Free White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1) by Kristin Mayer Page B

price. They’re giving me a few days to make an offer without entertaining any other bids. It’s why they staged it for us to spend a couple of days here. After we leave someone will come to clean.”
    Carson had expanded the family business internationally. Whitmore Hotels was a chain of five-star hotels that put all others to shame. With Carson being an only child, he was inheriting a multi-billion dollar business. The plan was in five years his father would step down as CEO. Until then, Carson learned every aspect he could. "Workaholic" was an understatement when it came to him.
    Turning, I gave him an incredulous look. “Well, hopefully they’ll put whatever money you put down toward the purchase price. This is amazing. It’ll be good for you to unwind. You work too much.”
    The slate entrance led to the massive metal doors. He entered a code, the door clicked open, and we walked inside. Someone had been here to stage the lighting. The interior decorating was phenomenal. It was modern, edgy, and comfortable. As I walked toward the glass windows, I wished I’d brought my paints.
    “I brought you a sketch pad in case you get inspired while you’re here. I know I sprung it on you last minute.”
    I gave him a quick hug. “You’re the best. I think a change of scenery was just what I needed.”
    Thunder rumbled, interrupting the slice of heaven before me. A storm brewed in the distance, dimming the bright colors of the sunset. I loved when the sea was choppy. It was beautiful watching the waves thrash about, creating sprays of color when they crashed into each other. Right now it mirrored me, internally.
    “Let me get our stuff. The fridge is stocked. I figured it would be nice to stay in, relax, and roast marshmallows in the fireplace like we did as kids.”
    Our parents let us have sleepovers as children. I missed those times. “That sounds heavenly. It’s been a while since we’ve done that.”
    “I know. I think we’re overdue.”

 
     
    “O h my gosh! These are so good!” I popped another perfectly browned marshmallow into my mouth. The rain beat against the house, which—given the amount of glass—echoed throughout, creating a cozy feel. I loved rain storms.
    The air conditioner worked to keep up with the heat from the fire. Pillows and blankets were sprawled beneath us as I put another marshmallow onto my roasting stick. It was late… nearly midnight. We couldn’t stop laughing as we reminisced about our childhood.
    Carson’s marshmallow burst into flames, and I snickered. He never had the patience to hold it at a proper distance to get the perfect golden color. Moving his stick rapidly, he tried to extinguish the flame, but that released his marshmallow right into the fire. “Damn it. Such a fucking pain. Why the hell can’t I get this right? I run a fucking empire of hotels and can’t roast a damn marshmallow.”
    Whistling, I twirled mine in slow motion, not saying a word. A minute later, perfection was achieved again. I brought the stick toward my mouth when Carson snatched it. “Carson! That’s mine.”
    He shoved the marshmallow in his mouth and smiled around it in victory. Smacking his lips together, he nodded his head. “That was good.”
    I put down my roasting stick and picked up a nearby throw pillow. “You stole my marshmallow. You must pay!”
    “You’ve had like six of them. I’ve only gotten two.” Carson backed away a few inches, bringing him closer to another pillow.
    I giggled. “Then stop trying to incinerate them.”
    As he turned his attention to reach for his pillow, I launched mine at him, landing a direct hit to his head. “Hey, you’re firing at an unarmed man.”
    The bag of marshmallows was closer, and he abandoned his reach for the pillow. He grabbed the handful of the sugary goodness, instead. “Carson, you’re going to make a mess!”
    He shrugged. “Are you scared, Willow?”
    “Never!” Another laugh escaped before the marshmallow hit me smack