Chapter 20
Nari.
“There are twenty-four offices in the building, which all mirror this one, along with another identical to the corner suite we viewed after we first arrived. Not to mention, you can convert the three break rooms into kitchens and the lobby can be changed into a lounge or recreation center, depending on your plans for the space. It shouldn’t take much to convert the offices into suites, similar to dorm-style housing.
This is my top pick. I know it’s a little more pricey than the others, but it’s still quite a steal for the area, especially considering how newly renovated this building is. ”
“I don’t know much about that, but I do love the space. I would have to agree, it’s my top pick of all the places we’ve seen so far,” I rattled off to Annalise while I watched Kincaid from across the room. He had his phone to his ear, like it had been all morning.
“Nari?”
“Huh?” I turned quickly after hearing my name. Annalise was busy pecking away at her phone, so she didn’t look up but acknowledged she had my attention.
“I asked if you wanted to view the last two properties or if you wanted to put an offer on this one.” She finally looked up, frowning slightly. “I just checked. There are two potential buyers for this location, so if you’re interested, I say we put an offer in now and come a little higher.”
“Um, let me see what Kincaid thinks. Can you give us a minute?”
“Sure.” She nodded and held up her phone after her eyes shot over to where he was standing. “I’m going to step into the hallway to make a call.”
The second she was gone, I crossed the room, standing before Kincaid.
He lowered his eyes to mine while he continued talking.
From the end of the conversation, I could tell the call was about one of his many business ventures.
A few minutes later, he wrapped up by delivering a mild threat to get it done to whomever he had been speaking to before he granted me his full attention.
“Where’s Annalise?” He frowned slightly sweeping the vacant office we were in.
“Making a call. She thinks we should put an offer in.”
“And what do you think?”
“I don’t know. That’s part of the reason why I wanted you here.”
He kept his expression tight before looking around once more. “It’s a good area, and the space is nice. There’s what, twenty-four offices? That gives you plenty of room to work with.”
“Oh, so you were paying attention.” I rolled my eyes, and his narrowed.
“It’s not necessary that I pay attention, but I did my research before coming today. This is your vision, not mine. The only vote that matters is yours.”
“I agree, but what’s the point in you coming if you were going to spend the entire time on the phone, preoccupied?”
Kincaid widened his stance, tilting his head to the side.
“I’m here to support you because I made you a promise, something I take seriously.
A few matters came up that required my immediate attention.
I apologize for not providing you with my detailed focus.
Is there anything specific you’d like my opinion on? ”
“No, never mind. I’ll just tell her to put an offer in on this one.”
I attempted to walk away, but Kincaid caught my arm, bringing me back to him. “Is there a problem?” His head angled slightly to the left while those intense eyes locked with mine.
“You’re still angry with me about Joey.” I tried my best not to allow it to bother me, but it was damn near impossible because I could still feel the distance.
Even though Kincaid came home last night, had dinner with me, and worked in his office for a while before we showered together and I slept encased in his arms like he didn’t have a care in the world, I knew he did.
I could feel the heaviness between us, the same as I could feel it right now.
“I’m not angry with you.”
“Then what are you because this . . .” I motioned between us. “. . . is off.”
“I’m upset about the situation. You should have told me he had been in touch, but I’m not angry with you.”
“Why does it matter? I’m not interested in Joey, but that doesn’t mean I feel like he deserves to lose his life because of me.”
Kincaid snorted, laughing arrogantly right after. “Believe me, I’m well aware you have no interest in Joseph. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be necessary to have this discussion. Also, unless I’m missing something, his choices were his own and not yours.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Indeed, I do, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s a grown fucking man who was warned to stay away from my wife.”
“The same as Val was warned to stay away too, and she’s still breathing, isn’t she? As unpleasant as I’m sure being trapped in the psych ward was, she still has the promise of moving on with her life. Why is she any different?”
His eyes narrowed into slits before he rolled his shoulders back, relaxing his posture.
“And what would you have me do with Joseph?”
“I don’t want you to do anything, but I’m well aware that’s not an option.
You’re the one who said people’s minds are fragile.
Does that mean he has to . . .” I paused, not wanting to say the word.
“Just promise you won’t do that. At least give him the same chance you’re giving her. Neither seems to be mentally stable.”
Kincaid stared at me, his eyes tight and his jaw flexing before he nodded. “You have my word that I won’t do that.” His tone was clipped while he mocked me. Truthfully, I didn’t care as long as he made the promise. Joey wasn’t a horrible guy. He was simply in love with the wrong person . . .
Me.
“Thank you.”
“Now, can we drop the subject? I really don’t want to waste my time entertaining my wife’s need to show compassion for a man I know wants to fuck her.”
My lips parted slightly and I was seconds from arguing it wasn’t Joey’s intent, but it would be a lie. I knew better and the way Kincaid’s head tilted slightly while his eyes challenged me to defend Joey again removed any words from my tongue. I refused to push and, instead, decided to move on.
“There are two potential buyers for this location. Annalise thinks we should put in an offer but come in higher than the others. What do you think?”
“If this is the location you want, then I agree. The other buyers may come back with a better offer because of where the property has the potential to be valued in the future, but that’s a risk we take. I’ll trust Annalise to move as she sees fit with this one.”
Since we both agreed, Kincaid told her to do whatever was necessary to secure this location for me. I loved the space and couldn’t wait to transform it into my dream.
Kincaid and I left together, and the mood felt much lighter than on the way here. Either way, I was stuck with my thoughts of what was next.
“You have a lot of work to do. Are you up for the challenge?”
“I’m nervous as shit, but I am.”
He chuckled. “That’s a natural reaction, but you have plenty of people in your corner who will be there for whatever you need.”
I nodded to agree.
“You’re still spending the afternoon with Endia?”
“No. She bailed on me to go shopping with your mother. She promised to help her find something for the big date tonight. Apparently, my mother wants to look nice.”
Kincaid chuckled, allowing his eyes to cut my way briefly. “What’s wrong with her wanting to look nice?”
“Nothing, really. I can tell they’re getting serious even when she pretends they’re just friends.”
“And if they are?” He looked my way again, but I could sense he was reading me this time.
“Then I’m happy for her.”
“Their relationship won’t affect yours. Your mother understands the importance of being a necessary part of your life, sweetheart.”
“I know that.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
He offered a nod then accepted a call. I half listened while he assured someone he would be on his way within the hour.
“You have a meeting?”
“Yes, but out of town. I’ll be catching a flight after I drop you off, but I’ll be home no later than nine.”
“You’re just now telling me?”
“I mentioned it yesterday when you were at my office.”
“And I assumed you just wanted me to tell him that. I didn’t realize you’d actually be out of town.”
“It was last minute. You’re more than welcome to join me if you’d prefer.” He stared briefly, waiting, but I shook my head.
“No, it’s business, and I made plans with Alisha after my mother bailed. We’re going to look at furniture for the baby’s room.”
“Floyd and Conner will be with you.” He rattled off as if I hadn’t already expected to be in the company of his handlers.
It reminded me of the memory he shared about being a kid and always having guards around.
Kincaid noted that it became such a normal part of his life it was easy to forget they were there. I now understood how that was possible.
“Be patient with me, Nari. I assure you it won’t always be like this.”
“Stop trying to be all up in my head,” I offered teasingly so he wouldn’t obsess, knowing he was likely reading my thoughts.
Kincaid laughed, brushing a finger across my cheek. “I use what I can. You’re not always forthcoming, and I have to make sure I keep that beautiful smile of yours in place by any means necessary. Just promise me you’ll be patient.”
“It’s not like I have much choice. You kinda made it impossible for me to do anything but ride this out with you.” I placed my hand on my stomach and his eyes followed.
“At least you understand the odds.” He winked and I playfully rolled my eyes. Kincaid had left his mark on me. We both knew it. There was no more running at this point and I couldn’t say for sure I’d even try any longer.
“What do you think of this one?”
Alisha angled her head to the side and stared at the grayish-blue circular crib. It was huge, but something about the shape’s uniqueness made me fall in love. I could already start visualizing how it would flow with the theme I had in mind for my son’s room.