She looks at the two of us.
I glance up at Ford, and then I nod at Ms. Winston. “That’s plenty of time for us.”
“And you are…?” Mr. Graham asks.
“Tatum Barker, and I have with me Ford Bradley. We’ll be purchasing the manor.”
“Ford Bradley…as intheFord Bradley?” he asks, his emphasis on theeinthe. “The Beasts’ tight end?”
“Yes, sir,” Ford says.
“Well, I guess that means you’ve got the capital for this deal,” he says with a laugh.
Ford laughs, too. “The organization was very generous with my paycheck.”
“They only do that when a player’s performing, you know,” Mr. Graham says.
“Thank you,” Ford says. “I’m just out there doing what I love.”
“And apparently investing in real estate,” Mr. Graham adds.
“Yes. My family is in real estate, and I know a great investment when I see one.” I glance up at him, and he’s looking down at me.
His words say one thing, but his eyes are telling me another.
He’s not investing in this property. He’s investing inme. He believes in me and in my wild dreams.
And I can’t wait to make him proud.
CHAPTER 12: Ford Bradley
Honey and Fig
It’s back to practice on Wednesday, and it feels good to be back on the field with my teammates. A lot has happened in the last seventy-two hours since my cleats last hit the turf when we won on Sunday, and getting back on the field is the best way to clear my mind. Sometimes it’s theonlyway.
And by the time I’ve finished blocking drills, I feel confident I’m doing the right thing.
It’s an investment, plain and simple. In real estate.
Does it help that it’s with someone I’ve known for years? Sure. Of course.
But my feelings for her aren’t part of the equation.
I say that over a few times to try to believe it, but it’s pretty useless.
Of course my feelings play into it. It’s a thread holding us together. It’s just for us. My brother has nothing to do with it. It gives her a reason to come back to town, a reason for her to trust me. It’s setting us up to continue our friendship beyond whatever happened with her and mybrother.
How could I say no to that?
I couldn’t.
Just like I can’t say no when she invites me to an after-hours cake tasting on Wednesday.
“It’s one of the busiest, best bakeries in the area, and Ihadto try them. So I told them you might be coming with me to the tasting, and they offered a private slot after closing so you wouldn’t be mobbed by your loyal fan base. Don’t be mad,” she says, and she folds her hands and holds them up under her chin.
It’s a pose that’s so goddamn adorable that I can’t find it in me to say no.
Tatum plus free cake? Count me in.
