Read Online A Bet Worth Making (Grayson County #2) by Heather Hildenbrand - Free Book Online Page B

grand plans for the men. I could practically feel Dad nodding over my shoulder in approval as I described my vision. And I knew, deep down inside me, this house was going to be the best thing I’d ever designed.
     
    ***
     
    By late afternoon, the sun’s rays slanted sideways through the budding leaves and narrow branches at our backs. Summer’s honey highlights caught a sharp glint, framing her face like a halo.
    “Thanks again for today,” she said and my smile spread at the sight of her anticipation—enough to match my own.
    The men had left an hour ago, leaving us girls to continue brainstorming and daydreaming about the finished product. Summer was particularly excited about my idea for a porch swing—which made me like her even more.
    “I’m thrilled to be chosen,” I told her, “and honestly, it’s great to see a client so excited about their project.”
    Summer’s brows dipped. “Isn’t everyone excited to design their own place?”
    “You would think but no,” I said with a shrug. “And not even just the commercial builders I’ve dealt with but some private owners too. Strange, right? Spend all that time and money and be so blasé about it, but that’s New England money, I guess.”
    Summer nodded knowingly. “My mom used to have these country club friends when I was younger. Really ... aloof, I guess you’d called it. It’s like the more money they had, the less emotion they were capable of showing. Everything was ‘acceptable,’” she finished in a nasally voice.
    We laughed and Summer reached for my arm, squeezing it. “I’m glad you came out. And I really am sorry about the thing with Casey. If you don’t like it there, you can always come stay with me and my dad. We have plenty of room at the farm.”
    “I’m fine at Casey’s,” I assured her. And because I could sense her about to ask something more, I pressed on, bringing it back to the work she’d hired me for. “And I’m looking forward to getting started on all of this. I really love the designs you’ve chosen for your house.”
    “Thanks. Me too. Ford thinks it’s ostentatious, but then he wants to live in a greenhouse so … I’m glad someone gets it.”
    “Definitely,” I said. “Well, I better get going. It’s getting late.”
    “Sure.” Summer reached for her handle and turned back. “Oh, wait. We’re doing dinner tonight at the Plantation. Everyone’s invited, staff and families. You’re welcome to come too if you’re free. Meet a few faces.”
    My chest tightened at the thought of all the questions that were sure to accompany a roomful of strangers. “I think I’m all booked up but thanks for the offer.”
    “You have plans tonight?” Summer asked, clearly surprised.
    “Are you kidding? After the day we put in, a bubble bath and a glass of wine are calling my name.”
    Summer smiled but her brows dipped in concern. “Fair enough. But if you change your mind, you should stop by. I think you’d have fun. The staff is pretty entertaining when you get them all together.”
    Her genuine smile and obvious affection for these people she’d grown up with tugged at me. My chest ached for Gavin, for my dad, for someone familiar to share an evening with. But I shook my head. Familiarity, friendship; these were not the real reasons I was here. And just like that, my own elation at being hired was eclipsed by the familiar aching loneliness. Dad. He was the reason I was here. I’d lost him, and in his absence I’d agreed to meet the two people I hated most in the world.
    Suddenly, going to dinner with Summer and her friends was the last thing I wanted. “I’m sure they are. I just don’t think that’s the kind of fun I’m looking for tonight.”
    Summer softened and I caught a glimpse of sympathy before it disappeared. I hadn’t told her anything about me and already she felt sorry. Pity was the last thing I wanted right now. “If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”
    That was the