Nobody Does it Better Read online

  Especially since he’d planned on going to the café today to ask her to dinner.

  Blew that one, didn’t I?

  His mind immediately began to work through ways they could both get what they wanted. Obviously dating her was off the table for now, but maybe he could work with her and prove to her that he wasn’t such a bad guy.

  Leaning forward, Ryder braced his elbows on his knees. “I can mentor her. I can totally help her find a way to channel her business skills into finding something else–another location–and how to do it without getting so emotional over it. Do you think she’d go for it?”

  “I believe she told you–not five minutes ago–what you can do with your job offer.”

  “That was different. This isn’t me giving her a token job or a pat on the head. I’m talking about legit teaching her about the business world so she can double her business at the café or open another one and make it even more successful. Come on…I feel bad.”

  Austin laughed out loud. “You? Seriously?”

  “I know! You know I never feel bad about anything, but this…” Straightening, he shrugged. “I have to do something.”

  “I really wish you wouldn’t,” Austin said carefully. “Peyton is…well…she’s struggled to come into her own. This was going to be her big stand–something she did completely on her own. You unknowingly took that from her. She’s angry and she’s hurt, and you are pretty much always going to be the guy who killed her dream.”

  “Oh, come on! No one really thinks like that!” he countered. “I get that she’s young, but she has to be smart enough to know that we don’t always get our way in the real world! Like I said, it’s just business, not personal.”

  “I know my cousin and believe me, she’d disagree.”

  Standing, Ryder huffed with frustration. “Then she needs to grow up, Austin!”

  Pushing back from his desk, Austin leaned back with a mirthless laugh. “What’s going on with you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why all the comments about Peyton’s age and needing to grow up? It’s not like you to fixate on something like that.”

  “Yeah, well…” Shit, how did he even explain it? “Let’s just say that I met her the other day at her café and she didn’t strike me as being old enough to be the owner.”

  “Oh, God. You didn’t say that to her, did you?”

  He nodded.

  “You know, for such a brilliant businessman, you’re kind of clueless. Why would you say that to her?”

  “I don’t know! It just sort of came out and then she acted a little bratty about delivering my order and it just made her seem even more immature.” He shrugged.

  “Ryder…” Austin groaned.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah…I was a jerk. Got it.” Pausing, he walked over to the large window and looked out. The view was of a small courtyard–nothing special–but it was better than looking at the disappointment on his friend’s face. “The thing is…later that night I sort of tried looking her up on social media and it made me feel like…you know…a creepy old dude.”

  “If you’re stalking anyone online, you are a creepy old dude.”

  Ryder’s head fell forward. This was getting them nowhere.

  Next thing he knew, Austin was standing beside him. “Let me ask you something–why were you looking her up on social media?”

  Turning his head, he frowned. “What?”

  “You heard me,” Austin said, his voice low with just a hint of hostility. “Why go checking her out online when you could have just called me with any questions?”

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “Austin…”

  “Look, I know it’s not my place to speak for Peyton. She’s an attractive woman but…she’s a little young for you.”

  Ryder wanted to be offended, but…it was no more than what he’d been telling himself.

  And then told himself it didn’t matter.

  “I mean, it’s not like you’re ancient or anything,” Austin went on. “But…she’s definitely not for you, so…if you have any questions about her, please ask me. Don’t be…you know…that guy.”

  Yeah, he definitely didn’t want to be that guy.

  Sliding his hands into his trouser pockets, he sighed. “I really would like to help her.” Then he shook his head. “And that’s a legit offer, not some excuse to be with her.”

  At least…not that he was willing to admit out loud.

  “Like I said, I can’t speak for Peyton but I can’t see her taking you up on that.”

  “Maybe she just needs a few days to calm down…”

  Austin clapped him on the back. “Don’t hold your breath.” His phone rang and he walked over to his desk and looked at it. “Listen, Ry, I need to take this call. Why don’t we get together next week and talk about your plans?”

  “Sure. No problem.” With a nod, he walked out, and it wasn’t until he was standing in the middle of the parking lot that he realized he had no place to go. In his mind he figured he and Austin would spend some time discussing plans for the property and then maybe go get something to eat–like the café–and that was when he planned on asking Peyton out. Now he had the whole afternoon and evening ahead of him and wasn’t sure what to do with himself.

  Knowing he couldn’t stand there all day, he got in his car and decided to drive around for a while. It was this sort of thing that often gave him his greatest inspirations. This town–this sleepy little coastal town–had drawn him in from the beginning. It started with the house Austin renovated for him and just took off from there. Now he owned three houses in town–the renovated one that Austin and his fiancée Mia were currently living in, and two smaller ones. He’d rented out one of them to Austin’s younger brother Garrett and his fiancée Emma and the other one he was currently living in. Once he moved out, he’d turn it over to a management company to be used as a vacation rental. Real estate was always a good investment, he believed.

  After the houses came the ten acres of property he purchased thanks to a tip from Austin. And after that, he took on the local veterinary clinic that Garrett was running. That one had totally not been part of his plan, but after a bit of persuasion, he decided it was a smart investment as well. A soft laugh was out before he could stop it because it seemed he owed a lot of his dealings to the Coleman family. Never before had he entered into this many dealings with the same people, but Austin hadn’t steered him wrong yet.

  Probably should have talked to him before buying that property then…

  Yeah, hindsight and all that.

  Still, as he drove through town, he spotted several vacant buildings. Spaces he wanted to fill with the kind of places that would round out the town, except…they would need a lot of work to fit what he had in mind.

  So maybe he could understand why Peyton felt the way she did about the buildings. It was odd how they had that in common, but…he wasn’t going to let that sway him. And there certainly was no way he was going to back out of a deal simply because some…some…girl basically called him a bully.

  Who could go frack himself.

  She had a lot to learn about business and how to be professional about deals that don’t go her way, which was why he felt so strongly about mentoring her.

  And, on some level, her bold declarations made her that much more attractive to him.

  There is definitely something wrong with me…

  Austin was probably right, though. She was too angry with him right now and wouldn’t take him up on it, but maybe in a week or two she’d feel differently. Maybe if he simply bided his time and came up with the right strategy, she’d want to work with him in a way that would benefit them both. Ryder’s plan was to put a restaurant in the resort, and it was clear that Peyton had a knack for that sort of thing. Perhaps he could teach her about business and she could consult with him on the kind of things he’d need for the food portion of his plan.

  Feeling invigorated and inspired, Ryder smiled.

  It wa
s good to have a plan–a business model.

  And that involved wooing Peyton Bishop in a completely professional manner.

  For now.

  3

  “So when are you coming home, Parks? I seriously miss you.”

  Her younger sister laughed softly. “I’m not sure. It turns out I really like it down here. Luckily I can work remotely so…”

  “You don’t work remotely, you job-hop. It’s completely two different things.”

  “Tomato-tomahto,” Parker replied.

  “Parker…”

  “What do you want me to do? Lie to you? I really don’t know when I’m going to be home because I’m enjoying myself here in Florida. I’m house-sitting and doing some odd jobs and…I don’t know, it sort of fits my mood right now.”

  “Which is…?”

  “To have no real responsibilities. I’ve tried college, I’ve done some traveling, and I haven’t decided what it is I want to be when I grow up.”

  “You are grown up,” Peyton reminded her. “You’re twenty-three years old. It’s time to start making some decisions about your life and figuring things out.”

  The loud sigh was Parker’s first response followed by, “Okay, I can see you’re still in a pissy mood and if being like mom makes you feel better, then have at it.”

  “Wow, that was insulting and insensitive on so many levels.”

  “Look, I get it. You’re still disappointed about losing the property to Austin’s super-hot friend, but it’s over and done with and you need to move on! What would you have done if it sold at any other time over the last year? Would you be this pissed off about it?”

  “Of course I would!”

  “Liar.”

  “What? Why would you even say that?”

  “From everything you’ve been saying for the last few weeks, your anger is more about Ryder buying the property than anything else,” her sister reasoned. “I think if it were anyone else–specifically someone local–you wouldn’t be so…squinky about this.”

  “Squinky? Seriously?” Peyton asked wearily.

  “Fine, um…pissy, ragey, murdery…better?”

  “Come on, Parks, you have to admit that I’ve got a good reason to be upset. This guy is swooping in and trying to change Magnolia Sound! It’s not right!”

  “To you,” Parker countered. “Is anyone else complaining?”

  “I…I’m not sure.” But now that the idea was out there, she knew she’d be asking around town to find out if she was alone in this rage toward Ryder Ashford.

  “You need to let this go. I know you’re disappointed and I hate it for you, but…it’s not going to change anything.”

  Slouching down in her chair, she sighed. “I know.”

  “You need to go out and do something just for you. Go get a pedicure or binge on some of your favorite foods. Give yourself a night to have one last pity party and start tomorrow fresh.”

  “It’s much more fun going for a pedicure when you’re with me. And it would be even better if we were at the spa you always talked about opening one day. What happened to that?”

  Sighing, Parker replied, “You know me, I’m flaky like that. Big dreams and no discipline to make it happen. Besides, I think we both know I’d probably suck at it.”

  “Parker…”

  “And don’t go changing the subject! This is about you needing to move on from all this hater-rage you have!”

  It had been two weeks and Peyton knew her sister was right. This anger wasn’t getting her anywhere and maybe it was time to move on and just forget about Ryder Ashford and the property. Of course, that wouldn’t be completely possible since he was such good friends with Austin and Garrett–and probably half the town–but that didn’t mean she had to let him live rent-free in her head.

  “You’re right, Parks. I think I’m going to cut out of here and go do something. Hopefully clear my head.” She was about to say more when there was a knock on her office door. “Come in!”

  Dana opened the door and walked in carrying a white box with a giant gold bow on it and Peyton immediate groaned.

  “What? What’s going on?” Parker asked.

  “I’m going to throttle Austin; that’s what’s going on.”

  “You lost me.”

  With an apologetic smile, Dana put the box down on Peyton’s desk before quickly leaving the room. “Austin’s clearly mentioned some things that I like. This is the third box to arrive this week,” she murmured.

  “Third box of what?”

  Cradling the phone against her shoulder, she carefully opened the box and sighed. “More chocolates.”

  “Ooh…you love chocolate! You’re like the ultimate chocoholic! It’s like…wait. Who’s sending you candy?”

  “Ryder.”

  “Oh my God! We’ve been on the phone for almost an hour and you’re just now telling me about the chocolates? What kind are they? Are they yummy? Does he send a card? Has he asked you out? What’s going on? Details, Peyton! I need details!”

  “There isn’t much to tell,” she said wearily, as she began picking which piece to sample first. “On Monday a box arrived from a chocolatier in Paris. Yesterday one came from Switzerland, and today’s is from…oh, back to Paris. So yeah. There you go.”

  “That was the worst story ever,” Parker deadpanned. “Seriously, how are you so blasé about this? Gourmet chocolate from around the world and you’re just like…meh. What is wrong with you?”

  “This is Ryder’s MO, I’m guessing. He just throws money or expensive gifts at people to get his way. It’s not a big deal.”

  “Well…it kind of is a big deal.”

  “Why?”

  “Pey, think about it. He has nothing to get his way about. Technically, he won. He got the property. End of story. Why does he need to send you anything?”

  Good question.

  “There was the job offer,” she murmured. “You know, the one where I was a consultant for him.”

  “And you didn’t take it…why?”

  Another good question.

  Looking back, Peyton knew it was because, in the moment, she was furious with him. She still was. But the idea of consulting and maybe having a little something to say about what he brought into Magnolia Sound was tempting. Unfortunately, she didn’t think she could work with him. Not only because it would be a constant reminder of what he’d cost her, but she had a feeling she’d be majorly distracted by him. Ryder Ashford was just larger than life, and sexier and more masculine than any man she’d ever been around.

  The image of him in his tuxedo came to mind, and it was almost enough to make her sigh.

  Stop it! He’s the devil!

  “Um…Peyton?”

  “Oh, sorry! My mind wandered.” She popped a white chocolate truffle into her mouth and moaned with pleasure. “Damn that’s good.”

  “I’m so jealous of you right now!” Parker said, and Peyton could practically see her pouting. They shared a love of candy and if her sister were here right now, half the box would already be gone. “You have a seriously hot guy practically begging for your attention and gourmet chocolate. Your life is so much better than mine.”

  “I’m not so sure…”

  “Okay, I need to go. I’ve got some dogs to walk and you need to go and get a pedicure while eating chocolate and drinking wine. Go and enjoy yourself and I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “You sure you don’t want to come home? I’ll save you some chocolate.”

  “You’re adorable, but I’m good. Although…if you see Ryder, maybe tell him it will help him get on your good side if he sends some of those truffles to me!” With a laugh, she added, “And maybe some chocolate-covered strawberries! I love those things.”

  “You’re ridiculous. Go. I love you.”

  “Love you too! Go pamper yourself!”

  She hung up and took another truffle and popped it into her mouth. She hated how good they were. Well, not hated, but…it would be easier to keep despising Ry
der if he sent her subpar chocolates. But no, leave it to him to find the most decadent candy on the planet and send it to her wrapped up in a big, beautiful bow.

  The bastard.

  Placing the lid back on the box, she picked it up along with her purse and phone and walked out of the office. It was a little after four and the dinner crowd hadn’t come in yet, so she was able to leave without too much fuss.

  A pedicure did sound good, but she wanted to run home and change first.

  And drop off her chocolates so they didn’t melt in the car.

  Once she was home, however, the thought of going out suddenly wasn’t quite so appealing. Her house was a small rental right on the beach. Her brother had rented it back before he met his wife, Scarlett, and they’d lived there together until their house was built. Peyton loved the little place and was mildly envious of it, so when Mason was ready to move out, Peyton took over the lease. It was her own little haven and maybe what she needed was to soak in a hot bath, sip some wine, eat some chocolate, and maybe walk along the beach to unwind. As soon as the thought was out there, she knew it was what she was going to do. Besides, going for pedicures was only fun when it turned into a girls’ day with either a friend, her sister, her cousin…

  With a soft sigh, she decided she was going to take the bath first–with a small tray of chocolate and a glass of wine–and then go for the walk. In the bathroom, she ran the water, added some bath salts, and clipped her long hair up before going back out to the kitchen to prepare her tray.

  On her way back to the bathroom, she turned on some soft music and began to feel herself relax. But as soon as she was naked and submerged in the fragrant water and biting into yet another truffle, all the tension left her body.

  “So good,” she moaned, and wondered why she didn’t indulge like this more often. The water was hot, the chocolate was sweet, and the wine was smooth. All in all, it was absolute perfection. All thoughts of work, properties, and consultation offers were pushed aside and in their place were thoughts of making an appointment to go for a massage, ordering herself a pizza for dinner, and looking into flying down to Florida to see her sister. By the time the water cooled, Peyton felt like a wet noodle and it was glorious.