Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon) Read Free

must be or you wouldn’t have asked for the funds. Describe this investment, and be specific. The email you sent my assistant was scant on details.”
    Trip set his hat, brim up, on the desk and rubbed his forehead. “In December, I decided to work for a good friend who’d recently bought a backcountry expedition business. It sounded fun, and he’s a great guy, so I figured I had nothing to lose. We get along great, and I’ve been able to make a real contribution here. Now I’m ready to commit more time and energy to this town and buy a stake in the company. I’m getting a fifty percent ownership interest for the money.” After a brief pause, he said, “You should be happy. I’m finally growing up.”
    “I am, son. And I respect your attempt to forge your own path. Reminds me of myself when I was younger.” He chuckled as if enjoying a flashback of his younger years. Of course, whenever his dad made a comparison between himself and Trip, it always served as one reminder of why Trip chose to remain a bachelor. He was a lot like his dad, which meant he couldn’t be counted on to commit to one woman for life. “Where exactly are you living these days? You haven’t set foot in Denver in almost two years. At least not to see your family.”
    Trip had breezed through Denver during that time period, but he didn’t consider his stepmonster, Deborah, or older half brother, Mason, family. They’d made it their mission to interfere with the father-son relationship he and his dad might’ve been able to build. Made it real easy—enjoyable, even—for Trip to play out the role of the Cutler family’s bastard black sheep.
    Despite his dad’s efforts to balance everyone’s needs, Deb and Mason’s behavior destroyed any chance they’d had at being a functional blended family. Trip’s dad still hoped they could all reconcile, but Mason and Deb’s hatred had merely cooled to indifference and neglect over time. Not exactly the stuff of happy family reunions.
    “We’re in Sterling Canyon.” Trip cleared his throat, as if doing so might clear away the ugly memories crowding around him.
    “You don’t say! We’ve just submitted a bid to W. Kessler Group regarding a construction contract for a sizable resort and condo development there,” his father said, pleasant surprise in his voice. “What do you know about it?”
    Trip grimaced. Of all the bad luck. “I know Wade. Had to negotiate an easement over that development so we could retain access to our section of U.S. Forest property. He’s a decent guy, from my limited experience, anyway. But he’s destroying pristine land for oversize condos and a big hotel.”
    He heard his dad chuckle, which didn’t surprise him considering his father had amassed a nationally known empire with Cutler Construction. “Still on that soapbox, I see. You do realize little towns like yours depend on amenities to draw tourists, right? Your business needs those very same tourists, so count your blessings.”
    “I’ve made Sterling Canyon my home because of its natural beauty and ample outdoor adventure. I’m not looking to get rich here. Just want to make enough money to ski, climb, drink a good beer, and eat a good burger.”
    “Easy to say when you’re already very wealthy.”
    Reluctant acknowledgement tempered the hot streak of indignity that flashed through Trip. He closed his eyes, wishing he hadn’t needed that trust fund money for this deal. “This is the first time I’ve ever tapped my trust, and I’m barely touching it.”
    “I don’t want to argue, I was just making a point.” His dad paused. “Maybe Mason and I should jump on the jet and come see you. You could give us a personal introduction to Wade before he chooses a contractor.”
    Trip scrubbed the back of his neck. The office suddenly seemed muggy and hot. He did not want his dad—or worse, his pompous half brother—snooping around town. Of course, Mason would probably be all too happy to come cast