Chapter 23 #2
She reaches over and touches my leg. “The new property management company almost doubled my rent.” She swallows, a wave of emotion choking her throat as she picks at a knot on my jeans.
It’s only a momentary lapse before she raises her chin.
“I know this sounds wild, and honestly, it is an outlandish idea, but I’m backed in a corner, and all I can do at this point is fight.
” I’ve not seen this side of her. Both feist and fear work through her expression as her thoughts appear to solidify, her worry winning out.
My heart races, my stomach lurching with each word she speaks. Shame coats the back of my throat, and rage clenches my fists. Like her, I struggle to land on the emotion that best suits this situation—fighting spirit or anger that this has happened in the first place.
Slipping my hand under hers, I hold it in my palm, noticing her lithe fingers and how delicate and soft they feel. “Take your time. It’s going to be okay,” I say as much for myself as it is for her.
Her exhale is calming and steady, and her tears subside before following, leaving her eyes still glistening with trust in me.
I’m the one who betrayed her, and she’s come to me for help.
God, I’ m a fucking asshole who’s about to lose the best thing that’s happened to me when I didn’t even know this was going on behind the scenes. Unacceptable.
I need to fix this. Whatever it takes.
“He said I need to be married to get the loan . . .” It only takes a few minutes for her to work through the remaining details of the leasing agent’s surprise visit and then her trip to the bank.
“I begged,” she says. Begged . . . she had to fucking beg because of me.
“I can’t afford that on my own, but the bank won’t approve me for the loan.
I've just taken over as owner, and I’m going to lose the shop.
It’s a staple in the town. It’s . . . you know.
There’s not much else. What will I do? Move away? ”
“You’re not moving,” I say with a ferocity that comes from my gut.
“You can’t guarantee that, Baylor.”
“I will.” I hadn’t shared that I bought the building, not with anyone back home, and now is probably not the time.
It wasn’t a big deal I was actively focusing on.
I just put the pieces in place to manage it, and now I’m watching her world fall apart because of my actions. “You can put stock in my word.”
I’m now left with two concerns of my own forming.
One. Why the fuck did that real estate management company raise the rent? At no point did I direct that to be done. I wouldn’t have. It’s the opposite of the purpose I had in buying it. I wanted to support the community. Not make it go under.
Two. The impact of my part hits deeper than anyone’s aware. If she finds out, we’re done standing on the cusp of being great together. Fuck! I don’t want to lose her.
Looking down at how trusting she is, her hand still resting on my leg, I scratch the back of my neck as guilt st arts to consume me.
Her energy shifts, and a sweet smile I missed seeing so damn much appears on her lips. “But here’s the kicker,” she says as I sit in silence, kicking my own ass for creating this nightmare for her. “Getting married will benefit you as well.”
I dart my gaze to her, trying not to look as thrown off as I am.
I’m usually well-rehearsed in controlling my reactions.
I must be in my business dealing with clients, but leave it to Lauralee to figure out how to throw me off my game.
“I can’t wait to hear this,” I say, “but I’m fucking starving.
Are you hungry? We can talk over a meal, or I can order in? ”
She wraps her arms around her waist. “I’m starving, and you’re right. I didn’t even get a tour of the place before I launched into this whole mess.” She pushes up and straightens the skirt of her dress. “Is this okay?”
I stand, needing to touch her, hold her, kiss her so all-consumingly that the craving becomes unbearable.
I take her in my arms and do just that. Kissing her feels like the perfect spring day back in Texas, tastes like the strawberries we’re both so fond of, and her body fits against mine like we were made for each other.
When our lips part, I say, “It’s perfect, like you.” I brush her hair over her shoulder on one side and then dip to kiss the exposed skin. “You don’t have to be anyone different for me or anyone else for that matter. I love you for who you are.”
“You do?” Her shoulders soften as everything seems to weigh on this answer by how her eyes still glisten.
I was coming into this weekend wanting to see if she wanted to truly commit to making this work with me. I didn’t have a plan. I just know how I feel about her. “Yeah. I think you’re an incredible woman, Lauralee. ”
She rests her head on my chest, holding me like I’m holding her. Tilting her chin up, she says, “I think you’re amazing, Baylor.” With a laugh, she adds, “Maybe all this isn’t so far-fetched after all.”
I take her hand and start for the door. “It’s far-fetched, alright, but maybe not as far out in left field as we thought.”
“Does that mean you’re considering it?”
No.
Maybe?
After opening the door, I lean against it for her to cross my path.
“I’m going to need more details.” This is not how I saw our relationship progressing.
Jumping five steps ahead wasn’t in my plan, but she’s intrigued me more than anything.
And although I could make a call to end raising the rent, I want to know how she will spin this to my benefit.
Good entertainment or am I open to following through with it?
I need another beer and food before hefty decisions are made. “What are you hungry for?”
“New York–style pizza. Ever since you talked about opening a pizzeria in town, I can’t stop craving the real thing.”
Getting a good grab of her ass, I say, “I’ve been craving the real thing as well.” So fucking much. Even with marriage being tossed about, I’m not deterred from the need I have to be inside her again.
She taps my chin. “Pizza first.”
“I know just the place.”