Whiskey and Gumdrops: A Blueberry Springs Chick Lit Contemporary Romance (34 page)

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Authors: Jean Oram

Tags: #romance series, #romance, #Blueberry Springs, #chick lit, #best friend romance, #contemporary romance

BOOK: Whiskey and Gumdrops: A Blueberry Springs Chick Lit Contemporary Romance

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Buying the inn had been a controversial move, but it would be even more so if it didn't soon turn a nice profit. Though Thorsen held controlling interest in Holt, he still had board members to appease, and the last thing he wanted was a coup—one Mark would happily lead with torches and pitchforks.

Having inherited his position in the company, every business decision he made was being questioned and scrutinized, and too many unhappy board members could mean losing control of his family's company. He owned the largest percentage compared to the other members; however, their sum total could override him in a decision. It was a precarious position to be in.

The bus pulled to a stop, though Thorsen held back and let everyone else get off first with the hope of getting Riley to himself, even if for a moment. A trio of women ogled him quite blatantly, but he just had to smile, flattered. Once he and Riley were the last two on the bus, he moved towards the exit where she stood.

She gave him a tentative smile. "I'm afraid you might get more of that...we've got a romance writer's conference going on, and let's just say, the ladies like their leading men and have a wild imagination."

He barked out a laugh. "That explains it then. Do you do a lot of that sort of thing here at the inn?"

"It helps keep the place full. We've managed better than most places with the slow economy, but..." Worry clouded over her eyes and her shoulders slumped, though she was quick to recover. "It's all good. This place has been around too long to not adapt and survive."

"I'm glad to hear it." He smiled and followed her off the bus.

Several inn employees were there to help them with their luggage and to check them in, and it didn't take long before he had his key card in hand. He lingered until she had a free moment, still desperate to talk to her some more. "I know you're busy, but I don't suppose I could interest you in dinner? Maybe tonight—unless you already have plans. It's been far too long, Riley."

"Tonight?" Mulling it over, she bit her bottom lip, making him want to kiss her.

"It's just dinner between old friends, darling." He was now worried she'd say no. "We could do it another night if you need to check with your boyfriend—or are you not supposed to mingle with the guests?"

That got him a laugh. "No boyfriend to check in with, and given that I'm here twenty-four-seven, my social life would be a black hole if I couldn't hang out with the guests. But work's a bit complicated right about now."

"Go on, Riley! Let the poor man take you to dinner." One of the romance writers nudged her while passing by, though the group of writers didn't look like they were going anywhere in a hurry.

He could see her mulling it over, and it left his gut in knots. After wanting her all these years, she had to say yes. "You still have to eat, right? Maybe leaving work behind for an evening is exactly what you need."

"Well, dinner usually consists of me grabbing something on the run between events we're hosting or while doing paperwork." Looking down, she laughed and shook her head. "I know—it's sad, isn't it?"

It was clear Riley poured everything she had into running the inn, and probably never stopped or slowed down enough to take a moment for herself. "All the more reason to say yes."

The light in her eyes had his heart pounding against his chest, making him want to steal the kiss that was over a decade too late. And then the romance writers backed him up once more, urging Riley on until she rolled her eyes at them with a smile. "You're right. Someone else can run this place for a night and dinner would be...really nice. Seven in the lobby?"

"Sounds perfect." He grabbed his bag and wandered towards the stairs, pausing for a moment at the group of women. "My sincerest thanks, ladies."

They were all giving him mischievous smiles that made him think it'd be good to have the writers as allies. "It's our pleasure."

He noticed Anna lingering, her lips pursed and her gaze stern as she took note of his exchange with Riley. It left him wondering if the board decided to send Anna to evaluate the hotel so they could decide on what changes they'd need to make. But Anna could be a huge problem for him since the board had made it quite clear that he was not to come to the island until their lawyers closed the deal on the inn. According to the board, inheriting his family's share of the business did not mean he'd also inherited their business sense.

Mark and the board may have hoped to continue running things, but it didn't sit well with him. He may not have an MBA, but he was far from being an idiot. And if they were purchasing the Siren because of his interest in it, then he wanted to make his own assessment of the place—whether they wanted him here or not. He wouldn't interfere, and they wouldn't know he was here.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One Sweet Summer
by Cali MacKay is available
for purchase on
Amazon!

A note from the author, Jean Oram

I hope you enjoyed
Whiskey and Gumdrops.
If you'd like to read more about the characters in this series,
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complete list of my books please visit my website and blog
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.

Do you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hi? Connect with me:

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I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading,

Jean

Jean Oram grew up in an old schoolhouse on the Canadian prairie. She didn't realize she wanted to write until one day she sat down, giggling, and declared, "I'm going to write a novel!" And she did. But this isn't it. That one was kind of a disaster because she didn't even know how long a novel should be, but she learned a lot and had fun. You can learn more about Jean and her hobbies—besides writing and chasing her two kids and
three
pets around the house and the great outdoors—on her website
at
www.jeanoram.com
.

This book is wholeheartedly dedicated to my late mother:

Ellen Dick

August 9, 1944 - August 15, 2013

My mom: life and adventure cheerleader, writing supporter, artist, best friend, amazing secret keeper, and so much more. You are dearly missed each and every day.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Blueberry Springs reader Joanne Costello for naming Mandy's cat. She chose Portia's name and without Joanne, Mandy's cat would have been named Fluffinator. Or worse. Much worse.

As well, a HUGE thank you to my husband for continuing to smile and believe in me. Thank you to my daughter for making the most awesome fan art. And to my son for making sure I got lots of writing breaks. As well, thank you to my mother-in-law for taking the munchkin when I needed to get edits done.

In the writing world, thank you to those who have paved the indie path before me and shared your knowledge. Thank you to the epub group, and the secret Facebook writing club (you know who you are). As well, thank you to Jemi, Cali, and Lucy for your keen eyes and ideas at the drafting stage. And thank you to Lucy Wright for squeezing in a beta read when I wasn't sure about Mandy and Frankie. And, lastly, a thank you everyone can appreciate—Bev Rosenbaum for her fine-detailed edits. Any errors are mine—not hers!

The Blueberry Springs Collection:

Book 1: Champagne and Lemon Drops
Available for FREE on all major online booksellers.

Will Beth be able to win back her fiancé when he asks for a break? Or will the process of winning him back teach her things about herself that will ultimately lead her to another man?

Book 2: Whiskey and Gumdrops
This is it, baby!

Book 3: Rum and Raindrops
(Coming Spring 2014)

Did nature guide Jen really start the forest fire threatening Blueberry Springs? And what will she do about the smoking hot fire inspector who is on her case and looking a lot like the man she's always dreamed of sweeping her away?

* * *

Lastly, I'd love to hear what you thought of
Whiskey and Gumdrops
.
Drop a few lines about this book on your favorite online retailer's site, your blog, Facebook, Twitter, to your family and friends, or anywhere! You can also email me at
[email protected]
. Your feedback is always appreciated.

Thanks for reading,

Jean

P.S. If you review books on your blog, check out
jeanoram.com
where you can find cover images, book links, etc.

Table of Contents

Whiskey and Gumdrops

Chapter 1: Mandy and the Skunk

Chapter 2: Mandy Looks for Change

Chapter 3: Blueberry Cruise

Chapter 4: Mandy and the Race

Chapter 5: So Who is the Chicken?

Chapter 6: The CEO Calls

Chapter 7: The CEO Comes to Town