Chapter 2 Tahoe #2
May laughs loudly, bringing one hand to his chest, covering a smudge of grease marring his tropical ensemble.
“I thought you might say something like that. You know this land has been in my family for generations, right? I’m sure you’ve done your research, so that means you’re plumb crazy.
” He’s still shaking his head, disbelief washing every feature.
I stay silent, as I know he’s not finished.
“Rent. I figured you’d come here and want to rent some time or perhaps even a hangar to store a plane or two.
Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think you’d come here asking to purchase my crown jewel. ”
I told Leif. I knew this would be the outcome. My goal now is to figure out how to sway his mind. “I can assure you, if you sell May Airport to our command, the memory will live on. We won’t change the name,” I say, grasping at straws.
“Sell the airport?” a woman screeches from behind us.
Turning quickly, I see the person from whom the squeal came from.
“Caroline, honey. It’s fine. I’ve got this under control.
Mr. Holiday, may I introduce you to my daughter?
She’s half owner of the business and property you’re wishing to purchase.
” His laughter trips his words, and I’m left feeling like I’m lacking armor and weapons while lying in wait for a killing blow.
“Did I hear you right?” Caroline says, leaning against the doorway, one tan leg propped on the other like a flamingo.
Her shorts are short, and her dirty T-shirt is knotted, exposing a sliver of sun-kissed stomach.
Several strands of golden blonde hair that escaped her ponytail fall into her face.
“My airport? First you take over my favorite beach. The very one where I took my first steps and blocked it off to the public, but now you want my airport? I don’t think so.
Take your beast body and your handsome offer and leave.
There’s not a fiery chance in hell you’ll get your mitts on my family’s airport.
” Her face is red, and she’s leaning forward now, like a lion about to pounce on prey.
I hold my hands out in front of me. May laughs, and a vision of a torture device pops into my mind.
I hear him drain the rest of his beer. “Are you sure you didn’t mean handsome body and beast offer?
Cause that would make a lot more sense. No need for the hostile measures.
I came here in peace,” I reply, using a calming voice.
“Peace?” Caroline nearly yells, stepping toward me, one finger extended. “You represent everything except peace. You’re not even allowed to say that word. Who are you exactly? One of those SEALs?”
There’s no need to lie. “Yes. I’m one of those SEALs.
You know, the men that protect your freedom, your nation, the ones that keep the peace,” I say, emphasizing the last word.
“We’re here to better protect America, Caroline.
” At the mention of her name, she calms, swallowing hard.
“I came here to merely ask about negotiations. We need facilities such as yours to train. Skydiving and whatnot. Skills that help us do our job. That means peace for you.”
She backs down immediately, and her eyes change.
For the first time, she looks at me instead of what I represent, and she’s affected.
Her huge, crystal blue eyes land on mine.
Yes. Familiar territory. I flash her a small grin, teasing my bottom lip with my top teeth—a small gesture the average person wouldn’t pick up on, but something someone attracted to me will zone in on quickly.
“Negotiations. Fine,” she says. Taking a huge, visible breath, she walks into the office and leans against the wall to the right.
Caroline blows a strand of hair off her face, and recognition dawns.
“You work at the diner,” I say, narrowing my eyes.
“Mrs. May owns the diner, and Caroline helps out. This is her primary focus, though. She’s building a right fine apartment upstairs.
I’m retiring!” May exclaims, rummaging the fridge for another beer.
This town is smaller than I ever imagined.
Everything and every person is interconnected in some form. Lesson learned.
Caroline rolls her eyes in her father’s direction.
“I’m taking it over willingly. It’s my dream,” she says quietly, like her dream should be silenced.
“I’m the main pilot these days. Daddy, I mean, Mr. May is a master engineer and mechanic.
Between the two of us, we can fix anything.
” May takes this as his cue to exit the office.
“It’s a fine dream,” I reply, standing straighter. “Perhaps I can help make it happen quicker?” Leif can suck my cock. I know what I’m capable of getting from these people. I also know how I’m going to get it.
Her arms folded across her chest, she widens her eyes. “I’m waiting,” she exclaims.
“I’m prepared to rent the entire airport for one day, every week.
This is what we’ll pay you annually,” I say, grabbing a pen from the small desk, I scribble a number on the sheet Leif gave me with their information.
The math was done in my head and double-checked in mere seconds.
It’s one of my gifts. Keeping the paper in my hands, I show her the number, holding it a foot from her face. “Deal,” I say, instead of asking.
Her eyes widen as she takes in the offer and all the zeros following it. “What if it’s no deal?” she asks, her eyes finally flicking up to meet mine.
This moment is important. It’s more important than anything money can buy.
I run my eyes down her body, slowly, and all the way back up.
Her chest heaves as her breaths come quicker—her cheeks flush, and huge doe eyes belie an innocence I haven’t seen in a long time.
Her gaze fixates on my mouth. I lick my lips.
I shrug my shoulders up and down once. “Then I’ll be here every day trying to get what I want. It’s up to you.”