The Chosen Heir (The Bolles Dynasty Book 3) (16 page)

Alex asked, “Is there a change of leadership needed?”

“Possibly. I’ve given Patrick Breen a few projects and have helped him come up with a task list. I’m hoping he is able to translate it into measureable results.”

Merle said, “Fair enough. It is better to figure out the issues before jumping in and making massive changes.”

“Bridget, thank you for putting all of this together. Jeremy, you as well. You have both done an excellent job. But there is something not quite right. There is a sufficient amount of orders coming in, but they are losing money. The employees are paid an average wage. I’d like to know why there is a gap.”

Jeremy said, “I thought about that. It seems the owner is a perfectionist and if something isn’t to his standards then it is scrapped.”

William twisted a pen in his hand. “Do they keep track of those costs?”

Bridget answered, “No. Their system was ancient and everything was kept in hand-written journals. We have hired a cost accountant and slowly the accounts are being computerized.”

Straightening in his chair, William said, “I’d like you to find out how much material they are writing off.”

There wasn’t any wrongdoing at Breen. The employees had worked together for years and were upfront and transparent. “Patrick Breen has an impeccable reputation; I can’t imagine that they are doing something unscrupulous.”

“We have investors that are jeopardizing their money; we need to be sure.”

Bridget nodded but decided it would prove to be a futile exercise. The last thing she would want to do was offend Patrick Breen.

***

William stood and said, “I’m traveling next week. Shoot me an email if something comes up.”

The men around the table stood up and gathered their materials.
 

William traded a few remarks with Alex and Merle.

Arlo said to her, “Well done, Bridget. It’s difficult to step into a company and figure out how to help them move forward.”

She smiled and nodded. It had been an interesting few weeks. She realized that she was finding her place at Breen. It no longer felt odd or uncomfortable.

“Bridget, let’s head to the pro shop and see if Tom can locate a set of clubs for you.”

Alex said, “Ah, you have found new blood. Bridget, be careful. He is merciless on the course.”

She placed her laptop in her bag and walked with everyone up the modern staircase to the open foyer.
 

Going into Pro Shop, she noticed that the inventory was in the process of being unpacked and displays were partially assembled. The space was filled with light and had expansive views of the course. Walking over to a box of golf shirts, she pulled out a lime green shirt and inspected the quality. Running her hands over the seam, she was impressed with it.

Stepping into the room, Tom said, “I was hoping to catch sight of you. The hat place is doing without you today?” Her father looked happier than she had seen him in a long time.

She gave him a brief hug. “William has asked me to play nine holes of golf. Does the shop have sets of clubs yet?”

He gave her an incredulous stare. “I thought you didn’t like golf.”

She moved further into the shop and looked at a display of golf balls. William had the funding to properly equip the shop.

“If I’m to help with the marketing at all, I need to at least have a glimpse of why golfers would want to come.”

“The course is beautiful. You may discover a new passion.” Tom disappeared into the back room.

She had discovered a new passion, but it was better if she didn’t say anything to her father. He was overjoyed when William asked him to help out in the pro shop and she didn’t want him to worry about any awkwardness in the future if she and William parted ways.

William strode in and seemed excited. He had changed into dark blue shorts and a white golf shirt. He looked more approachable and she wondered how the afternoon would play out.

Glancing over her shoulder, she said, “I should check in at Breen today.”

He gave her a wide grin. “After we play, I’ll drop you off. But you have spent long days there the last few weeks; maybe an afternoon off isn’t a bad idea.”

Tom walked back in with a set of clubs.

William said, “She will need shoes and do we have any women’s apparel set up yet?”

Tom said, “Yes. I have to look through a few boxes.”

She took out her phone and called Patrick Breen to let him know that she was going to take the afternoon off. She needed to let her mind process all of the feedback she received today before she introduced the ideas to the Breen management.

Her father came back with a feminine-looking orange golf shirt and a white skirt along with shoes.
 

She took the new items of clothing and went into the woman’s locker room. The space was on the main level and reminded her of a well-appointed spa. Glancing around, she took in the soft muted tones and high-end finishes that created a sense of luxury. She opened the door to a steam room and smiled. The design team had created a space that was inviting.

Hanging her clothes in a locker, she changed into the golf outfit. Her father hadn’t given her socks so she left her stockings on. She was an imposter. She had not the slightest idea of how to play the game and didn’t welcome the idea of being at a disadvantage.

Walking back into the pro shop, she found William going over the clubs with her father and tried to appear relaxed and ready for the challenge.
 

“You look the part, love.”

She smiled at her father and he gave her a quizzical look. William acted much more interested than a mere boss would be and she hoped her father wouldn’t pick up on the subtle hints.

“Wish me luck.” She leaned forward and kissed Tom on the cheek.

“You won’t need luck. You have a master player to show you the ropes.”

Stepping outside, an excitement washed over her. It was interesting to try something new. She hoped that she had some of her dad’s natural talent with golf. The sun was bright overhead, but a wind was coming off the ocean, keeping everything cool.

William had a cart waiting outside and they placed their clubs in the back. “I’m going to take you over to the driving range before we start. It will give you a chance to try out your swing.”

Riding to the other side of the hotel gave her a view of the construction underway. There weren’t many people on the course this afternoon and they were the only ones at the driving range.

He went over some of the basics and she watched him to learn a few shots. Stepping into the platform, she placed the ball on the center of the mat and thought about her stance. After a few practice movements, she swung and hit the ball.

“You clearly have hidden talents, Ms. North.” She smiled at him and lined up another shot.

William took shots as well, giving her the chance to try different clubs and get a feel for hitting the ball. Several times, she caught him watching her and she could feel a fluttering in her chest. Attempting to break the spell, each time she focused on the course.

He placed his clubs back in the cart and, after taking a last swing, she did the same.
 

Driving back over to the course, William said, “The first hole was designed to be challenging on this course. It requires an iron. I’ll go first and then show you how to set up for the shot.”

Parking the cart, they climbed out and brought their clubs over to the tee off area. His swing was practiced and powerful. The ball landed far enough away that it was barely visible as it bounced onto the green.
 

Looking around the sloping hills, she could see they were alone except for golfers far down range.

He handed her an iron from her bag and said, “Place your feet here, shoulder distance apart.”

Looking down the hill and out to the sea, she hoped that she would replicate the swings she had on the driving range. William stood behind her and placed his hands over hers on the club, showing her how to gradually swing. She could feel him touching her from her legs up to her shoulders. It was impossible to concentrate. She was hypersensitive to his touch.

“Focus, love.” He was messing with her. She pushed back against him and could hear his indrawn breath.

He stepped back and she took the swing, narrowly missing the ball. She lined up her shot again and attempted a second swing. The ball moved half the distance of his shot.

The afternoon continued with him showing her how to swing and her hitting the ball with inconsistent shots. It was so frustrating.

Looking at him, she said, “Are you tired of playing with me?”

He leaned forward towards her and her breath caught. “I’m finding your approach fascinating.”

She needed to distance herself from him or she would become a quivering mess. “We are not well suited. You must have been playing since you were ten years old.”

He lowered his voice. “Four. It was one thing that my father and I could do together.”

Bridget concentrated on her body and followed all of the corrections he had made to her form. Instead of touching her, he stood back watching. She blocked him out and took a swing. The ball made it halfway to the green.

He gave her a wide grin. “Excellent shot.”

Climbing back into the golf cart, she asked, “Why did you ask me to play?”

He drove the cart closer to the green. “I thought we could talk about Breen, but I hadn’t realized you had never played.”

He must have assumed with her father’s involvement at
 
the golf course that she played often. “I was in school when he tried to make a go of this place and it put a terrible strain on my mother. So I wasn’t keen on hanging out here.”
 

Their interactions took on a predictable pattern. He was intent on teaching her the game and his patience didn’t falter. But with each swing she became more aware of him. He was no longer a sexy entrepreneur that she could hold at a distance; she was getting to know everything about him. His thoughts, approach to life and his charm were breaking down the barriers she had steadfastly erected around her emotions.

They approached the ninth hole and she began to show a tiny amount of improvement. Relief flooded over her. The wind had kicked up and she found that she had to tie her hair back.

***

William watched as the wind blew her skirt and he could see the top of her stockings. Didn’t she believe in socks? What was it about her that he found so fascinating? He understood the tension between them, but he was equally fascinated by how her mind worked and how she challenged him intellectually. They were going to disagree about Breen, and she wasn’t going to back down, but instead of feeling bored or irritated, it intrigued him. She deeply cared about others and it was refreshing.

She took a shot and he watched the movement of her body. “You are a fast study. But putting is a different skill.”

When her ball made it to the green after several attempts, he walked up behind and touched her shoulders. “Relax your body. This part of the game is not about power but control. Letting the tension leave your body will help you place the ball in the hole.”

He steadied her hips and could hear her indrawn breath. “I can’t putt with you standing so close to me.”

He wanted to bury his mouth in the curve of her neck. “You need to be able to block out all distraction.”

She turned and pushed him away. “I’ll get it in with one putt.” It took four and she was frustrated enough that she wanted to walk away. Bridget North didn’t like to lose, but he found that quality rather endearing. He wanted to distract her by pulling her into a tight embrace, but he needed to give her time.

He enjoyed her company and adored watching her learn the game. “Let’s make this a weekly outing.”

She met his gaze. “I can’t take an afternoon off each week.”

“Long work hours are necessary, but you should be able to find time to play nine holes.”

Patrick Breen needed to be let go for the company to move forward. He was giving Bridget time to come to that conclusion by herself instead of insisting on immediate changes. She had an idealistic sense of what was possible.