Island Dreams (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 2) Read online

  Island Dreams

  Wildflower B&B Romance 2

  by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Wildflower B&B Romance Series

  Island Refuge

  Island Dreams

  Island Christmas

  ISLAND DREAMS

  Published by Mountain Brook Ink, White Salmon, WA U.S.A.

  All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

  The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Mountain Brook Ink, nor do we vouch for their content.

  This story is a work of fiction. All characters and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

  © 2015 Kimberly R. Johnson

  The Team: Miralee Ferrell, Kathryn Davis, Judy Vandiver, Nikki Wright, Hannah Ferrell, Laura Heritage

  Cover Design: Indie Cover Design, Lynnette Bonner Designer

  Mountain Brook INK is an inspirational publisher offering fiction you can believe in

  www.mountainbrookink.com

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Edition 2015

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  Acknowledgements

  I’d like to give a special thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting this book together. It would not be what it is without you.

  And it is with gratitude that I thank each of you, my readers. If you enjoy Island Dreams, I hope you will tell a friend about it. I cannot do what I do without you.

  Finally to my family and friends, thank you for your support and for believing in me.

  Chapter One

  Piper Hunt hated to be late but this time it couldn’t be helped. She rushed into the general store where the smell of coffee permeated the air. She’d give anything for a good cup right now. She hoped this place had a decent brew but was doubtful. She already missed the Starbucks in her Tacoma office building.

  She stopped abruptly as her surroundings registered in her brain. “Whoa.” She’d stepped back in time at least fifty years. Her dad had warned her about Wildflower Island, but this was the kind of place one had to see to believe.

  The general store looked like something out of Little House on the Prairie only somewhat modernized. She looked around the expansive space. It really wasn’t bad. On one side groceries and sundries were lined up neatly on old-fashioned wood shelves reminiscent of a simpler time in history, on the other side a small café.

  She squared her shoulders and strode to the right toward the café. Now to find Chase Grayson. She looked around the room and didn’t spot anyone that could be described as six foot tall and in his early thirties. She glanced at her watch. The ferry to the island had been a little late this morning thanks to a stalled vehicle. The man was supposed to meet her here ten minutes ago. Had he given up and left? She’d sent him a text, but he hadn’t replied. Maybe he never saw it.

  A guy who looked to be in his late teens stood at the café’s register. “May I help you?”

  “I hope so. I’m looking for Chase Grayson. I was supposed to meet him here.”

  “You missed him. He left a few minutes ago. Are you Piper?”

  “Yes.”

  He held out a piece of paper. “He asked me to give this to you.”

  “Thank you. Could I get an iced coffee to go, please?”

  “Sure.”

  She unfolded the note while the young man prepared her drink.

  Ms. Hunt,

  I had to run. Will catch up with you at the property.

  Chase

  She frowned. “Great.”

  “That’ll be three dollars.” He slid the drink across the counter. “Problem?”

  She handed him three ones and picked up the cup. “Thanks. No problem, other than I lost my guide. Any idea how to get to the Hunt property?” She sipped the coffee and grinned, surprised. At least she knew where to find good coffee even if she didn’t know where to find Chase Grayson.

  “Sorry, Ma’am. I’ve never heard of it. Are you sure you have the right name?”

  “Positive. Maybe the people at the Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast will be able to help. Thanks.” She rushed to her black Jeep Wrangler, hopped in, then paused. The GPS should be able to guide her to the property with the latitude and longitude coordinates and would save her a trip to the B&B. She pulled out the file in her brief case and entered the coordinates into her GPS.

  Mr. Grayson or no Mr. Grayson, she would find the six-hundred-and-forty acre parcel she’d come to see. She backed out, eased onto the main road, and followed the winding curves. She passed a golf club that apparently also had a restaurant. At least that building looked up-to-date and much nicer than anything else she’d seen so far on the island. She continued on until the road ended at a wooded area where her GPS indicated she’d arrived. “This must be it.”

  As she was about to get out, her cell phone played Flight of the Bumblebee. “Hi, Dad.”

  “I thought you were going to report in once you saw the property.”

  “It’s nice to talk with you too.” She rolled her eyes. Dad was always about business first. “I just got here. The ferry was behind schedule. Um, Dad, I didn’t realize the property was so…rustic.” She stared at the wooded land, which was covered with brush, vines, and who knew what else. It would take a lot of excavating to develop it.

  He chuckled. “Yes. That’s what your mom and I loved about it when we bought it thirty-five years ago. Let me know what you think as soon as you’ve seen it.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.” And to prove that she had value at Hunt Enterprises. Dad made no secret that he found her lacking when it came to sealing the deal. But why put her on this job—one that was so personal—if he expected her to fail?

  A knock sounded on her window. She jumped and spun her head to the left. A frowning man with short-cropped brown hair stood a foot from her door.

  “Uh, I need to go, Dad. I believe my tour guide is here.”

  “Okay. I want a full report. ASAP.”

  “Will do. Bye.” She ended the call, slipped the phone into her purse, then stepped out. “You must be Chase Grayson.” She held out her hand noting his rough callouses, but was pleased by his firm grip. Her dad always said you could tell a good man by his firm handshake. Dad would like Chase. “I’m Piper Hunt. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry I missed you at the store, but the ferry was a little late. Someone’s car stalled, and as luck would have it I was stuck behind them.”

  He softened, flashing perfect white teeth. “I’m glad you made it off.” The man stood at least six feet tall to her five-foot-seven inches. He wore Levis and a tucked in, button up, plaid shirt. Kind of outdoorsy, but he looked safe enough.

  “I was a little confused by your message. Are you with a development company or is this family property?”

  His forced nonchalance sent alarm bells ringing in her head. Would he try to stop her if he knew her plan? She could lie, but that was no way to start off a potential project. She needed to have a good working relationship with this man. “Both.”

  He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. “I see. And what exactly do you have in mind?”

  So much for that good working relationship she’d hoped for. It was clear this would not be an easy sell if the idea of developing only a portion of the property
irritated him. And how would the other residents of the island respond? Would they be against moving into this century too?

  She flashed her best I’m-on-your-side smile. “Hunt Enterprises is owned by my father. However, this property is mine to do with as I please.” Just so long as Dad agrees, since he’s my financial backer. She still couldn’t believe he would give this property to her to do with as she pleased if she could get the community to back her idea—right now it looked to be a big if. “I was hoping that since you are a respected member of this community and a well-known landscape architect, you’d be an asset to this project. I want to hire as many local people as possible.” She knew how things worked in places like this, and she’d need someone to represent her side to the people if she had any hope of this venture succeeding.

  “Ms. Hunt, we don’t care for progress on the island. Things have been the same for generations, and that’s how we like it.”

  “From the look of the general store, I’d say you achieved your goal.” She took a bracing breath then forced a chuckle to help soften her words. She didn’t want to offend the man because she really needed his support. “Perhaps if I show you my plans you might change your mind.” Granted, nothing was set in stone. Once she had a feel for this place her plans were likely to change, but the general concept would remain.

  “Doubtful. We get plenty of summer tourists. The island is crowded enough without adding a bunch of condos and cheesy tourist attractions. The families who visit like the laid-back atmosphere and no one here wants to lose that. This is a unique environment for nature enthusiasts of all ages and all economic backgrounds. I for one don’t want to see it turned into an overpriced getaway for the rich.”

  She almost laughed, but then realized he was serious. “My design is not cheesy. And as for catering to the rich, what’s wrong with that? It won’t stop others from visiting the island.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You know as well as I do that if you charge a certain amount for your rooms or rentals or whatever you are building, that the B&B’s on the island will follow suit and the average person is going to be priced out.”

  “I can see there is no convincing you. Thank you for meeting me. I won’t bother you again.” She had no desire to spend energy trying to convince the man her idea would not have a negative impact on the island when his mind was clearly made up.

  His eyes widened. “That’s it? You’re going to leave?”

  “I never said that. But I can’t force you to help me.” She’d had high hopes that he would be an asset, however, this wasn’t the first time she’d met opposition to development. But she wished it would be the last. For once it would be nice to have a project without complications and obstacles slowing progress or completely shutting things down.

  He uncrossed his arms and tilted his head to the side, raising his chin. A small scar underneath piqued her interest. She wondered how he’d gotten it.

  “What kind of help did you have in mind?” he asked.

  She eyed the guy. Could she trust him? His broad shoulders and muscled biceps bespoke a man who either visited the gym regularly, which from the look of this island was highly unlikely, or was someone who knew the meaning of hard work. Based on his rough feeling hand, she suspected the latter. “For now, I was hoping you’d walk me through this property. I was told it abuts yours, so I assume you are acquainted with it.”

  “You’d be right. I hope it’s okay that I’ve spent time walking on your land?”

  “More than. I was counting on you being familiar with it.” She grinned. “I heard there’s a lake in there.” She loved water and the idea of island property beside a lake excited her more than she could express.

  He nodded. “Most people don’t know about it, since there’s so much brush surrounding it. But if you don’t mind tromping through the woods a ways, then thick brush, I’d be happy to show you the best kept secret on Wildflower Island.”

  “I’d like that very much. Thanks.” At least he seemed to be warming up to the task of showing her around. That had to be a good sign.

  He nodded toward her feet. “I hope you brought something to wear other than those sandals.”

  She strode to the back of her Jeep and pulled out a pair of socks and hiking boots.

  Chase nodded in approval. “Might as well leave your purse here. No one will bother it.”

  “Where I come from that’s an invitation for trouble.” She slid the long straps of her purse and Canon digital SLR over her head and across her body, then leaned against the bumper and changed her footwear. She might look like a city girl, but as a kid, she’d spent many hours tromping through the woods near their home in Issaquah. “I’ve seen the map and several poor pictures, but what can you tell me about this land?” She finished tying her boots, tossed her sandals into the Jeep, then locked up.

  “Not much to tell really. It speaks for itself.”

  “Any wild animals or snakes I should be worried about?” She could deal with about any creature, except snakes. She shivered. Those things, no matter how harmless, freaked her out.

  “The normal assortment. Deer, squirrels, birds, garter snakes. Nothing too dangerous, other than deer ticks.”

  She hesitated for a moment then tossed back her shoulders. She could do this. “Okay, let’s go.”

  She admired his confident stride as he broke their trail. Birds twittered and a gentle breeze swayed the fir tree branches. Stillness enveloped them and civilization seemed to evaporate as they tromped through the woods. Tall fir trees dotted the landscape along with tall grass, blackberry bushes, a large amount of trees she couldn’t identify, and tons of ferns. Untouched beauty surrounded them, and for a moment she hesitated. Maybe developing this side of the island wasn’t the best idea after all. For the most part the island remained in the past, and that was its charm. Was Chase Grayson right? Would building a modern resort facility completely ruin the feel of Wildflower Island?

  But would not building it destroy her future with Hunt Enterprises?

  Chase blazed through the woods, anxious to get this tour over with. Too bad Piper Hunt was here to change the island; otherwise they might have been friends. She seemed nice enough. She had good taste in vehicles too. He liked her Jeep and had considered getting one himself not too long ago. From what he could see so far, it was hard to find fault with her, other than her reason for being here.

  He glanced over his shoulder and grinned. Miss Hunt’s mouth hung open and her head tilted up as she gazed around. At this rate she was liable to trip or twist an ankle, but he couldn’t blame her. The birds loved this side of the island with all the untouched vegetation and had suddenly decided to make their presence known. Apparently their feathered friends didn’t feel threatened by them. If he closed his eyes and listened he could imagine they were in a rain forest with the racket of squawks, trills, and tweets the birds were making.

  “The birds are really something,” Piper said. “Are they always this loud?”

  “It depends on the time of day. They’re usually louder in the mornings than afternoons.” He stopped and turned. “Are you ready to see the lake?”

  Her eyes glowed. “Yes,” she whispered.

  His pulse amped at the awe in her voice. She seemed to get this place in a way most people wouldn’t. He turned and parted the foliage between them and the lake. “What do you think?” The sun glistened on the crystal clear water. A garter snake slithered under a rock as they approached. He hoped Piper hadn’t noticed. Based on her response earlier, he suspected snakes were not on her list of likes.

  Her eyes brightened and a smile lit her face. “It’s perfect,” she breathed. “But how? No one has been taking care of it.”

  He sucked in a breath at how her smile transformed her face. Piper wasn’t exactly beautiful, but her pert nose and the straight dark hair framing her clear olive complexion were entrancing. Her almost boyish figure reminded him of a young Audrey Hepburn. Funny thing was, it all looked good on her. She seemed
to glow from the inside out, drawing him to her.

  “Raw beauty like this is hard to find.”

  Piper turned to face him. “You’re right.”

  He hadn’t realized he’d spoken out loud. He quickly turned both his eyes and his thoughts back to the lake, but his eyes wandered to her face again. “This area is untouched. No one comes here to spoil it or mess with the eco-system. It’s simple beauty.” Like the untouched-loveliness of the woman standing before him who didn’t appear to have on any makeup—or need any.

  She quirked a brow at him. “Do I have something on my face?” She lifted a hand to her cheek.

  “No. It’s perfect. Uh… I mean, there’s nothing on your face.”

  “Oh. Well, good.” She shielded her eyes with her hand. “I’m almost afraid to develop this land,” she muttered softly.

  Delight surged through him. Maybe he’d be able to convince her to change her mind and leave this special place alone. “You ready to go back?”

  She shook her head. “I need to take pictures first.” She pulled her camera from its bag and clicked off a multitude of shots, pivoting from one viewpoint to another. “I could do this for hours, I love taking pictures, but I guess I have what I need.” She put the camera away and beamed him a breath-taking grin. “Okay. I’m ready now.”

  He tromped past her and led the way out. “Are you staying on the island or heading back to Seattle?” Or wherever it was she came from.

  She followed, trying to keep up. “I have a room at the Wildflower Bed-and-Breakfast. Do you know the place?”

  “I sure do. I helped paint the exterior not long ago. It’s nice. The cook is the best on the island, and the owner is a natural at the B&B business. I consider them both friends.” He’d gotten to know Nick and Zoe this summer after Nick bought the bed-and-breakfast. Zoe was his cook and housekeeper. “You’ll be comfortable there.”