Chapter 39 #2
I stepped into her space and stared down at her. “I never lied to you.”
“Ha.”
“Not ha. I told you about the deal I’d signed with Reginald.
” I slipped my hand into my suit pocket, pulling out the notarized copy of the contract.
“This was the deal we signed.” Seconds ticked by as she ignored the papers in my outstretched hand until, finally, her father took them and started reading.
“There was nothing in there about buying the property, though I briefly entertained the idea.” I saw the flames ignite in her eyes and questioned my sanity at the way desire flowed through me at the sight.
“I realized quickly that was not the way to go, especially after talking with you. I was convinced after coming to Henley Falls.”
“I don’t see anything here, Ree,” her father offered.
“I know what I saw,” Reese countered. “And you still lied to me.”
“My stepfather had a penchant for altering documents. It’s what got him arrested, but that’s a story for later.
” I brushed her hair back behind her ear, thankful she didn’t flinch or slap me.
“And it was more a lie of omission. Since I’d taken buying the property off the table, I didn’t think you needed to know it was even considered. ”
“You mean that you considered it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. It took all my willpower to not groan at the way the move pushed her breasts up into the scooped neckline of the T-shirt she wore. “Don’t hide behind some we. It was you.”
I nodded. “Yes, it was me.”
“See.” She waved my way as she looked at her family. “We can’t trust him.”
“What if we can?” Martha asked as she stepped next to her niece. “What if we at least listen?”
I’d had a few conversations with the matriarch of the Henley family over the past couple of days, explaining my situation and plan. While it helped to know she was on my side, it didn’t guarantee anything.
“Fine. I guess,” Reese groused, but stood firm in front of me. “Go ahead and talk.”
I didn’t miss the way she bit her lip when I smiled at her. She may be mad, but that didn’t mean she didn’t still want me. At this point, I was willing to take whatever she’d give me.
“Montgomery was my father’s greatest passion until he met my mother.
Together, they took two kingdoms and forged an empire, but he never lost his love for what he called his ‘special interest projects.’” Watching the people assembled around me, I was amazed at how right Grandmother had been from the start.
Fortuitous. More than I could ever imagine.
“Special interest, huh? What does that mean?” Reese was going to be a tough nut to crack, but she was more than worth it.
“We opened resorts worldwide, buying existing ones and building others. However, there are investments Father treated differently.” I set the briefcase down and opened it, pulling out a file folder.
“There are copies for everyone.” I removed the top document before handing the folder to Martha.
I extended what I held toward Reese. “This is for you.”
“I’m not signing anything,” she stated stubbornly.
“You will.” I could be just as stubborn.
She glared at me, but finally snatched the papers, before dropping them on the table next to her.
God, I loved this woman.
“Father had contracts with a handful of properties where Montgomery serves essentially as an angel investor. We provided the funds and knowledge for these resorts to improve and flourish, in return for a portion of the profits. Once our onsite role was done, we bowed out and the owners ran everything on their own. We would, however, be a source for additional funding and marketing, if desired.” No one in their right mind would pass up the marketing engine Conti-Montgomery could provide.
I watched as everyone started to flip through the document. Everyone that is, except for Reese. She stared at me, waiting for me to explain it.
“That’s our offer to you. Montgomery will provide all of our resources, experience, and funds to build what you want to create.
You will retain complete control and ownership of the land and businesses.
In return, we get a small percentage of your profits starting after year five.
” Lachlain thought I’d lost my mind when I wanted to add that provision.
He’d also told me I was a sucker because I’d fallen in love and it was affecting my business sense. He could very well be right.
“Five percent?” Randall called out. “Are you kidding? That’s it?”
I shrugged. It was enough, and for the amount of money I had a feeling they would eventually bring in, I’d be happy with it. Besides, I didn’t plan on letting Reese go.
“That’s it. I do have one condition, however.”
“I knew it,” Reese grumbled.
“I am your point person at Conti-Montgomery.”
She rolled her eyes at me. Apparently, she realized I was as much of a control freak as she was, so she should have anticipated what I’d say next, but I don’t think she’d connected the dots.
Something I was more than happy to do for her.
“And I will only work with a designated Henley family representative.” The paperwork making one Reese Henley the rep had been signed when we initiated the letter of intent.
“Fuck,” she muttered.