Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“I haven’t heard back from the owners. I’ll reach out again,” he said, nodding.
Wow. Expanding on what my grandparents owned had to make them proud, my mom too. “Okay. We’re doing this. And you remember they aren’t to know it’s me buying the property. Right? A hundred percent they won’t sell…” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dash outside, staring into the café, smiling and lifting a hand in a wave. Talk about wearing me down, how did he always know where to find me? Instead of ignoring him like I normally did, I lifted a hand in return. His face lit up in a bright grin as his gaze moved to Ford. His expression morphed into a deep frown. His brows dropped into a hard V as his accusing stare landed back on me. A mix of anger and disbelief had him backtracking for the café’s door that he had already passed by.
I had no understanding of what triggered his disapproval, but suddenly, the front doors banged open, the bells on the knob rattling like crazy. Every diner turned Dash’s way, but his gaze fixed solely on my table. Not on me, only Ford.
“I’ve also arranged high-yield annuities for the four girls. The paperwork is here.” Ford lifted additional paperwork to put in front of me. “Also, I’ve arranged for Scott Lee…”
“Who the fuck is this?” Dash asked, sliding into the bench seat next to me. I’d never seen him like this. He was hot and bothered and hip-bumped me to scoot my ass over to give him more room. When his left hand landed firmly on the table, I couldn’t help but notice that he still wore his commitment ring. Realization dawned as he wiggled his fingers to make sure it was seen. My guy was jealous.
“Dash, what’re you doing?” I asked.
He hardly cast a glance at me. His eyes shot daggers at Ford.
“Who’s this?” Dash asked, tossing out his right hand. “You know he’s my husband, right? You’re spending time with a married man.”
Gauging Ford’s response, I wasn’t quite sure where he stood. I picked up an emotional range somewhere between alarm and humor.
“Dash, this is Ford Johnson. He’s my financial advisor and realtor.”
Dash kept a close watch on the guy, clearly skeptical. “Jack of all trades, huh? How does one become an expert in two different fields?”
“Dash, hold on. He’s helping me with purchasing some land…”
“I’ll give you two some space to chat,” Ford said, sliding a decent size stack of paperwork to my side of the table. “Take a look through the contracts, decide what you want, and stop by the office. I have a notary on staff.” As he spoke, he slipped across the seat, dragging his briefcase with him. He stood ready to bolt at first chance. “I’ve heard about you, Dash. You have a strong track record in court. I wanted to stop by to discuss the possibility of collaborating with you.”
“You’re out with my husband…” he started, his tone turning nasty.
“Dash, stop,” I said firmly. “Ford, I’ll show him what we’re working on. He’ll understand soon enough. Thank you for meeting with me.” Ford never looked back.
“Why do you need a financial advisor?” All of Dash’s attitude pinned me in my spot. “I’m right here. I’ll handle whatever you need.”
“You embarrassed me,” I said, though deep down, that wasn’t entirely honest no matter how much I wished it were. I enjoyed having him here next to me in the booth, something we’d always done when we’d gotten back together the first time. A shared dessert would arrive at the table with one spoon. He’d choo-choo train the bites into my mouth, and we’d laugh. The memory was so vivid and special I wished it were happening right now.
“No, I didn’t. You weren’t embarrassed at all. Why were you here with him?” Dash asked. “Was this some kind of scheme to show me what you went through? Because I don’t like it at all.”
“If you believe I’m trying to get you back for Chandler—” I ignored the snap of Dash’s finger and how he pointed at me as I continued to speak. “Then you’re admitting that there was something going on with Chandler.”
“I had no involvement with Chandler. How often do I need to say it?”
I held my gaze steady on him for what felt like an eternity, hoping he would grasp the meaning. It took him more time than I anticipated based on the indignation written all over his expression.
“Ford’s a UPS client. He’s married to a woman, has a few kids, and is trying to start a business for himself. He took care of a few things for me.” I patted the stack of paper in front of me.
“What’re you trying to do?” Dash asked and rolled his shoulders and neck. At least he tried to be reasonable as he reached for the stack. I placed my hand over his to prevent him from taking them away from me. Dash was such an intriguing guy. Stealthily, he flipped his hand around underneath mine, threading our fingers together. I didn’t withdraw from his touch. The weight and feel of his hand in mine caused my fingers to close over his. “Please stop pushing away from our bond. I’m ready for us to be a couple. I’ll always put you first, just as I know you do for me. This time apart was essential for me to gain clarity, but I’m back on track now. I promise.”