Backwoods Barbee

Chapter 16

Glynn's P.O.V.

Dinner couldn't have been any better. Kelly and I talked about what it was like growing up in a small town for her. She was so down to earth, and so easy-going. " Then the Sheriff came through the high school looking for us but we were hidden in the A/C closet" she laughed and I laughed right along. " So how did you get away?" She took a sip of wine then smirked, " Well there was a pool that lead to the outside, so we all got out of the closet, then snuck to the window and jumped into the pool." " So you actually got away with your senior prank?" I asked amusingly. " Yep, we sure did. Of course he came by my house in the morning and asked me some questions " she giggled and the smile on her face just made everything better. " So...that dinner was amazing. Thank you" I said as I reached for her hand across the table. " You're welcome, it's nice to cook for someone again" she said as she cleared her throat and

picked up the dishes. " I'll help you " " No, it's okay. We can sit outside while they are soaking in the sink" she said as she grabbed my hand and led me out to her back patio. It was a little cooler and we sat on the couch, closer as the fire pit was glowing in front of us. I wrapped my arm around her and she leaned in against me. " What are we doing Glynn?" She asked quietly.

I stared deep into her eyes, "Kelly..." I breathed out and she just looked at me. I could see tears forming in her eyes, " Listen it's hard right now for me to figure out what's the right thing to do. I want this...between us...but you need to understand the kind of pressure I'm under. I've already sealed the deal on this project and I can't back out right now" I said as I watched a lone tear escape the corner of her eye and it landed on her cheek. I brought my

thumb up to her cheek and she pressed her face into the palm of my hand . " I wish this was a lot easier" she whispered as I brought her close and kissed her lips. They tasted like sweet cherries and I was hungry for more. She reciprocated as she climbed onto my lap and I devoured her. We got hot and heavy while I was kissing her neck, and she moaned in response I felt myself become harder at the sound. She tilted her face towards me and we exchanged smiles. " Glynn, I enjoy us.. I really do. But the memories of my mother...are just so important to me" as she climbed off of me and I readjusted myself. This was harder than I ever could have imagined dealing with.

Kelly's P.O.V

Glynn turned me on in more ways than one and drinking the wine made me more turned

on as ever. I stopped us, myself before it went too far. I did want him in every way, but my heart wasn't completely there yet because of what his company was about to do to our secret place. " I think you should go, thank you for dinner" I said as I got up and Glynn grabbed my hand. " Please Kelly, I can't focus without you. I think about you all the time, I hope that we can make this work." He breathed out as he came up behind me and held my waist. Just his smell, made me want to lose all inhibitions no matter what the cost. " Glynn...please...this is so hard for me" "Darling, I know it is...but we can work something out I promise" he said as he kissed the top of my head. " Only way this would work is if you keep the land but don't build on it. Turn it into a natural sanctuary for others to enjoy or something, not destroy it" I said as I looked at him determined. He sighed and raked his fingers through his

hair, " I'm trying Darling, but I can't make any promises. I'm not the only one that can make that decision, I have a board of directors and my brother who have a say in all of this" he muttered. " Well I understand, but I feel very strongly about this " I said as I collected my glass and took it to the sink. He came in behind me and grabbed his things. " Goodnight Darling" he said as he walked out and the door closed behind him. I stood at the sink and felt myself succumb to my tears.

The next morning, I dragged out of bed and made myself some coffee. I checked in with Mac and he said things were going well. I let him know that I would be there tomorrow and would be there for a few days " scouting the area" as Griffin called it. " Well that's a joke Kel. No one knows this area better than you" Mac chuckled. I then thought of something,

" Hey Mac, you still own that barn down the road from the bar?" I asked. " Of course, use it from time to time, why?" " I've got an idea " I said to him as I laid out my plan. " You sure you're not going to get fired for this?" He laughed. " Well if I do, I can just come back home. I'm going to show these city boys what a country girl is all about" I smiled to myself. I quickly got off the phone and got dressed for work, feeling a bit happier about the next few days back at home.

Once I arrived, I was greeted warmly this time by Griffin's assistant and was welcomed into his office. " Well if it isn't my favorite CPA, how are you doing this morning?" He asked as I watched his eyes roam all over me. " Good sir, I wanted to ask you something? Did Henry mention the Desoto project?" He nodded, " He did in fact and I have my lawyers looking into it as of right now" " Good, just wanted to check in with you. Just wondering, this project near my hometown, how much money do you plan to gain from this venture?"

He leaned back in his chair, " Looking to make a nice profit Miss Miller, our analysts said close to $20 million" he smirked as I nodded. " Yes sir, have a good day" as I exited and went back to my office. I stood and watched the traffic go by and try to understand what Glynn was having to deal with. No wonder he didn't want to lose that project, that was more money than I have ever dreamed of. I went back to my desk and quickly got to work.