someone heard my conversation with Ford while I was standing outside of Hank’s.

  Goddamn small town, everybody knows everybody, and everybody loves to know everybody’s business.

  I’m fucked.

  Utterly and totally fucked.

  Mayor Grossman waits for my response with expectant eyes as the citizens who chose to attend chatter behind me. They aren’t exactly thrilled with my insult to their town and in turn, them.

  “Mr. Sharpe?” he prompts.

  Backpedal.

  Fix your fuckup.

  Evade.

  “My intent wasn’t to insult—”

  “Of course, it wasn’t.” His smile matches his tone—sarcastic. “But since you find our town . . . lacking in all areas, then we, the town of Cedar Falls, have decided to put it on Sharpe International to make some improvements in the town being as our success will be your success and all.”

  “Improvements?” What the actual fuck? “Meaning?”

  “Meaning we feel it’s important that a venture as big as yours should have more of an investment in the overall well-being of our community. Should help make our citizens profit while you do.”

  Is he extorting us?

  “There is nothing in our agreement with the city that states an investment is required in the town over and above the resort itself.”

  “Well”—he glances at the other council members on either side of him before looking back at me—“you know us Podunk folk, we don’t exactly abide by rules. It’d be a shame to do all this construction and spend all this money, especially now that you’re in the home stretch of it, and not be able to get your certificate of occupancy. What is it they say? Another day, another dime wasted?”

  I emit a nervous, disbelieving chuckle as I scratch my temple.

  Think. Fucking think, Ledger.

  But there is nothing to think about. They’ve got me over a barrel and they know it. We have tens of millions already invested in this property and its renovations. We can’t exactly abandon it, and no one’s going to buy a half-constructed resort if we were to bow out.

  “And what exactly do you expect from us?” It’s all I can think to ask. I’m normally not thrown by curveballs. I am this time.

  Without having lawyers at my back to consult like I normally would, I’m still ninety-nine percent sure Grossman has zero authority to do this. He’s a dick. Plain and simple. What he doesn’t know is I’ve dealt with much worse dickish behavior in New York City. I know how to play this game. How I need to appear that I’m at this Podunk town’s mercy regardless of the legalities of it.

  Kill them with kindness.

  Jesus. It just might kill me in the process.

  “You’re a successful businessman, Ledger Sharpe.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’m sure you can think of something to appease us.”

  Ledger

  “Hold the fuck on. You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  “As a heart attack,” I say to Ford as I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. “The fucker is going to extort us. From what I gather, he’s up for reelection soon, and it looks as if he’s going to run on the I-made-big-business-my-bitch platform.”

  “Hence the letter with the required two months and now this bullshit request.”

  “Exactly. The problem is the ultimatum he gave us is subjective in nature. There is no do this and get this, like there was with his first command. What he’s asking now is just . . .”

  “He’s beating his chest.”

  “Along with other things to get off,” I mutter.

  “Can we just pause for a moment in your misery so I can revel in the glory that always-perfect Ledger fucked up?” He emits an exaggerated laugh. “You didn’t think to be cautious talking on the phone to me when you were standing in front of a locals-only bar?”

  No. I didn’t. All I could think about was Asher and how by the time I’d run out to the parking lot to chase after her, she was gone.

  “You called me at a bad time.” It’s the only excuse I can give without having to explain more.

  “Then you shouldn’t have picked up. Easy enough.”

  “Enough gloating,” I say as I open my eyes and lift a hand in farewell to Hillary who’s heading out the door to meet with God knows who. Let the Cedar Falls City Council ass-kissing commence.

  “Fine. But it’s such a rarity, so I have to enjoy it while I can.” He emits a satisfied sigh. “The question now is, what are we going to do about it?”

  “Hillary and I brainstormed a bit. We think our best bet is to bring in local artisans. Paintings by locals. Items in the numerous gift shops devoted to the local talent.”

  “Won’t that harm their sales in town? Undercut them somehow?”

  “We haven’t worked the details out, but I’m sure we can come up with something to appease everyone.”

  “So basically, use the resort to showcase the people of Cedar Falls?”

  I nod even though he can’t see it. “Maybe a few other things. Hillary mentioned at the last city council meeting that they were trying to scrape together
tax revenue to give the elementary school a new library or the assisted living facility on the outskirts of town a new HVAC system since theirs has been on the fritz for years.”

  “So help the kids and the elderly. No one can bitch about that.”

  “My thoughts exactly.” I blow out an exaggerated sigh. “But still . . .”

  “But still . . .” Ford repeats. “Other than that shitshow today, what are your thoughts on Cedar Falls as a whole?”

  Only Ford and Callahan visited the location before we purchased the old hotel here. I was tied up in another deal and couldn’t get away.

  I can’t say I was exactly upset by that turn of events. For many reasons.

  “You mean beyond the signs posted in every window saying shit like Big business kills small business and Take your S.I.N.s elsewhere?”

  “It’s that bad?”

  “There are a few that say A resort equals more jobs and Tourism means more money, so at least we have a few people on our side.”

  “Where were they during the town meeting today?” he jokes.

  “Exactly.” I draw in a breath and contemplate his question. “Cedar Falls. Well, it’s definitely not Manhattan, that’s for sure.”

  “You mean it’s not rife with the stench of the subway or the smell of urine on exhaust-stained concrete buildings that you’re so used to?” He laughs.

  “There’s definitely none of that here.” I stand up and lean my ass against my desk. “Nor are there street vendors shouting at you or crowded sidewalks to push your way through or subways to hop on or—”

  “Things most people would abhor—”

  “But that I love.”

  “You’re going to fight this assignment kicking and screaming every step of the way, aren’t you?”

  “I prefer to call it more of a silent protest.”

  “Ha. Says the man who’s never bitten his tongue in his life. Don’t worry, you’ll be back in your tower in the sky in no time.”

  “Fuck off.” Nothing at all wrong with my tower in the sky with the endless views of the city I love. “But as for this town . . .”

  “You mean this Podunk town,” he ribs, but I don’t take the bait.

  “Objectively, it’s a good location and the facility has good bones to work with.” I move to look out the window of the temporary office Hillary set up for me on-site. From this vantage point, I can’t see the resort’s trademark lake or the reflection of the mountains around us, but the serene image is burned in my mind. The same image I plan on having our marketing team use to push the hell out of this soon-to-be overhauled resort. “The additions we’re making will only make it more attractive to our preferred clientele. They’ll have luxurious lodging with a top-of-the-line spa for those who aren’t big into outdoors and all of the activities to do if they are.”

  “Agreed. But that’s what we do best,” Ford says. “I’m asking about the town. You’re good at reading things, and I want your take.”

  “First impressions? The town is still small but definitely scenic. It has a homey, mom-and-pop feel that will entice families as a whole, and a cool artsy vibe the childless socialites will love. Outdoor adventure outfits are everywhere so that will add to the allure.” I scrub a hand over my jaw. “It’ll more than work.”

  “Glad we’re on the same page. I felt similarly. As for construction, are we still on schedule? Have we hit any hiccups?”

  “Ask Hillary. That’s her domain.”

  “True, but you’re walking in with fresh eyes. What are you seeing?”

  “We’ll make the schedule, give or take a few days.” I pause. “I take that back. Hillary is currently working on getting local contractors on-site. That might push us back because we’re going to have to hire them regardless of whether they meet our skills needed or standards required.”

  “Simply to appease Grossman.”

  “Yep. So that alone might throw a wrench in our pace, but we’re being held up anyway with this two-month bullshit, so I’m sure it’ll even itself out.”

  “Okay. I’ll let Charles know,” he says, mentioning our director of construction. “She’s already hiring locals? I love how quickly she works. That should help bolster public opinion.”

  “Your guess is as good as mine. I’m sure Grossman will pull something else out of his ass, some other hoop we need to jump through. Maybe this time he’ll require we light it on fire or something to get a final inspection.”

  “We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”

  “Easy for you to say while sitting in our office in Manhattan.”

  “I’m in your office. My feet are up on your desk.”

  “Funny.”

  “Your chair is rather comfortable. I’m gonna have to get one of these for my office.”

  I grit my teeth. The fucker knows how particular I am about my desk and is pushing buttons simply because he can. “Asshole,” I mutter.

  His laugh floats through the line. “God, you are so easy to rile up. It’s rather pathetic, Ledge. How’s the place you rented? Is it okay?”

  “If you’re asking if it’s a log cabin with an outhouse for a bathroom and trophy heads of deer lining the walls to make my time here even more authentic, I’m sorry to inform you it is not.”

  “And to think I wanted to come and visit for a walk down memory lane.”

  “Spare yourself. And me,” I joke.

  “Come on. It would be fun. We could go to our old stomping grounds and pretend we’re kids again. No responsibilities. No rules.”

  I smile at the thought. I did exactly that yesterday. Drove around where we used to hang out. I told myself it was for a bit of nostalgia, to get a lay of the new land here that’s developed over the years, but somehow, I found myself by an old willow tree. And from the willow tree, somehow my car drove itself to the side of the road, enabling me to stare at a huge sign that said The Fields.

  The house looked the same as I remembered it. White clapboard, a wraparound veranda, the red front door. It looks like the Wells’s had expanded over the years since the lavender went as far as I could see, but I didn’t pay much attention to that part of it back then. All that mattered was getting lost somewhere in the rows where Asher and I could lay on our backs, stare at the stars, and then make out without getting caught.

  I don’t know what I was hoping for in going there. Asher to be on the front porch? To have another chance to talk to her? Hell if I know.

  “Ledge? You there?”

  “Yeah. Sorry. What did you ask?”

  “Your rental?”

  “It works. Small house in a quiet neighborhood. It doesn’t really matter since I’ll be here working most of the time. Is that it? Is your micromanaging over now?”

  He snorts. “Someone has to do it since you’re not here to.”

  “Funny.” How the tables have turned. It wasn’t long ago I was putting Callahan through the paces, much like Ford is doing to me now. Back then, there was no laughing though. Only resentment.

  “Make sure you give us an update on what happens.”

  “There you go micromanaging again,” I mutter. “Don’t you have something else—another five projects or so—to give someone else the Spanish Inquisition over? I assure you I have this handled.”

  Needing to stretch my legs, I move out into what will be the main lobby of The Retreat. With the changes we’ve made, it’s expansive and more on-brand for a S.I.N. property. I glance down the wide hallway toward the random sounds of construction where we’ve added three wings to the existing structure. Ahead of me, men are working on tiling a wall that will be the entrance to the new luxury spa we’ve brought in-house. Three pallets of marble tiles line the far wall to be used for new flooring.

  “This place will shine, Ford. We’ll get through this bullshit with the city council and this place will fucking shine. Whether it’s used as a winter retreat for the ski enthusiasts or an outdoor haven for those who like the outdoors in summer, customers will get the lu
xury they expect from us.”

  “Which is exactly why we bought it.”

  “Mm-hmm,” I murmur as I head back to my office.

  “Everything else good? You seem a little distracted.”

  “I’m fine. Just . . . busy. I’m heading out the door to meet up with one of the outdoor adventure companies in town. I want to see if they’ll work with us and put together some exclusive packages for the resort.”

  “You know we have people for that, right?” He chuckles. “Last I checked, being hands-on with the details wasn’t exactly your forte.”

  “And last I checked, I was in my office in Manhattan.”

  “When in Rome, right?”

  A smart-ass comeback is on my lips when heavy footsteps have me looking up and doing a double take. Asher is storming down the hallway toward me. “Ford? I have to go.”

  “Problem?” he asks.

  “That remains to be seen.” I end the call without an explanation because I’m too busy watching her.

  Every furious, gorgeous inch of her.

  Her eyes lock on mine as she crosses the room and comes to a stop in front of my desk.

  “Well, this is a surprise,” I say, fighting back a smile that she scowls at. I may have wondered the other night why or how I was still attracted to her after all these years, but right now, I don’t care what the answer is.

  All I know is I am.

  All I can comprehend is that we’re different people now than we were back then.

  And seeing her here, full of fire, only serves to make me want her more.

  Her jaw is clenched as she smacks her hand down on the desk between us in a dramatic fashion. “I don’t want your pity.”

  “Pity?” I ask as she moves her hand to reveal the hundred-dollar bill I left her with my number on it.

  “Yes. I don’t need a ridiculous tip from you because you feel sorry for me.”

  My smile is slow and deliberate. “And here I thought you were pissed because I left my phone number on it. Whew.” I mock wipe my brow. “So that means you did want my phone number then? Good. At least I read that right.”

  Her glare is adorable. The flush to her cheeks. The defiance in her stance. “You’re not cute.”