Especially that vision that is nothing more than my imagination working overtime.
“It’s incredible, right?” she asks.
“It’s more than incredible,” I say carefully.
“It would blow my entire budget for my future plans, but I could put down half with my trust fund and finance the rest. This place would easily pay for itself in a few years. I had a couple of reno ideas for downstairs, and God, this view. Could you imagine the kinds of celebrity weddings I could hold here? It’s not like I can purchase more than one venue at a time. It’s a great dream to have, a beautiful goal, but I’m in love withthisone.”
“You were in love with the Bradley mansion yesterday,” I remind her.
“I still am,” she says quietly, her eyes flicking to mine. “But this one’s a third of the price of that one and doesn’t need much work. I could have it ready to hold a wedding in as little as a month or two pending staff hires, and I could turn it around and start making money immediately to fund my next venue—maybe even the mansion. Ugh, this place is justsoperfect.” She grabs my arm and links hers through mine. “Tell me I’m not crazy.” She gasps. “Oh my God, Ford, do thiswithme. Reno this place with me while I’m here in town, help meoversee it when I have to get back to Vegas. Or even better, make this investment with me. We could each put up half, and we can figure out logistics to benefit you. Tax breaks, a great investment, a share in the profits, and all that, but we could also use it for team events. We could host charity events, luncheons, even team retreats or sponsorship events. Whatever we can dream up together. You and me, Ford Bradley.”
Her arm is still linked through mine, and it’s ridiculous. It’s wild. I makesmartinvestments. I’m careful and strategic with my money—barring the money I had to put up last week for my father’s bail.
But this is Tatum Barker.
The woman I’ve been in love with for as long as I can remember. Theonlywoman I’ve ever been in love with despite the fact that I’m knocking on thirty’s door.
This gives me roots in Tampa, where my goal is to play for my entire career, and it gives me a potential project in the offseason and a potential direction once my playing days are over.
I never dreamed of planning weddings after my playing days.
But what Ididthink about was investing in real estate. I never defined what type of real estate, but event venues could be smart.
Still, none of that matters a single bit when the only thing I can think about is that it also gives me a connection to Tatum. It gives us something to work on together. It allows me to continue being with her, and it’s something that we’re setting up that’s just forus, with no Archer on the periphery.
And that’s why I’m not surprised when the words drop from my lips. “I’m in.”
CHAPTER 11: Tatum Barker
Investment
My breath catches somewhere in my throat, and I freeze. “You’re in?”
I was waiting for him to tell me what a wild, foolish idea this is. To be the voice of reason the way he often is.
Not to tell me thathe’s in.
But holy shit.
“Are you for real right now?” I ask, letting go of his arm and turning toward him.
A slow grin spreads across his face as he nods. “Totally for real.”
I toss my arms around his neck, and he grunts a little at the sudden impact.
“You’re not going to tell me this is a ridiculous idea?”
“I don’t think it is ridiculous. I mean, obviously I’ve been surrounded by real estate investments like this my entire life, but learning my father made his money illegally makes me want to double down on finding ways to profit thelegalway.And owning a property like this at the sort of bargain price Ms. Winston mentioned here in Tampa seems like a no-brainer.”
“How will we split it? How will you profit from it?” I ask, trying to quickly work out logistics before my excitement carries me away.
“Logistics my lawyer can work out for us.” He glances out at the view again, and then he says, “I’m guessing he’ll suggest I buy the place outright and you lease from me, but I know you want a stake. So maybe we do some sort of joint business entity where I get equity in the property and a share in revenue, and you get full creative control.” He shrugs. “However you want to set it up. You’ve got the dream and the vision, and I’ve got the means to help you make it a reality.”
“So you’re here to make my dreams come true?” I ask, my tone light and teasing.
He nods. “That’s exactly why I’m here.” His voice is low and raspy, and there’s some sort of promise in it that throws me for a loop.
It feels suddenly like we’re talking about way more than just this property.
