Page 77

“I want to form a partnership with you.”

I didn’t expect that. “How is buying my house forming a partnership? Once I sell, it’s yours and I lose my family home.”

“Which is why I’m proposing that you keep your house but you allow me to use the lake access. It’s complicated for me to explain, but you’ll have to grant me rights to use the access for commercial use. We can get into that later.”

I set the papers on the table, less interested in them and more intrigued by his offer.

“As you can imagine, this project will be extremely lucrative for me and my investors. All of your neighbors were well-compensated. I also planned from the beginning to give back to the locals and the small businesses. It’s all in my business model.”

There was so much I didn’t know about him. I read all that stuff about how he was ruthless and successful, but I also saw the charities he donated to and the people he helped. I didn’t understand how he could be both personas, but when he was with me, I believed it was possible.

“I want you to keep your house, and I’ll help you establish the inn. I’ll finance the renovations, and we can market it as part of the properties.” He smiled. “But it will be your business. I’ll just be a silent partner.”

“Why would you do this for me?”

“What’s happening between us is more important to me than this project. I want to find a way for both of us to get what we want and still discover who we are as a couple.”

“That’s a huge compromise on your part.”

“I want to compromise if it means keeping you in my life.” He pointed to the papers. “You don’t have to make any decisions tonight. I’ll put you in contact with people who can answer your questions and help you state your own terms. I just needed you to know what was going on. I wanted everything out in the open. I want you to trust me.”

“I do trust you.” Now it was time for me to do the same for him. “There’s something I want you to know.”

“There you are.” Angelica approached the table with Travis about two steps behind her. “I knew you’d be here.”

“How exactly did you know that?” Huxley asked. “Are you stalking me?”

“Don’t be silly.” She smiled at me then returned her attention to Huxley. “I know your favorite restaurants. I made a few calls.”

“Looks like next time I’m going to have to call ahead and insist everyone respects my privacy or they won’t be my favorite places anymore.”

“I apologize,” Travis said. “I asked my new attorney to track my niece down since she’s ignoring my phone calls.”

“Your new attorney?” I asked.

“Travis and Kent offered me an excellent opportunity, so I took it. Who wouldn’t want to represent them?” Angelica patted Huxley’s hand. “I have you to thank for that.”

“You move fast,” Huxley said.

“I learned from the best.” She smirked. “A real bastard.”

Huxley ignored Angelica and spoke to Travis. “I’ve been keeping Ivy occupied these last couple of days exploring the city.”

“I haven’t been ignoring your calls.” I looked at Travis. I didn’t know how to respond to his offer, so maybe I had been avoiding him. “But I did want to speak with you.”

“You go ahead,” Angelica said. “I’ll keep your seat warm.”

“I’ll be right back.” I placed my napkin on the table. “This won’t take long.”

“Take your time.” Huxley stood as I got up.

I followed Travis across the room to a small bar area.

“You didn’t need to interrupt my dinner,” I said. “I told you I would get back to you.”

“But you haven’t.” He leaned against the bar. “Have you decided if you’ll be joining us in Hawaii?”

“I really appreciate the invite, but I’ve decided I’m going to stay home.”